Nov. 1 kicked off the Carbon County Commission meetings for the month. During this meeting, a handful of items were discussed by commissioners and members of the community. One of these items was the previously discussed contract with Blackhawk Coal to do a fair land trade.
During the previous commission meeting, a public hearing took place in regards to the contract. Commissioners then took into account the questions and information that were presented to them at that time. After reviewing the contract and speaking with all those involved, it was widely recognized that this project is greatly needed.
Commissioner Jae Potter stated that emergency communication is critical; the state will complete this project or the county can have participation in it. He then acknowledged that this is a two-to-one exchange regarding the size of land, but it is worthwhile because it gives the county the property that is needed. He also stated that the two private landowners in that area can work out the other details.
This communication tower will service highways 6 and 191, both of which are currently dead zones.
“It would be in our best interest to do this transaction,” Commissioner Jake Mellor stated.
Ultimately, the contract was approved by commissioners.
Also discussed during the meeting were the possible terms for a new interlocal agreement for the Southeastern Utah District Health Board. Bradon Bradford spoke with commissioners on this item, stating that he has worked for the Health Department for nearly 12 years now, working in a small myriad of positions before landing on being the Environmental Health Director, a position he has held for the past seven years.
Bradford stated to commissioners that one of the first opportunities that needs to be finalized is re-writing aspects of the interlocal agreement between Carbon, Emery and Grand counties. He expects to have a draft of the review of each county by Monday and it will take some time to review and finalize the language and approve it with Carbon County Attorney Christian Bryner.
The ratifying appointment of Bradford as the Health Officer also took place during the meeting.