Grand County thanks Emery County for their help

By Patsy Stoddard
Editor

Emery County receives thanks from Grand County Sheriff’s Office
Several employees from the Grand County Sheriff’s Office came to the commission meeting where they recognized Emery County for helping them out. Grand County jail recently underwent a remodel and Emery County housed their inmates during the construction period. A plaque was given to Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk and to the Emery County Commissioners Lynn Sitterud, Paul Cowley and Kent Wilson.
Grand County Sheriff Steve White said, “We want to take the time to tell you how much we appreciate what you did for us keeping our inmates over here while we had the remodel.”
Chris Wood from the Division of Wildlife Resources presented the Annual PILT payment to Emery County and updated the commissioners on the DWR’s activities within the county. Wood said the payment was for $2,6010.17. “The DWR manages 5,421 acres in Emery County including the upper and lower San Rafael wildlife management areas, the Huntington Family/community fishery and Desert Lake. Emery County is an amazing place. We appreciate the partnership we have with Emery County and appreciate the lands council. We have a unique ongoing relationship that opens up communication and helps to address issues and concerns. We are proud of our track record. People love the wildlife. We’ve started a pheasant program that’s going well. We release birds at the Huntington Game Farm and at Desert Lake. We are trying to reignite that sport for families to enjoy. We are trying to grow the deer herd. We’ve had some issues with bison in Range Creek. These aren’t our bison, but they are coming in from tribal lands. We appreciate the partnership we have to improve the quality of life for Emery County citizens.”
The DWR recently planted 5,000 trees and bushes on the Huntington game farm for wildlife food and habitat.
The board discussed restructuring the Board of the Local Building Authority of Emery County and then tabled the issue for County Attorney Mike Olsen for further research. Commissioner Kent Wilson said an individual came forth and questioned the legal make-up of the LBA. Olsen will study it to make sure it’s legal.
Attorney Olsen indicated his initial research and prior case studies indicate the board is legal. But if the commissioners want to change the make-up of the board that is legal too.
Commissioner Wilson said where there is mineral lease money involved state statutes dictate how that money can be distributed.
Commissioner Wilson said the awarding of the bid for lawn care for seven Emery County Libraries and the Emery County Road Department is down to two bidders. The bids are within a few dollars. They are reviewing references. “We want to get it right,” said Commissioner Wilson.
The board approved the Emery County Emergency Management’s application for the 2018 Emergency Management Performance Grant. The amount of the grant received has not been determined.
Brenda Tuttle clerk/auditor presented the 2018 Election Judges list. The list was approved with the addition of any alternates if the election judges chosen cannot complete their assignment.
The Annual Membership Dues for the Utah Water Association were approved for $500.
The Rental Agreement for the Dunk Tank for the 2018 Emery County Fair was approved in the amount of $99 for the day. Attorney Olsen said it should be fine under liability insurance providing a responsible person operates the dunk tank.
Mary Huntingon, personnel director presented the Revised Risk Management Vehicle-Transportation Policy. If the county fulfills all of the requirements outlined by the trust then a portion of funds paid in are refunded. All drivers of county vehicles must be checked on a monthly basis to ensure they are eligible to drive county vehicles. Any driving infractions could be grounds not to allow operation of county vehicles by unacceptable drivers. The policy was approved.
Judge Scott Johansen was appointed to the Career Service Council member for a three year term ending June 1, 2021. This fills the vacancy left by McKette Allred. After review of all applicants it was determined Judge Johansen was the most qualified applicant. Attorney Olsen said when the Career Service Council meets when they have hearings they make orders, do fact finding and other related duties. “I would like to thank McKette Allred for serving and thank Judge Johansen for his willingness to serve on that board. I appreciate him doing that” said Olsen.
Commissioner Wilson said he was in Washington DC last week and he along with Randy Johnson met with the legislators and he was encouraged by what he saw. “They plan on introducing the Emery County Lands Bill next week. They believe it is the best time to present a bill with the present administration and with Sen. Hatch retiring. The language is still being tweaked a little bit. We met with the PEW foundation and they indicated if the bill goes through they will support it and help it pass. The bill covers 1 million acres. The PEW foundation couldn’t figure out why anyone would oppose it. This is an excellent opportunity to pass this,” said Commissioner Wilson.
Commissioner Cowley reported the lack of water is not good. The county has been in similar drought situations over the years. He advised everyone to fast and pray for moisture. “Recognize the situation we are in and ask for divine help,” said Commissioner Cowley.
Brenda Tuttle presented bids the county received for the building of a website for the Emery County Travel Bureau. The travel bureau has matching money from the state for this website.
Bids were: Precision CMS-$22,995; Patrick Copeland-$44,000; Lowder Design-$45,000; Smirk New Media-$13,500; Relic-$25,000; Hub-$55,000; Develop Studio-$22,785; ETV News-$13,455; Info Genetics-$18,000-$23,000 range; Rumor-$55,000-$75,000 range; Love Communications, Base-$49,625 and premium-$57,125. There were three bids received after the deadline which were not opened.
Commissioner Wilson said the travel bureau will analyze the bids and make sure they meet the Request for Proposal that was advertised. The state will match up to $86,000 for the new website project.
Commissioner Wilson said if the Emery County Lands Use Bill passes it could draw more attention to our area and a lot of people will use the website to research the area.
Estelle Grange has been selected to be the janitor at the Huntington Library. Jeremy Lake was promoted to Correction Officer I for successful completion of POST.
Mike Howes was hired as a full time Dispatcher I with benefits. Erik Nielsen was hired as a seasonal Weed and Mosquito Tech.
E. James Nielsen was approved to be a volunteer for the Weed and Mosquito Department. Melissa Arrien and Kevin Butler were hired as seasonal Head Lifeguards. Gage D Jensen was hired as a seasonal Lifeguard.
Approval was given for Retired Sgt. Tom Harrison and Retired Sgt. Dusty Butler to be volunteers to assist with Emergency Management, Homeland Security and other special functions at the Emery County Sheriff’s Office.
The transfer of Maxine Fielder to the Recorder’s Office as a full time Deputy Recorder I, with benefits was approved.