Commission hears from state division of forestry, fire and state lands

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

The Emery County Commissioners heard from Jason Johnson, Area Manager for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands regarding Utah Wildfire Policy Revisions. He said the new documents are out which outline the county’s responsibility in a fire situation. The county is the first responder. In the event of a big fire the county would be eligible to have expenses funded with the insurance fund. After the initial contact with the state of Utah to turn the fire over to them, the expenses will be tracked separately from the point of contact.
The county will need to have someone be the point of contact from the county, this could be the sheriff, emergency management planner, fire chief, etc. Each county needs a wildfire plan and a preparedness plan. The county needs a map with risk assessments, for county land only, not federal or state lands. The risk assessments are based on a 10 year average for fire costs. These costs must be determined for budget costs. Johnson said if the county budgets the same as they have in previous years to the Utah Division of Forestry Fire and State Lands that should be sufficient.
Another part of the new policy concerns negligence. There are steps outlined for trying to recoup costs for a fire due to negligence.
The commission opened bids for the scrap metal at the landfill. Western Metals bid $32 a ton and will receive the bid after bid comparisons.
The commission approved to advertise for an Advisory Committee for the Huntington Airport. Commissioner Paul Cowley said the current airport manager Leon DeFriez has resigned and the advisory board will be set-up to make decisions for the airport.
The Cleveland, Elmo and Green River Libraries will apply for the KUED Mini Grant.
The commission discussed a rollback tax/greenbelt for Gary Petersen. Assessor Kris Bell explained the property was out of compliance with green belt requirements. If the property owner agrees to meet the standards set then he can reapply for Green Belt in 2019. All land must be dedicated to agriculture purposes which can include grazing and crop production. A portion of his land contains a trailer and some cars; this section would not qualify for greenbelt.
Mr. Anderson attended the meeting with Mr. Rasmussen who has plans to lease the property. He said Mr. Anderson should never have been taken off greenbelt because he had used the land for grazing. The reason only a small amount of production has taken place was because the new irrigation system was going through and he was waiting for his NRCS funding to come through. It’s been a farm all along and plowed and ready for planting.
Bell said she has to treat everyone the same and other properties have lost their greenbelt status for similar reasons.
County Attorney Mike Olsen said he will visit the property and assess the situation to see what needs to be done.
The commission approved an Adjustment on Property for Afton Earley who would have qualified but her paperwork was put into the year 2015 and not moved forward.
The commission approved a veteran abatement for Larry Carter.
Commission Chairman Keith Brady said the travel board interviewed applicants for the events coordinator and after the review they asked the Commission approve Amanda Leonard for the position.
The Huntington Creek Watershed Coordinated Resource Management Plan was added to the Emery County General Plan after a public hearing and approval on October 18. This is an addendum to the county plan.
Commissioner Brady said he attended two lockdown drills in Green River and was impressed with the way the sheriff’s office took care of the situation.
He rode on the DesbeeDove ATV trail which has received a grant for clean-up and to make the trail safer. It is currently used for a cattle trail.
A business license for 4 Brothers Archery was approved. Other commission business: Vanessa Justesen was appointed as a part time Confidential Commission Secretary, working under Paul Cowley, 19 ¾ hours per week with no benefits.
Approval to give Cheryl Cox a 3 percent wage increase for successful completion of her 6 month orientation period as Senior Justice Court Clerk.
Approval to hire Les Anderson back as a seasonal Weed and Mosquito Tech working 29 hours per week, with no benefits.
Approval for out of state travel for Ray Petersen to attend the Colorado River User’s Association conference in Nevada on December 14-16. Approval to appoint Suzanne Anderson to The Museum of the San Rafael Board.