Property Deals, Citizen Concerns, and EMS Operations
Building Inspector Kody Williams opened the October 27 meeting by providing the commissioners a quick update on the ongoing installation progress of the new county HVAC system. So far, all is running smoothly. Conversation then turned to the implementation of a new “coupon” based landfill tracking system attached to building permits. Williams explained that residents would receive a paper form where “everything but the ten yards will be blacked out,” allowing them to initial each load at the dump. The process would continue “until you reach your ten,” ensuring accountability and preventing forgery once the forms were embossed or stamped.
Clerk Sherry Ward offered suggestions to improve the system’s security and clarity, including adding a watermark and ensuring the form displayed which permits they are associated with. Procedures for extending permits was talked about, with Commissioner Daren Ward suggesting that residents who lose their paperwork “get to pay for it now,” to discourage misuse.
Between agenda items, commissioners reviewed updates on the city’s property plat and talked of negotiations regarding the building purchase. The plat had been sent to HECO Engineers and completed by the end of the week, with the goal of being included on the city’s next meeting agenda.
Commissioners considered the city’s offer to sell the building now referred to as the “blue building” for $160,000, but considered that mold remediation alone would cost approximately $89,000. Additional expenses were expected for flooring, ceiling tiles, and painting.
Editor’s note & update: The city of Council held a special meeting on October 30 where they accepted Adams County offer of $120,000 for the purchase of the former Starkey offices east of City Hall.
Discussion then turned to the potential use or trade of county-owned property next to the health clinic. Planning and Zoning Official, Meredith Fisher, quickly noted that the city’s comprehensive plan had identified a lack of park space on that side of the highway. It was suggested that the county lot could be split, using part of it to help address this need or as a negotiation point in future property discussions.
The subject concluded with concerns about the blue building’s mold test results and insurance coverage. Members agreed to gather a receipt of a certified mold report and to contact the county’s insurance provider to clarify coverage after remediation and prevent potential public-sector liability issues.
Planning and Zoning head, Meredith Fisher, revisited the 80-foot setback ordinance with the commissioners. Fisher examined right-of-way setback requirements, referencing guidance from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) that called for a 14-foot minimum setback from state highway right-of-way unless a greater distance was established by an engineering study. Because of uncertainty over federal and state highway distinctions and right-of-way boundaries, Fisher proposed shifting the responsibility of procuring such a permit to property owners. The draft language would maintain existing standards unless landowners obtained written permission from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to build closer.
Road and Bridge head, Adam Balderson, asked about possible access to the industrial park building, which the county intends to purchase. (This one is furthest west and directly north of City Hall. Balderson and the board debated whether they could enter early for preparatory work before contractors began installing new doors and utilities. Although the group was open to limited pre-purchase access, Prosecuting Attorney Peter Donovan cautioned against creating a contract “pending the plat,” as it could complicate the transaction. It was agreed that drafting a short-term agreement for early entry might be possible once objectives were clarified and approved by both legal teams.
Balderson included a proposal to install a remote weather camera at Little Ski Hill. This solar-powered camera system would transmit live images via cellular data, allowing multiple users to check snow accumulation remotely instead of driving to the site. Commissioners found the idea practical for monitoring weather and road conditions and requested more information for the next meeting before proceeding with purchase or installation.
Next, local resident Barb Dixon attended the meeting to advocate for maintenance improvements on Fruitvale–Glendale Road, describing persistent seasonal issues such as mud, dust, and damage caused by various factors. Dixon invited commissioners to “drive our road this time of year” to witness current conditions.
Dixon also expressed concern over traffic surges during highway closures, referencing a recent accident near mile marker 142 that diverted vehicles onto the rural road. Because unfamiliar drivers often travel too fast down the gravel road, Dixon described dangerous conditions from dust, congestion, and reduced visibility. She suggested posting temporary speed limit signs or applying water to the road during such detours.
Commissioners listened to Dixon’s concerns and explained that emergency detours are managed by the sheriff’s office, which prioritizes keeping traffic moving. Due to limited staff and priorities that take effect in emergencies, the county cannot water or monitor the road in those circumstances. However, commissioners informed Dixon that magnesium chloride treatment is budgeted for the upcoming spring to stabilize the surface and reduce dust, though it may not address mud or speeding issues, it will hopefully create better driving conditions.
Sheriff Ryan Zollman gave commissioners a quick operational update and reported a maintenance issue at the county jail following the storm that took place the previous Saturday. Wind-driven rain had leaked through the walls of the jail’s C-block, allowing water to enter the interior of the facility. The issue had been reported to Building Inspector Kody Williams, and a plan for repairs is in the works.
Adams County Health Center executives discussed with commissioners the proposed lease of county-owned property for hospital-related use. Commissioners clarified that leases over five years require a public auction, while leases of five years or less may be set at any amount; the proposed lease was $1 per year for five years and will be formally documented for future preservation of the property.
Discussion also touched on grant funds, operational support, and professional development opportunities, including advanced training in art and opioid treatment programs
The commissioners and Council Ambulance Advisory Board talked through EMS operations, staffing, potential levy adjustments, and hiring a new EMS director. Commissioners invited the Advisory Board to attend their scheduled meeting with Sean Allen, a retired firefighter-paramedic, whom commissioners asked to review the director’s job description and provide some guidance and insight.
Allen advised that the director should have clinical experience (minimum EMT-B or EMT-I) combined with administrative and leadership credentials to ensure oversight of training, certification, and operational readiness in an Advanced Life Support (ALS)-limited environment. He advised developing intermediate-level EMTs locally before pursuing paramedics, prioritizing staff recertification, and fostering a culture that balances historical traditions with future growth. Average rural EMS salaries were marked at $40,000–$45,000, calling for the need to balance competitive pay with budget constraints. The meeting concluded with Commissioners agreeing to hold monthly joint meetings with the Advisory Board during the hiring process, and the Advisory Board committed to sharing detailed budget information, and both boards are dedicated to strengthening communication.
