IRON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

February 8, 2010


            Minutes of the Iron County Commission meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. February 8, 2010 in Commission Chambers at the Iron County Courthouse, Parowan, Utah.

 

            Officers in attendance included:

                        Wayne A. Smith                                Commission Chair

                        Alma L. Adams                                 Commissioner

                        Lois L. Bulloch                                   Commissioner

                        Michael Edwards                                Deputy County Attorney

                        David I. Yardley                                 County Clerk

                        Reed Erickson                                    County Administrator

                         

SYNOPSIS :

ADJOURN

APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 26, 2010

CALENDER SCHEDULE COORDINATION

CANCELLATION OF MARCH 8 COMMISSION MEETING

CLOSED MEETING

COMMISSION ASSIGNMENT REVIEW FOR 2010

COUNTY BOARD UPDATES

PERSONNEL MATTERS

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PRAIRIE DOG MATTERS

REDUCTION IN FORCE POLICY ADOPTION

REPORTS


PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE :

            Those assembled were led in the pledge of allegiance by Dan Webster.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 26, 2010 :

            Minutes of the Iron County Commission meeting held January 26, 2010 were approved as amended on a motion by Lois Bulloch. Second was by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye.

REPORTS :

            Delaney Westfall, Miss Iron County 2009, reported on activities she has participated in as Miss Iron County. A neighborhood yard sale was held in the Lins Marketplace parking lot to benefit disaster relief efforts in Haiti. Approximately $6,000 was raised from this event. Additional events are planned to raise funds.

            Miss Westfall also reported that the emphasis she has placed on her tenure is the adoption process. This is extremely important at this time with orphans from Haiti which was recently devastated by a huge earthquake that killed nearly 250,000 people.

At the request of the Commission, Miss Westfall sang the National Anthem.

            Reed Erickson discussed the “County Seat” TV program. The Transient Room Tax Board has recommended participation in developing a program spotlighting Iron County. The County participation will come from sponsoring ads to be produced.

            Reed reported that a contract with “Crystal Clean” for janitorial services has been issued and that they took over cleaning of the Courthouse and Visitor Center on Friday. Cleaning of the Justice Center and the Fiddlers building started on January 20. Snow removal and landscape maintenance will be performed by “Lawn Rangers” starting in the spring.

            Michael Edwards reported that County employee, James Turner, passed away this morning. Mr. Turner served as bailiff in Cedar City.

            Michael reported that the Planning Commission has recommended that a temporary land use restriction ordinance be adopted by the Commission to slow development of landslide areas within the County. A proposed ordinance is being drafted for presentation.

            Lois Bulloch reported on discussions with Senator Stowell during the County day at the Legislature regarding a bill to grant tax exempt status to the Cedar Band of Paiutes. At the present time, with no language available the Commission took a neutral position. Senator Stowell stated he would make the language of the bill available before it proceeds in the Senate.

            Alma Adams reported that e-recording is now up and running in a test phase. It is planned to move to live recording on January 9. Patrons will be required to sign up for the service before they can use the system. This will allow distant title companies to file documents in the Recorder’s office without traveling to Parowan.

            Michael Worthen reported that he is working on a project for deer winter range which would provide construction of deer fencing from Cedar City to the Black Ridge along the I-15 corridor. This is an attempt to lessen accidents involving deer along the corridor.

            Wayne Smith reported that Southern Utah University is seeking funding to help with the construction of a new science building. They need to raise $250,000 by tomorrow to have the project move forward.

            Wayne also reported that the Joint Highway Committee approved funding of two projects in Iron County. The 5700 West connector road in Cedar Valley and the Parowan Main Street projects were approved.

CLOSED MEETING :

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 a strategy session to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation.

            Dated this 8th day of February , 2010.

