IRON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
February 23, 2009
Minutes of the Iron County Commission meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. February 23, 2009 in Commission Chambers at the Iron County Courthouse, Parowan, Utah.
Officers in attendance included:
Alma L. Adams Commission Chair
Wayne A. Smith Commissioner
Lois L. Bulloch Commissioner
Scott F. Garrett County Attorney
David I. Yardley County Clerk
Reed Erickson County Administrator
Also Present:
H. Eugene Adams County Auditor
Dennis W. Ayers County Assessor
Deborah B Johnson County Recorder
Geraldine S. Norwood County Treasurer
Mark O. Gower County Sheriff
Margaret Miller Justice Court Judge
SYNOPSIS :
CENTRAL IRON COUNTY WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
FAMILY DAY PROCLAMATION 2009 APPROVAL
IRON COUNTY USU EXTENSION SERVICE
PENDING OR THREATENED LITIGATION
REGISTRATION PROGRAM FOR CITIZENS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Those assembled were led in the pledge of allegiance by Margaret Miller.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 9, 2009 :
Minutes of the Iron County Commission meeting held February 9, 2009 were approved as amended on a motion by Wayne Smith. Second was by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
Mark Gower reported that Utah Power is requesting $9,000 to run three poles to bring power to the animal shelter. He requested help in finding a solution to the cost to get power.
Dennis Ayers reported that market value of property in Iron County dropped between 10% and 20% during 2008. This will reflect on tax valuations which in turn may result in a higher tax rate for 2009. Dennis also reported on bills being considered by the Legislature that effect the Assessor’s Department.
Geri Norwood reported that there are about 175 parcels which are scheduled to be included in the annual tax sale. There are 15 parcels with buildings and 20 high value properties.
Margaret Miller discussed the merchant fees being assessed on credit card payments to the Justice Court. Currently fees are about $3,000 per quarter. She said she would like to find a way to assess these fees to the person making the payment.
Reed Erickson reported that in reviewing the establishment documents for Iron County Special Service District # 3 that it is eligible to be designated as the agency to handle Secure Rural School Funding monies. Reed also reported that Cedar City is requesting the County to bond for 1.25 million for the construction of the aquatic center. The Commission explained that they have agreed to pay an annual amount from Restaurant tax and are willing to join an interlocal agreement committing the funds as long as they are available. They are not willing to bond for the money up front.
Wayne Smith reported that Blaine Cox has requested an additional prairie dog technician for 2009 to help with counts and transplanting. It is hoped that with the additional tech that more accurate counts can be obtained.
FAMILY DAY PROCLAMATION 2009 APPROVAL :
David Yardley introduced the request to participate in a nationwide program to recognize the importance of family participation in combating the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products. The program requests that families eat together on the fourth Monday in September as a reminder of the importance of family interaction.
Lois Bulloch made a motion to adopt the family proclamation as presented and to participate in the program to encourage families to eat together on the fourth Monday of September. Second by Wayne Smith. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
IRON COUNTY, UTAH
PROCLAMATION
2009 FAMILY DAY
WHEREAS the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol and nicotine constitute the greatest threats to the well-being of America's children;
WHEREAS surveys conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University have consistently found that the more often children and teenagers eat dinner with their families the less likely they are to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs;
WHEREAS teenagers who virtually never eat dinner with their families are 72 percent more likely than the average teenager to use illegal drugs, alcohol and cigarettes;
WHEREAS teenagers who almost always eat dinner with their families are 31 percent less likely than the average teenager to use illegal drugs, alcohol and cigarettes;
WHEREAS the correlation between family dinners and reduced risk for teen substance abuse are well documented;
WHEREAS parental influence is known to be one of the most crucial factors in determining the likelihood of substance abuse by teenagers;
WHEREAS family dinners have long constituted a substantial pillar of family life in America:
Now, therefore, the Iron County Commission, does hereby proclaim the fourth Monday in September as
Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children
and urge all citizens of Iron County to recognize and participate in its observance.
ADOPTED this 23rd Day of February , 2009.
Alma L. Adams, Chairman
Wayne A. Smith, Commissioner
Lois L. Bulloch, Commissioner
IRON COUNTY USU EXTENSION SERVICE :
Chad Reid and Kathy Riggs met with the Commission requesting approval of a cooperative agreement for participation in the USU Extension Service and to approve the annual budget to fund Extension / Iron County operations. They explained that contracts are renewed annually and this agreement is similar to previous agreements except for budget figures.
Lois Bulloch made a motion to approve the agreement subject to approval by the County Attorney’s review and approval. Second by Wayne Smith. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
Chad also submitted a request for another phone line into their office. He explained that they have three lines now and with eight employees there are times when people cannot get in or out without a substantial wait. Wayne Smith made a motion to approve the installation of an additional phone line into the Extension Service office. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
REGISTRATION PROGRAM FOR CITIZENS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS :
The Commission recalled the proposed agreement for the implementation of a registration program that notifies first response personnel of special needs during an emergency. It allows citizens to have their name and condition entered into a data base but does not require the emergency personnel to perform any service in an emergency. Commissioner Smith reported that he has reviewed the agreement with the County Attorney’s office and is comfortable with adopting the agreement.
