| Green River Mayor Glen Dale Johnson reads a letter from a Green River citizen to the commission concerning support for the new Green River Community Center. |
On behalf of the Emery County Economic Development Council and the Emery County Chamber of Commerce, Sharon Earl made a presentation to the Huntington City Council concerning enterprise zones and recycling zones. She explained that the county commissioners have completed the applications for these zones for the county, but each city inside the county must complete their own applications.
Once the applications are filled out and returned to the State, businesses inside these zones can earn tax credits for certain activities. Earl assured the council that this action will not cost the city anything, and no zoning changes or other changes are necessary. The filing of these applications is good for five years.
Businesses inside these enterprise and recycling zones receive tax credits or recycling and other activities, such as hiring minorities, that encourage a business to remain in the area. Some businesses are considering leaving the area for more beneficial locales.
“I think this will make a big impact on businesses in the county,” said Earl. “There will be no negative effects and we can say to businesses contemplating coming into the county, ‘we can give you tax breaks.'” Huntington City Council agreed to look at the applications and move forward with the enterprise and recycling zones.
Another item Earl brought to the council was the Emergency Preparedness and Health Fair to be held at Emery County Recreation building on Sept. 24. She stated that the chamber will have a booth at the fair and her wish is to hand out to the attendees a printed plan from each city that outlines responsibilities of residents during a disaster or an emergency. “We are not immune to disasters here in Emery County,” said Earl. “We should let the residents know the plans so they can make the needed preparations for their families.”
The next item Earl addressed was the Castle Country Economic Summit to be held at the Museum of the San Rafael on Oct. 6-7. She explained the summit that was held last year and encouraged the council to become involved again this year. The first day of the summit will be Oct. 6 and will consist of a dinner and a tour of the Castle Valley Outdoors project. The charge for that evening, and attendance at the summit breakout sessions and keynote speeches on Oct. 7, can be covered by becoming a sponsor of the summit.
The last item Earl discussed with the council was the construction of the scrubber on unit two at the Huntington power plant. She stated that in the contract that PacifiCorp signed with the constructors, Zachry Construction, there was a clause stating the construction company would utilize the labor and supplies market in Emery County to the fullest extent possible.
“The supervisors are here now, and eight office units have been installed behind the power plant. There will be 300 people coming into the area for the scrubber construction project, along with 400 more for the three overhauls that PacifiCorp has scheduled. These projects will be ongoing for the next 18-24 months. This may mean an influx of students into the schools as the workers are bringing their families with them,” said Earl.
“At the present time, the construction company is acquiring all the items they need elsewhere. They are going to Price for cleaning supplies, and most of the labor is coming from out of the area. The hiring office is in the Greenwell Inn in Price. I have compiled a list of businesses in Emery County and will be handing a copy of that list to all supervisors and employees notifying them of what is available in Emery County.
“There are several other projects going on now and in the near future. I am in need of a updated list of all the office space available for rent in Emery County. I am also contacting PacifiCorp concerning the use of local people and businesses that is in the contract they signed with Zachry,” said Earl.
In other business conducted by the Huntington City Council, a business license was given to Mike Pilling for a wholesale/retail business selling exercise equipment. Mayor Jackie Wilson explained the possible Utah State Prison relocation project and gathered comments from the council. The council came to agreement that this project is worth pursuing.
The topic of constructing a new concession stand in the park was discussed. Mayor Wilson said that she has had comments from citizens stating several different approaches rather than constructing a new building. Councilman Mark Justice explained that the bids coming in are for information only. The city will be under no obligation to any of the companies. These bids will help the council make the decision of whether to remodel existing structures or build new ones.
The city’s nuisance ordinance was discussed. “Many residents are calling me and complaining about messy yards and the danger of rodents and the presence of skunks. Our ordinances need to be enforced. The ordinances are worthless if we don’t,” said Mayor Wilson. She suggested the city secure legal counsel for this matter. The suggestion was also made to begin an education campaign in all sections of town explaining the procedure for residents who do not comply with city ordinances.
“We need a commitment from the county sheriff and the county attorney to back us up,” said Councilman Norman Dingman. Councilman Dingman was given the assignment to contact those agencies and secure that commitment. Mayor Wilson stressed the urgency to get some of the problems solved before winter comes and snow removal will be necessary.
Fall cleanup in Huntington will be Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Dumpsters will be placed in the usual locations for residents to use during the cleanup time. Mayor Wilson stressed the need for the use of the dumpsters. “They are for city residents and their yard waste only. The dumpsters are not for the use of contractors and construction trash,” she said.
As a final topic for consideration, Council person Julie Jones requested the council consider whether Huntington City should have an industrial park. This matter will be considered by the council and discussed further at the next city council meeting, which will be Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in city hall.