Commission hears presentation about Active Re-Entry

In the March commission meeting Nancy Bentley did a presentation regarding Active Re-Entry Programs. She said she’s appreciative of the support from Emery County for the programs provided by Active Re-Entry. They provide services to people of all ages. One program is the Perkie Van that transports cancer patients for treatments in Provo. Active Re-Entry serves the seven Eastern Counties.
They have 17 different programs to assist people. They have assisted technology that helps people to remain independent and to stay in their homes. They have telephones with enhanced hearing and ringing devices. They have grab bars that can be installed for showers. There is a youth program that works with 60 youth. There is a Veteran Service Program that helps Veterans in regards to their pensions and which programs they are eligible for. They will also meet with Veterans in their homes to assess their needs. They have low vision clinics, books on tape, equipment, they have aids to make cooking easier, they can help business owners with ADA assessments to make their businesses more friendly to those with disabilities. They lend equipment such as scooters and walkers so people can try them out before they make a purchase to see if the equipment helps them. They also help on the rehabilitation side after injuries, they can provide shower benches. They have a Music and Memory program that helps people suffering from dementia so they can remember. They play the music of their era and it soothes them and helps them to relax. Bentley said, “Joanne Behling and Delena Fish from Emery County are on our board. We’ve had the cancer van since 1994 and have given rides to more than 500 people. The van travels five days a week, because they don’t do radiation down here.”
Bentley reported they still have their therapy dogs and have plans to visit local nursing homes and bring the animals and pass out flowers.
The board ratified a letter of support for HB327. This is an economic initiative sponsored by Sen. David Hinkins.
The board sent a letter of support for George Hansen, Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology Award Nominee. He is the founder of Conductive Composites.
Pressure relief testing for the elevator in the County Administration building was completed while the repairman was in the area for work at the power plants. The fee was $700.
There was a public hearing during commission meeting to receive input from the public with respect to the issuance of Castle Valley Special Service District General Obligation Bonds, Series 2018, in one or more series, in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $900,000 for the purchase and/or construction of facilities for the collection and treatment, storage and transportation of sewage, and related matters. CVSSD Jacob Sharp manager for the district said they had been to the CIB and received a $900,000 loan and $748,000 grant. The projects in the city and towns will include culinary water, sewer and drain lines. After the public hearing will begin a 30 day comment period which will close in mid-April. Sharp said in 2009 a bond was approved and they are nearing the end of that bond. There are two more construction seasons and in the fall of 2019 another bond election would need to be held.
The commission gave their approval to begin the process to issue the bonds.
The money from the bonds can be used for improving, through purchase or construction or both, facilities for the collection and treatment of sewage; facilities used in connection with acquisition, treatment, storage, transportation, and supply of water for domestic, industrial, secondary and other purposes; drainage and storm sewer facilities, including curbs and gutters; and transportation facilities consisting of roads, sidewalks and related bridges and viaducts; together with all necessary land, rights-of-way, equipment and furnishings therefore, and including such legal, engineering, and fiscal agent expenses reasonably incurred in connection with the acquisition of such facilities in and for the district; and related matters.
Another public hearing was held to take public comment on partial abandonment of Road #304 Deer Creek Road, from the Coal Yard to Deer Creek Mine; approximately 1.25 miles of asphalt, and partial abandonment of Road #201 North of Highway #155; approximately .25 miles of gravel road.
Commissioner Kent Wilson said he would like to see the Deer Creek Mine road reclassified from a B to a D road. The county would have no obligation to maintain the road, but he wouldn’t like to see the road abandoned.
Wade Nielson, county road department said both roads are on private property.
The commission voted to change the Deer Creek road to a Class D road and allow Rocky Mountain Power to close the gate during the reclamation process. The road on Highway 155 will be abandoned as it only leads to one farm.
The board approved the Grant Agreement for the Invasive Species Mitigation Grant for the Weed and Mosquito Department. Cory Worwood from the Weed and Mosquito department said they have been working on the Russian Olive removal for several years. They have used the grant monies in the past and will continue to apply for these grants.
Change Orders #4 and #5 on the Millsite Dam Rehabilitation Project were approved.
Treasurer Steven Barton discussed the properties which will go to the May tax sale. There are 22 properties, six primary residences among the properties. Any property going to the sale is five years in arrears on their tax liability. Barton said these tax payers have been sent letters regarding their properties. Another letter goes out March 15. “We do whatever we can to prevent these sales. We’ve had two requests from property owners to bring their taxes current by Nov. 30.”
Barton said these letters must include a description of how they got into the predicament and how they intend to get out. He wants to work with these property owners who are trying to bring their taxes current.
It was agreed to enter into a deferral agreement for the payment of real property taxes that are five years past due on parcel #01-0207-0035 for Edna Dorrine Christensen and parcel #01-0062-0006 for Clint Oveson.
The application for the Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant was approved. This was approved by the Recreation District board and if the grant is received will make improvements to the gun range.
A contract with Greenlight Booking for the 2018 Emery County Fair was approved for a magician on the Saturday of the fair.
A $500 deposit for inflatables for the 2018 Emery County Fair was approved.
Public lands director Ray Petersen discussed the contract with Payne Relief, LLC. Val Payne will assist with the plan for the MK Tunnels with the public lands council. The BLM/DOGM has plans to reclaim the large tunnel. Petersen said they would like to do what they can to preserve it so they will write a plan and submit it.
Petersen said the right of way for the Swinging bridge road from the Buckhorn to the old gypsum mine will expire this year. Petersen will make application to the BLM for the right of way and request it continue in perpetuity.
The board approved the Emery County Fire Protection District Bylaws. These are new bylaws as the district was operating without by-laws previously.
The rental fee at the Emery County Aquatic Center for EMS Appreciation Day was waived.
The board approved Huntington Airport using one of the 2018 surplus vehicles for Courtesy Car Services.
 Keldan Guymon spoke about his Eagle Scout Project Proposal. He wants to replace the roof on the small pavilion at Bear Creek Campground. They will also replace the wood around the edges where it is rotting. The scouts will rip off the old shingles and replace with a metal roof. Guymon has 15-25 scouts who will help him with the project. They will purchase the materials from Magnuson Lumber. They won’t know how many replacement boards will be needed until they strip the roof. Funds for the project will come from the local building authority. The commission approved the project.
The commission approved Mick Rogers sharing a power pole so power can be supplied to a home he is building. He gave the county right of ways to access land where the weed and mosquito building was built. The board approved allowing Rogers to share the power pole with the Weed and Mosquito building.
Randy Johnson with Government Matters, LLC gave a report on the legislature.
Approval to give Lorraine Martin a 3 percent wage increase for successful completion of her 6 month orientation period was approved. Sara Jensen was selected as a part time Assistant Librarian in Ferron.