Commissioner Brad Holton emphasized that the decision was made after careful consideration, stating, “This transition is not reactionary to any crisis; it’s a well-thought-out process. We had the opportunity to choose from two qualified candidates, and today we’re meeting on the record to make a decision.”

Commissioner Zach Brooks expressed strong support for Watters, noting her extensive experience within the office. “Jennifer has come up through the ranks as deputy treasurer, office manager, and chief deputy. It makes the most sense to appoint her to the position, ensuring a seamless transition within the office. Her 27 years of experience in the office is hard to overlook.”

Commissioner Leslie Van Beek also voiced her approval, highlighting Watters’ long-standing dedication to the county. “Jennifer Watters has been mentored under Treasurer Lloyd and has had a very good career here. She stays calm, performs her duties diligently, and has the support of our Chief Operating Officer. With her experience and understanding of Canyon County’s dynamics, I believe she’s the right choice to continue the strong legacy of the Treasurer’s Office.”

The unanimous support from the commissioners underscores their confidence in Watters’ ability to effectively lead the Canyon County Treasurer’s office.

Watters was sworn in Tuesday, September 3, 2024, and started her new role as Treasurer, continuing the work of her predecessor, Tracie Lloyd, and ensuring a smooth transition for Canyon County.

“I am honored to take on the next journey of my career and continue to serve the people of Canyon County as your Treasurer,” Watters said. “I have been fortunate to have had a great mentor, Tracie Lloyd, and I look forward to following in her footsteps and be a great leader.”

August 29, 2024, BOCC Agena appointment decision: https://agenda.canyoncounty.id.gov/SupportDoc/GetSupportingDoc?supportDocID=3359

Jennifer Watters was appointed Canyon County Treasurer and sworn in September 3, 2024.

Preservation Idaho (PI), established in 1972 by concerned residents within the community, is dedicated to protecting Idaho’s historic landmarks through collaboration, education, and advocacy. With the rapid disappearance of historical sites caused by ongoing development and population growth, PI works to preserve historical and cultural assets, advocate for the adaptive reuse of historic structures, and educate the public on the significance of Idaho’s heritage and history.

One of its key events, the Orchids and Onions Awards, recognizes noteworthy contributions to historic preservation and highlights projects that show Idaho’s cultural history. This year, the Melba Valley Historical Society was acknowledged for its dedication to preserving the Melba Valley Museum building. The Melba Valley Historical Society has completed numerous restoration and preservation projects to uphold the building’s historic integrity and functionality.  Since Melba Valley Historical Society’s establishment in 2013, they have dedicated themselves to raising funds and pursuing grants. The Canyon County Board of County Commissioners are proud to say that through Canyon County’s unique Historic Preservation Grant program, over $110,000 has been contributed to the ongoing preservation of the Museum building.

Melba Valley Historical Society’s hard work led to the building being listed in the National Register of Historic Places in January 2024. Thus, making it Canyon County’s newest National Register site. The museum houses a wide selection of local historical artifacts such as yearbooks, military uniforms, household items, and records from the I.O.O.F. Lodge #150 and Rebekah Lodge #105. The Melba Valley Historical Society’s dedication to preserving Melba’s historical essence adds great value to the community and ensures its unique heritage is preserved for future generations.

The museum is open Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., May through October, and is located at 310 Carrie Rex (next to the Melba Post Office).

Canyon County has continually supported WVHS as a community partner and tenant. Most recently, Canyon County completed a roof upgrade to the WVHS building. This project included replacing the previous canvas roof with a wood-framed structure, adding insulation, and installing floor heating within the facility. These enhancements created a controlled temperature environment, facilitating easier temperature regulation to keep the area cool in the summer and warm in the winter, thus significantly benefiting both staff and animals. The County directly paid $850,000 allocated from ARPA. That project is scheduled to be dedicated on Tuesday.

In addition to providing the roof upgrade, the County contributes to the WVHS through a monthly payment made through the County’s lease and service agreement with WVHS that is negotiated annually. WVHS is also financially supported by the cities of Nampa, Caldwell, and Middleton through contractual agreements. The County believes having an independent, non-profit animal shelter is an asset to the citizens of the County and, along with our municipal partners, will review WVHS’s budgetary requests through our annual contract renewal process. Allegations of wrongdoing with WVHS monies should be reported directly to law enforcement and are not a matter the County will comment on.

For more information, please contact the Director of Constituent Services, Aaron Williams at (208) 614-5011.

The unanimous decision followed an almost three-year-long process and a crucial agenda meeting, marking a significant step forward in enhancing waste management services in the region.

The decision and new partnership with Timber Creek Recycling was called a “win-win” for the County by all the Commissioners.

Commissioner Leslie Van Beek praised the services and innovative spirit that Timber Creek Recycling has demonstrated since integrating into the Nampa community. This new facility represents a significant step forward for Canyon County, showcasing the BOCC’s vision for a sustainable future and strong community partnerships.

“With a good working board and a vision for the future—that’s what I see in this board and this community partnership—we’re moving Canyon County forward and that’s an amazing win,” Commissioner Van Beek said.

Commissioner Zach Brooks spoke of the convenient location and the value it will bring to the County, highlighting that it will be closer for some residents who will no longer have to trek all the way out to Pickles Butte Landfill.

