IRON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
February 26, 2007
Minutes of the Iron County Commission meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. February 26, 2007 in Commission Chambers at the Iron County Courthouse, Parowan, Utah.
Officers in attendance included:
Wayne A. Smith Commission Chairman
Lois L. Bulloch Commissioner
Alma L. Adams Commissioner
Kevin Thurman Deputy County Attorney
David I. Yardley County Clerk
Also Present:
H. Eugene Adams County Auditor
Dennis W. Ayers County Assessor
Patsy T. Cutler County Recorder
Geraldine S. Norwood County Treasurer
Mark O. Gower County Sheriff
SYNOPSIS :
APPROVAL OF AUDIT ENGAGEMENT & CONSULTING AGREEMENT
APPROVAL OF ENTRIX CONTRACT FOR PHASE II
APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 12, 2007
APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 29,2007
APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 22, 2007
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS & ADJOURN
BOB WEIDNER CONTRACT DISCUSSION
CEDAR CITY ANNEXATIONS NOTICES
DONATION TO TASK FORCE TRUST FUND
FOREST LEGACY PROJECTS IN THE VIRGIN RIVER HEADWATERS
NOTICE OF APPEAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
REQUEST FOR FUNDS FOR BOOK REPAIR
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE DENTAL SERVICES 1 2
REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY BEER PERMIT
Those assembled were led in the pledge of allegiance by Kevin Thurman.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 22, 2007 :
Minutes of the Iron County Commission meeting held January 22, 2007 were approved as amended on a motion by Lois Bulloch. Second was by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 29,2007 :
Minutes of the Iron County Commission meeting held January 29, 2007 were approved as amended on a motion by Lois Bulloch. Second was by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 12, 2007 :
Minutes of the Iron County Commission meeting held February 12, 2007 were approved as amended on a motion by Lois Bulloch. Second was by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
Dennis Ayers reported that Exilda Seranno is nearing completion of course work to become an Appraiser Trainee. Because of guidelines in becoming certified as an appraiser, it is becoming increasingly difficult to train and retain qualified employees.
Geri Norwood reported that the Treasurer’s Office is being trained on the new Eagle software package with the goal of going live next week.
Erik Jorgensen reported that the IT Department has received requests for export of mass digital data. At the present time the County allows access to data but does not do a complete download. The matter is to be placed on the next agenda for consideration of a policy and fee schedule.
Erik also discussed the newly designed web site operated by the county. This matter also needs formal approval and will be considered at the next Commission meeting.
Gene Adams reported that the 2005 independent audit was finally completed. Issues have been addressed and Department Supervisors have been contacted with concerns addressed in the management letter. The Auditor’s Office is preparing for the 2006 audit which will be due in June.
Lois Bulloch reported that she has prepared an appropriation request for Senators Bennett and Hatch and Congressman Matheson to fund the purchase of prairie dog habitat. The requests will be hand carried to Washington during the NACO Legislative Conference.
Lester Nixon, UCIP Director met with the Commission to give a report on the operation of the Insurance Pool. He reported that Wayne Smith has been selected to fill the unexpired term of Gene Roundy on the Board of Directors.
At the present time, twenty eight of twenty nine counties participate in UCIP. Multiline insurance has twenty seven Counties with coverage and Workers Comp covers 25 Counties. The Employee Benefit program currently has seven participating Counties in its second year of operation.
Mr. Nixon suggested the County participate in the best practice program as it can return up to 5% of the premium for full compliance. The County has participated but not to the 100% level in the past.
REQUEST FOR FUNDS FOR BOOK REPAIR :
Pasty Cutler, Iron County Recorder, reported that a book repair firm is coming from Texas this year and she has several land record books that need to be repaired. Total cost of repairs has been estimated at $14,000 over a two year period. Patsy requested that her budget be amended by adding an additional $5,500 to the $1,500 already in her budget for 2007. The second phase will be requested in the 2008 budget.
Alma Adams made a motion to approve an amendment to the budget of the Recorder for 2007 by adding an additional $5,500 and by committing $7,000 in the 2008 budget for book repair. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
FOREST LEGACY PROJECTS IN THE VIRGIN RIVER HEADWATERS:
Amanda Smith representing the Nature Conservancy and Patrick Moore, State Lands and Forestry, met with the Commission to request approval of a proposed resolution in support of obtaining a conservation easement on properties on the headwaters of the Virgin River. Currently they are negotiating with three land owners in Iron County.
