Commission approves resolution to pursue monument

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

The Emery County Commission voted to move forward with the consideration and approval of a Resolution in support of designating Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry as a National Monument as part of the Public Lands Initiative. Commissioner Ethan Migliori said that in all the talk of monuments, this one makes sense. It can be used to promote tourism in the area as well as economic development. Commissioner Keith Brady said he likes the idea as part of Rep. Rob Bishop’s public land initiative. Commissioner Paul Cowley said there have been several field trips to the area and he is wholeheartedly in favor of the monument and believes it will be a benefit to the county. The acreage involved is minimal and existing uses such as grazing will continue.
The commission approved the Resolution adopting the amendments to the Emery County Personnel Policies and Procedure Manual.
Commissioner Migliori thanked Mary Huntington, personnel director for her hard work on the manual.
Terry and Russ Archibald discussed an Eagle Scout Project at Castle Dale Senior Center to add a new sidewalk.
The commission approved the request and will contribute to the project’s cost with a donation of $515. The project will shorten the long ramp currently being used at the center. Commissioner Cowley said it will cut the length of the ramp in half. He asked they make sure the handrail is very sturdy.
The commission closed the Board of Equalization and approved all BOE changes for 2015.
County clerk/auditor Brenda Tuttle presented and explained the veteran, blind, and homeowner’s tax credit abatements. The board approved these abatements.
On the low income tax abatements for Ryan Cowley and Blair Larsen, Commissioner Brady asked for further review on these items.
The board approved a contract with Randy Anderson for services to advertise and hold a county auction for surplus property. The current date is Oct. 24 and will be held at the county road shop building. Items from the road department as well as the sheriff’s office and other departments in the county will be up for auction.
The commission approved an amendment to the cooperative Law Enforcement Annual Operating Plan and Financial Plan between Emery County and Manti-La Sal National Forest. This plan helps pay the county for law enforcement on forest service land.
The Emery County Library Kindle Circulation Policy and Borrowing Agreement was approved. If someone checks out a Kindle and it is lost or broken, they are responsible to pay for it.
The county approved a RFP to hire/contract with a design firm for marketing strategy for the Emery County Travel Bureau. Commissioner Brady said the county has been working with the state on marketing/branding for tourism. If they send out for proposals now then they can be ready to move with the new marketing strategy once things are in place. The county/cities have been working with tourism guru Roger Brooks on new ideas for marketing the county. The county will be able to approve or deny any proposals submitted.
The commission approved the Construction Easement application from the Bureau of Reclamation to asphalt the remainder of the Huntington State Park Trail System. Commissioner Migliori explained there is 700 feet of trail that still needs the asphalt. It is on BOR property so permission is needed from them to finish this project. As visitors to Huntington Lake State Park have increased the need for hiking and biking trails was needed. The trail connects Huntington Lake with the town.
The Emery County Beer Tax Fund Annual Report for 2015 was approved. Funds from this tax are used for overtime shifts for DUI enforcement.
Kenneth Gunter was approved to fill a vacancy on the North Emery Water User’s Special Service District board.