Chairman Brad Holton acknowledged that while the process might have felt long the board needed to do its “due diligence” to ensure the partnership between a private business, like Timber Creek Recycling, and county government was done correctly.

“As a board, we’ve made every effort to do our due diligence and ensure this was a public process. Transitioning from private business to intersecting with government can be cumbersome, and I appreciate Timber Creek Recycling’s patience. At the end of the day, this partnership is an efficiency for Canyon County citizens and a win-win for both sides, which is not always common in government and private industry,” said Chairman Holton.

Key Benefits for the Canyon County Community:

Enhanced Waste Management: The new transfer station will serve as an additional drop-off location for household waste, alleviating traffic congestion and reducing wait times for residents using landfill services. The facility will help minimize blowing waste and trash along Missouri Avenue and throughout the County, as fewer vehicles will need to travel to and from the landfill.

Strategic Location and Future Expansion: The site is strategically located within the County and close to major transportation routes, making it convenient for residents. It’s zoned for industrial use and minimizes its impact on neighboring properties. There is potential for future expansion, including the installation of a rail spur for efficient freight movement.

Commitment to Sustainability: Timber Creek Recycling manages over 400 million pounds of recyclable materials annually, underscoring their dedication to sustainability. By preventing the need to move materials multiple times, the company’s innovative processes reduce environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency.

Innovative Recycling Practices: Timber Creek Recycling has introduced several pioneering recycled products to the Treasure Valley over the past seven years, including concrete with rebar, sheetrock, biosolid compost, and both commercial and packaged food waste recycling. Canyon County is among the first in Idaho to recycle and repurpose sheetrock and clean wood, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Community and Economic Benefits: As a private transfer station, Timber Creek Recycling assumes more financial and operational risks, protecting the community from unexpected liabilities. The facility’s construction is estimated at $3 million and is slated to open by late fall/winter of 2024, bringing jobs and economic growth to the region. By extending the lifespan of public landfills and encouraging economic development through material reuse, the new facility will have a lasting positive impact on the community.

Mike Murgoitio, CEO of Timber Creek Recycling, expressed excitement about the partnership with Canyon County, highlighting the company’s role as a good neighbor and partner. “This new facility represents a significant opportunity for the community, fostering sustainable practices and enhancing waste management services in the region,” said Murgoitio.

On May 17, 2024, the Canyon County Board of County Commissioners approved the contract agreement and necessary permits for Timber Creek Recycling to establish a full-service solid waste transfer station in Nampa.

Timber Creek Recycling manages over 400 million pounds of recyclable materials annually, underscoring their dedication to sustainability. By preventing the need to move materials multiple times, the company’s innovative processes reduce environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency.

The new transfer station will serve as an additional drop-off location for household waste, alleviating traffic congestion and reducing wait times for residents using landfill services. The facility will help minimize blowing waste and trash along Missouri Avenue and throughout the County, as fewer vehicles will need to travel to and from the landfill.

The decision hinges on whether to grant Timber Creek Recycling the necessary permits to establish a full-service solid waste transfer station at 16933 Northside Boulevard in Nampa.

Timber Creek Recycling is a regional waste management company with operations in 10 locations. They offer services such as trucking, grinding, crushing, turning, screening, and demolition.

What this could mean for the Canyon County community?

The proposed transfer station would enhance waste management in Canyon County by adding a new drop-off location where they already convert various waste materials into usable products like cattle bedding, colored mulches, compost, animal feed, recycled asphalt, and soil/gravel, thereby boosting waste diversion efforts.

The introduction of this additional site as a full-service solid waste transfer station and secondary drop-off location for household waste would help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce wait times for residents using landfill services. It could also minimize blowing waste and trash for residents along Missouri Avenue and throughout the County, as fewer vehicles will be traveling to and from the landfill.

The current site is already up and running, and it’s accepting materials. It’s strategically located within the County and close to major transportation routes. The site is zoned for industrial use, which minimizes its impact on neighboring properties. Additionally, there is potential for future expansion, including the installation of a rail spur for efficient freight movement.

Timber Creek Recycling is dedicated to sustainability, managing over 400 million pounds of recyclable materials annually.

Shalimar Terrace has distinct mid-century ranch homes while the Glen View Estates has unique log-cabin style homes.

“Canyon County is happy to support another qualified historic preservation project of the Canyon County Historical Society,” said Nicki Schwend, Director of Canyon County Parks, Cultural and Natural Resources. “It is exciting to see projects that are assisting with Nampa’s Historic Preservation Plan goals while also fulfilling goals in the Canyon County Historic Preservation Plan through historic surveys and potential National Register Listings.”

To download a copy of Nampa’s Historic Preservation Plan, follow this link: https://www.cityofnampa.us/1354/2020-Historic-Preservation-Plan

To download a copy of Canyon County’s Historic Preservation Plan, follow this link and select the HPP tab at the bottom: https://www.canyoncounty.id.gov/elected-officials/commissioners/parks-cultural-natural-resources/historic-preservation-commission/

Nonprofit and 501c3 entities can apply for these grant awards on an annual basis. Anyone interested in learning more about these grants and grant opportunities should contact Canyon County Parks, Cultural and Natural Resources at parks@canyoncounty.id.gov.