After reviewing their request for a blanket resolution in support, the Commission tabled action and requested that the resolution be re-drafted to only include the specific properties proposed for immediate action.
Erik Jorgensen presented a request to purchase GIS software for use with the Spillman Data Systems used in emergency vehicles. The system works with the mapping program to help in locating emergency calls through 911. Cost for the mapping program is $95,210 with funding to be reimbursed from Homeland Security grant funds. Lois Bulloch made a motion to approve the purchase. Second by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
Erik Jorgensen, Iron County IT Department, discussed proposed changes in surplus property procedure for IT equipment. The proposed amendment will allow County employees to purchase used computers. All sensitive data is to be cleaned from hard drives and computers with secure data will require the hard drives be destroyed in compliance with Federal Department of Defense standards.
Lois Bulloch made a motion to approve the changes and adopt the policy as presented. Second by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
Dr. Hildebrand and Blaine Cox, SUU Science Department, came before the Commission to discuss a plan for a long term study to increase survivability of transplanted prairie dogs. Mr. Cox explained that currently survivability is around 10%. It is hoped that by adjusting burrow design prior to transplanting and by evaluating the intermixing of prairie dogs from different colonies, a method can be established to significantly increase the survival rate.
The experiment will be conducted on a 200 acre parcel which will be divided into three sections for evaluation.
They requested help from mitigation funds to supplement payrolls of students involved in the project. Funding would be from May 1 though July 1, the start of a new fiscal year at the University. The matter was tabled to allow additional information to be submitted.
REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY BEER PERMIT :
Elizabeth Martens with Clean Our Canyons, requested approval of a single event beer license in conjunction with a fund raising event to be held in March at the Three Peaks Recreation Area. The event will be conducted from 7:00 p.m. to Midnight. Beer would be available in a secure area and served by trained volunteers. She noted that approval must be granted by the County before a permit can be obtained from the State Alcohol Control Board.
Lois Bulloch made a motion to approve the event provided that a release of liability and hold harmless clause in Iron County’s favor is submitted, appropriate bonds and insurance are obtained listing Iron County as an additional insured. Second by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
Ron Johnson, Iron County Ambulance, met with the Commission to report on the status of ambulance service in Brian Head. Due to a shortage of qualified EMT’s at Brian Head, the ambulance has been dispatched from Parowan during this ski season. The Public Service personnel at Brian Head have worked as first responders to ambulance calls and it appears to be working well with this coverage. The two active EMT’s at Brian Head have not been able to respond as well as expected due to work conflicts and absences.
Ron requested that the Commission support working with Brian Head public safety personnel to provide immediate attention to ambulance calls and to continue to dispatch ambulances from Parowan. The two on call EMT positions would be eliminated at this time and an effort will be made to train and certify sufficient number of residents in Brian Head to provide a local ambulance in the future.
The Commission accepted the recommendation and asked that Mr. Johnson work with the Mayor and Brian Head staff in continued quick response to emergency calls.
Colette Eppley presented for approval the following new employees: Cheryl Rosenberg as a part time motor vehicle clerk in the Cedar City Assessor’s Office; Jacob Hawkins as a landfill worker; Larry Orton as a part time bailiff; and Amanda Moore as a part time Justice Court clerk. Alma Adams made a motion to approve the new employees as presented. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
Colette also presented for approval a job description for a lead worker in the Parowan Ambulance office. The position will pay for hours worked and will not be considered a full time position. Alma Adams made a motion to approve the job description. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
Colette also explained to the Commission concerns with the Personnel Policy Section 5 which covers disciplinary procedure. She reviewed concerns with the current policy and made suggestions on re writing the policy to make it compliant with Federal and State codes. The matter was taken under advisement and the Commission requested the policy be distributed to Departments for comments.
Colette presented the 2006 Worker’s Compensation Report for approval. She explained claims and actions enclosed in the report whereupon Lois Bulloch made a motion to approve the report. Second by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
Lois Bulloch made a motion to convene in a closed meeting to discuss personnel matters in accordance with Utah Code 52-4 et. seq. for the purpose of discussing the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual. Second by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
STATE OF UTAH )
) s.s.
COUNTY OF IRON )
I, Wayne A. Smith, Chairman of the County Commission of Iron County, Utah hereby certify that the purpose of the Closed Meeting convened was conducted in accordance with Utah Code 52-4 et. seq. for the purpose of discussing the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual.
Dated this 26th day of February , 2007.
