SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING January 29, 2007 The regular meeting of the San Juan County Commission was held on January 29, 2007 at 9:00 A.M. in the Commission Room at Monticello, Utah Present: Bruce Adams, Chairman Kenneth Maryboy, Vice Chairman Lynn Stevens, Commissioner Norman L. Johnson, SJC Clerk /Auditor Rick Bailey, SJC Administrator Dianne F. Neuss, SJC Deputy Clerk Commissioner Kenneth Maryboy made a motion to approve the minutes of January 22, 2007 with corrections. Commissioner Lynn Stevens seconded the motion. Commissioner Bruce Adams declared the motion carried by unanimous vote. Evan Lowry - SJC Planning Office Evan reported that the Nation Park Service intends to increase fees in all of the National Parks. For example, the fee at Natural Bridges for a vehicle will be increased from $6.00 to $15.00. He thinks the increased fees will discourage visitors from going to the parks, especially since visitors travel longer distances to get to the area. Commissioner Stevens suggested that a minimum fee should be charged for vehicles with an additional fee for each individual. The fees generated are used to improve the parks. Charles DeLorme said that he was not pleased with the proposed increase in fees and that many County residents visit the parks and it is one of his favorite things to do. He suggested that the Park Service could possibly look at better management to reduce some of their costs. In the meantime, Evan and Charles will get together and draft a response to the Park Service regarding the County's reasons for objecting to increased fees. Comments are due in by March 5th . Commissioner Maryboy suggested that we advertise the specific increases to encourage public comment. Evan also advised the Commission that the National Parks and Recreation Department intends to introduce an Integrated Pest Management Plan at Glen Canyon. In the meantime, he is concerned that nothing has been done about a travel management plan for ATV/OHV trails in the Glen Canyon. After obtaining additional information on the Pest Management Plan, Evan will contact them and advise them of the success with the eradication of Tamarisk at Potash and he will discuss the need for a transportation plan for OHV transportation. Comments regarding the Integrated Pest Management plan are due in on February 21st. Evan reported that the Hole in the Rock washout that occurred in Lake Canyon closed off the trail. Evan said that there is one route down to Nakai Dome and another little trail would have to be tied in. It is about 1 ½ miles, mostly on slick rock. The BLM concurred that this would be a good route. Lynn Laws and other staff members will plan another trip down to the area. Darris Jones - Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Darris Jones, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, came today to present information and updates about the Division. He said that he tries to meet with all of the counties in Southeastern Utah. He said that the DWR owns property in all Utah counties except for San Juan County and noted that the Nature Conservancy has obtained property in the County and are looking for partners. He said that Jay Shirley is the new Sargent and has been in this position for about four months. He said there is a position for a conservation officer in Monticello and it is usually filled through the Post but that it is difficult to get employees. Commissioner Stevens suggested that they advertise DWR opportunities at the high school. Darris said that they usually recruit on a one on one basis but that he would be happy to talk to scouts, students and church groups to discuss job opportunities. He advised that they recently had a ground breaking ceremony for the new Department of Natural Resource Building in Price. All agencies will be housed in one centralized building. Darris discussed the new restructured license and permit fees which passed the Committee last week. He said the rate increase should not effect the Conservation Permit Program. There is a survey posted on the web site, www.wildlife.org asking questions regarding Public Process. The Big Game event held in SLC was the 5th largest convention held in SLC and raised approximately 10 to 12 million dollars. A short DVD was presented for viewing relating to the economic advantages of hunting and fishing. There are related statistics available and Darris will provide them to anyone who is interested in this information. Commissioner Adams asked if the Utah Division of Wildlife would agree to participate in this year's San Juan County Fair which takes place around the 2nd week in August. He said that it would be a great contribution if they could bring down the animal wagon and the kids fishing pond for the fair. Darris said that he will contact Anna Thayn, SJC Fair Manager, and make the arrangements with her. Commissioner Adams' second