 

Signed: Wayne A. Smith, Chairman

                                                          

Attest: David I. Yardley

County Clerk

PERSONNEL MATTERS :

            Colette Eppley presented for approval volunteers as follows: Wayne Reed as a volunteer at the Visitor Center, Richard Tebbs as a driver for the Cedar City Senior Citizen Center, Fred Anderson, Jane Anderson, Mark Nadler, Bill Roland, Ken Light, Joanne Urbanik, Kristine Wheeler, Michael Olenslager, Dawn Van Houten, Leonard Badertscher, and Lynda Badertscher. Lois Bulloch made a motion to approve the volunteers as presented. Second by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye.

            Colette presented a workforce assessment for the Activities Director at the Parowan Senior Citizen Center. Connie Lloyd explained that the Activities Director plays an important part in outreach activities which in turn influences funding for the Center. After reviewing needs and funding resources, Lois Bulloch made a motion to approve the Activities Director position and to authorize advertising for the position. Second by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye.

            Colette and Ron Johnson presented a request to consider replacing the EMT Supervisor position which was recently vacated due to the person moving from the County. Ron proposed that the position be opened internally between existing full time employees of the Ambulance Department. The position vacated by a promotion to the EMT Supervisor would not be replaced. Alma Adams made a motion to approve replacing the EMT Supervisor from existing full time employees within the Ambulance Department. The position being vacated by the promotion to not be filled. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye.

            Colette presented a request for approval of Casey Adams to be promoted to Weed Program Manager/Road Worker. Alma Adams made a motion to approve Casey Adams as recommended. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye.

REDUCTION IN FORCE POLICY ADOPTION :

            Reed Erickson presented the draft RIF policy which has been distributed for review. Changes recommended at the last Commission meeting have been incorporated into the draft. Reed recommended approval of the policy.

            Dennis Ayers asked about the reinstatement of sick leave in a case where an employee is laid off as a result of a RIF and then rehired within one year. The Commission determined that it is more appropriate in the rehire process to start out with sick leave accrual as a new employee.

            Alma Adams made a motion to adopt Section 12 of the Personnel Policy, Reduction in Force as presented. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye. 

PRAIRIE DOG MATTERS :

            Reed Erickson discussed with the Commission progress in moving ahead with the “issues paper” which is a preliminary document to the draft HCP. The purpose of the paper is to gain insights into responses to the proposed HCP from Federal and State wildlife managers.

            Mitigation bank fees were also discussed. Estimated costs range from $500.00 to $20,000.00 per acre depending on where the mitigation bank property is located. It needs to be determined if mitigation bank areas can be located in adjacent areas such as Wayne and Garfield Counties.

            A request from Denise Rucker for prairie dog take on two parcels, lot 3 and lot 4 of The Fields Subdivision was discussed. Ms. Rucker stated that due to health and family problem she did not respond by deadlines. She indicated that they were attempting to sell the lots and would like to remain on the list.

            The Commission recommended that Adam Kavalunas correspond with Ms. Rucker and explain that it would be better to reapply as they are not ready to proceed with construction on the lots. It was also noted that clearances are not permanent if construction is not started. 

CALENDER SCHEDULE COORDINATION :

Reed Erickson coordinated meeting calendars with the Commissioners.

COUNTY BOARD UPDATES :

            The Commission reviewed County Board members to determine which needed to be re-appointed or replaced. The matter will be placed on the next agenda for action.

COMMISSION ASSIGNMENT REVIEW FOR 2010 :

            The Commission reviewed assignments for 2010. Several name changes were noted and corrected with the following assignments being approved:

Commissioner Wayne Smith (586-9816 or 590-9816 msmith@mountainwest.net)

             Roads                                                                    Neil Forsyth

             Floods & Water Resources Cedar Valley             Steve Platt & Ken Sizemore 

             Ambulance/EMS                                                  Ron Johnson

             Hospital                                                                 Jason Wilson

             Human Resources                                                 Colette Eppley

             Liaison Auditor                                                     Eugene Adams

             Engineer                                                                Steve Platt

