By Julie Johansen
At Tuesday’s Emery County Commission meeting, Larry Ellerson, Congressman John Curtis’ representative, spoke to commissioners during the public comment period. He announced a webinar on using broadband and funds to make it more available. He announced that the congressman will be in Emery County next week and that they are very interested in helping rural Utah. Commissioner Kent Wilson remarked that Curtis is very active in addressing the needs in Emery County.
Next, names were drawn for this month’s Visa safety gift cards, a monthly incentive to encourage safe practices in the workplace for county employees. The full-time employee card was given to Bonnie Day and the part-time employee winner was Shellee College. The two safety sensitive employees receiving gift cards were Mitch Vetere and Gayle Jensen.
Monica Phelps then gave a presentation to the commission regarding Alcohol and Narcotics Anonymous support meetings coming to Emery County. She recited the importance of someone needing meetings with others during the recovery period. The first meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 17 and will be hosted every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. She stated these meetings would make a healthier community.
A public hearing was then held to receive comment on the abandonment of partial right of way on parcel no. S5-0040-0006. There was only one public comment in the form of an email opposing that abandonment. A motion to close the public hearing was followed by an approval vote for an ordinance to abandon this right of way and also to quit claim deed this property back to the owner. All passed unanimously.
Emery County Attorney Mike Olsen then requested an agreement with Hutton Law Associates, P.C. to represent Emery County’s interest regarding the contract dispute and lawsuit filed by Intermountain Health Care. This lawsuit is because an employee of the county was billed for services allegedly not given to the employee. Outside counsel was requested because they had the expertise needed in this suit. This request was approved.
Also, Ferron City’s request to be included in Emery County’s building inspections service area with Sunshine Engineering was approved. The Board of Equalization closing for 2019 and changes for 2019 were also approved. Tax abatement for veterans, blind and homeowners who qualify tax credit of 50% were also approved.
Attorney Olsen announced that Kay Jensen will be retiring from the Sheriff’s Department after 25 years of service and a celebration for him will be on Sept. 30. He also excused Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk, who was on important business.
Commissioner Wilson reported accompanying victims’ rights advocate Vanessa Justesen on a house call this past week and he complimented her, remarking that she was the right person for the job.
