Scout project to install benches at Lawrence cemetery

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The Emery County Commissioners met in their May meeting where Kobe Faimalo discussed an Eagle Scout project at the Lawrence Cemetery. Kobe explained that there are currently no benches at the Lawrence Cemetery. He has chosen to install four benches at the Lawrence Cemetery for his Eagle Scout Project. He provided the Commissioners with a cost breakdown and agenda for the project. He added that the benches will be similar to the benches in front of the courthouse. Jeff Guymon discussed placement of the benches. Lawrence Cemetery Committee Chairman Bevan Wilson explained that about a year ago the committee came up with a proposed plan to purchase four benches. This plan was presented to the Emery County Commissioners during the budgeting process last year. The County has budgeted $4,500. for this project.
Clerk/Auditor Brenda Tuttle handed the Board of Commissioners the Request for Proposal packages. There were 12 packages for the Branding Package and Marketing Request that were read. Simple View, Truss Group, Red Rider Creative, ChandlerThinks, HAPI, Roger Brooks International, Sorenson Advertising, Utah Valley University, Viva + Impulse Creative Co., GumCo, HUB and SLANT Media all presented proposals.
Commissioner Migliori recommended the bids be turned over to the travel council board to go through them and make a decision.
One bid was received for the development/drafting of a hazard mitigation plan for Emery County. The bid was from S. MABE Consulting, LLC. After review of the bid Captain Ekker and Sheriff Funk recommended accepting the bid. There were four bids received in the Clerk/Auditor’s office for Castle Dale Library janitorial services. The bids were Camille Thomas $325 per month; Kelly Stevens $500 per month; Melinda Bell $300 per month; McKensie Garrison $500 per month Commissioner Ethan Migliori asked Commissioner Cowley to review the bids with Library Director Carole Larsen to determine if they are complete and go from there.
The committee has received private citizen donations enough to pay for two benches that were submitted to the Clerk/Auditor’s Office. He indicated there will be three requisitions for payment from this project. One for the purchase of the benches, one from Magnuson Lumber for the materials to frame the cement pad, and one from Nielson Construction for the cement pad to set the benches.
Commissioner Cowley asked Kobe if he would have help on this project. Kobe indicated that other troop members will help with the project. The project is projected to be completed before Memorial Day. Wilson informed the Commissioners the Lawrence Cemetery Committee has another project in the works for planting trees in rocky areas without much water. He thanked Brenda Tuttle for her help with the project.
Larry Prettyman came before the Board of Commissioners to discuss ownership of the sign north of Huntington. He indicated his wife’s family owns the property where the sign is located and that in years past Emery County was paying the yearly lease. The county let the lease lapse and Ferron City picked it up for advertising Millsite Golf Course for a few years. He indicated that he would like to take over ownership of the sign. He stated that he has talked to the State about procedures for taking over the sign and the permitted uses of the sign. He was told by the state that Emery County would need to write a request for him to take over ownership of the sign. He would then have to make application with the state to designate the sign as commercial use. The billboard sign was constructed by the County for a cost of approximately $5,000 with a yearly lease of $500 to the land owner for a five year period. Now the lease is $800 a year. For a while the Travel Bureau was paying the yearly lease. It somehow has fallen through the cracks. The original use of the sign was for a gateway sign. The use needs to be zoned as commercial or industrial if the use is determined to generate revenue. Jeff Guymon, Planning and Zoning Director, indicated that if the ownership changes the new owner would need to acquire a conditional use permit from the county. The Commissioners agreed that to move forward with this they would need a lot more good information and determine how it affects everyone. They suggested looking over the old lease agreement and have discussions with UDOT who regulates all billboards in the state. The item was tabled.
Commissioner Migliori said the County recently accepted the resignation of Jeff Horrocks from the Emery County Housing Authority Board mid-term. The Commission would like to find two more residents willing to be appointed to the board. They have one resident who has applied to be on the board. Commissioner Migliori recommended appointing Rebecca Brotherson to the Housing Authority Board and try to get two more appointed in the next couple of meetings.
Sheriff Funk explained that bulletproof vests need to be replaced every three years. The Sheriffs Office has applied for a federal grant that will pay half of the cost and the other half will come out of seizure funds. The application needed to be sent in before the date of this meeting. Therefore, approval of the application process needs to be ratified.
The board approved the 2016 property tax exemption list.
Road Supervisor Wayde Nielsen requested approval to rent a DST tractor for the debris basin. He explained the equipment will be used to remove rocks from the Huntington Debris Basin. The rocks will be stockpiled to be used for the Cottonwood Creek mitigation project. The rental will be $22,400.00 for two months and is an allowable expense under the stipulations of the Huntington Debris Basin Project. Commissioner Paul Cowley made a motion to approve rental of a DST for the Huntington Debris Basin.
