COMMISSIONERS MEETING
MAY 16, 2005
The Elmore County Commissioners met in regular session on the above date in the
Commissioner’s Room, basement of the Elmore County Courthouse, 150 South 4th
East, Mountain Home, Idaho.
Present at the meeting were Chairman Larry Rose, Commissioners Mary Egusquiza
and Connie Cruser. Also present at the meeting was Clerk Gail Best.
The purpose of the meeting was primarily, to work on the Confined Animal Feeding
Operations (CAFO) Ordinance. Prior to beginning work on the CAFO Ordinance Wayne
Forrey, 1952 S. Wilde Creek Way, Boise, Idaho, 83709 appeared before the Board.
Mr. Forrey explained that he has had a long involvement with Elmore County,
working on the comprehensive plan twice and he volunteered at Planning and
Zoning for a period of time as an Interim Administrator, prior to Mark Russell
coming on board. Mr. Forrey added that he also worked on the Fire Mitigation
Plan for Elmore County last year. Mr. Forrey stated he had received a telephone
call from Nick Nettleton, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, who
stated that they are struggling with revising the zoning ordinance and the
Commission asked for his help. Mr. Forrey stated a fee proposal will be
presented to the Board at their next regular meeting.
Mr. Forrey stated he had called the Southwest Idaho RC&D and there may be some
money to implement various aspects of the Fire Mitigation Plan through the
Bureau of Land Management, some of which could be used for work on the zoning
ordinance, since the ordinance would be one aspect of implementation. Mr. Forrey
stated he would continue to explore that possibility.
Mr. Forrey also spoke to the Board about Communities in Motion. Mr. Forrey had
recently attended a meeting of Communities in Motion which is exploring a
regional transportation plan and local land use planning for a six county area
which includes Elmore County. Mr. Forrey stated there could be a possibility of
some funds becoming available for the County under this thirty-year plan. Mr.
Forrey stated that Communities in Motion has focused largely on Ada and Canyon
counties but that Elmore, Boise, Payette and Gem counties also have a stake in
the long range planning process. Mr. Forrey suggested the Board contact David
Ekern (334-8807) the head of Idaho Transportation who is working with Matt
Stoll, the Director of COMPASS.
Chairman Rose then asked the other Board members how they wished to pursue
working on the revisions to the CAFO Ordinance? Commissioner Egusquiza stated
she had reviewed the Cassia County CAFO Ordinance during the morning.
Mike Grimmett, who was in the audience, asked if this session was only a work
session or could the public offer input? Chairman Rose replied it was a work
session, but they would be glad to take written input. Mike Grimmett then stated
that he wondered why the Board was working on the CAFO Ordinance when the
Planning and Zoning Commission had worked so hard on the current CAFO Ordinance?
Chairman Rose explained that this was a work in progress and the Board was
reviewing the document to see if changes or additions are necessary.
Terry Ketterling asked about the history that led to the recent moratorium on
CAFOs of over 500 head? The Board replied that they believe the ordinance needs
to be worked on prior to a problem occurring so Elmore County does not get into
the same situation that Gooding, Wendall, and some other Magic Valley
communities have gotten in to. Mr. Ketterling asked what caused the moratorium
on CAFOs and not on subdivisions? Mr. Ketterling stated he feels that CAFOs are
being singled out. Commissioner Cruser said the Board felt a six month
moratorium would give some time to address health and safety issues. Mr.
Ketterling replied that if they are worried about water, maybe a moratorium
should be placed on all growth for 180 days.
Richard Appleton, 2700 W. Grandview Road, stated he felt that one acre lots are
even worse then five acre lots as far as the water issue goes, five acre lots
are less water.
Stephanie Bergh stated that it took over two years to do the current ordinance
and work session after work session and many public hearings. Ms. Bergh stated
the ordinance already protects the air base.
Mike Grimmett stated he applauds the Board for going over the ordinance, but he
thinks Elmore County’s CAFO ordinance is the best in the State.
There was a question and answer period between Mr. Ketterling and the Board
regarding various aspects of the ordinance that were being reviewed.
Terry Hoebelheinrich of the Idaho Department of Water Resources Department of
Energy and Garth Taylor of the University of Idaho appeared before the Board to
discuss the economic impacts on wind generated power. There was discussion
regarding whether the Board should see the presentation since they are working
on a wind power ordinance and the public hearing has been closed. After
discussion, the Board decided it would be fine to see the presentation because
the nature of the material is very general.
Mr. Hoebelheinrich gave a brief overview of the presentation and then turned the
program over to Mr. Taylor for the power point presentation developed at the
University of Idaho.
Following the presentation the focus turned back to the CAFO work session.
Commissioner Cruser asked Mr. Ketterling whether air quality testing might be
feasible? Mr. Ketterling stated there probably were not enough local resources
for air quality tests.
There was more general discussion about dairies and their operations in general.
Commissoner Egusquiza asked Clerk Best to supply copies of the present ordinance
for the next work session. Clerk Best stated she would do so and agreed to send
a copy to Mr. Ketterling. The State Siting Team and how they operate was
discussed.
Motion by Rose, second by Cruser, to adjourn.
ROSE - AYE
EGUSQUIZA - AYE
CRUSER - AYE Motion carried and so ordered.
/s/ LARRY E. ROSE
ATTEST: /s/ GAIL L. BEST, Clerk
