Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, August 10, 2023

19^th Hole Restaurant, Jerome Country Club

Attending Board members: Chairman Bill Bridges, John Weston, Greg Moore, Jeff Pierson, Brenda Weekes, and Steve Paulsen. Guests were Larry Hall, Mike Tilka, Jerome Commissioner Art Watkins and Rebecca Wildman taking minutes.

Bill called the meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. followed by self-introductions.

Minutes: July 13, 2023 minutes reviewed. Brenda requested replacing “anthropology” with “archeology.” She said the 5-year plan did not receive an official request from rock climbing, but have received a request for a dog park, equestrian trails and camping. She also hasn’t seen Alan’s Off-Road request yet. With changes, Steve motioned to approve, Greg second, motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Bill reported $6,602.00 in the account. Southern Idaho Tourism (SIT) had promised $20k toward the Broken Bridge project and sent two $5k checks, one that Bill deposited, the second check is dated for August 17^th. Southern Idaho Legacy Trails held a paddle fundraiser for the project, but since they are not a 501c3, they gave the funds to SIT. Unsure what that amount was but Bill will check.

Bill reported that Jerome Commissioners asked Tanya Stitt, EMT Director, to be SRCP Treasurer, but she still doesn’t have clear financial records. The Broken Bridge and RV Park need to know the balance from the county’s $60k. Art recalls two accounts that total $60, but a key person at the county is out for medical reasons. Bill is meeting the county Tuesday, August 15^th and asked Commissioner Watkins attend. Bill noted a $2,400 IT amount for the website and $1.5k for signs. Discussion reminding the need for matching funds including Gerald Martens and Brockway Engineering expenses. Brenda noted her request at the City of Twin Falls Council meeting and that Twin Falls will be passing their budget on August 21^st.

Link to Twin Falls Recommended Budget for 2023-2024

RV Park: Bill said they need a permit for the RVP Park sign, which is completed and sign post holes are dug. There will be other speed and directional signs coming. The cattle guard on north side is in. The second cattle guard will be installed at the South side of the park and is being relocated from the South side of the Broken Bridge. Concrete poured around pit toilet. Cattle will go in after October 1^st so fence will need to be done by then. The other vault toilet will arrive in March and the second RV grant will go to cover its additional cost. Bill said first campers are there and he gave them an okay for five-day camping.

Website: Jerome county’s IT department may undertake the SRCP website. Jerome is in the process of changing their own site to a new provider, and they want to add the airport and other county assets. Bill noted we may be able to link to other user group websites. Others noted the current website contractors are doing a better job.

Broken Bridge: Selected contractor is Wolftone (Mike Walters) out of Kimberly with a bid of $158k. Gerald Martens knows them and it was the lesser cost of two bids. Ramp has been fabricated but decking still to be put on. Guard rails/railings had to be done with galvanizing and should be done next week. South end first to get connected, then the bridge and ramp will hold equipment to get to other side. Bill predicts it will be complete within 60 days. Brenda shared the recent Times-News story noting reporter Lorien Nettleton is very interested in covering future park accomplishments. Brenda would like to hold a ribbon cutting when the new bridge is finished.

Times-News: [email protected]

KMVT: [email protected]

Brenda spoke with North Side Canal Company (NSCC) asking about replacing the Yingst grade culvert and suggested a wooden bridge crossing over it. Bill added Alan Hansten with NSCC said they should be involved in this type of community improvement. Bill is hoping after the October water shut off the NSCC can bring in gravel for fill-in and possibly use their equipment to clean up a recent rock slide. Discussion about who is responsible for the culvert as NSCC said their responsibility stops at the upper edge. Questioned if it is BLM or F&G land? Brenda said when we get permit from the BLM for the right of ways, we will need to include it. Charlie said John Tjaden (BLM) found the original easement permit which noted we had 100 feet (50 off each side).

(John Tjaden, Field Specialist, (208) 732-7292 [email protected])

Steve asked about re-veg efforts. The RV park rock has surrounding area that could use re-veg and Bill and Steve will schedule to meet and look at the area around the broken bridge and hopes re-veg work is considered. Bill noted SRCP had an easement from F&G straight south between that and the BLM land, but the easement expired before he joined board. We are reapplying for this and adding 100  feet to bridge. North side is below the water mark so it doesn’t involve BLM. New permit will be like a 20-25 year permit. Brenda asked about other side trails and not just the 100 feet to the bridge, and Bill thinks 95% of that would be covered. Not sure if the CSI fish farm still has an easement.

Shooting Range: John said the draft permit application will be submitted to county commissioners next. The subcommittee is working on the master plan and bylaws. The plan is staged with a 5-year to 20-years building process in sequence. He is working with Mark at the county to map the area of impact and with standard rounds of ammunition there is plenty of room for fallout. All positive responses with 150 people from the public survey.

