The Emery County Commission opened bids for the conversion of the power line at the landfill. Two bids were received one totaling $5,311 from Lofthouse Electric and one for $6,510 from Dean Allen Electric. The bid was awarded to Lofthouse. The bid for the Orangeville and Green River library roofs was awarded to Stilson Construction for $23,000 for the Orangeville library and $26,000 for the Green River library.
Rocky Mountain Power gave their quarterly update. Deb Dull reported that RMP had donated $17,000 for local events including the fair and other local celebrations. Reg Soepnel, RMP reported they had given the Community Impact board a tour of Hunter Plant. Rep. Jim Matheson will visit the plant this month as well as Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.
They have completed overhauls at the plants for the next two years. They will begin again in 2010, although some changes may begin the overhaul process again in 2009. That’s not known yet. The focus for the next two years will be on operational procedures and training.
Darrell Cunningham reported the overhaul of Hunter 3 went well and ended on May 20. Contractors numbered as many as 700 and it was a safe overhaul. There were a couple of vehicle and fork lift collisions, a broken ankle and a shoulder injury. The turbine work took longer than expected due to the availability and labor in the shops where that work was completed. When it all went back together there were only two leaks which is good. Other big projects included replacing the coal silos, replaced fans, scrubber towers, and control system equipment. After the public comment period has ended the low nox burners will be turned on. Low nox burners are more environmentally friendly. The old equipment taken from the control room was donated to the Western Energy Training Center to be used in their training for positions in the energy field.
Cody Allred is the water engineer for RMP. He said currently they have a comfortable supply of water to run the plants for the winter. “This could go down as one of the driest years ever. There hasn’t been a lot of river flow and this is drought related. There’s not enough water to go through the entire irrigation season, but we are working with Cottonwood and Huntington to get through a bad situation.”
Allred explained the flushing flow on Huntington River was very successful. It’s estimated it removed 85 percent of the accumulated moss along the river. The fish study concludes it’s a healthy fishery and one of the best in the state. Allred said RMP is proud to be part of keeping Huntington River healthy. He said the need is crucial for a good snowpack this coming winter. The water from the flushing flow was saved in Huntington North Reservoir and no water was lost from the extra flow. This flushing flow will probably be used again in the future. Allred reported the Huntington/Cleveland Irrigation project is moving along. Phase I will be ready for next year’s irrigation season. They are also issuing a notice to proceed on Phase II.
Don Sjogren was granted a business license for expansion of storage units.
There was discussion with Scott Ellery on some land his company is interested in for leasing for gas exploration. They aren’t able to proceed without knowing who owns the mineral rights to these lands. The county is listed as owning these rights and acquiring them in a tax sale, which doesn’t make sense as the county doesn’t collect taxes on mineral leases. County Attorney David Blackwell said in this situation the best thing might be to relinquish the county’s rights to the surface owners. It was determined the county would file a notice of record that they will relinquish any rights or interests and would begin the process immediately.
The commission agreed to waive the building fee for the Emery High carpentry class for construction of their new house this school year.
The commission approved the standard form of agreement between Hughes General Contractors and the Emery County commission for the pool complex.
The commission approved the contract with the state for special election funding and for the Western States Presidential Primary Election funding agreement. The local cities will also contribute to the county for the conducting of the municipal elections. In order to cut costs, Brenda Dugmore clerk/auditor said some precincts will be combined and the number of election judges will be cut back.
The commission approved the cooperative agreement with the Utah Department of Transportation for Phases 5 and 6 of the South Moore cut-off road. These phases are to complete 18 miles of asphalt on the previous phases.
In personnel matters, a position at the landfill was given approval for recruitment. A step increase was approved for Kristin Robertson at the justice court in Green River.
The commission approved Janet Petersen for a museum board opening.
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