Commission to look for funds for Green River canal repair

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

The Emery County Commissioners met in commission meeting in Green River on Aug. 27.
Commissioner J.R. Nelson reported the NRCS will come up with some grant money to fix where the canal crosses the wash in Green River. It’s the main canal bringing irrigation water into Green River and recent flood events have washed the face away and the pipe is rusted underneath. Some of the debris has been cleaned from the wash. The next step to receive this grant is to write a letter to the NRCS to explain how the city, county and the canal company will come up with the 25 percent match for the project. Capt. Kyle Ekker said the steps must be taken to put the funding together to get this project completed.
The commission opened the bids for the Huntington Canyon debris basin project. Nelco Construction bid $1,966,809; JCI bid $1,458,946.20; Nielson Construction bid, $1,108,102.50; WW Clyde construction $1,310,000. Nielson Construction appears to have the lowest bid. The engineer will go through all the bids to make sure everything is in place and the contract will be signed after the research is complete.
The agreement between Emery County and PacifiCorp was signed. This will allow the county to store debris materials from the construction of the debris basins and also any materials cleaned from the debris basins on PacifiCorp property at Huntington power plant.
The Huntington debris basin project right of way with the BLM was approved. The emergency management performance grant articles of agreement was approved. This is a grant from the federal government for $30,000 to be used for emergency management purposes.
Commissioner Jeff Horrocks said he appreciates the sheriff’s office and the way they go after grants to help bring extra money into the county.
A position on the Emery County Travel Bureau for the eastern end of the county will be advertised. Eugene Swalberg resigned his position and is moving north for another position at Utah State Parks. Commissioner Horrocks said Swalberg has done an excellent job with the travel bureau and for the Green River State Park and golf course.
The Huntington library roof project had a change order approved for the addition of vents on the roof. This will help the new roof to last longer. A cooperative agreement was approved between Emery County and Emery County Special Service District number one for purchase of right of way easements for county Class B roads that cross SITLA property. County Attorney David Blackwell drew up the agreement. Grant money can be applied for to help pay for these rights-of-way.
Commissioner Nelson said he wishes agreements of this type could be applied to all the roads in the county and that would fix the RS-2477 road issues.
Commissioner Nelson attended a national board of health convention. They talked about disease, substance abuse and other topics. Rep. Jason Chaffetz held a town hall meeting at the museum in Castle Dale. Commissioner Nelson attended the Emery Water Conservancy meeting and the county is still in a drought. The water has held up well. A temporary boat ramp is in place at Joe’s Valley where the water is as low as its been in recent memory.
The UHSSA no longer prints 1A tournament brochures, so a group in Panquitch may do that and ask for a small donation later on in the school year.
Commissioner Ethan Migliori said he toured the San Rafael and other locations with the staff members from Rep. Chaffetz office. Other user groups were invited along.
A follow-up meeting was held for the fair and plans are underway for next year’s events. Suggestions and comments are welcome.
The Emery County Business Chamber lunch and learn will be on Sept. 18 at noon and will feature a tour of Energy Recycling in Huntington and lunch at the Castle Cafe. Everyone welcome to attend.
Commissioner Horrocks said he has been working with the fire district and they need new pumper trucks. Their current trucks are worn out. They will apply for CIB money to see if they can procure half the money for the purchase of the trucks. Cost of the trucks is $800,000.
The AOG may be having funds cut which could affect programs which benefit Emery County including, meals on wheels, HEAT and the aging programs.
“In two weeks, we will send Commissioner Migliori and Ray Petersen back to Washington DC to discuss public lands. We have verbiage that can be used in a bill.”
Commissioner Horrocks said an Emery County bill or multi-county bill can minimize the affects of the environmental groups that are trying to lock up Emery County public lands. “We don’t want millions of acres of wilderness,” said Commissioner Horrocks.
Out of state travel was approved for Robby Riley, Tyson Huntington, Jeff Thomas, Garrett Conover, and Jerod Curtis to attend UNOA annual conference in Mesquite, Nev.
A 3 percent wage increase was approved for Melissa Arrien for successful completion of her six month orientation. Laryssa Guymon was approved for a 3 percent wage increase for successful completion of her six month orientation period and is moved to head lifeguard. Savahnah Hall was hired as a part-time head lifeguard. Ryan Cox, Emily Olsen, Kayden Parkins, Kevin Butler and Alex Stilson have been hired as part-time lifeguards.
Out of state travel was approved for Ray Petersen and Commissioner Migliori to travel to Washington DC to lobby on public lands issues.
A business license was approved for Marcie Anderson Daycare.