IRON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
February 11, 2008
Minutes of the Iron County Commission meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. February 11, 2008 in Commission Chambers at the Iron County Courthouse, Parowan, Utah.
Officers in attendance included:
Lois L. Bulloch Commission Chair
Wayne A. Smith Commissioner
Alma L. Adams Commissioner
Scott F. Garrett County Attorney
David I. Yardley County Clerk
SYNOPSIS :
APPEAL OF PLANNING & ZONING ACTION
APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 28, 2008
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS & ADJOURN
CENTRAL IRON COUNTY WATER CONSERVANCY 2008 BUDGET REVIEW
RIGHT HAND CANYON RANCH ROAD ENCROACHMENT
Those assembled were led in the pledge of allegiance by Kal Kahler.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 28, 2008 :
Minutes of the Iron County Commission meeting held January 28, 2008 were approved as amended on a motion by Wayne Smith. Second was by Alma Adams. Voting: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye.
Scott Garrett reported that homicide charges are being prepared to be filed against Martin C. Nelson after an investigation of two murders at his residence in Beryl. Mr. Nelson allegedly killed and buried two people from Washington County.
Kal Kahler reported that the petition spearheaded by Carlyle Johnson to be removed from the Central Iron County Water Conservancy District was turned down by the Board at their regular meeting held February 6. Mr. Johnson was told he has 45 days to correct deficiencies in the petition.
Wayne Smith reported that road workers opening roads in Hamblin Valley located a couple that had been missing for nearly two weeks. The couple were found walking down the road near the County line. Their vehicle had become stuck in a snow drift and additional snow had made search by air difficult. Search and rescue personnel had not been able to locate the couple even though a large search had been conducted by air and on snow machines.
Alma Adams reported that a meeting has been arranged with Cedar City to work out differences between Ryan Riddle and Paul Irons in supervising fire suppression efforts.
Lois Bulloch reported that she has been participating in conference calls with UAC regarding a proposed bill that would impact Justice Courts. This will be a topic of discussion at the County day at the Legislature scheduled for February 22.
CENTRAL IRON COUNTY WATER CONSERVANCY 2008 BUDGET REVIEW:
R. Scott Wilson, manager of the Central Iron County Water Conservancy District presented a summary of the budget approval report of the CICWCD. He also discussed proposed projects that are being explored including a possible reservoir site on Urie Creek.
Mr. Wilson also reported on the progress in development of a water distribution system in Cedar Valley. The line on Midvalley road and 2300 West is completed and preparations are being made to begin their Phase 2 project. Fife Town, Monarch Meadows and Angus Water Company are currently connected to the system. More subdivisions and water companies will be served in the future as needs arise.
RIGHT HAND CANYON RANCH ROAD ENCROACHMENT :
Fred Smith representing Red Z Inc. came before the Commission to request authorization to open and maintain a portion of Right Hand Canyon Road during winter months. He explained that they have men working on their property clearing and upgrading roads. He explained that their company is willing to provide insurance and a hold harmless agreement to allow them to access their property by vehicles.
Linford Nelson also requested permission to open 0.6 miles of road above Cedar Highlands subdivision to access his property during winter months.
The Commission explained that it is a concern to have a road posted as closed and then allow the road to be opened and maintained. Steve Platt pointed to an agreement between developers of Steam Engine Meadows subdivision in Brian Head to maintain a portion of County road leading to their development.
Mr. Smith and Mr. Nelson were referred to the County Attorney’s office to discuss the issue. Mr. Smith was cautioned to refrain from constructing roads in an area before a subdivision approval is obtained. Mr. Smith stated that their work consisted of maintaining existing roads on their property with no plans to subdivide at the current time.
No action was taken by the Commission at this time.
APPEAL OF PLANNING & ZONING ACTION :
Derek Riddle came before the Commission to appeal action by the Planning Commission in which the Planning Commission recommended the rezoning from R-1 To C- Commercial within Escalante Valley Ranchos, Unit 1, Blk C be denied. The Commission explained to Mr. Riddle that the matter has not been presented to the Commission for final action and that this appeal is not timely and no action can be taken.
Colette Eppley presented for approval the name of Mikel Quintenella as a Deputy Evidence Clerk in the Sheriff’s Office. Alma Adams made a motion to approve the new employee as presented. Second by Wayne Smith. Voting: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
Sheriff Mark Gower requested that an additional person be funded in the Fugitive Unit within the Sheriff Department. This would allow an additional guard to be hired in the Corrections side to replace Nic Gibson who is on “loan” from the Correction side to the Patrol side. The Commission questioned why this request was not included in the budget process which was approved just over one month ago since Mr. Gibson has been functioning in this position for several months. This request was tabled without action at this time to allow further study of the position and staffing need.
Closed Session If Needed
A list of County Board positions with terms expiring was reviewed. Positions will be checked and individuals contacted to determine if they will be willing to serve. Appointments will be made at a later time.
Wayne Smith made a motion to proceed with the purchase of 220 acres of SITLA property which will be available for exchange of permanent take acres under the HCP. Second by Alma Adams. Voting: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS & ADJOURN :
After the bills were reviewed and approved or rejected, the meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m. on a motion by Wayne Smith. Second was by Alma Adams. Voting: Lois Bulloch, Aye; Alma Adams, Aye; Wayne Smith, Aye.
Signed: Lois L. Bulloch, Chair
Attest: David I. Yardley
County Clerk