Emery Commission asked to support new worker training facility

By Patsy Stoddard

The commission listened to a presentation on EDA Consortium with Carbon and Emery County. Joel Smith said they are looking at putting an EDA program in the former JC Penney building in Price. They are submitting an application for a grant to the EDA.
They are partnering with USU Eastern and the Southeastern Utah Association of Governments to increase economic development in the region and to train workers for jobs. The building will be used as a training center to train youth and adults for manufacturing jobs.
They will have a rapid placement program which prepares trainees for employment. The project will serve both counties and offer employment and training opportunities. The group asked for a letter of support from the commission.
They want to train people and get them employed then help them to further their education with a degree and/or apprenticeship opportunities.
They view the program as a way to end intergenerational poverty. A similar project has been used in Salt Lake, Kearns, West Valley and Magna with much success.
One major focus will be training for jobs in technology which are higher paying jobs.
They are working with Adobe and Microsoft to build curriculum. They are considering putting a satellite training center in Green River. Their funding for the project will come from the EDA grant if it’s approved. They are also working with the Department of Workforce Services and they have resources for funding these types of training as well. One of the companies they are working with produces medical products. They are also aligning with the Better City program. They asked the commission to consider a three year commitment to the program with $10,000 each year.
This item will be discussed at a future commission meeting. Commissioner Sitterud said he would have a hard time committing money to the project where it is not in Emery County. The team said they do work with Emery County people to help them find employment.
The board approved a letter of support regarding the EDA Grant Application for FutureINDesign.
The commission ratified a backhoe rental agreement for the road department.The ratification of the Cottonwood Creek Project Extension was approved. This is a 90 day extension.The commission discussed Emery County’s support in converting Crandall Canyon Mine Site into a campground. Commissioner Lynn Sitterud, said the county isn’t pushing the project but gives its support should the project move forward. As plans move forward for the reclamation of the Crandall Canyon mine site the forest service and the mining company is looking at ideas for the site. Ray Petersen, public lands director said with the Seeley fire there were a number of campgrounds in the canyon that were closed. The commission approved the Marketing Match Funding for Emery County Working Ranch Horse from the Travel Bureau budget.
The commission approved the Tourism Incentive Funding for Fire Pit from the Travel Bureau budget. The restaurant will be putting tables and chairs out in front of their building and installing fencing. They are also looking at buying the property behind the restaurant to allow more parking.
Petersen asked the board to renew the Lease Agreement with SITLA for OHV Trails in Emery County. The lease is good for 10 years at no cost to the county. OHV funds help pay for these right of ways. This trail is for the Poker ride trail.
 Dal Dee Guymon was approved as the Airport Curator. A contract is ready. Commissioner Paul Cowley has been working on it. Guymon is ready to move in and get going at the airport.
A business license for Team Hard Rock, LLC was approved. This company is seeking permitting through the BLM for three 20-acre parcels where rockhounds could go and gather rocks for a fee. Toy Atwood and Bob Geist of Price are starting the new business.
The commission adopted a Domestic Violence Resolution. The commissioners will work with the domestic violence coalition in place in the county and help increase awareness to the issue.
The commission discussed an invoice from September 2016 for Engineer Consulting for the old Weed and Mosquito building. The building was evaluated to see if it was safe to hold the robotics club. According to the contract Mike Olsen, county attorney said, the bill should have been paid by the lessee which is the school district.
Petersen explained two BLM right of ways one leads up to Swasey’s Cabin. The road department will take over maintenance of these two roads, when they are in the area they will blade the roads. If the roads are taken over by the county and put on the list as B roads, funds become available from the state to help with maintenance. The other road was Rod’s valley.
In the reports, Attorney Olsen said he had attended a meeting on Aug. 21 with the Rural Utah Alliance. Kane and Garfield counties are being sued for alleged violation of the sunshine law/open public meetings. Because their commission met with the Secretary of the Interior and it wasn’t noticed up properly. Attorney Olsen said it will be interesting to see the court’s take on the issue. Where two or more commissioners are present is that OK for receiving information or would such a meeting need public notice? Attorney Olsen said they will watch that and see what happens there.
Commissioner Brady said he attended the awards ceremony for the Hunter and Huntington plants. The speaker  said a coal fired power plant is being built in Dubai and they don’t have coal there and it will need to be imported.