Commissioners to write letter opposing HB 49

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

Craig Johansen requested the commission write a letter voicing opposition to HB49 which has been introduced by Rep. Kay McIff. He believes the bill will pit shareholders against the water companies and that water will be taken out of the service area. Water is the key to the Emery County economy and any loss of water would be an economic disaster. Johansen said the water task force told McIff this was poor water law and they voted not to support the bill as did the Farm Bureau.
Commissioner James Nelson will draft a letter stating Emery County’s opposition to the bill.
Ray Petersen the public lands director said he attends the Colorado River Water Users Assn. conference each year and the Wasatch Front, Denver, Phoenix they are using all their water. If bidding wars occur over water, there is no way Emery County could compete with other states. Johansen said at the present time, water can’t leave the state.
Danna Gray from the boys scouts eagle scout program asked the commission to waive the museum fee for the annual eagle scout banquet in the February 25 commission meeting. In 2013 there were 11 new eagle scouts and each one put in at least 100 service hours for a total of 1,100 service hours in the county.
Commissioner Ethan Migliori said the scouts do great things for our county and recommended the fee waiver be granted. He wants the scouts to know that Emery County supports the scouting program.
Chris Wood from the Division of Wildlife Resources presented the Payment in Lieu of Taxes money to the county for division owned land in the county. They have land at Desert Lake, Huntington game pond and in the San Rafael. The check was for $2,651.31. Wood said the division is involved in a number of projects in Emery County each year. They have habitat projects each year to improve the feeding grounds for elk and deer. They are also working on walk-in fishing access for anglers.
Calvin Black from the DWR said last year they released 3,500 fingerling tiger muskies at Joe’s Valley and this year hopefully they will get a 1,000 more. The DWR is also working on getting approval for an extension of the boat ramp at Joe’s Valley.
An adult quagga mussel has been found at Lake Powell and the DWR will be actively involved in fighting these mussels in the local waters. They are contacting the legislature for help with funding for mussel invasion prevention.
The DWR may start restocking Huntington Creek in the fall depending on the seasonal monsoonal rains.
Gerry Stotler asked the commission for a donation to the volunteer center. The center helps with the Foster Grandparent program and matches volunteers to projects needing help in the county. They helped with the Angel Tree program in the county and helped 28 angels. They also help with the relay for life. The volunteer group meets the second Monday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Main Street Grill in Castle Dale. Plans are underway for a Christmas tree festival in December with all funds raised going to local organizations.
The commission approved a $250 donation for the volunteer center and a $250 donation for the rodeo club requested by Nathan Urie, rodeo club member. The rodeo club has 30 team members and they are getting ready for their rodeo in Castle Dale on April 12.
The commission approved the landfill annual solid waste report for 2013. The landfill had no violations for the year and Commissioner Nelson complimented the top knotch employees at the land fill that know what they are doing.
The commission approved an MOU with the seven county area named the Eastern Utah Economic Development Coalition. The seven counties are working as a team to improve economic development in all the counties. They meet monthly and Commissioner Jeff Horrocks will keep the commission informed on their progress.
Commissioner Migliori reported the Historical Preservation commission is working on installing life size silhouettes depicting Spanish Trail users. They will be placed along the Spanish Trail. The silhouettes will help keep people interested in the history of our area.
The At your leisure program was at Joe’s Valley to feature ice climbing. A later show will talk about bouldering in the area.
Rocky Mountain Power last week held a meeting to discuss the transmission lines and routes. It’s been a 15 year process and it’s unreal the rules and regulations they must follow to install new transmission lines. There will be a public comment meeting on March 18 from 4-7 p.m. at the Fairgrounds in Price.
Tim Smith from the State Parks talked to the commissioners about the privatization of state owned golf courses which could involve Green River. Commissioner Migliori said it was more expensive to do it that way and people have been very proactive in working to make Utah’s state parks better.
Commissioner Migliori has been involved in tablet training at the libraries and will continue to make that training available in all the towns.
Commissioner Nelson said there are several bills they are watching at the legislature including the water change applications, grazing and timber bill, planning and zoning. The Salt Lake climbers club is seeking funds to do a study of the bouldering in Emery County.
Commissioner Horrocks said they continue to meet on the debris basin in Huntington Canyon. They are preparing an MOU.
Commissioner Nelson, Ray Petersen and Randy Johnson will be going to Washington DC to continue to work on the public lands bill and will ask for assistance for the debris basin.
The county is preparing for a surplus property sale in the spring at the road department. James Nielsen from the weed and mosquito department received an award for his work on noxious weeds.
The road department is beginning to put mag chloride on the dirt roads. Work has resumed on the debris basin after being shut down for winter. The water is approximately 80 percent of average.
Under the consent agenda: out of state travel was approved for Capt. Kyle Ekker and Capt. Jeff Thomas to attend a public agency training council seminar.
A business license was approved for Whitney Marie Photography and Sjogren Auto. The appointment of Scott Labrum to the Recreation District board to represent Castle Dale City was ratified.
Coby Hunt was approved for a 3 percent wage increase due to his successful completion of his orientation period.
Volunteers for the museums were approved: Sheila Sebring, Barbara Lemon, Lisa Jewkes, Beth Black, Barbara Petersen, Diane Lansford, Randy Jensen, Nancy Espanet, Jan Petersen and Mary Kava.