Commission holds public hearing

By COREY BLUEMEL Staff Writer

During the April 20 meeting of the Emery County Commission, a public hearing was held concerning the issuance of a Level III conditional use permit for Mac’s Mining and Repair in Huntington. This permit would bring the business into compliance with the zoning ordinance.
There are three types of conditional use permits that individuals may need for uses on county land. Due to the type of business, this being a salvage yard, Mac’s Mining was required to obtain a Level III permit. The Level III permit is one that requires commissioners issuance. A public hearing is required for all Level III permits and they impact the public the most.
Mack Huntington, Chairman of the Emery County Planning and Zoning Commission, explained the application and stated that it met with all the criteria set down in the zoning ordinance. If the commission approves this application, Mac’s Mining would be brought into compliance with that ordinance. Huntington explained that the building portion of Mac’s Mining is located in Huntington City, and the land used for storage of machinery and parts is situated in the county’s jurisdiction.
When Huntington City was approached about annexing that portion of Mac’s Mining property into the city limits, the city council declined. Following that action, planning and zoning approached the Utah Department of Transportation about their feelings of the issuance of this Level III permit. UDOT stated that it had no concerns.
Huntington stated the planning and zoning committee had reviewed all criteria and it is the committee’s recommendation to issue this permit. Commissioner Drew Sitterud then asked if the public had any comments as this was a public hearing to decide on the issuance of the permit.
Bryant Anderson, Zoning Administrator, stated that the dealings he has had with Mac’s Mining have been very positive and commended them on their actions to comply with whatever the county has requested. Commissioner Gary Kofford stated that he has had a similar experience with the company.
With no further public comment, Commission Sitterud closed the public hearing and entered into the regular commission meeting. The commissioners then approved issuing the Level III Conditional Use Permit to Mac’s Mining.
Another business item conducted by the Emery County Commissioners was to hear from the Friends of the Green River Positive Action Community Team. PACT requested the donation of $5,000 to the newly formed group. PACT is a non profit, fund raising organization that will oversee the construction of the Green River Community Life Center.
Mary Wilmarth, PACT spokesperson, explained the need for the donation. “This will be pre-development funding. PACT needs $3,000 to apply for tax credits, $1,000 as a partial payment for the feasibility study, $500 for the needs assessment and $500 to repay the Green River Community Center for funds they lent to apply for the 501C3,” said Wilmarth.
The community life center will contain a small number of assisted living quarters, office space, community center, bowling alley, convention space, gym and a distance learning center. Jim Huffaker of CEU explained the distance learning center. The college will provide equipment and facilitators to bring opportunities to Green River for continuing educational experiences. “Higher education is the key to economic development,” said Huffaker.
Youth activities will also be a central part of the new center. Another aspect of the center will be to provide space for social services that are needed in Green River. When representatives from different social service programs come into Green River, the center will provide the office space.
Wilmarth explained that the Green River City Council is supporting this project and that it is severely needed by the community. The Emery County Commissioners tabled the request until such time that the funding is available.
GayLee Jeffs, of the youth city council leadership next requested a donation to help provide funding for the youth city council members to host a convention here in Emery County. The Castle Valley Youth Leadership Conference will be held May 21-22. There are many activities planned for the students to participate in such as workshops, service projects, meals and a dance. The commissioners approved to donate $250 to this project.
Other items approved by the commissioners were allowing the Castle Valley Special Service District to enter into a municipal line of credit with Zions Bank, ratifying the contract with the state history department for the renovations of the Swinging Bridge and allowing the GIS department to do some map and information work for the Association of Governments. Commissioner Kofford also suggested the commission sign the letter of intent with Utah Power for the company to complete an energy audit of the county building. There will be no charge for the audit and it will point out ways in which the county can become more efficient in their use of energy at the building.