County commission selects bid for flooding project

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

Emery County Commissioners met in their regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 6. The board Ratified the Plan Sets for the Emery County Emergency Watershed Protection Project.
Commissioner Ethan Migliori opened the bids received for Watershed Protection Project. This project will help alleviate flooding from Cottonwood Creek in Orangeville and Castle Dale.
Bids were received from Jackson Excavation for $470,310; Johansen Construction-$649,878; Nelco Contractors-$425,699; Double E Construction-$719,368; Staker/Parsons/Nielson Construction-$325,072; Harrison Field Services $519,437. The commissioners will go over and compare the bids with the engineers and the bid will be awarded to the apparent low bidder Nielson Construction.
The board approved a waiver for encroachment permit for the NRCS-EWP Quitchupah Creek Project located primarily in Sevier County that extends approximately 300 feet into Emery County. Commissioner Keith Brady explained Sevier County contacted him as a small portion of the project extends into Emery County. Road supervisor Wayde Nielsen said he doesn’t see the need for an encroachment permit as there will only be light equipment and supplies carried over a small portion of the road.
The Castle Country Robotics club agreement was signed authorizing the club to use the weed and mosquito building for their robotics class.
Jordan Leonard, economic development director asked for approval for the Trail’s Committee and Staff to attend the annual Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit. There will be one in Cedar City on Sept. 14 and one on Oct. 5 in Moab. There is money in the travel bureau budget for this training.
The board approved the Get in The Wild FAM Tour Contract. This contractor is out of Hanksville and provides activities for the tours that come exploring the area. In return for sightseeing opportunities and activities including hiking, backpacking, yoga, photography and other activities, those that come write articles for their magazines promoting our area. “It’s an inexpensive way to market the county,” said Commissioner Brady.
The board approved the signing of MOU’s with Utah Office of Tourism for the awarded grant funds for AAA, Go West, Utah.com and Marketing. These grants are matched with travel bureau money for tourism projects. The AAA ad goes in their national guidebook magazine which is distributed across the United States. Utah.com is a website which directs people to the San Rafael Country website. People use that site for guidance when preparing a trip to our area.
Leonard said it’s a great website that provides back to the county demographics and click rates. It’s had an impact with visitation to the local state parks and promoted those destinations. It’s been a benefit to local lodging, retail and restaurant properties.
Contracts with AAA and Utah.com were approved.
The Interlocal Agreement with Special Service District #1 regarding construction of a dip on Temple Mountain Road was ratified. An Interlocal Agreement with Utah Local Governments Trust was approved.
A Super Seniors (75 and over) price of $1 per swim was approved for the Emery County Aquatic Center. Commissioner Migliori said this a great way to maximize use of the pool and help keep seniors active and healthy.
Commissioner Migliori said they have been attending meetings with UAC regarding centrally assessed properties.
Commissioner Brady said he attended the Solutions Summit hosted by Sen. Lee where education and jobs was discussed. Training the students for the work force was one of the main topics. More certifications would help rural economies by getting students on the job sooner without spending so many years in school.
On Sept. 21 will be the Business Chamber Lunch and Learn and the topic is bouldering and its economic impact for Emery County. It’s at noon at the Museum of the San Rafael.
Commissioner Paul Cowley reported Oregon is going to shut down their last coal fired power plant. The coal loading terminal project at the Oakland Port is not going anywhere.
Justin Truman received a 3 percent wage increase for successful completion of his six month orientation period as the Foreman. Approval to give Adam Gardner a 3 percent wage increase for successful completion of his 6 month orientation period as a part time Equipment Operator/Driver I was approved. Maxine Fielder was selected as Commissioner Ethan Migliori’s part time Confidential Secretary working 19 3/4 hours per week.
Savahna Hall was promoted to Head Lifeguard.
Joel Dorsch will take the place of Scott Labrum on the Rec. Board. Natalie Humphrey will attend a grant writing workshop in Grand Junction, Colo. in October.
A business license for Katie Sitterud, Miss Kate’s Country Road Preschool was approved.
Leon McElprang will fill the open seat on the Public Lands Council.