Snake River Canyons Park Board
Open Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho
Attending Board Members: Chairman Bill Bridges, Lisa Callen, Greg Moore, Steve Paulson, Mark Reyes and Brenda Weekes by telephone. Not present: Jim Williams and Jeff Pierson
Guests: Larry Hall Advisor for the Overlook Project, Aaron Utz with Idaho Power, Dave Frieberg with the BLM, Ray and Karleen Sheen with SIORA, Stephanie Martin and Rebecca Wildman taking minutes.
Bill called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with a quorum present. Self-introductions were made.
Minutes: Minutes from the May 5, 2026, meeting were reviewed with Brenda suggesting changes as shown in Attachment A. Greg motioned to approve the minutes incorporating Brenda’s changes, Mark Reyes seconded, motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
- County account: $65,594 – budget anticipated staffing for the Overlook
- Overlook account: $177,276
- Idaho Power account: $184,600
- 501c3 account: Brenda corrected Bill’s $59,000 to today’s bank report of $28,660, with Bill agreeing the lower amount made more sense.
Other account balances are unchanged including:
- Broken Bridge $13,900.
Accounts Payable $9,150 to be paid from the Overlook account ($177,276). Per Brenda $2,700 in this account is for Brick donations from checks that were sent directly to the County. Bill said those funds are in a separate account, but he doesn’t have the exact amount with him. Bill to be reimbursed $1,000 in miscellaneous expenses.
Brenda added there is $3,500 from larger donors including Commercial Creamery, Dr. Irwin and Norquist. Reported about $180,000 will be used to finish this year’s projects; Greg inquired about committed expenditures.
Brick Donations and Installation Plan: Donations total $19,340 for roughly 50 4×8, 40 8×8 and six arrays totaling. The April Bricks R Us payment received for $1,270; May payment expected at the end of June at $1,095. Installation cost estimate is $17,900, with $7,000 for curbing and about $7,00 for installation and finish work. The group discussed holding about $18,000 for installation without running short.
QR Code Placement: Agreed QR code sign should go by the path, not at the parking lot interpretive sign cluster. The idea is to let visitors sign up for a brick immediately when they see the display. Brenda to share code with Bill and once ready, it will be posted and displayed.
Shoshone Falls Overlook: Larry handed out a comprehensive packet to review.
Steel & Concrete: Metal will be in place by the end of June, and ready for concrete pour. The frame is in four sections, powder coated and with corrugated decking. After installed they will pour concrete, place railings, then install the pathway and parking area. Timing uncertain with mid to late-July possible. Big concrete blocks were installed to stop vehicles from driving onto the path.
Bricks, Fencing, and Cost Exposure: Brick walkway may be cheaper if concrete pour reduces grading/fill needs. Black coated chain-link fencing estimated at $35,000, with county insurance entity (ICRMP), Idaho Power, and BLM to determine placements. Temporary fencing is already in place around the pad. No vote was takin on fencing because placement and scope were still unresolved.
Sheds: Must be painted “Shadow Grey” and not light blue. Jerome County P&Z require a new engineering report which is being obtained from EHM, after rejecting the manufacturers report. Solar has been ordered and security depending on the shed permit. Concern over what tie-downs, materials, and electrical requirements will be required. Shed installation on hold until P&Z sign-off is complete. Bench mounting was discussed noting earth augers may not work due to rocky substrate, and rock may need to be drilled and benches anchored.
Twin Falls Signs: Bill shared an update from TF Signs who are waiting to get the gate installed and the monument sign up – as they are dealing with the rock situation. Concrete to be poured today for the gate and monument sign. They have installed the interpretive signposts but placing them North/South facing, and not East/West as initially planned. Park has paid them $13k of the total cost estimate. Discussed ADA and parking lot striping and painted parking lot strips that were damaged by four-wheelers. Painting should have occurred after the gate was installed to protect it, with discussion about magnesium chloride paint, its application and maintenance.
Interpretive Signs: Larry’s packet includes four signs: (1) wildlife and Chobani, (2) mining, (3) fishery, and (4) “Forged by Lava, Sculpted by Water.” The monument sign has already been approved.
