Ada County commissioners table three bid awards, approve variance findings and authorize boat-safety grant application

The Ada County Board of Commissioners on March 31 adopted a proclamation designating April 2026 as National County Government Month and took a series of administrative and procurement actions including approval of variance findings for a large accessory structure, authorization to submit a recreation boat-safety grant and tabling of three bid awards for further review.

The Board approved revised findings, facts and conclusions of law for application 2025002449ACB (Hatch Designs), a variance for an accessory structure north of Joplin Road that staff said includes more than 20,000 square feet of workshop and indoor court space. Development Services told the Board it prepared revised findings after the March 11 public hearing and submitted them for formal approval; the motion to adopt the findings carried on a voice vote.

Procurement staff opened bids on three construction projects and asked the Board to defer award decisions until their April 7 meeting to allow time for evaluation. For the Morris Hill warehouse remodel (Bid 26004) five bids were reported with the apparent low bid, as presented to the Board, at $800,000 and other offers ranging up to about $1.13 million; staff requested tabling the award. Similarly, three bids were opened for the Courthouse Clerk/Treasurer remodel (Bid 26031), and five bids were opened for the Benjamin roof replacement (Bid 26037400). In each case the Board voted to table award until April 7 so staff can complete responsiveness checks and administrative review.

The Board authorized the sheriff’s office to submit an online application for a Recreation Boat Safety Grant through Idaho State Parks and Recreation intended to support motor-boat safety operations at Lucky Peak. Commissioners discussed that Ada County coordinates safety at Lucky Peak with state and federal partners and neighboring counties. The motion to authorize the application (grant number referenced as 2603 on the agenda) was approved by voice vote.

Operations presented Change Order No. 1 to contract 31202CO1-26 with Triple G Construction to extend the completion date for tenant improvements at the Ada County Victim Services Center because of unforeseen conditions; the Board approved the change order. The Board also approved six agreements listed on the agenda, accepted recommendations from indigent services staff for summary cases dated March 31, and authorized payment of the county claims journal dated 03/31/2026.

Clerk’s office staff told the Board absentee ballots will be mailed beginning Friday in advance of the primary (49 days out), and that alcohol-license renewals are underway (staff reported 175 completed and 839 remaining). The Board also approved 11 catering permits, one license transfer and 44 retail renewals in a single motion.

Operations staff reported on a false alarm at the courthouse the prior Friday during testing of a major fire-alarm upgrade. Staff said the systems upgrade replaced more than 1,700 devices and that dust in a penthouse duct triggered a sensitive alarm; the Board was told staff changed that particular alarm point to "supervisor" mode so it will generate supervisory calls rather than automatically routing to the fire department unless there is a confirmed emergency.

Acting as the Board of the County Emergency Medical Services District, the commissioners approved the EMS claims journal and minutes and heard an EMS update. EMS staff said they are arranging an inspection of a potential purchase of Eagle Fire Station 2, plan to auction or sell several obsolete ambulances and will refresh disaster supplies and trailers that have passed useful life.

The Board adjourned after finishing the agenda. The Board will revisit the tabled bid awards on April 7, 2026; staff will return with bid-evaluation recommendations.