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Idaho Falls City Council / Includes Library Discussion December 14, 2023 Reporter F3 The agenda was as follows: 1.0 Consent of Agenda 2.0 Public Works; 17th St modifications at the corner of 17th St and Holmes; bid awarded 3.0 Mayor’s resolution in support of the Library Board. Apparently, the Library Board has been under fire from patrons about access to public library collections (I am assuming controversial collections, but none identified). Resolution enumerates the value that the library brings to our community, and expresses council support for the Trustees. None of the Trustees were present. Careful discussion making the points that (1) the trustees have put in place rating cards on “questionable books”, (2) that the government is not in the business of choosing what we read, and (3) that the Trustees are not trying to advance a political agenda. The resolution outlines the relationship between the council and the Trustees, supports the Trustees, and educates the public as to normal library operations. It also makes it clear that the council does not choose the books that are in the library. A copy of the resolution was not available, but is on line. Morale is currently an issue with the Trustees. 4.0 Final Plat approval for Willard Warr addition. 5.0 Annexation of Lots 6-8 of Brookhaven Subdivision No.1; approved. 6.0 Resolution to declare Northgate Mile Railroad Property a public nuisance. Passed. City employees to begin cleanup operations. 7.0 Impact Fee Hearing concerning protest of fees by Skidmore construction on one of their projects.

Report: Cheryl Papke MERRY CHRISTMAS! Be encouraged this season, and look for the Light in Bonneville County. Here is light in the ads this season around the World, beginning with Chevrolet. May these ads leave you with love in your heart, a laugh and that down home warm feeling. This is put together by Benny Johnson. Enjoy and make your family memories! See you Next Year! May God Bless all of your families! https://rumble.com/v42thh7-ads.html

BCRCC LGC Report by : Reporter G3, G4 Bonneville County Library Board Meeting - Dec 14, 2023 Electrical Issues Michelle Tollman, the Director, started the meeting by reporting to the board they are having a few electrical issues, a couple of blinking lights, in the Ammon location and will need to have some work completed. When this is done, she is looking for permission to increase the number of charging outlets available to patrons 2023 Audit Results Idaho law requires all local government agencies submit to an audit on a regular basis. The periodicity of the audits is based upon the annual expenditures of the agency. The Bonneville County Library system is required to perform the audit annually. The results of the 2023 Audit will be reported in the January meeting of the board. One issue of significance is the cost of the audit. It cost the Library almost $10,000 for this audit. Bonneville County Library does not fall into the “small government entity”. But the burden is on other small government organizations. Thoughts were that if you can use an accountant and then have an Audit every few years would reduce the cost. Personal Research regarding Audit: This can be a substantial burden for small government organizations. The Idaho Statute requiring this audit is 67-450A and 67-450B (https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title67/T67CH4/SECT67-450A/) The periodicity of the audits is based upon threshold values of $150,000 for bi-annual audits and $250,000 for annual audits. These values were put in place in 1993. When adjusted for inflation, these values would be $318,738 and $531,230 in 2023 dollars. Consideration should be made to submit a legislative change to update the threshold values for audit requirements in our small government agencies. Policy Issues The board discussed a policy for campaigns seeking people to sign petitions on library properties. Last month a group had come in seeking permission to ask library patrons to sign a petition. Michelle spoke with the owner of the building for their position. The property owner stated that petitioning or campaigning is not allowed to take place on the property. Board Discussed a need for a “Patron’s Code of Conduct” within the policy. Director’s Speaking Engagements There was some concern by some members of the board that the Director’s speaking at local venues concerning the Bonneville County Library policies and goals for the community may be inappropriate. This topic generated a lot of discussion. Some board members believed that the Director’s recent speech to the Stand Up for Idaho group was well done, depicted the Library system in a positive light, and highlighted the Library’s (I will use the capitol “L” Library, to imply the entire organization of the Bonneville County Libraries) goal to serve the needs of the entire community in a balanced way. Others felt that any speech of this type could be potentially inflammatory to members of the community Several key points are as follows: The information from the American Library Association (ALA) can often be misleading when quoting requirements of the law. The ALA states that the Library must proceed with caution and seek legal advice when making policy that will direct labels or designations of certain books for adult only or designations of parental advisory required for check-out requirements before minors can view them. Reporter’s Personal Research Guidance for what constitutes “obscene” materials is found in Idaho Statute TITLE 18, Crimes and Punishments, Chapter 15. Children and Vulnerable Adults, (https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title18/T18CH15/) While this Statute is fairly specific on what constitutes obscene materials it does contain some language which muddies its interpretation. These phrases include materials that “appeals to the prurient interest of minors as judged by the average person, applying contemporary community standards;” (18-1514, para 6 (a)(1)) and “which are patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community with respect to what is suitable material for minors” (18-1514, para 6(a)(2)). Who is the “average person”? Who sets the “contemporary community standards”? How is a person supposed to determine the “prevailing standards in the adult community with respect to what is suitable materials for minors”? We all have our opinion, but we don’t all agree. This is a challenge for our library staff. Another phenomenon the staff sees is that highlighting a book as having potential harm to minors increases the interest in seeing it. Thus, some books that were on the shelf being ignored are suddenly in greater demand just because it hit the news as a “banned book”. This requires some balance from the library staff. The Legislators need to clean up the language in the law. The board determined that the Director may speak at engagements as she determines is appropriate, using her best discretion, so as to highlight what the Library is doing for the community as a whole and how it is tackling these very real, national issues facing our society today. Insurance Changes The director was informed by their insurance company, the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP), that it would no longer cover lawsuits brought against the Library for materials in their collections. This is a concern for members of the board who may be held personally liable for lawsuits of this kind. It was discussed in the meeting that two bills were entertained in the last State Legislative session that would restrict certain materials from being in the library and lift exemptions they currently have to the Title 18 statutes previously cited. This would potentially open them up to criminal and civil penalties for either offering books to patrons or not offering books to patrons (damned if you do and damned if you don’t). Both bills did not pass. There is some indication that similar bills will be submitted in the 2024 legislative session. The board agreed to the following: They would invite ICRMP to the next meeting to further explain the proposed insurance policy changes They would actively work with the legislators and the community on bills that define library policies across the State. Commissioner Reed was contacted. He was there at the inception of ICRMP.

