The commission approved a memorandum of understanding with Washington County for the county jail screening process for those being booked into jail. Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk said it’s a new state law being implemented where everyone booked into jail must have a risk assessment done by a non-law enforcement individual.
Washington County is hiring five full time individuals to do the assessments. They will assess those booked into Emery County via the internet. Someone must be available 24/7 for these assessments. There is no cost to the county right now for these assessments.
The board heard from Kenneth R. Brown of the Western County Alliance. He gave an update on what they have been working on concerning issues dealing with public lands. They have been active in PILT, Secure Rural Schools, RS-2477 roads, sage grouse and wild horse and burros. He said he gave testimony at each of the meetings held by the Bureau of Land Management concerning the wild horse and burro issue. There are some allotments in Emery County which are over their allotment numbers. There are currently two bills in Congress and if approved they would transfer the jurisdiction of wild horses and burros to the states. Brown said he doesn’t know if the legislation will go anywhere but the states know the problem of wild horses and burros better than anyone. Brown said Emery County has contributed to the Western County Alliance in the past and requested $1,000 for dues.
The commission approved the communication use lease between Emery County and the Bureau of Land Management for Mt. Ellen/South Summit Ridge Communication site. Ray Petersen, public lands director said they had requested the lease be in perpetuity, but the BLM renewed the lease for 30 years.
The commission approved a property tax adjustment for Kip Ivie, for land he purchased which wasn’t listed under greenbelt.
Assessor Kris Bell asked for a commission property tax adjustment for Blake/Jacie Rasmussen, they have been taxed for some sheds which weren’t on their property. The commission voted to adjust this and let the property owners who do own the sheds know there will be an additional assessment for their taxes.
Cory Worwood from the Weed/Mosquito Department discussed leasing two skidsteers one with a tree cutting device and the other with a sprayer to kill regrowth. The rental agreement is for three years with an option to buy the equipment at the end of the third year. The board approved the rental of the equipment with the approval of the county attorney.
The commission discussed a letter in support of Green River City’s Waypoint Grant Application for the development of recreational infrastructure in and around Green River. Commissioner Keith Brady said Green River is developing bike trails at Tusher Wash and Green River City will maintain the trails. The BLM wanted approval from Emery County because Green River is involved. The actual trail will be in Grand County. Green River City will contribute $1,000 per year for maintenance on the trail. Brady said the trails will be an economic benefit to Green River. The county attorney will find out more about liabilities and responsibility for the trail and the matter will be discussed in the Dec. 15 meeting.
Commissioner Brady reported there will be a bouldering festival over Thanksgiving weekend in Emery County. The disc golf tournament at Green River golf course brought in 90 participants. They hope to hold more tournaments next year.
Commissioner Paul Cowley reported the fence project near Goblin Valley is underway. The Senior Citizen county Christmas party will be on Dec. 3 at the Museum of the San Rafael in Castle Dale.
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