February 24, 2025

The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Idaho, does hereby meet this 24th day of February 2025.

IN THE MATTER OF ROLL CALL)

Donna White, Clerk, called roll call: Gordon Wilkerson, present; Jim Harberd, present; and Nate Marvin, present via zoom.

Jim Harberd opened the meeting and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Gordon Wilkerson gave the invocation.

IN THE MATTER OF CORRESPONDENCE/MEETINGS AND REPORTS)

Correspondence received by the Board was reviewed and disseminated as required.

Gordon Wilkerson reported that he attended the Tri Valley Youth Coop meeting last week and provided an overview of the meeting. Wilkerson further stated that he attended a meeting in Twin Falls to witness the signing of President Trump’s executive order regarding the Lava Ridge Project.

Jim Harberd stated that he attended an orientation at Southwest District Health last week.

Gordon Wilkerson moved, seconded by Jim Harberd, to approve an Alcohol Beverage Catering Permit for Sunnyside Farm and Events, LLC to be used on March 29, 2025. Motion carried.

Wilkerson discussed a Letter of Support regarding the reinstatement of grazing allotments and trailing routes for Frank Shirts Jr. with the Board. Wilkerson read the Letter of Support on the record.

Gordon Wilkerson moved, seconded by Nate Marvin, to approve the Letter of Support for reinstatement of grazing allotments and trailing routes for Frank Shirts Jr. Motion carried.

Wilkerson stated he had contacted an Adams County Commissioner regarding a Letter of Support for Frank Shirts Jr. as well.

Jim Harberd discussed a possible change order for the Annex Building regarding the removal of one restroom. The restroom is no longer needed.

Nate Marvin moved, seconded by Gordon Wilkerson, to eliminate the bathroom in the northwest corner of the Annex Building. Motion carried.

IN THE MATTER OF MINUTES)

The minutes of the Board not heretofore approved of February 18, 2025, were approved as written.

IN THE MATTER OF CLAIMS)

The Auditor was authorized to issue warrants totaling $203,937.54 for general expenses by a motion of Gordon Wilkerson, seconded by Nate Marvin. Motion carried unanimous.

IN THE MATTER OF ROAD & BRIDGE/SOLID WASTE)

Jerod Odoms, Road and Bridge/Solid Waste Supervisor, met with the Board. Odoms provided a department update to the Board. Odoms stated that annual hearing tests were conducted today. Odoms discussed the status of the installation of turn lanes on Highway

95. Odoms inquired on how the Board would like to proceed regarding the turn lanes.

The Board stated that they were in favor in moving forward on the installation of a turn lane on Highway 95 and Shoepeg Road near the Midvale transfer site.

Odoms stated he has the opportunity to purchase a 1985 International truck in the amount of $5,000.00 and asked if the Board was interested in the purchase.

The Board requested Odoms gather additional information and report back before approving the purchase.

Odoms discussed the Cove Road Bridge Construction Agreement. True Pearce, Prosecuting Attorney, addressed the Board. Pearce stated that the Board will need to designate a representative to act on the sponsor’s behalf. Pearce stated the County is responsible for maintaining the bridge upon completion of the project.

Mavin stated that he felt that the project should move forward. Marvin further stated that Chairman Harberd should be the designated representative for the County.

Gordon Wilkerson moved, seconded by Nate Marvin, to designate Chairman Harberd as the authorized representative for the Cove Road Bridge Project. Motion carried.

Gordon Wilkerson moved, seconded by Nate Marvin, to approve the State/Local Agreement, Project No. A019, Cove Road Bridge contract with (ITD) Idaho Transportation Department. Motion carried.

IN THE MATTER OF PROSECUTING ATTORNEY)

True Pearce, Prosecuting Attorney, met with the Board. Pearce stated that the County cannot donate funds to a private individual for a project to produce a video.

Wilkerson stated the project would benefit the forest in the County.

Pearce reiterated that the Board could not donate funds to a private citizen.

Jim Harberd moved, seconded by Nate Marvin, to go into executive session at 9:40 a.m. in accordance with I.C. 74-206(1) (a & b) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent. This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office, (b) to consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Motion carried unanimous. Gordon Wilkerson, Aye; Jim Harberd, Aye; Nate Marvin, Aye.

Jim Harberd stated they were out of executive session at 10:17 a.m.

Marvin informed the Board and Prosecuting Attorney that he had contacted Greg Rast, Canyon County Chief Operating Officer, to provide training on Open Meeting Law and other areas.

IN THE MATTER OF GEOTHERMAL INFORMATION PRESENTATION)

Scott Nichols with Ormat Technologies, Inc., located in Nevada met with the Board. Nichols presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding geothermal sources in Washington County. Nichols informed the Board that Ormat Technologies is interested in leasing State land near Crane Creek. A public meeting has been scheduled for March 2025. Nichols stated that the purpose of the presentation today is to provide a geothermal overview. Nichols informed the Board that the development phase is estimated to take 5- 7 years. Nichols further stated that Ormat Technologies would not pursue the project if the community did not favor the project. Nichols told the group that geothermal has the smallest environmental and visual footprint of any energy resource. Nichols stated that is not confirmed that there is a commercial source in Washington County. Nichols continued stating that there will be no impact on county services and no county infrastructure upgrades would be required. An application has been filed with the Idaho Department of Lands. Nichols stated there may be interested in speaking with landowners to consider leases on private lands.

Wilkerson inquired if grazing would still be available.

Nichols stated grazing would be available and the landowner would be compensated annually for their grazing rights. The landowner would be made whole.

Motion by Gordon Wilkerson, seconded by Jim Harberd, and unanimously carried to recess at 12:12 p.m. until March 3, 2025 at 8:45 a.m.

Chairman, Board of County Commissioners

ATTEST:

Clerk

A full audio recording of the Commissioner Meeting is available at the Clerk’s Office upon request.