Workforce Services update

By COREY BLUEMEL Staff Writer

Delena Fish of the Department of Workforce Services gave her quarterly report to the Emery County Commissioners at a recent meeting. She stated that July marked the beginning of a new fiscal year for the department and she then handed out their goal sheet and explained they had reached their goals in nearly every area the previous fiscal year.
Commissioner Ira Hatch asked who sets the goals? Fish went on to say the department has regional meetings and the supervisors in each region set the goals together. When that process is complete, the supervisors return to their own area office, and meetings are held with the staff to determine the strategy to reach those goals. She stated that one particular goal this year is to raise the participation rates, and her department is focused to achieve this goal.
“Since Hurricane Katrina, three people have been into our office seeking employment. There are special criteria for benefits for the people displaced by Katrina. The one couple in particular have been placed in jobs in Price and have relocated there. The other gentleman has a geology background and we have referred him to the College of Eastern Utah,” said Fish.
Fish went on to say, “We have been working hard on the WIA youth program, and the youth have been working in the flower garden at the Heritage House on Main Street in Castle Dale. Those youth who participated have received a lot of praise and thanks. They were recognized at the Utah State Fair for their efforts, and they learned many things from start to finish, such as budgeting, ordering, receiving, and planting.”
“We have a special new policy concerning out of school youth, ages 21 and under. These youth must meet the criteria for help, and we can help them with schooling and employment. We are encouraging anyone who feels that they may qualify to come in and begin the process for eligibility.
“DWS is working hard in the area of economic development also. We have taken a role in the summit and have great hopes for this project.
“We will open up two apprenticeships this year, and we are also looking for other occupations that may offer apprentice opportunities for people.
“We are struggling to provide enough truck drivers to the area, but the mines seem to have leveled off and are doing OK. There are more job orders coming in and we are looking to have a good quarter,” stated Fish.
In other business conducted by the commissioners, Commissioner Hatch informed the group that approval for the intersection on SR-10 near the Hunter Plant has been secured. A contractor has been chosen and work is to begin this winter. According to Hatch, the project should not disrupt the flow of traffic on the highway.
A business license was approved for Joseph W. Clark to open a jewelry business in his home.
The business will be known as Clark’s Custom Jewelry.
The commissioners also approved to sign an agreement between Emery County and the forest service.
This agreement is for law enforcement, and is the same as past agreements that the county has entered into with the forest service.
Commissioner Gary Kofford explained a problem with a property boundary in the county.
Following the purchase of a piece of property by a resident in 1988, the recording of that property was done incorrectly.
As a result the owner of the property has noted that there is a 7.26 X 75 foot portion of property that adjoins his yard that does not legally belong to him.
It was his understanding in the purchase that he owned it, but due to the incorrect recording, he does not.
The commissioners discussed the taxes that are due on this portion of property.
For the past years, before the resident noticed the error, he has not paid taxes on that piece of property, and the commissioners questioned who has been getting the tax notices.
Following some discussion, it was discovered that the county now owns the property.
It was approved to begin the process for disposal of this county property.
Commissioner Kofford announced that the libraries in Emery County are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. In each library throughout the county, posters have been put up with historical information concerning the beginning of the library system.
He encouraged all to visit their library and help them celebrate their anniversary.
Commissioner Hatch noted that the Quitchupah road is still waiting for approval.
The environmental impact statement is expected soon.
The next Emery County Commissioners meeting will be held Oct. 18 at 9 a.m. in the commission chambers in the county building.