Brenda said the sign sub-committee never saw the north-side materials prior to TF Signs already spending 11 hours on graphics. The panel beside the mining sign is from the wrong viewpoint and text for the overlook’s side of the canyon. The preferred fix is a new 3×4 side panel with a park map and history text, prepared in a format that TF Signs can print without additional graphics work. The group agreed to take the design back to the sign sub-committee first, then return it to the board. Larry requested the mockup be resent because he received it too late to include in the packet. Sign sub-committee meeting will be scheduled after Jim Williams returns and no final board action will be taken on this panel until then.
Idaho Transportation Department Signage on Highway 93: ITD will allow two signs on Highway 93, one north-facing just north of the Perrine Bridge and the other south-facing and just north of the stoplight when traveling south. ITD prefers an image-based sign with a note for them to substitute the Yingst grade as a hiking trail and not a grade. Other images edited slightly including the overlook of a waterfall. Larry would like it as a vertical sign.
Overlook Parking Area: Larry proposed rubber parking stops placed as designated lanes be installed if painted striping is not sustainable. Rubber would be anchored by rebar delineating each stall line. The lot was originally approved for ten lanes of eight feet each, but the current painted lines only show eight lanes. Larry estimates cost for rubber and rebar at $4,500, not including labor. Suggested having Stephen indicate the lines and have them re-done accurately. Larry is not asking for approval, and only suggesting. Aaron said C.J. Strike has something similar but in concrete, and that they work fine.
Budget Recap: Larry represented this budget includes everything except the amounts in question under Change Order #2 over whether Nix Excavation has been paid once or twice. Bill will go over payments with Nix to work through the discrepancy.
Other notes on flags, buildings, and that we are waiting for the engineering report. Buildings will be repainted Shadow Grey, and if the buildings can be placed now or to wait, noting they are under 200 square feet and should not require a building permit. Discussed how to secure the buildings and that they want the structures to be moved during the winter months.
Discussed TF Signs clarifying the parking lot striping was not included in the initial bid. Budget lists monument sign, 4×8 sign frames, gate, lock sign, with installation and labor as $26,977 with $13,048 already paid. Mark asked about TF Sign line items of $26,977.05 and $5,475. The $5,475 charge was clarified in the discussion with some referencing the cost for striping and another account that it included powder coating six benches. Concerns about the damaged striping due to the gate not being installed before striping painted. Discussed $1,100 for extra design work and if TF Signs agreed to do the striping at no charge. Discussion tabled until sign sub-committee meets and who to mention on the acknowledgement sign.
July 8 Event – Sharing the Spirit of America: BLM is the primary organizer with SRCP hosting. Event is a 75-minute ceremony including music and speakers from the State Historical Society, BLM, Foundation for America’s Public Lands, Bill Bridges, and the State of Idaho America 250. A simultaneous nation-wide reading of the Declaration of Independence will be shared by BLM Idaho State Director Megan Conry, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, Jerome County Commissioner Charlie Howell, and a Magic Valley area student. There will be a large event tent and platform with requesting help from the SRCP Board to volunteer with ushering and parking. Chobani’s food truck will serve food with Republic Services handling portable toilets and waste. Bill asked others to plan joining tomorrow’s 11:30 a.m. meeting by zoom or phone call.
Larry Hall Resignation: Larry announced his anticipated move from the area and announced that he will resign ad advisor effective today. He will be available to help with transitioning. The board thanked him for work on the Overlook, Broken Bridge and related projects.
Table Unfinished Overlook Items: The board agreed to table Larry’s proposed items until the budget and available dollars are clear. Several emphasized that the sign work and other tasks needed cleaning up.
Tractor and Container: Tractor in the container but the lawn mower was not moved there yet, however mowing is not urgent because there was not new growth this year with Steve adding that the disc golf course has been sprayed. Six benches are inside the container with Bill having an idea where to place four of them. The board decided to test placing one with an anchor kit before committing to a full installation method. Concrete picnic tables are still needed: two by the Overlook and two more for the RV Park. The high school student painter has completed twenty feet of the middle of the back side of the container and will start back up next week.
