A regularly-scheduled Carbon County Commission meeting took place on Wednesday evening. To start off the meeting, the commission chair position was rotated from Commissioner Jake Mellor to Commissioner Jae Potter.
Also during the meeting, various agenda items regarding the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) were discussed. The first, a review and possible approval of BLM Right of Way grant for Bruin Point, was presented by Barry Horsley.
Horsley stated that approximately seven years ago, the county worked with the BLM to acquire property on Bruin Point. A company had walked away, so the tower and building on the property were seized. The BLM offered some of the space inside the building to the county free of charge.
Unfortunately, the paperwork for this issue was missed years ago. The agreement brought to the commissioners was a formal document granting them availability to occupy the space in the building free of charge.
“Basically, just formalizing a handshake agreement we have had with them,” Commissioner Jake Mellor stated.
Carbon County attorney Christian Bryner stated that he had looked over the agreement and believed it to be a favorable lease. It was signed by the commissioners. Also discussed regarding the BLM was a modification of a contract for noxious weed control.
Chris Rowley spoke with the commissioners regarding this item, stating that $10,000 is given each year to spray noxious weeds on the BLM property as well as some county roads. Commissioner Potter acknowledged that this is the third year of this particular amendment.
Commissioner Mellor inquired about whether or not the funds were sufficient for the chemicals and tools needed for this endeavor. Rowley stated that it is not quite sufficient, however, it is what is being offered at the time. Commissioner Potter stated that this year it will be agreed upon and in the future the commissioners will look at the specific contract.
Commissioner Mellor suggested to Rowley to keep an eye, as well as a record, on the resources and chemicals used and to report it to Bryner. This contract was approved by the commissioners.