Setback Review, Big Bridges, Votes Canvassed
Commissioner Daren Ward opened the November 10 meeting, proposing a future agenda item to discuss a potential grant for installing a vault toilet or toilets at the Packer John Park. Commissioner Ward briefly reviewed the grant program with Commissioner Viki Purdy and expressed appreciation that a local resident, Doug Herren, had volunteered to assist the county in drafting the application. The two commissioners also reflected on earlier ideas, such as adding RV spots at the back of the park‚ and considered whether both projects might fit the same grant opportunity, and reiterated their hope that matching funds already set aside in the budget would help make the project successful.
During the Planning and Zoning discussion, department head Meredith Fisher continued her review of county setback standards. Fisher observed they were largely aligned on setbacks for county and private roads, as well as side and rear setbacks. She was relieved to clarify that the county has no jurisdiction over easements.
A substantial portion of the ordinance focuses on determining appropriate setbacks from state highways. Fisher described the process of calling multiple contacts within the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), often receiving inconsistent or incomplete answers. Despite the runaround, she confirmed that the broadest right-of-way appearing in Adams County is roughly 100 feet from the highway centerline. Fisher proposed using that number as the standard setback, while still allowing landowners to request written permission from ITD to build closer. Commissioners appreciated that this approach put responsibility on property owners seeking exceptions rather than forcing every landowner to navigate ITD’s complex system.
Finally, Fisher briefed commissioners on upcoming steps in the Brundage Mountain projects, including revised bonding amounts, updates on infrastructure already completed, and final plat applications making their way down the pipeline.
Waste Management Official Steve Shelton presented comparative landfill rates and highlighted unusual policies at other facilities, such as late-gate fees and extra charges for unloading. Commissioners discussed with Shelton a loophole allowing businesses to self-haul commercial waste as household waste because of the lower cost, and agreed to update the ordinance and rates for clarity. Confusion over tipping fees, ranging from $23.50 to $25 per ton was noted, and commissioners proposed reorganizing fees into a coherent resolution. Shelton also raised the high cost of contracting Meckel for roll-offs, which totaled roughly $112,000 last year, prompting discussion of purchasing county-owned equipment for around $38,000. Additional updates included well testing, fencing progress, and recycling programs, with commissioners questioning whether some materials, like cardboard and metal, might be cheaper to bury than transport and recycle.
Idaho Dog Sled Challenge representative, Lisa Schneider, organized plans with commissioners for the Iditarod qualifying races in February. Schneider outlined the schedule, noting when setup and breakdown of the event would occur. Dogs will arrive the night of February 2, and takedown will follow on February 4 and 5. Representatives joked about the event’s familiar routine, expressing relief that the same grader operator would assist again, as he already knows the drill.
Schneider also confirmed route changes: the 300-mile teams will come into Wye campground twice this year, while the 100-mile race will finish at Wye. Although they acknowledged that the finish will once again happen in the dark and cold, representatives humorously shared memories of last year’s messy, wet conditions and expressed their gratitude for the county’s continued support.
A map of the three races’ routes and checkpoints can be found on their website at idahosleddogchallenge.com, along with driving directions, dates, times, and the ability to track the musher’s progress live online.
Road and Bridge official, Adam Balderson, presented commissioners with bids for a new weather-camera system. He acknowledged the steep initial cost but explained how real-time moisture readings could help crews make better decisions. Commissioners encouraged him to research alternatives and return with comparisons before committing.
Commissioner Purdy then brought attention to a nearby landowner who had expressed frustration over a bridge rebuild becoming a two-lane, largely out of concern it would draw unwanted traffic to an area the residents feel they have long maintained themselves. Balderson explained that engineering and state safety standards‚ especially sight-distance limits and new 42-inch guardrail requirements‚ prevent the county from narrowing the bridge. Commissioners acknowledged the landowner’s feelings but reiterated that LHTAC funding and state standards dictate the design. They agreed that the road department would follow up directly with the resident to clear up misunderstandings.
Similarly, a complaint made by a resident regarding snowplowing on Pine Ridge Avenue was discussed. Balderson described the layout as tight cabins, vehicles lining both sides, and a steep drop near the turnaround‚ which often makes plowing hazardous. The complainant asserted that the county was piling snow on his private property and requested a county-funded lot line adjustment and tax relief. Commissioners found the request unclear and agreed it would be best to invite the resident in to explain his proposal in person. It was also considered whether the county should simply stop plowing the problematic end section, given that it may not be required service and can create liability and access issues.
Commissioners met with elections coordinator Teressa Schuyler to review and certify results from local races and ballot questions, moving systematically through each precinct and its corresponding absentee ballots. Schuyler guided the commissioners through verifying vote totals, observing complexities in New Meadows due to multiple contests, and reporting changes. After confirmation of all totals and absentee reports, commissioners unanimously approved the formal canvass for both the county and state.
Talk of recruiting a new EMS director, including advertising strategies, timelines, and candidate interviews, took up some time. Commissioners agreed on extending the application period from two to four weeks to attract more applicants. Salary transparency was noted as a critical advertisement factor, since candidates were hesitant to apply without a listed pay range. Follow-up meetings with the advisory group are planned to resolve budget questions and finalize the hiring plan.
The meeting closed with brief operational updates from the county’s department heads and elected officials. Discussions included emergency access via Smith Ridge Road, which is county-owned as confirmed by a past court ruling. Maintenance and snow removal issues were raised, with options including county repair or private assistance, and the Homestead Act cited to support access rights. Coordination with the new Forest Service ranger covered road reclamation, fencing, fire management, and arc site protection. The board approved MOU and Resolution 2025-22 to allocate $10,000 per year in opioid settlement funds to the Recovery Oriented Community (ROC). Community programs, including youth prevention, recovery support, and collaboration with public health and extension services, were marked as priorities. Next steps include reviewing relevant legal documents, confirming emergency access, and finalizing opioid fund reporting.