Cory Worwood, Weed and Mosquito Supervisor discussed a letter he forwarded to the Commissioners regarding Weed/Mosquito employees taking county-owned vehicles home overnight. He explained according to the new vehicle policy he needs to get permission from the Commissioners to allow this. During the hot summer months they fog for mosquitos at night. To save travel time for the employees he would like permission to let them take the vehicle home. If they live in Ferron and are traveling to Huntington or beyond then they can go pick up the vehicle and return it to the shop but if they are fogging in Clawson, Ferron or Emery it would be advantageous to have the vehicle with them. The commissioners approved the request.
Captain Kyle Ekker explained the application process for federal assistance for emergency watershed protection of Castle Dale/Orangeville/Cottonwood Creek. This will start the process to get the contract and funds for the project. When the contract comes in he will bring it back to the Commission for signatures. The total project is estimated at $4,515,000 Federal assistance $3,465,000. The county portion $1,050,000. The completion date for the project is December 14, 2016.
A Public Recreation Easement Agreement between Rocky Mountain Power and Emery County for Des Bee Dove Trail was ratified.
Commissioner Migliori discussed a Grant Application with Utah Division of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Vehicle Program State OHV Grants Motorized Trail Application for funding to make improvements to the Des Bee Dove Trail. The trail improvement is contingent upon the $57,000.00 funding coming through. Mark Williams OHV Club President has indicated where the match will be met. The local grazers and OHV club approve of the trail improvements. Commissioner Cowley stated that this will be a difficult trail and will be marked as highest difficulty on the trail maps. The gate will be closed during inclement weather to maintain safety and mitigate and liability.
Dennis Ardohain and Lori Ann Larsen, Miner’s Memorial Committee were present to discuss the exact location for the Miner’s Memorial. Commissioner Cowley indicated he has looked at the location originally thought to be best for the memorial along with the contractor. They have determined some problems with this location. Jeff Guymon offered an extensive review of the lawn and they have determined the best location. Castle Dale Mayor Danny Van Wagoner discussed the zoning issues regarding the location. They discussed the fact that the monument has to be set back 12 feet from the sidewalk.
The board approved the Event Coordinator Contract with Holly Jorgensen.
Commissioner Paul Cowley made a motion to approve a donation of $10,000 to Emery County Housing Authority.
Commissioner Migliori discussed the Emery County Fair Vendor Application and Agreement for insurance requirements. Commissioner Migliori suggested making adjustments to the application. He suggested adding two questions to the application. 1. Do you have insurance. If so include the policy carrier and number. If no, then they are to contact the Rec District who will refer them to a tenant user liability program. There they can purchase a tenant user policy for approximately $40. The old application required a one million dollar policy which would have a premium that could be quite pricey for a small business. Commissioner Brady agreed with Commissioner Migliori there needs to be a category based on the risk involved. He felt $40 was reasonable and probably doable for a small business vendor. It is better for the county to do something than nothing. Brenda Tuttle asked “Wouldn’t the County want to be involved in this process rather than turn it over to the Rec District? The County should be checking to be sure the vendor has insurance.”
Castle Dale City Mayor agreed. Mary Huntington, personnel director added if the vendor marks ‘yes’ they have insurance the County will need proof of that insurance. Commissioner Migliori explained that providing a certificate of insurance may cost as much as $50 from the carrier. He recommended having the Rec Dist. collect the information and forward it to Mary for verification.
Wayde Nielson, Road Supervisor discussed the rental of a John Deere 6175M Tractor using State Contract #PD1672 for their weed mowing from July 15th through October 14th at a cost of $3,312.50. They would like to use Big B Equipment as the delivering dealer.
Two projects need to be added to the Emery County CIB short term list. In Green River City a Natural Gas Feasibility/Economic Study and in Huntington City, ADA Compliance Restroom.
Janet Damron was promoted to Senior Deputy Recorder. Brittany Cox was hired as a seasonal Sales Clerk at the Museum.
The recruitment process for two part time, working 19 3/4 hours per week, seasonal employees to work in IS/GIS is starting. Mike Nelson and Tina Lacock were hired as seasonal head lifeguards and Valerie Chynoweth and Taigon Pulli were hired as seasonal lifeguards.
Out-of-state travel for Tina Carter to Milwaukee for the Main Street Now Conference was approved and for Keith Brady to Montrose, for a Six County Infrastructure Coalition Meeting.