by Cheryl Papke December 19, 2023 Many years ago, A christian woman (democrat) was running for office and I had friends tell me we agree with her on everything but Abortion. That is when I took a deep dive into the Platforms of Democrat Party and Republican Party. I found myself walking away from that exercise saying, "I would never vote for a Democrat". I disagreed with their entire platform. On the flip, I love the Platform of the Republican Party. And no I did not agree with everything that woman stood for, she was running under a Brand. Sadly, most voters have not read the Platforms of both parties, I encourage you all to read them, know why you are a Republican and vote those values. There is a saying "talk is cheap", sweet words mean nothing, it is the actions (or votes) our Legilatures take that matters. Recently at the last election a military guy came in to vote, and dimayed said, "Where are the R's". He was looking for a brand, that means something. My husband sadly could not offer direction, to go to our website for the recommendations, Bonnevillegop.com But this highlights the need for the PCO's to have a vehicle, Article XX, where they can get answers on the votes that are cast in our name. The current issues of "Republicans" not coming to dicuss their vote with PCO's who are our neighbors helping us stay informed as a community, saddens me. But this is WHY we must hold our Legislators to the standard they have chosen to run under, the Republican Platform. What's wrong with shining light in the process to help voters? Like the military man mentioned above wants to exercise his right to vote, and being new to the area, needs to know he can trust the "R" and have a place to go for information. We don't tell anyone how to vote but we make known how our elected officials are voting and decisions they are making in our name. The Article below is excellent: Republican Legislators & Accountability Should We Hold Republicans to the Principles of the GOP Platform? KAREY HANKS DEC 13, 2023 I hear over and over how unhappy Idaho voters are with “Representative” Mike Simpson and his liberal voting record–supporting dam removal on the Columbia River, for example, and voting in support of increasing our national debt time after time. A majority of voters don’t hold him accountable–he keeps getting reelected–so wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to call him out for his lack of adherence to Republican principles? What about our state Republican legislators who vote more like Democrats? During the June 2023 Idaho State GOP Committee meeting, held in Challis, a rule was proposed and passed by a large majority of the attendees to protect the principles of the Idaho Republican Platform. Starting on page 45 (and continuing through page 48): “Article XX Section 1: The Idaho Republican Party is a private organization dedicated to the promotion of certain political ideals, primarily by supporting candidates who pledge to support the United States and Idaho Constitutions and the Idaho Republican Party Platform under Article XIII of these Rules. The support from this Party is very beneficial to those who make such a pledge and once elected, keeping that pledge is paramount to the integrity of the Party and the confidence of the voters who elected them. Section 2: Without enforcement, the expressed principles of the Party are nothing more than ideals and philosophy. Republican legislators have, at times, defied their pledge and oath, voting on legislative matters substantially contrary to the Party’s expressed platform and constitutional principles. Republican Constitutional officers also have, at times, conducted their offices contrary to Republican and constitutional principles.” When there is a serious concern about a legislator’s voting record, the process to call for an accounting is outlined in Article XX link below. Why is it necessary to have this option? Consider the fast-food restaurant Wendy’s. We expect to get burgers, fries and frosties at their establishments. If a franchisee decided to offer beer and pizza, this likely would violate the franchise agreement, and he or she could lose the franchise, because the “brand” agreement was defied. Similarly, when an elected official who claims the Republican “brand” on signage and literature, but consistently votes for more regulations and unreasonable spending, does not protect parental or individual rights, or in other ways breaches the tenets of the Idaho Republican Platform, the local central committee members and legislative committee members have a mechanism to call this legislator to explain his or her votes, if the members choose to do so. In Bonneville County this process was recently initiated. Rather than quietly resolve the issues, the local liberal newspaper was notified; instead of handling the concerns in a private manner the matter is out in the public and it fans the flames of division. Is it important to protect the Republican “brand”? Does it weaken that brand when several Republicans choose to ignore the principles for which this brand is known? Should candidates with an (R) behind their name on the ballot be authentic Republicans, accountable to the party they claim to support? Those are a few questions we can ask ourselves. The last point in the Preamble of the Idaho Republican Platform states: We believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating the[ above outlined] ideals into positive and successful principles of government.” Read the Preamble below I think you will agree the integrity of the Platform is worth preserving. https://idgop.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-24-Idaho-Republican-Party-Platform-1.pdf