Website and Facebook: Cheryl Viola has asked to be replaced as Facebook manager and Bill asked for suggestions.
Shooting Range and Archery: Bill will complete paperwork this week.
Walking Trail: Bill turned in paperwork to IDL on Monday seeking their approval first. If approved, the park will need to find $200k worth of gravel. Dr. Irwin and Norquist are really interested in getting this accomplished. Bill reminded that the BLM is not involved with this project. Last Monday IDL had a meeting to discuss developing the rim including building their own fee-use rock crawling park. Bill hopes the idea was shot down as the park does not want to compete with a second rock crawling park. IDL’s Lands Resource Supervisor Randal Brunmeier has resigned as of last Monday with Marybeth as the contact until the vacant position is filled. Bill asked Randal to join SRCP to work on the shooting range.
Volunteers: Brenda suggested the website list of what volunteers are needed to do and clarify scope.
Parking Lot next to Don Zuck Arbor: Bill to get forms completed and submitted with idea to get a vault toilet, picnic table, and arbor. Lisa hasn’t heard back from Colonial Arnot. Bill and Ray suggested Lisa contact the civilian contact, Dan Wray.
New Board Member: Bruce Balthrope and Stephanie Martin both turned in paperwork for Jerome Commissioners to consider appointment to the board or to serve as an advisor. The board believes there is one vacancy for the board position.
Meeting Time and Place: Discussed the recent change in meeting dates and times. Steve motioned to change the meeting time and date back to the second Thursday from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. with Brenda’s second. The board voted in favor of this change with Greg voting in opposition. The next meeting will be July 9, 2026. Bill suggested a sign sub-committee be held next followed by a special meeting two weeks after that. Jim will be contacted for his availability suggesting June 22, 2026. Agreed that signage and finances need to be dialed in before the board meets again.
New Agenda Items:
Accounting: The board agreed the park’s finances had crossed from a simple volunteer operation into a high-liability, and audit-sensitive system. A professional CPA/accountant was requested, likely under contract, and preferably as a non-voting board member or treasurer. The board believes the county must provide accountability structure now that the Overlook and RV Park will generate income.
Park Manager: Hiring a full-time park manager was also proposed with salary expectations around $50-$55k plus benefits. Members said the county commissioners should be approached as a board with clear demands, not as isolated volunteers. The group stressed separation of duties, QuickBooks-style reporting, and written procedures before audit pressures occur.
Weed Spray Day: Spray day scheduled for June 30, 2026. Partners include Tri County Weed and Pest and Twin Falls Weed and Pest, with tentative Blaine and Cassia county participation with multiple engines and drones. Living Earth to coordinate target areas, with an expected early-morning start and work continuing until weather or daylight shut it down. Primary target is rust skeleton weed with some nap weed too. Steve is hoping for 800-acre application day.
County Meeting to Present Budget: Scheduled for next Monday, Bill will present next year’s budget, and without the overlook open, he will estimate expenses.
Next board meeting is July 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., pending clearance from Blue Lakes Country Club.
Lisa motioned to adjourn at 11:24 p.m., seconded by Greg, motion carried.
Attachment A – Brenda’s edits from two sections in the May 7, 2026, Minutes:
ADA Hearing Sight Impaired Sign Feature: Brenda presented the ADA NaviLens coverage of four signs with initial setup of $1,046, and $851 per year thereafter. Brenda explained its features for sight-impaired people, utilizing a cell phone and translating in most 42 languages. The park has made a commitment to make the overlook fully accessible to all. Discussed incorporating into the sign as already designed or adding a sticker after the fact as sign design is already complete. Discussed costs, alternatives, or QR codes. Jody and Brenda will research more with Jim making a connection to the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind. The board requested a demonstration of Navilens so they can better understand the system.
Signs – Other: Julianna asked for suggestions on the mining sign with others agreeing to give feedback in that group email. Brenda reported she, Bill, Charlie and Larry recently spoke at the Idaho Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference and suggested using some of that language regarding the history of the park. Suggestions for additional signs including ADA parking, RV Parking, Video Surveillance, No Littering, No Camping, etc.