The Emery County commissioners met on Sept. 28 in a closed meeting to discuss the Regional Haze Federal Implementation Plan. They discussed the Approval of engagement letter with Stoel Rives LLP for litigation representation.
Emery County commissioners met in open meeting on Oct. 4 and heard from county residents.
Mark H. Williams spoke under public comments saying he and Tina Carter attended the Dark Skies party at Goblin Valley State Park. There was a dinner and presentation. Telescopes were set up and those staying at the park and visitors could observe the night sky. He also mentioned the North Temple wash road has washed out again and he recommends the county fix it right so this road can stand up to the floods that come each year. With the Goblin Valley State Park expansion project this road will be well used and should be fixed right.
The commissioners said they would look into it.
Cody Draper from Utah.com came and explained how they are promoting Emery County. They have worked with Green River City on six things to do while staying in Green River. With Green River as a base camp, the website describes five or six day trips that can be experienced near Green River. As part of this after the day trip excursion there are listings of local motels and eateries and things to do. This promotion intends to bring people into the communities. Draper said there is a lot of success with the promotion and more than 250,000 people have seen it. They have also received 4,000 information requests about this area. When people search Google then there is a national parks page, Goblin Valley page, Swasey’s beach, state parks, mountain biking, rock climbing and Joe’s Valley Bouldering. They are suggesting to people they avoid the crowds of Moab and visit the Swell. Draper said the website is bringing out of state traffic to the area.
The commission opened bids for the Cottonwood Creek Project. TSJ-353,952.89; Nelco contractors-345,530; Jackson Excavation-$497,680; Perco Rock Company-265,709.60; Nielson Construction-297,116. The bids will be reviewed and awarded to the lowest bidder providing everything is in order with the bid.
The commission approved updating the Eligibility Federal Surplus Property Program in order to give the Road Department the opportunity to purchase from this program.
The Community Impact Board county priority list was approved. This list includes a wish list of projects the county would like to see funded in the future.
Jordan Leonard presented The Nielsen House lodging property request for funds through the Tourism Incentives Program. This property is listed on Airbnb. They are using the funding to improve the business; the fund is a matching grant; the upgrades are $4,725 and the travel bureau will reimburse, $2,362 of this.
This was approved.
The board approved the Assurances Relating to Real Property Acquisition for the Cottonwood Creek Project-Castle Dale (ADS-78) in connection with the installation of project measures which involve Federal financial assistance furnished by the Natural Resources Conservation Services.
Leonard requested the approval to begin advertising for a Hotel Recruiting RFP. There is a need for a hotel on the western side of the county. Commissioner Migliori also suggested anyone with property or extra room in their house to consider a bed and breakfast. The county is in need of more lodging for tourists. There’s also opportunities for management companies to take care of properties. “Let’s see what the interest is out there, because our tourism is increasing each year. If we can’t accommodate them, they will go to Price and Richfield,” said Commissioner Migliori.
Tiffany Baker from the Museum of the San Rafael asked for a fee waiver for the museum rental for the Castle Valley Archeology Society. They will hold their monthly meeting there on Oct. 20 and will tour the museum and hear abut the artifacts at the museum. Everyone is welcome to attend. It begins at 7 p.m.
The commission heard information on a request to prorate property tax for Kern Behling. A building was torn down on the property and dropped the value. The commission approved this request and took another request under advisement to study the value of the property more thoroughly.
The FY2016 Beer Tax Funds Annual Report of Counties was approved.
The Emery County Landfill will start the advertising process for the disposal of the scrap metal pile at the landfill.
Carole Larsen presented the modifications to the Emery County Library Kindle contract. Kindles can be rented at any of the libraries. Kindles cannot be placed in the book drop, they must be brought into the libraries for return.
October 19 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. will be the first budget meeting to begin the 2017 county budgeting process.
The board approved the lease agreement with Emery County School District to lease a county building for the Robotics Program.
Commissioner Migliori thanked the road department for their recent road clean-ups due to storms. The Spanish Trail group is working on recommendations for the use of the Spanish Trail.
Commissioner Keith Brady said there was an aerospace tour in the county to raise awareness for business opportunities in the aerospace industry.
Commissioner Paul Cowley said the county held a summer BBQ for the senior citizens. The meal was catered by BKs. “It was a good activity for our seniors, it had to be held inside because of the weather.”
Kristen Vose of Cleveland Town was approved to be their representative on the Emery County Recreation Board.
Mistie Bastian was selected as a part time janitor working as a janitor in the Green River Library. Evelyn Huntsman was approved as a volunteer for the Archives Department.
Jerimiah Rich was promoted from Correction Officer II to Patrol Deputy I.
Suzanne Anderson and Val Payne will serve on the Emery County Preservation Committee.
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