by: Cheryl Papke A Picture is worth a 1000 Words. More detailed information from the BCRCC, helping citizens stay informed https://www.bonnevillegop.com/ranked-choice-voting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BBJB8_w1Pk

By Cheryl Papke December 18, 2023 There is growth across Bonneville County and each citizen in your own city needs to be informed.  So here is the 4th quarter budget of IONA, and the next meeting taking place Tuesday, December 19, 2023.  Commissioner Jon Walker confirmed that widening the Road in Iona, the Grant was approved for 8.1 million dollars this past week. If you are an Iona citizen I encourage you to know what is going on in your City, get familiar with your cities website. https://www.cityofiona.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/4th-Qtr.-Treasurers-Report_10052023.pdf https://www.cityofiona.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/City-Council-Work-Meeting-Agenda_12192023.pdf Merry Christmas Everyone! Shine the Light in Bonneville County

Contributed by LGC Reporter:  B1 City of Idaho Falls News Posted on: December 12, 2023 - Rising costs make hauling recyclables impractical for the City of Idaho Falls Due to a significant increase in fees associated with the recycling process, the Idaho Falls Sanitation Division will no longer provide recycling bins or haul recyclable items, with the exception of glass, effective Jan. 16, 2024. For more than 20 years, the Idaho Falls Sanitation Division has provided the community with large bins at various locations where residents could drop off cardboard, aluminum, and tin for recycling. Employees from the Sanitation Division would then haul the items away to a local company to be recycled at no cost to the City of Idaho Falls. In 2022, the Sanitation Division hauled 549 tons of recyclable material from the waste stream to a third-party recycling company in Idaho Falls. In March of 2023, the company increased the recycling fee from $0 to $84 per ton, making it unreasonable for the city to continue hauling cardboard, aluminum, and tin. “We understand and value the importance of protecting and conserving resources, but the rising cost associated with recycling those items just became too expensive for the city to continue,” states Idaho Falls Sanitation Superintendent, Jordan Rechenmacher. There is another option for Idaho Falls residents to recycle items. Western Recycling, a privately-owned company provides both drop-off and curbside recycling. For more information about this service, go to www.westernrecycling.net or call (208) 529-9908. “Although we will no longer recycle certain items because of the fee increase, we will still provide bins for glass recycling, as that process is handled differently,” explains City of Idaho Falls Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon. In January 2019, after residents and elected officials expressed a desire to expand recycling services, the city began offering glass recycling by placing 3-yard blue containers at the 13 recycling sites scattered throughout Idaho Falls. Sanitation employees haul the glass to a concrete pad located on city-owned property.  A private glass recycling company out of Salt Lake City, Utah sends a tractor-trailer to Idaho Falls to pick up the glass. The glass is then transported back to Utah where the glass is recycled into products such as fiberglass. The city has collected nearly 1,000 tons of glass since 2019. The Sanitation Division manages the collection of all solid waste in Idaho Falls for the purpose of maintaining a clean and healthy community.

