By Julie Johansen
Emery County Tourism Director Tina Carter and Economic Development Director Jordan Leonard announced to the Emery County Commission last week that they have four, $175 scholarships available to local lodging and restaurant owners/managers to pay tuition at the tourism conference held in Heber City later this year.
This conference will give ideas and solutions for economic development for these businesses. Last year, these scholarships were not used. Carter and Leonard are hopeful that local business will take advantage of this insight this year. They also asked for approval of a co-op with Utah State Parks to produce and broadcast with Chadwick Booth and Company a 3-4 minute feature production highlighting three trails in Emery County. They are considering trails that will lead to communities so that there will be exposure to the media. Trails being considered are Eva Conover, Devil’s Race Track, Tusher Canyon and Hole Trail. The features will have tie-ins with “The County Seat” and “At Your Leisure” productions.
Commissioner Keith Brady pulled an item from the consent agenda for discussion on purchasing a small 10×20 cabin for lodging at the airport. The cabin would cost approximately $10,000 and would be for the convenience of the pilots who may have to spend the night at the airport. The purchase was approved unanimously.
Lorie Ann Larsen thanked commissioners for their support with the installation of the Miners Memorial in Castle Dale on June 11. She also voiced appreciation to the cities of Emery County for their financial support. The memorial committee was especially grateful to Jeff Guymon for the sound equipment used at the services. She also inquired about the possibility of getting lights installed on the front of the monument for illumination in the evenings.
Rob Murray with Castle Country Robotics Club requested permission to use the old weed and mosquito building. He stated that they have 17 members in K-12 grades and their numbers are increasing, requiring a larger building. There was concern from commissioner Paul Cowley about dangerous chemicals or residue left in the building. Emery County Sheriff’s Office Captain Kyle Ekker assured him that HAZMAT crews have already cleaned the building and will check it once again to make sure it is safe. Permission was granted to use the building.
Jeff Kelsey gave an analysis of the county’s insurance plan for their employees. He then requested renewal of the county’s insurance for the year July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. This was approved.
Commissioner Ethan Migliori was appointed as vice chairman of the commission. The 2016 certified tax rates for Emery County and Castle Valley Special Service District were approved.
The commission ratified a county library grant submitted by Carol Larsen. The grant for $4,600 will purchase Kindles and books to download on the Kindles. These will be available for the public to check out. Emery Telcom will buy the covers for the Kindles.
The employees at the Museum of the San Rafael requested a fee wavier for the use of the museum. They want to use it for a fundraiser for Avery Ward. This will be a dinner and silent auction on July 16. The commission approved the request but reminded Meagan Wilberg that this will set a precedence and they may be called on to donate their time for other such events.
Emery County had 44 Medicaid bed licenses at the Ferron Care Center. There is only room for 40 beds so they are selling four Medicaid bed licenses. Two bids were opened for the sealing and stripping at the Senior Citizen Center in Green River. The AOG will be funding this but the commissioners will recommend Superior Stripping because they had the low bid.
Commissioner Brady reported that he has met with SITLA and BLM regarding land swaps adjacent to the communities in Emery County. This would give the communities room for economic development. It would also be advantageous for both BLM and SITLA.