CVSSD discuss 2008 and 2009 projects

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

The Castle Valley Special Service District ended 2008 with their final meeting of the year where they reviewed projects completed in 2008 and looked ahead to 2009 projects.
One large project the district has been involved with is the construction project on Center Street in Castle Dale. The street was widened, power poles moved and sidewalk and a large retaining wall have been put into place. The wall is nearing completion as the project has shaped up very nicely to improve the looks of Center Street. The wall will extend all the way to the driveway where you turn to go to Dr. McKell’s dental office. George W. Johansen has been the project contractor. The project was originally slated to cost $1,336,000 but costs are now at $1,690,000. Extra money is being spent on the project to see it is done in an effective manner and also so the district could retain the same contractor who had been involved in the project from the beginning. The district received the money from the CIB board early so the project could be finished.
The 2008 curb and gutter projects for the north and south ends of the county recently had their final inspections. B. Hansen Construction held that bid with Mike Riley Construction from Ferron as the subcontractor. Next year the district will combine the north and south projects into one large project instead of two projects.
Nelco Construction completed the drainage project in Ferron. One area which still needs some attention is at 400 West in Ferron where the patch work is not satisfactory. The contractor will come back next spring and redo that patch. His work is guaranteed for 12 months so the patchwork falls under the guarantee and he also verbally agreed to see that work is completed to the district’s specifications. The board agreed to go ahead and pay him the rest of what he has coming for the project. “He’s done a really good job and we haven’t had any problems,” said Leamaster.
The 2009 chip seal project plan is ready, the 2008 chip seal project wasn’t completed because of the inability to get oil at the time. On Jan. 8 will be a site showing and on Jan. 15 bids will be let. There is also a price escalation clause in the contract. “Hopefully asphalt will be available,” said Leamaster.
There will be a public hearing at 10 a.m. on Jan. 6 at commission meeting concerning the bond resolution. The bond resolution can go ahead and the bond attorney is paying for the cost to republish the notice. On Jan. 14 the bond will close.
Johansen and Tuttle is working on the 2009 project schedules and surveying and drafting of the plan will begin the first part of January.
The drains have been surveyed through Ferron, but the district isn’t sure yet how to route it.
Surveying has also begun for the road project to the Canyon View Junior High. The new road would come out by the seminary building and have access into the parking lot at the junior high. Rights of way need to be obtained for that project and at this point they have not been obtained.
The intersection at 400 West and 400 South in Huntington may be resolved by spring.
The board confirmed the authorization of the CIB contract in the amount of a $970,000 grant.
Leamaster reported on the annexation and facility plan for the bond election. This must be done by the county commissioners. It must have legal notice and a public hearing along with an objection period. The commission must approve the annexation. Any annexed property must be de-annexed from where it is now. It must be taken out of where it is and annexed into the CVSSD.
Mayor JoAnn Behling from Ferron wondered who can object to the annexation. Only property owners directly involved can object.
Leamaster said they have been working with the towns on future projects they would like to see implemented. These meetings will take place before the next CVSSD meeting so the projects can be discussed at that time.
Chairman Brad Giles brought up the zebra mussel and what the district would like to do to be proactive concerning the damage they could cause.
Leamaster said the district is concerned about its water facilities and the irrigation systems. The mussels are relatively small but they form colonies and are notorious for clogging filters in water systems.
Craig Johansen directed everyone to the article in the Emery County Progress concerning the mussels as it gave a lot of good information about the infestation.
The board approved their meeting schedules for the third Thursday of the month except in May which will be Tuesday due to high school graduation.
Under personnel items, Leamaster reported Ron Kennedy is having some health problems and is unable to work at this time.
The board approved a Christmas bonus for employees.
Jamie Luce, secretary, reported they have started advertising for a new manager for the district. Applicants will be screened and three-four applicants will be interviewed by a committee selected from the board. An engineering degree is required and all interested applicants are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will work with Leamaster until his retirement in September.
Leamaster brought up a request from Huntington/Cleveland Irrigation to allow three of their users to retain individual water shares and run their water through the CVSSD system. Huntington/Cleveland has a lot of trouble with the line these water users are on and they would like to discontinue the use of that line.
Leamaster said the problem with this situation lies in the request to retain individual water shares. The district hasn’t allowed this practice in the past and they have had several requests to make these exceptions. There are people in Ferron who want to do the same thing.
It is a question of taking private individuals water and putting it through a publicly owned system. One reason these landowners seek to retain their water shares is in a drought year, they could still water and use their shares and not be subject to watering restrictions that may come into play within a city.
The board didn’t see any advantages in allowing this water to be transported on the district system. The board agreed they would just stay the course with the approach they have taken in the past. But, the individuals are welcome at anytime to join the CVSSD system, but this would require that water shares be given to the district.
The district recently received a new account software program and it is up and going and the transition has been smooth.
Leamaster reported a problem with not having a fire hydrant close enough to the new mortuary in Huntington. A commercial building must be within 250 feet of a fire hydrant. There is a fire hydrant at Huntsman Motors and this is the line which will be extended. The district must burrow under SR-10 and bring the line out by the new mortuary. It will cost between $30,000-$40,000 for this project. Leamaster said they will work out an agreement with Huntington City that they will do this project if Huntington City will forego one street of asphalt this coming season.
Gerry Hatch reported that UDOT wants to close a couple of their roads off of SR-10 in Clawson. The visibility at these intersections isn’t adequate. Hatch has talked to UDOT about a trail between Castle Dale and Clawson for jogging and biking.
Giles instructed Hatch the district would support the project although they can’t help monetarily and he suggested Hatch approach the recreation district to see if they have any funds available for trails. Huntington Mayor Hilary Gordon suggested he look at grant money also, as Huntington has applied for grants before for trails. UDOT has a trail development grant program and most of it has been used along the Wasatch Front for development of trails there.
The board approved the payment to PacifiCorp for tax protests for 2007 in the amount of $17,816 and $20, 474.