Signed: Wayne A. Smith, Chairman
Attest: David I. Yardley
County Clerk
Colette presented recommendations from Departments for employees to serve on the newly established safety committee. The Commission appointed the following members for two year terms on a motion by Lois Bulloch. Second by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
Colette Eppley, Chair
Kevin Thurman Attorney’s Office
Mark Gower Sheriff
Ron Johnson Ambulance Supervisor
Charlie Morris LEPC Coordinator
Wade Adams Road Department
Jared Wilson IT Department
Michelle Madsen Justice Court
The members of the Committee will determine which members will serve a one year term to provide staggered terms. In the future all terms will be for two years.
Philip Spencer, Adam Lenhard and Bill Peperone representing Trophy Homes requested that take of prairie dogs tentatively approved of up to 15 dogs be awarded on 3.9 acres for a total take of 12.5 dogs as specified by survey conducted by DWR. This matter was tabled at the last meeting to allow for an exact acreage calculation of the proposed project.
Alma Adams made a motion to approve the take of 12.5 prairie dogs on 3.9 acres be approved from HCP dogs. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE DENTAL SERVICES :
Requests for Proposals to provide dental service to the Jail inmates were opened as advertised with the proposal of Dr. Brian K. Tavoian being accepted on a motion by Alma Adams. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye. The County Attorney will draft a contract for signatures.
APPROVAL OF AUDIT ENGAGEMENT & CONSULTING AGREEMENT :
Scott Wilson, Wilson & Company, presented a proposal for independent audit services for 2006, 2007 and 2008 to be completed in compliance with government accounting standards and principals. The proposal was discussed whereupon Lois Bulloch made a motion to approve the contract for the 2006 audit and to tentatively approve 2007 and 2008 audits contingent on a review of the County purchasing policy by the Attorney’s Office. Second by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
Scott Wilson also presented for approval a bill for cost over runs in conjunction with the extra hours and work needed to accomplish the 2005 audit. Alma Adams made a motion to approve the additional expenditure as presented. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
CEDAR CITY ANNEXATIONS NOTICES :
David Yardley presented two annexation proposals from Cedar City. The first included property Northeast of 3000 North and Minersville Highway. The second was for a portion of Thorley Ranch Estates Unit B and adjacent property located at the junction of SR 56 and 5300 West. The Commission took no action to oppose the proposed annexations however Cedar City will be contacted to request that the lots in Thorley Ranch B be required to pay their Special Improvement District assessment in full to avoid problems in the future.
BOB WEIDNER CONTRACT DISCUSSION :
The Commission discussed a concern with the payment of fees to Bob Weidner regarding lobbying efforts in Washington on issues including PILT payments, wilderness designations, and prairie dogs. In 2006 the County paid $20,000 for his services. He requested $25,000 for services in 2007 however the Commission only budgeted $16,000. Due to an error, payment of $25,000 was sent to Mr. Widener and then payment stopped. The Commission will discuss the matter further with Mr. Weidner while in Washington at the NACO Legislative Conference.
APPROVAL OF ENTRIX CONTRACT FOR PHASE II :
Kevin Thurman presented for approval the final draft of the contract with ENTERIX for the completion of a revised HCP Plan for prairie dogs in Iron County. After reviewing the agreement, Lois Bulloch made a motion to approve the contract for Phase II as presented and authorize the Commission Chair to sign. Second by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
DONATION TO TASK FORCE TRUST FUND :
Kevin Thurman presented a request to donate $9,000.00 cash seized by UHP on November 24, 2006 to be used for public interest use as required by UCA 77-24-1 Et. Seq. He explained that in a traffic stop cash was found in a vehicle which was transporting illegal substances. The occupants stated that the cash did not belong to them. The UHP attempted to contact the owner of the vehicle, however all attempts to locate the owner have failed. Utah Code allows for the donation of the funds for use as a public interest and he suggested the money be donated to the Drug Task Force.
Alma Adams made a motion to approve the transfer of the funds from the Highway patrol to the Iron/Garfield Drug Task Force as recommended. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
NOTICE OF APPEAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT :
Andrew & Diana Callahan have submitted a notice of appeal of conditions contained in a Conditional Use Permit approved by the Planning Commission. The Commission approved setting the appeal for a public hearing.
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS & ADJOURN :
After the bills were reviewed and approved or rejected, the meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. on a motion by Lois Bulloch. Second was by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
Signed: Wayne A. Smith, Chairman
Attest: David I. Yardley
County Clerk