Overlook: BLM is delayed in providing SRCP a permit to complete testing. Civil Science is the testing company and they are ready. Larry shared the 25-year lease renewal, which is part of the document attached to the North Rim master plan, states a 0.25 mile rim buffer. This is an issue that needs to be addressed. Explained that all the north rim land is in the Preservation District as zoned by Jerome County, except the Allen estate was pre-zoned for houses. The new recreation plan would wipe out the Preservation District, and would allow more options for development along the rim, and the Overlook would be part of that.

Discussion about the 0.25 mile rim buffer requirement and concerns about the effect on the overlook project. Jeff made a motion to not incur the survey/geo expense until we’ve met with the BLM for clarification, and to schedule a meeting with Cody (BLM) and Commissioner Charlie Howell as soon as possible. Steve seconded, all voted with unanimous consent to wait. Larry will wait to inform the engineers to see if this can be resolved.

5-Year Plan: Brenda shared a handout of Proposed Projects by Location, noting the need for maps showing locations. 1) East side of 700 Road added parking lot to support equestrian and rock crawling. 2) North of Ricketts RV Camp trails and possible mountain bike challenge course, trail modification. 3) West side of Hwy 93 off 600 Road dog park, parking lot and fencing with dog partners. 4) Canyon Rim future planned trail project to connect Twin Falls and Jerome County (15-mile loop for biking and hiking).

SRCP Outreach and Grant Opportunities: Bill will speak to the Jerome Rotary on Aug 15^th, and outreach to Optimist Club, Mid Snake Rivers Resource Conservation District on September 22^nd. Steve spoke to the Off-Road club and was well received. Discussion about other grant and community giving opportunities from First Federal, D.L. Evans, ICCU, etc.

Security: Two RVs are camping in the park now. BLM rangers and Jerome Sheriff have been seen patrolling.

Newspaper: Bill asked for ideas for articles.

Other: Charlie Howell is getting an appraisal of the 200 acre property owned by the Prescott’s to see if it can be purchased and incorporated into the park.

ATV rental person is out there with no issues. Bill mentioned possible horse rentals in the future. Bill has enough wood for 5 corrals and in September Sue is putting two corrals in by the RV Park.

Brenda updating brochure and adding to partners to the list including Idaho Power, Jerome County Soil Conservation District, ATV riders, and Southern Idaho Climbing Coalition. Suggested she add the Mountain Bike parking lot on East Side of Silver Beach.

Meeting adjourned at 12:48 p.m.

Executive Sessions may be held pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1) as needed during time such sessions are called.

Note: Any person needing special accommodations to participate in the meeting should contact the committee secretary, 208-293-2426; 48 hours prior to the meeting.                                                                             

Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, July 13, 2023

19^th Hole Restaurant, Jerome Country Club

Attending Board members: Chairman Bill Bridges, John Weston, Greg Moore, Jeff Pierson, Sue Williams, Brenda Weekes, Steve Paulsen, Tanya Stitt (Treasurer) and Alan Clauson (via telephone). Guests were Mike Tilka, Jerome Commissioner Art Watkins, Kirsten Hartley, and Rebecca Wildman taking minutes.

Bill called the meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. followed by self-introductions.

Minutes: The June 8, 2023 meeting minutes were reviewed, Sue motioned to accept, Greg second, minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Tanya Stitt is the new Treasurer. Account has $1,602. Tanya advised there are still some issues but she is working on getting a detailed listing to understand the RV Grant. Bill ordered Rock at $28,500 for 4 projects preapproved by Jerome Commissioners. Sue recommended contacting Nik’s Excavation to see what rock they used. Tanya informed Greg and others to track their volunteer hours as in-kind, recommending a written time card to properly document and use of machinery or equipment should be noted as well. Greg has all the posts needed to finish the project with a cost of $3/post with 55 posts.

RV Park: Sue reported all pads are now numbered, eight picnic tables are installed and the rest are coming. Vault toilet is installed and locked but sump for the vault toilet is not locked. Sue will see that it gets its own lock. Cattle guard will be installed at North end the first week in August. It is comprised of pre-cast concrete from three 4-foot sections. Gerald Martens trying to get the larger cattle guard from Broken Bridge area to install at the Park mid-end of August. Access road signage is in with directional and speed limit in next few weeks. Fire rings coming in any time and Bill will follow-up. Second vault toilet ordered and going in at Morley Arbor and will have a handicap spot and coming March to April of next year. The Equestrian group will unload and install the corral at the North end of the open area. Concrete walkway and apron to toilet is coming, with one estimate and waiting for a second. The estimate from one contractor said it would be two weeks out, so mid-August at the soonest. The last of the heavy equipment to be out there, plus grading with a 5-foot walkway. Small culvert will be installed and 2-foot apron around the vault. Kiosk installment on hold due to asking Jerome Commissioners for waiver of the ten-foot setback from property line. In this instance both the Park and IDL want the kiosk on their shared property line as the kiosk is double-sided. Commissioner Art Watkins will bring this to the Commissioners to see if the requirement can be waived. There are alternate places, but they are not as good as this one. Sue said the RV target open date is late August.

