Bannock County panel OKs staff work to prepare deed of small parcels to Pocatello for Greenway expansion

Bannock County planning director Hal Jensen asked the Bannock County Commission to authorize staff to prepare a resolution to deed several small county-owned parcels to the City of Pocatello to support expansion of the city’s Greenway.

Jensen told commissioners the parcels are “remnants of old rights of way” from earlier highway and road construction near Craft Road and the Simplot area and said the city has expressed interest in using the land for Greenway development and parking. “I come before you to ask you if you would consider deeding these parcels to the city of Pocatello,” Jensen said.

A staff member identified in the meeting only as John explained the legal process for transfer: it must be done by county resolution and the resolution must state the transfer is in the public interest. “It has to be done by a resolution. The commission has to make the decision to deed the property by resolution,” John said.

Commissioners agreed to authorize Jensen and planning staff to prepare the necessary paperwork and draft the resolution. A commissioner moved to authorize staff to prepare the documents and related communications with the city; the motion carried on an affirmative voice vote. The commission did not adopt a deed at the meeting; the action recorded was authorization for staff to prepare the resolution and proceed with the paperwork.

Jensen described one parcel as frontage along the river and another near a bridge bend; he said the westernmost parcel toward Simplot could accommodate river access and a small parking lot similar to nearby Greenway facilities. He said he would notify the City of Pocatello that the commission gave authorization to move forward.

Minutes and a formal resolution will document the public-interest finding required for the transfer and any additional legal steps the county must take before conveying title.