By Julie Johansen
The Safety Minute presentation for the April 19 Emery County Commission meeting was given by USU Extension Agent Rowe Zwahlen. He spoke about safety precautions when using chemicals in the workplace and stressed the importance of following the directions on the container. He also directed attention to using disinfecting wipes.
Following his presentation, the monthly safety card drawings went to Cody Westenscow, Kyle Larsen, Joe Fielder, Mary Huntington, A.J. O’ Neil and Robert Riley. Commission Chairman Lynn Sitterud expressed his appreciation to the county employees for their continued no loss of time efforts.
Next, two bids for fertilizer and weed control at the county facilities were opened and considered for review. The bids were from Lawn Tech and Debugger Pest Control. The qualified bid will be awarded following the review.
Emery County Business Chamber Director Patsy Stoddard then requested the approval of the commission for awarding the Main Street Grant to P&D Ace Hardware in Green River. Approval was granted.
Approval was also given to the agreement between Allred Construction and Emery County for the emergency watershed projects in Meeting House Canyon. Resolutions were adopted approving the interlocal agreements between the Emery County Community Reinvestment Agency and Emery County regarding the Hornshadow Solar Community, the Huntington City Commercial Corridor.
Ten percent of the solar income to the county must be dedicated to affordable housing according to state mandates. Over a 20 year period, this could amount to $20 million and the commissioners want to make sure this is used correctly and with the best benefits. They are therefore advertising for a consultant/developer in this area.
Next, an agreement with Dr. Travis Engar, EMS Medical Director, and Emery County for $300 per month was approved. An agreement with Berg Engineering for molten salt research equipment at the San Rafael Research Center was also approved. The agreement states that the equipment cannot be sold, exported or used by the military.
The Association of Government (AOG) has assisted Emery County with economic development for several months and the commission approved an increase in payment to them from $11,000 to $13,000. Commissioner Kent Wilson stated that the AOG has grown to be an important part of economic development in Emery County.
Author Kelsey discussed the road at the end of Long Street in Green River and the access to the old Swasey Ranch Homestead in Short Canyon. He presented pictures of no trespassing signs and other obstructions. He requested county assistance in keeping the route open. Kelsey was advised that he must stay on the old right of way that was already established.
During the commission reports, each paid tribute to the volunteers of the Emery County Search and Rescue team who had the task of recovering two fatalities on the San Rafael Swell over Easter weekend.