Website: Alternative vendor proposal presented to County Commissioners but no response yet. New vendor price goes up by $30/month plus $2k for site rebuild-refresh. Art asked for more details about past vendor issues and will follow-up with Commissioners. Bill wondered if Commissioners were going to ask the county IT department if they wanted to take this on.

Broken Bridge: Brenda shared that the last item is the flood plain development permit and now waiting for IDWR approval. Casey with P&Z said it is approved and we should have it tomorrow. Brenda informed Gerald Martens so he may get the contractor going. Last Monday Brenda and Bill asked TF City Council for $46k to pay for their side of the bridge connection and half of the railing on the bridge; awaiting feedback. Discussion about Hazard Mitigation dollars used on the grade and if it can be a wooden bridge instead of a culverts, washouts, size, etc. On July 20^th Bill, Brenda and Art will present to the North Side Canal Company about Yingst Grade.

Shooting Range: John said grant was completely approved and Charlie Howell has the letter. Now it is in the hands of Fish and Wildlife Services to send the award. Grant program coming up again with due date of November 1^st. Feasibility in putting an Archery Range within the park and could be done for less than $5k with 9 target stations, signing, bow/arrow holders, $3k improvements for road and parking, possibly at the hour-glass area behind Don Zuck’s arbor and out 60 yards. However the area identified may have conflicts with Rock Crawlers. John is discouraged with glass cleanup from illegal shooting not more than 15-feet off the road. No date given on when we get the money, but John said sometime in August. John suggested talking with Devil’s Corral owner about his desire to put in a 3D shooting range. Brenda asked John to add this to the planning proposal map.

Range itself coordinates have been done and an additional 25-30 comments on his survey have come in, all in support of the range. That makes 250 comments now on his public survey. The BLM put out survey too but John is not sure how many have responded. Bill said the shooting range check should go to Charlie Howell by December.

Overlook: The BLM guy is waiting for the anthropology report so that John T. can finish his approval. There is an eagle nesting in the area now.

5-Year Plan: User groups were given until July 1^st for proposals and so far only rock climbing group has submitted. Alan said rock crawlers will be sending soemthing. Also interest in a Snake River Kennel Club dog park, overnight camping on the 700 for equestrians, and mountain bike trails. Brenda wants to meet with the BLM with the uses which are acceptable and separate projects by those that have BLM approval and those that do not. She will make sure BLM is good with this approach and it will help layout the timeline. Alan added they want to discuss with Mark Reyes about a layer mapping. No 5-year plan committee meeting scheduled at this point. Sue suggested review all proposals and see if another committee meeting is needed. Brenda informed Rebecca the need for more specifics on areas for the rock climbing use.

Annual Award: Discussion about an annual award for service to the SRCP. Steve motioned to call it the “Snake River Canyons Park Outstanding Service Award” and present recipient with a plaque and picture. John seconded, motion carried.  Will take nominations this December.

Speakers’ bureau: Discussed next forum and shared disappointment with turnout at the last one and heat in the month of August. Suggested tabling until next year.

Security: Bill said cameras in place and no damage so far. 

Maintenance: Need to get the weeds out and need for a tractor to cut grass on the disc golf course. Art will follow-up with Charlie.  Bill will order replacement flag for hole 18. 

Newspaper: Short article this month. Brenda asked about holding a ground breaking for the Broken Bridge construction, will ask Gerald about timing, and will see if we can involve TF City.

Other: CSI President Dean Fisher said the college has 200 acres along 93 and that SRCP could manage it for them. Bill said we should consider a parking lot there to provide alternate access to the North part of the park. Added that Charlie is trying to get a grant to buy 200 acres that belong to Bettencourt.

Reminder for Board Attendance, members can skip only two meetings per year. Greg suggested asking Board Member Rod Morgan his intentions in staying on the board.

Sue would like the Board to consider a specific tent-camping area adjacent to the RV spaces, suggesting the borrow area that runs along the fence as it is now graded. Greg suggested re-seeding it now. Sue will add it to the 5-year plan, placing it north of the Morley Arbor, utilizing 2 acres which could be 5-6 tent sites. Discussed security, leveling other areas, and bringing in fill dirt. Mike suggested contacting Tom Barker.

Meeting adjourned at 12:17 p.m.

Executive Sessions may be held pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1) as needed during time such sessions are called.

Note: Any person needing special accommodations to participate in the meeting should contact the committee secretary, 208-293-2426; 48 hours prior to the meeting.