Lois Bulloch made a motion to adopt the agreement effective immediately. Second by Wayne Smith. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
CENTRAL IRON COUNTY WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT :
Scott Wilson, representing the Central Iron County Water Conservancy District, reported on proposed alternative energy development in southern Utah, particularly Iron County and the impact this energy development will have on water supplies currently available. There is one proposal which would use waste water from the Cedar City sewage treatment plant to generate solar steam powered generation. Also, of concern is the use of water in geothermal plants.
Mr. Wilson requested County support of a request to the State Geological Survey to complete a use study on geothermal resources. Because most of the geothermal is located outside the Water Conservancy District boundary, it cannot fund or conduct the studies, however water use could affect future water purchases for use within the District.
Colette Eppley presented for approval new employees within the Ambulance Department as follows: Rosemary Brinkerhoff, EMT Basic, Beryl; Shirley Christensen, EMT Basic, Beryl; Tiffany Hilliard, EMT Basic, Beryl; Nathan Burnham, EMT Basic, Beryl; Jared Gardner, EMT Basic, Beryl; and Tiffany MacLee, EMT Basic, New Harmony. She also presented Coby Matheson as a Road Maintenance Worker. Lois Bulloch made a motion to approve the new employees as presented. Second by Wayne Smith. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
Colette also presented a request for a status change for Bonnie Oldroyd from a part time public relations specialist to a full time public relations specialist. Lois Bulloch made a motion to approve the status change as requested. Second by Wayne Smith. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
Colette requested approval of the appointment of Amber Evans as Office Manager in the Recorder’s Office. Wayne Smith made a motion to approve the appointment as requested. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
Mark Gower met with the Commission to request an amendment to the County Workers Comp. policy to allow annual and comp. time restoration for individuals that use their sick leave and/or vacation while on Workers Comp. He explained that a Deputy, injured in the line of duty, opted to use his vacation and sick leave to supplement his Workers Comp. pay. He would now like the vacation and sick leave restored for use again. After receiving the request, the Commission determined that this would result in individuals being paid twice for the same hours and the Commission decided not to disturb the current policy.
Lois Bulloch made a motion to convene in closed session to discuss the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual. Second by Wayne Smith. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
STATE OF UTAH )
) s.s.
COUNTY OF IRON )
I, Alma L. Adams, 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 23rd day of February, 2009.
Signed: Alma L. Adams, Chairman
Attest: David I. Yardley
County Clerk
After reconvening in open session, the Commission reported that the matter has been referred to the County Attorney for further action as discussed. Lois Bulloch made a motion to authorize a gag order for a volunteer while on County business. Second by Wayne Smith. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
Lyn Alder , representing Wasatch Wind, discussed a proposal to establish a wind farm on BLM property located on Harmony Mountain. The area will be above private property and should not be visible from homes being built in Harmony Mountain Ranches. Some of the towers will be visible from Kanarraville and I-15. The proposal is preliminary and it will take some time to get all permits and infrastructure in place for production.
(It was noted at the time of minute approval that the computer photos used at the public demonstration clearly showed the towers and windmills visible from Harmony Mountain Ranches.)
Board of Equalization: Wayne Smith made a motion to appoint Rett Shakespear to the Board of Adjustments to fill the unexpired term of Tom Jett. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
CICWCD Board: Wayne Smith made a motion to reappoint Roy P “Pug” Urie and Sheridan Hansen to another term on the Board of Directors of the Central Iron County Water Conservancy District. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
The Commission discussed prairie dog management and support received from the Department of Wildlife Resources. Due to budget concerns, there is a possibility that funding for the prairie dog technician, Blaine Cox, may be cut by the Legislature. Wayne Smith made a motion to draft letters to DWR personnel requesting that funding be retained for Mr. Cox as he is an excellent resource in the management of the prairie dog HCP. Reed Erickson was asked to draft the requested letters. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
CHANGE COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS :
Wayne Smith made a motion to change Commission assignments for Wayne Smith and Alma Adams. Commissioner Smith will be the Commission contact for the Ambulance Department and Alma Adams will assume the Landfill supervision. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
PENDING OR THREATENED LITIGATION :
Wayne Smith made a motion to convene in closed session a strategy session to discuss pending or threatened litigation. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
STATE OF UTAH )
) s.s.
COUNTY OF IRON )
I, Alma L. Adams, 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 a strategy session to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation.
Dated this 23rd day of February, 2009.
Signed: Alma L. Adams, Chairman
Attest: David I. Yardley
County Clerk
After reconvening in open session Wayne Smith made a motion to approve settlement talks and dollar amounts in the pending case. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
The meeting was adjourned at 12.30 p.m. on a motion by Lois Bulloch. Second was by Wayne Smith. Voting: Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
Signed: Alma L. Adams, Chairman
Attest: David I. Yardley
County Clerk