request related to Native American hunting and fishing rights. He asked if someone could come to the Chapter Meetings and provide information to members. Commissioner Maryboy said that it would be advantageous for Mr. Jones to get on the agenda of the Navajo Utah Commission to discuss this subject because representatives from all the Chapters attend. He said there are many questions and concerns regarding hunting. Darris said that there is an existing agreement with the Navajo Nation regarding off reservation hunting and he will provide the County Commission with a copy. The agreement allows for permits in the Southeast and Southern part of the County and addresses the cultural and traditional Navajo process of taking care of animals. Commissioner Maryboy provided the name and phone number of Clarence Rockwell of the Utah Navajo Commission so that he can arrange to get on the agenda. He said he would be glad to attend individual Chapter Meetings as well. He noted that officers are instructed to use discretion when they encounter a Native American harvesting an animal in a traditional way. Norman Johnson - SJC Clerk/Auditor Since Sheriff Lacy could not be at the meeting today, he asked that Norman advise the Commission that the 1988 truck used by the TV Technician blew an engine and is unable to be repaired. Sheriff Lacy would like to replace it. Rick said that he has eight coupons from GM worth $1,500 each and will check to see if they can be combined and used toward the purchase of a new truck. The cutoff date to place orders is March 20th. This item will be placed on next weeks agenda. Norman said that Charles Redd resigned his seat on the Water Conservancy District Board for the LaSal area. Rick will advertise to fill the vacancy. Rick said he received an application from Alan Berry for the Healthcare District Board and there it was noted that a Health District Board member, Sarah Neumeyer resigned her position. Rick will also advertise to fill this vacancy. Rick Bailey - SJC Administrator Rick presented two building permits for approval and signature. Ivan's Auto Recycling - 5600 South Highway 191, Moab - Building/Shop Baxter and Dora Benally - 3425 Old Mission Road, Bluff - Residence Commissioner Lynn Stevens made a motion to approve the two building permits provided all required signatures are placed. Commissioner Kenneth Maryboy seconded the motion. Commissioner Bruce Adams declared the motion carried by unanimous vote. Rick presented a report to the Commission which includes the statistics related to the number of trucks passing through the various Ports of Entry between July of 2005 and June of 2006. Rick said that the Jared and Heather Palmer submitted signatures of approval for their requested zone change from all but one of their neighbors. Rick recommended that the zone change should stipulate that, if they sell the property with the ice house, it could not be converted to another business. Rick will schedule a Public Hearing next week for the proposed zoning change. The decision to obtain Navajo and Ute Nation flags for the Court House Building was discussed. Rick received a good response from the Navajo Nation but when the Ute Nation was approached about their flag, Tom Rice asked to meet with the Commission regarding a road problem that they would like addressed before discussing obtaining the flag. The BLM has been working with them on the road issue and the County has contributed toward the road improvement. Commissioner Stevens made a motion to form a Public Road Committee to include himself, Walter Bird, Attorney, Evan Lowry, Planner and David Bronson, Surveyor, to deal specifically with the legal issues related to public roads. The Committee would communicating with private attorneys and agencies on these issues. Commissioner Kenneth Maryboy agreed that forming a committee for this purpose is a good idea but suggested that representatives from Navajo and Ute Nation be included as members of the committee as well, because of their concern and desire for input on public land issues. Commissioner Stevens said that he sees the committee as being an internal county committee not a citizens committee. Commissioner Stevens said that he would stand by his motion to form a Public Road Committee as stated. Commissioner Bruce Adams asked for a second but there was none and the motion died. Open Time and Other Business Marilyn Boynton, a Bluff resident, addressed the Commissioners with a question regarding the Blue Mountain Hospital issue. She said she is aware of Commissioner Stevens and Commissioner Adams view of this subject but asked for Commissioner Maryboy's opinion on this issue. Commissioner Maryboy said that he is in favor of keeping as many options open for medical care to all of the citizens of the County. He said, as a County Commissioner, he represents everyone in the County and that he is not opposed