             Liaison Clerk                                                        David Yardley

             Diamond Z Arena                                                 Bob Tate

             Water Conservancy Board                                    Scott Wilson

             Utah Summer Games                                            Casey McClellan

             County Buildings                                                  Reed Erickson

             Prairie Dogs                                                          Mike Worthen / Reed Erickson

             Economic Development                                        Brennan Wood

             Workforce Service Board                                     Lori Economy

             UCIP Board of Directors

             UAC Committees

                          Lands & Resources 

                          Taxation & Revenue

                          Transportation

                          Indigent Defense Board

 

Commissioner Lois Bulloch (586-3925 bullochl@bresnan.net)

             Public Safety / LEPC                                            Charles Morris 

             Planning & Zoning                                               Chad Nay

             Senior Citizens                                                      Connie Lloyd

             Mental Health                                                       Mike Deal

             Health & Human Services Council                       Beth Cottam

             Public Health                                                        Dr. David Blodgett

             Cedar Airport                                                        Todd Minchey

             5 Co AOG                                                             Ken Sizemore

             Fair                                                                        Joyce Evans

             Liaison Assessor                                                   Dennis Ayers

             Liaison Treasurer                                                  Geri Norwood

             Tourism                                                                 Maria Twitchell

             Cedar Chamber of Commerce                              Scott Jolley

             Frontier Homestead State Park                             Todd Prince

             Parks & Recreation                                               Charles Morris

             Shooting Range                                                     Gene Roundy

             Three Peaks Recreation Area                                R L Gardner (committee to be formed)

             Data Processing                                                    Jared Wilson

             Floods & Water Resources Escalante Valley       Steve Platt & Ken Sizemore 

             Library/Bookmobile                                             Steve Decker/Kristen Robinson/Jeff Lewis

             Volunteer Center                                                   Tracy Garrett

             Justice Court                                                         Margaret Miller / Brent Dunlap

             Youth and Family With Promise                          Kathy Riggs / Chad Reid

             UAC Committee

Human Services

                          Intergovernmental Relations

Commissioner Alma Adams (477-3574 or 559-3574 alma@ironcounty.net)

             Law Enforcement                                                 Mark Gower

             Jail                                                                         Mark Gower / Brett Allred

             Weeds                                                                   Chad Reid / Kacy Adams

             Solid Waste                                                           Jaren Scott

             Children’s Justice Center                                      Stepahnie Furnival

             Fire Departments                                                  Ryan Riddle

             Parowan Airport                                                   Parowan City Manager 

             Parowan Gap                                                         Heritage Committee

             Extension Service                                                 Kathy Riggs / Chad Reid

             Television                                                             Dennis Johnson

             Natural Resources - BLM, Forest, SUPAC          Mike Worthen / Wes Curtis

             Liaison Recorder                                                   Debbie Johnson

             Liaison Attorney                                                   Scott Garrett

             Liaison Sheriff                                                      Mark Gower

             Floods & Water Resources Parowan Valley         Steve Platt & Ken Sizemore 

             RS 2477 Road Issues                                            Mark Ward

             UAC Committees

                          Law Enforcement/Corrections

                          Lands & Resources

                          Taxation & Revenue

 

CANCELLATION OF MARCH 8 COMMISSION MEETING :

            The Commission noted a problem with the scheduled March 8 meeting which is conflicted with the NACO Legislative Conference in Washington DC. Since Commission Adams and Commissioner Smith with be attending the conference there will not be a quorum present to conduct business. Alma Adams made a motion to cancel the March 8 meeting. Second by Lois Bulloch. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye.


ADJOURN :

            The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m. on a motion by Lois Bulloch. Second was by Alma Adams. Voting: Wayne Smith, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye; Lois Bulloch, Aye.



Signed: Wayne A. Smith, Chairman




                                                             

Attest: David I. Yardley

County Clerk