Setback Debate, Bridge Progress, and Patrol Rates
Commissioners opened the October 20 meeting with Planning and Zoning Official Meredith Fisher. Fisher began by acknowledging a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission following Al Becker’s passing. The board agreed to advertise the position as “open until filled” and expressed a preference for a New Meadows resident to ensure regional representation, though it was clarified that regionality was not a requirement.
A major portion of the discussion focused on revising setback ordinances (2006-03, Section 3-3). The current rule and interpretation— “no structure shall be closer than 80 feet to center line of right-of-way… or 20 feet to side or rear property line”—Fisher critiqued as overly rigid, especially since “a fence is considered a structure per our ordinance,” she pointed out. Members discussed aligning setback standards with other counties, suggesting reductions to “60 feet from centerline of right-of-way” or “30 feet from right-of-way” for certain roads. Fisher summarized, “Each one of these squares is 10 feet… if we were to go to 30, you’d be giving people 20 feet of their setbacks back.”
The group debated whether setbacks should differ by road type rather than zoning. The board agreed with Commissioner Joe Iveson’s approach to “…define the roads and blanket each one of those…” The example of a resident with a camp trailer, Connex box, and cedar shed was used to address concerns over temporary structures. The ordinance’s wording of “no structure” prompted Fisher to question: “Do we want it to be permanent structures with foundations?” For now, the board agreed to continue refining definitions of “structure” and “road type,” review past permits, and revisit the setback language in a future session.
Next, Road and Bridge Official, Adam Balderson, provided commissioners with an update on the ongoing White Licks Bridge construction project. Balderson informed commissioners that concrete delivery was scheduled for the following morning, and a state inspector would be visiting the site later in the week to complete the inspection process. Once approved, the bridge could be reopened, pending completion of standard paperwork and procedural steps.
The commissioners then addressed a new subdivision development in the Goodrich area that had originally been approved more than a decade ago. The project, involving multiple miles of new roadway, had changed ownership since its initial approval. It was agreed that the planning staff would verify prior documentation and confirm whether the previous approvals remain valid.
Discussion shifted to a request for a three-way stop at the intersection of Hot Springs Road and 45th Parallel Drive in New Meadows near the golf course. Commissioners determined that the county would only consider placing stop signs on public roads, while private roads remained the responsibility of the property owner. They also emphasized the importance of coordinating with the sheriff’s office when altering traffic controls or speed limits to ensure proper enforcement and safety.
Balderson concluded with updates on road maintenance and coordination with the Forest Service. Commissioners noted the value of maintaining accurate road records to document maintenance activities and support future grant applications.
Sheriff Ryan Zollman discussed a review of the law enforcement cooperative agreement between the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Council with commissioners. Prosecuting Attorney Peter Donovan had reviewed the document and gave his approval. Commissioners discussed current service rates and noted the need to adjust the fee structure, particularly for the City of New Meadows, which is currently paying significantly below market rate for contracted patrol hours.
Comparative examples from other jurisdictions were shared. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, for instance, assigns a deputy dedicated to the City of Kamiah at a cost exceeding $100,000 annually, while Valley County’s agreement with the City of Cascade was cited at approximately $500,000. The board acknowledged that, by statute, the county must provide baseline law enforcement coverage, but is not required to offer enhanced services such as routine traffic patrols within city limits.
Commissioners unanimously approved and signed the law enforcement agreement with the City of Council. The agreement with New Meadows had previously been completed. The room agreed that having consistent personnel assigned to the contracted areas would improve continuity, though it was noted that single-location assignments can lead to fatigue for deputies in small jurisdictions.
Zollman closed by recounting a recent incident involving a Life Flight helicopter that struck a stump while attempting to land on a ridge during a medical emergency. The aircraft’s tail rotor was damaged, requiring on-site security until the scene was cleared. The helicopter remains at the remote site pending evaluation or possible airlift removal. The injured resident, who had accidentally shot himself, underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. Zollman left the meeting by remarking that after more than two decades in service, no two days in law enforcement are ever the same.
