Commission approves contract for debris basins

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

An ambulance write-off was brought before the commission. The party has been billed several times, but not responded and they have now sent in a form for a reduced fee or a waiver of fees. No insurance or medicare or medicaid has been billed for this person. The commission determined the matter needs further investigation and the practice of writing off ambulance fees needs to be reconsidered. Citizens need to realize an expense will be incurred when an ambulance is called out.
The engineering contract was approved with Johansen and Tuttle for the engineering for the debris basins in Huntington Canyon.
A public hearing needs to be held for comments on the addition of an amendment to the planning and zoning ordinance and also for the watershed study to be included in the county general plan in its entirety. Planning and zoning administrator Mike McCandless said there would be some minor adjustments to split estates, when there is a different owner for mineral and surface rights. This will provide some layer of protection when there is a different underground owner. This way the subsurface owner won’t walk all over the surface rights owner. This will give the owners the same level of accommodation and practice.
The commission approved a special use permit with the forest service for the Boarding House communication site. The site was previously permitted to a private individual and recently became available. It’s on the northern end of the county and a very high location.
In the commission reports James Nelson reported he’d been to the Festival of Service held by the volunteer center. He attended the UAC conference held at the new events center in Utah County. He attended the farm bureau organizing meeting. He attended the aging meeting where the budgets are very much on their mind, but they are still going strong.
Commissioner Ethan Migilori said he’d attended some ribbon cuttings in the county for new business including the Lil Country Store in Cleveland. “She’s made several upgrades and is serving hot meals,” said Commissioner Migliori. He said the economic development council for the county is working on the Main Street Incentive program. Money is available to help businesses with their curb appeal, signs, building upgrades and other help for retail businesses. Businesses can apply through the economic development council and application forms are available.
Planning for the Emery County Fair July 31-Aug. 3 is underway and moving along. There was talk about the statewide plan for sage grouse so they won’t be listed on the endangered species list. This plan outlines steps to be taken to protect sage grouse. Commissioner Migliori thanked Ray Petersen for his work on sage grouse.
Commissioner Jeff Horrocks said they went to Washington DC and met with the Utah delegation on the county public land use bill. Rep. Rob Bishop is trying to put together a multi-county proposal. Commissioner Horrocks said this is OK as long as it doesn’t take too long and hamper the Emery County bill.
The commission approved a business license for Allred Construction. Camille Thomas was hired as assistant librarian for the Castle Dale Library. Colten Leavitt was hired as a 90 day temporary head life guard. The economic development office has hired Holly Damron as a 90 day temporary.