by Cheryl Papke This was posted to my facebook page and as I read it this morning It brought tears to my eyes, and a reminder of the importance of people as we celebrate Christmas and go about our lives. I could have pushed this message on Facebook but I decided I need to share it here. Have a blessed Christmas and count the moments you have with the people that cross your path. December 8, 4:11am · I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The house looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. 'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.' 'Oh, you're such a good boy,’ she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?' 'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.. 'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.’ I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice.. ‘The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. 'What route would you like me to take?' I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'. We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. 'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse. 'Nothing,' I said. 'You have to make a living,' she answered. 'There are other passengers,' I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.' I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.. I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day,I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one. PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT~ THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL. At the bottom of this great story was a request to forward this - I deleted that request because if you have read to this point, you won't have to be asked to pass it along you just will... Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance..........

Reporter G3 Today I witnessed these rolling book carts wheeled out of the way to make room for two large tables to host alot of happy children. At the conclusion the tables left and the book carts came back. Well done Julian for your vision into helping our library get up and running. A big Thank You! Below is the original report after the work was completed. Picture is Julian Redman and Michelle Tolman, Director of Bonneville County Library District M ay 8th, 2023 I’m so proud and grateful for this young man, Julian Redman. He made these beautiful carts for his Eagle Scout project. Our children’s area has been greatly blessed and expanded because of it. We had planned to do 12, but there was a problem with the wood pieces so he finished 11. Just a few carts could have been more than enough hours for an Eagle Scout project and he could have walked away having done 11, but a man of his word he found a way to get a 12th one finished and brought it over today. That my friends is something noble. He is a man of his word and his integrity is something he honors. I’m so grateful to live in a community that has parents and leaders who promote these kinds of values. Thanks again Julian!

