Commission hears from Orangeville flood victim

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

Emery County Commissioners heard from Traci Barker as she discussed flooding on her property above Orangeville. Cottonwood Creek is cutting into the banks and extending its course.
It is undermining several large trees in the area and four trees have fallen over. Each time the creek floods it widens the channel. Water is washing under the road. Barker said she has applied to the NRCS for help with funding to fix the problem. “I am approaching the commissioners for help with the problem and to make them aware of what’s going on.”
Commissioner Migliori said we are looking at solutions and finding funds for repairs. We’ve also thought of implementing a flood tax to help with problems, but that has to go through Truth in Taxation.
Barker said the water has been running through her alfalfa fields when it floods. She thanked the road department and Wade Nielsen for the help they’ve given her. Commissioner Migliori asked her to keep them apprised of the situation and they will see what can be done.
The commissioner approved the Modification of Agreement with Manti-LaSal National Forest and Emery County for maintenance on Millers Flat Road to extend performance period and increase funding for maintenance. The board approved the 2015 Schedule A between Forest Service and Emery County for maintenance on Forest Service Roads.
The Master Lease Agreement between Emery County and John Deere Financial for the loader backhoe for Road Department use was approved for the amount of $900 per year.
The county uses the equipment and John Deere takes care of all maintenance on it. The county can operate the equipment 300 hours per year.
The Marshall Bridge Improvement Project needed extra asphalt and paint and this was approved. The bridge was raised a little. Nelco did the construction on this project.
A grant was issued by the Department of Agriculture for Emery County for the Russian Olive project for an additional $70,000 to eradicate Russian olives. The funding is to clean-out, cut and spray them.
A change order was approved for the South Moore Phase 10. The date to have the project completed has been changed from Aug. 31 to Oct. 15. This project includes an acceleration lane onto SR-10 and a passing lane near the end of the road where it connects to I-70.
The Commission meeting set for August 18 has been changed to August 25 in Green River at 9 a.m. Board of Equalization is set for August 25 in Green River from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and August 26 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Castle Dale.
The board approved to advertise RFP for independent audit services for FY2015 and subsequent years.
John T. Eden was appointed to the Emery County Council of Aging and Nutrition. Jeff Guymon was appointed to the interim Zoning Administrator for Emery County.
The county will take bids for janitorial services of the Justice Court and Sheriff’s Office Building in Green River.
The commission ratified the application for Federal Assistance, Assurances relating to Real Property Acquisition, Budget Information, and other assurances relating to the Millsite Dam Agreement between NRCS and Emery County.
In the commission reports Commissioner Paul Cowley thanked those involved at the Museum of the San Rafael for the Kids Corner activity center. Maegan Wilberg is the museum director, she and several museum board members were involved. Cory Worwood from the Weed and Mosquito department said there is a concern with mosquitoes due to wet conditions, but they are working hard throughout the county to keep the mosquitoes down. Problem spots should be reported to the weed and mosquito department, (435) 381-2933.
Commissioner Keith Brady reported the Emery County Search and Rescue’s San Rafael Classic Triathlon was a success. The event was held at Huntington Lake state park. This is a fundraiser for the search and rescue to purchase needed equipment.
Commissioner Migliori said the legislature changed the way gas tax can be collected. There is a county option now available and the county and cities will look at how this might be helpful in raising some needed funds. They will research what these funds can be used for before they proceed. The tax would need to be placed on the ballot, it would be next year before this might happen. Migliori said he was interviewed on the radio and the county also did an opinion piece in the Salt Lake tribune about what the county is trying to do with public lands in the county. The Castle Valley Special Service District is doing some chip and seal projects on city streets. He also said the county has applied for a grant for a training workshop for those effected by the closing of coal related industry in the area. This is in collaboration with other counties. They will find out soon if the county qualified for this grant.
The board approved out-of-state travel to Anchorage, Alaska for Tina Carter to attend a Go West Summit.
Approval was given for out-of-state travel to Wyoming for Dusty Butler and Jerod Curtis for extradition and approval of subsequent trips.
John Barnett, Garrett Conover, and Jerod Curtis will attend the UNOA Annual Conference in Mesquite, Nevada. Commissioner Keith Brady will attend BEAR training in Denver, Colo. He will also attend NACO Coal Reliant Communities Innovation Challenge Conference in Grand Junction, Colo. A 3 percent wage increase was approved for Brenda Lemon and Janell Beagley for successful completion of their six month orientation period.
Huntington Library has hired Brandon Hess as a part time janitor.