County approves hauling MOU and a package of contracts; commissioners set follow-up reviews

Teton County commissioners on June 9 voted on a set of action items that included contracting for weed control, awarding a mag-chloride road treatment contract, approving a ditch-modification agreement needed to move a state-funded pathway project forward, buying a surplus Mosquito Abatement truck, approving a short interagency work agreement with the City of Victor for weed treatment, and signing an interim hauling memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Eastern Idaho Regional Solid Waste District.

Key votes (what passed and what they do):
- Weed control contract: The board approved contracting with Rustic Mountain LLC for weed control on county rights-of-way and selected county properties at $105 per hour with a not-to-exceed amount of $20,000. Outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Canal ditch modification (SH-33 pathway): The county approved the ditch modification/grant of right-of-way agreement with the Grand Teton Canal Company (needed to construct the state highway pathway), with amendments recommended by the county prosecutor’s office. Outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Eastern Idaho Regional Solid Waste District MOU (hauling): With prosecutor edits noted in the motion, commissioners approved an interim MOU authorizing the district to haul county landfill-bound material to Circular Butte at $2.74 per mile until the Newdale facility opens. Outcome: approved; staff to complete edits and implement transition July 1.
- Mag chloride road treatment contract: The board awarded the 2025 mag chloride application contract to Mountain Valley Construction for a not-to-exceed $214,000 (for 30 miles), subject to any legal edits. Outcome: approved (voice vote).
- Mosquito Abatement pickup purchase: The board approved purchasing a 2018 Ford F-150 from the Mosquito Abatement District for $21,000 with county budgeted funds and signed a bill of sale. Outcome: approved (voice vote).
- City of Victor interagency agreement: The board approved an interagency agreement to provide up to 10 hours of weed treatment for Sherman Park by the county crews. Outcome: approved (voice vote).
- RFQ for building-department supplemental services: The board approved issuing a request for qualifications for private vendors to provide supplemental building permit, plan review and inspection services; responses due June 30. Outcome: approved (motion passed with no recorded dissents).

Why these matter: The bundle of approvals reflects routine county maintenance and capital activities (roads, weed control, facilities) plus an operational shift on hauling while a regional landfill opens. Most measures were approved unanimously. Commissioners asked staff and legal to finalize minor contract edits and return with documentation where required.

Follow-up directions after votes
- Staff to finalize attorney edits on the hauling MOU and execute it; transition of hauling is targeted for July 1.
- Public works to manage execution of mag-chloride work and return any contract redlines to the board if substantive.
- Purchasing/finance to complete the Mosquito Abatement F-150 bill of sale transfer and include the purchase in claims.
- Planning & building director to issue the RFQ and return with responses at the next regular meeting.

Speakers and sources: Daryl Johnson (Public Works Director), Kim (county staff), Dave Hodesco (RAD Curbside), commissioners (Powers, James and others).