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Roads and weed control: bridge washout, drone lease proposal and possible noxious‑weed ordinance
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Summary
Road & Bridge and Weed Department staff reported a washed‑out private bridge requiring temporary repairs, proposed leasing a drone for mapping and applications, and discussed a draft ordinance to add kochia and Russian thistle as county noxious weeds; prosecutor flagged licensing, insurance and contract requirements.
Road & Bridge and the county Weed Department told the commissioners on March 23 about infrastructure and vegetation‑management work and several operational proposals.
Kevin McLain, Road & Bridge, reported hauling silica sand for the City of Soda Springs, signing an oil contract with Idaho Asphalt, and a recent private bridge near Chesterfield (owner Kelly Toponce) that has washed out and may need temporary repair. McLain said he filed permits with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and that Keller & Associates had inspected the site and will provide recommendations. He noted mag‑chloride costs have risen after supplier consolidation; current market price is approximately $40 per ton.
Weed Department lead Dwight Lloyd proposed leasing a drone to support weed control and to help Road & Bridge with runoff and inspection work. Dwight said the idea could reduce expenses and that "no one else is doing this" in the county. Prosecutor Doug Wood cautioned that any drone use for pesticide application or mapping requires a licensed operator, an applicator’s license, bonding and insurance, and that any county contract would need commissioner approval.
Dwight also reviewed his 2025 projects list, discussed using preemergent to manage weeds early in the season, and raised concerns about Russian olive and its effect on the water table. He asked the board to consider adding kochia and Russian thistle to the county noxious‑weed list; Doug Wood drafted an ordinance and will forward it to the board and to Dwight for review. The board left the Dyers Woad bag price at $10 per bag.
No formal ordinance vote occurred at the meeting; the discussion resulted in follow‑up work to review the draft ordinance, consider drone procurement and licensing options, and obtain cost estimates for bridge repairs and chloride needs.