Brandon Shippy — The speaker appears to say 'Representative Crane,' likely referring to Representative Shippy? This is uncertain; the transcript says 'Representative Cranewright.'
Shawn Dygert — Comments that Hawaii counties dealt with a similar issue and that the process adds another layer for hiring.
Shawn Dygert — Representative Shawn Dygert first asks the chair whether a substitute motion is needed to add a recommendation to the current motion to send the bill to the House floor. He then follows up by making the substitute motion to move House Bill 686 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.
Judy Boyle — Representative Judy Boyle’s remarks are part of a continuous discussion about whether the bill needs additional language. She argues that the existing wording already covers firing through disciplinary action, and the surrounding testimony references her point while addressing questions about the council and mayor.
Judy Boyle — Pohanka references her earlier comments about compensation and disciplinary provisions.
Lance Sayers — Lance Sayers is called to testify and identifies himself as representing the Association of Idaho Cities. He explains that city staff serve at the will of the mayor and council, notes that many cities have raised the issue, and adds that city attorneys typically serve under contract and require council support for renewal.
Donald Powell — Donald Powell, mayor of St. Anthony, testifies about how nepotism restrictions prevented him from hiring qualified family members for city positions. He gives several examples, including his younger son Jared and his son-in-law Rocky Hill, both of whom had relevant work experience and skills for public works jobs but could not be hired because of the family relationship rules. He explains that the city council supported the hires, but he felt obligated to follow the law, which led him to raise the issue with AIC. He concludes by expressing frustration with the restrictions and the situation overall.
Robert Berlin — Robert Berlin, mayor of Roberts and a board member of the Association of Idaho Cities, argues that nepotism restrictions can create practical problems for small cities. He gives an example of being unable to hire the only willing high school student to mow grass because the student was the son of a city councilwoman, which led to needed work not getting done. He says this is a recurring issue for small cities, especially those far from population centers with limited budgets, and notes that while nepotism is a valid concern, regular elections and supervisory separation help address it.
Mike Pohanka — Mike Pohanka speaks in support of the bill, emphasizing that it is intended to help small communities rather than larger cities. He cites several small towns in his district, explains that people will not travel long distances for city jobs, and notes that small communities often struggle to find qualified applicants. He concludes by saying these communities need the bill and mentions a supportive letter from the city of Grangeville.
Anne Haws — Mentioned in the context of having a substitute for her.
Megan Woller — Identified as the substitute who will be with the committee for the next week, or three days.
Heather Scott — Representative Scott is referenced as having provided feedback during the legislative discussion, with both mentions describing his role in the feedback process on the bill.
Heather Scott — Chairwoman Scott is addressed as the chair in a continuous exchange, with both mentions referring to the same role and no change in topic.
Heather Scott — Heather Scott, acting as chair, thanks Powell for following the law, keeps the hearing moving by wrapping up testimony, and then opens the floor for discussion on the motion.
Erin Bingham — Representative Bingham was called on after the sponsor requested questions, and he then moved to introduce RS 33570 and send it directly to the second reading calendar.
Stephanie Mickelsen — Moved House Bill 686 to the House floor.
Monica Church — Representative Church was called on after the motion was stated and then asked how the public could raise concerns if the bill’s conditions are not met.
Monica Church — Representative Church asks who would supervise a city attorney if the mayor and city attorney are related under the bill’s framework, and the discussion continues with a response directed to that question.
Monica Church — Berlin references her earlier question about who oversees these hiring situations.
Brent Crane — Representative Crane was called on and asked whether cities are required to interview applicants or whether they may simply appoint at the city level. He followed up by noting that cities typically do interview and asked whether the bill should require interviews or only posting and applications, with the discussion continuing as his question was answered.
Joe Alfieri — Representative Joe Alfieri is involved in a continuous discussion about authority to fire an employee. He asks whether the mayor has that power, the question is answered directly to him, and follow-up comments express a preference that the council should have the ability to fire the person. The exchange remains focused on the same issue throughout.
Ben Toews — Representative Wheeler is questioned about the bill’s hiring and employment provisions and explains that the related elected official cannot supervise the employee while the city council retains control. He then says he has no major concern about clarifying that the council can fire the person and would not object to adding language that explicitly mentions firing, continuing the discussion of guardrails in the bill.