Wednesday December 6, 10am County Commissioners / Planning and Zoning Meeting Reporter A1 SWAN VALLEY Commercial Hauling of Trash - Businesses in Swan Valley asked to have the county pay that fee. Two examples were Tobers (? spelling), Rainey Creek World Famous Square Ice Cream better known affectionately by us “the Square Ice Cream Place”, also the Campground. “We cannot totally eliminate off everybody this year” (hauling fees) said the Commissioner. The fees were suspended for some businesses during the winter season this year, and the Commissioners will be looking into this in more detail for next year. 49th  North Road Improvements The developers were coming in to talk about the requirements of infrastructure, moving power lines expanding roads for traffic flow. The Commissioners remained firm on the new construction impacts regarding traffic flow and usage. Infrastructure needs to be built during the time of construction (commissioner’s position). The current plans are to add another two developments and an Elementary school. Discussion determined that Developer would go and speak with Rocky Mountain Power if they would move the power pole; since it is a County Project the power company would cover the cost. The developer thought that if they made that proposal then Rocky Mountain Power would just want them to bear the cost, even though this is a county project. I believe it was Jon Walker that said “that is just semantics”. It was left that the Commissioners would look into the issue, but they did not want to delay for 5 years on infrastructure. They wanted infrastructure changes and improvements necessitated by development to be done during the construction of the development, not after it was completed. Commissioners made the point that the cost in 5 years would be much higher. Developers wanted to put money in an escrow account for the future (higher cost in the future). Or a “bond”. The discussion ended. They all agreed the next step was to speak with Rocky Mountain Power, and the Commissioners would not push it down the road for 5 years. IONA Also discussed was Iona and their traffic flow problem. The Commissioner mentioned a possible grant. I had just read this article regarding grants: https://localnews8.com/news/idaho/2023/12/02/traffic-safety-grants-available-for-idaho-communities/ IMPACT FEES Mr. Hicks (real estate developer) He came in to discuss, the impact fee on his 3 home development on 9 acres. A couple of years ago he wanted to build high density housing, and the neighbors objected to that. They wanted housing similar to what already exists. Commissioners heard the people in that neighborhood. So Mr. Hicks complied, acquired more land from one of the neighbors (took time negotiating) to bring the development up to 9 acres However, with lower density development, the impact fees were not proportionate to what he was building verses High Density Housing. The Planning and Zoning said they could not give a different rate to one builder over another. Mr. Hicks said he understood and just wanted them to consider what he was building and the impact he was going to have on traffic flow vs. a large neighborhood. Very respectful dialog and all voices were heard. Personal Opinion: Impact fees are good for the tax payer. When the property is being developed is the time to “build the infrastructure” to handle the new traffic, not down the road when everyone is complaining and it is not adequate to handle the increased usage. By then the ones holding the bag are our Commissioners, (and they hear from us don’t they)? I agree with the Commissioners, the cost grows when you wait on these developments, and the answer is NOT Bonds, Levies or escrow accounts. Build the development costs in your planning with your housing development. “Affordable Housing” is the catch phrase, but increasing of taxes to pay for the “impact” down the road at a higher cost doesn’t make good sense. The tax payers will pay to maintain the infrastructure forever. I like the forward thinking of our Commissioners instead of “at the moment”, they look to the future impact, and those new housing developments and existing tax payers with their taxes will help continue to maintain the infrastructure, fix the potholes, repave the roads etc. That is what our tax dollars are meant for, not new development. Also important services such as police, fire, ambulances. TIRES Did you know? Eleven Tons of tires costs $2200 for the county to dispose of? That was the most recent disposal cost. The discussion was with a citizen who was looking for help in how to dispose of a lot of tires. So let’s get educated a bit. Apparently there is an area in Iona where people “dump” stuff including tires. Let us all be good citizens and not do that! Some businesses mentioned in the discussion: Liberty Tire recycles tires, I think mainly that is for businesses like Big O Tires etc. But let’s all do our part with proper disposal, if you need to know in the future. Here are links mentioned during the discussion: Idaho Tire Recycle https://idahotirerecycle.net/ Liberty Tire Recycling https://libertytire.com/ Our Government Agency in Idaho https://www.deq.idaho.gov/waste-management-and-remediation/solid-waste/recycling-reuse-and-composting/

WELL DONE DISTRICT 91!! Career and Tech Students converted a School bus to a RV Vehicle. Great learning experience and now it is up for bids. Very Practical Learning Eperience, you can check out the offical documents below. The RV is now up for Bids! https://www.ifschools.org/cms/lib/ID50010859/Centricity/Domain/1472/01-Idaho%20Falls%20School%20District%20-%20School%20Bus%20to%20RV%20Conversion%20-%20Appraisal%20Report%202023.pdf https://www.ifschools.org/cms/lib/ID50010859/Centricity/Domain/1472/Vehicle%20Bid%20Response%20Form.pdf

Local Government Committee (LGC) Report Report DATE: 11/20/2023 LGC Reports are a compilation of notes taken at LG meetings, and information shared with the committee from organizations and community members. Reports do not reflect the official positions of the Bonneville County Republican Party. We encourage the reader to research information and consider all sides of any issue. The intent of the LGC is to inform citizens of Bonneville County and encourage them to become involved in all levels of their community and local government. Idaho City Council Meeting / Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization November 14, 2023 5pm Reporters F1 This was an open house format. They had numerous city / country maps on display with representatives at each map explaining what they were showing and offered advice if individuals wanted to make any contributions to each map (example: any particular area located on the map that needed addressed as far as traffic congestion etc) The maps on display stated current, and future (to 2050) changes they were needing, and hoping to implement due to the projected grown in our area.