to the Blue Mountain Hospital being built. He discussed the Navajo Health System and the 638 Contract and the Navajo Pilot Project for the Montezuma Creek. He said there are people who use the Blanding Clinic as well as the San Juan Hospital and who have a right to continue their care at these facilities. The proposed amendment to the Resolution concerning the healthcare issue will be taken up at a Public Hearing when it will be discussed further. Richard Guymon, a Blanding resident, said that the San Juan Hospital has been operating at a loss and that if the Commission passes the new resolution, it may be faced with an expensive legal actions against the County. He discussed some of the past history surrounding the issue as well. Mr. Guymon also discussed the increase in the TRT and some of the issues he has with the increase. Commissioner Adams said that the majority of business owners and other community members who were present at the Public Hearing were in favor of the increase and that Charles DeLorme, the County's new Director of Economic Development is working to make sure business owners see the benefit of this increase. Bill Boyle, owner of the San Juan Record, asked when the Public Hearing would be scheduled on Health Care. Commissioner Adams said that the hearing is on hold until further investigation is completed, as requested by Commissioner Stevens at last week's meeting. Charles DeLorme reported that he just receive another $501 in donations toward the Bluff Swinging Bridge repair. Commissioner's Reports Commissioner Stevens attended the UAC Legislative Review Forum. There was significant discussion regarding legislation proposed to double the amount of savings allowed to be held in trust by Utah counties. This fund, comprised of tax fund earnings and interest, has been in effect since 1986 but San Juan County and Emery County have never taken money out of the fund. The fund is not large enough to pay for any significant needs and constraints placed on accessing the funds are cumbersome. There is strong emotion to eliminate the fund altogether. Commissioner Stevens accompanied the Lieutenant Governor to the Western County Alliance in Nephi. San Juan County is not a member of the Alliance and there was considerable time spent encouraging membership. The Lieutenant Governor asked Commissioner Stevens to provide some information to the group but due to other commitments they had to leave before he could make his presentation. Commissioner Stevens also attended the Cowboy Caucus and the main item discussed was the Snake Valley water issue on drilling wells and the effect on springs, livestock and growth in the area. He will be going back to SLC today and will be attending the same series of meetings. Commissioner Maryboy said that he will be in SLC attending legislative sessions as well as the Cowboy Caucus. He also plans to attend the Thursday's UAC meeting at the State Office Building. He attended the Navajo Nation Session last week, the Bluff meeting and will attend a meeting in Mexican Hat. Commissioner Bruce Adams attended the Oljato Chapter meeting with Lynn Laws and spent the rest of the week in the County. He will attend the State Department of Health Hearing in SLC at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow, when the issue of mill tailings will be addressed. A number of Monticello City Council Members will also attend the hearing. He will attend the UAC meeting on Wednesday as well. Commissioner Adams plans to try to arrange an appointment with Al Hawks to discuss the bid process on 491 and talk to him about the road problem on Main Street in Monticello. He will try to schedule the meeting for Thursday afternoon when Commissioner Stevens will be available. Commissioner Maryboy will also attend the meeting. Meeting Adjourned: 10:55 a.m. Check # Payee Amount 36499 All American Publishing 195.00 36500 Amerigas-Blanding 1,621.79 36501 Applied Concepts, Inc. 54.00 36502 Avien Media 6,851.00 36503 Bames Distribution 673.67 36504 Black, Calvin 80.00 36505 Black, Clint 80.00 36506 Black, Travis A. 40.00 36507 Blue Mountain Meats, Inc. 222.29 36508 Bluff Water Works 20.00 36509 Bound Tree Medical, LCC 811.66 36510 Brandford, Kelly B. 56.00 36511 Bunker, Bruce 425.57 36512 Bureau of EMS 215.00 36513 Business Systems Group 110.90 36514 Caselle, Inc. 1,136.00 36515 Castle County Travel Region 4,225.00 36516 Channing Bete Co., Inc. 504.81 36517 Civil Air Patrol Magazine 285.00 36518 Cortez Diesel Sales, Inc. 808.59 36519 Cynthia Black 14.40 36520 DeLorme, Charles 118.00 36521 Dial Oil company 125.98 36522 Dine Distribution 441.87 36523 DIRECTV 539.00 36524 Emergency Medical Products, Inc. 1,111.07 36525 Factory Parts Express 246.24 36526 Four Corners Auto Electric 225.00 36527 Four Corners Welding & Gas 3,681.28 36528 Four States Tire & Service 4,673.19 36529 Franklin Covey Co. 197.31 36530 Information Only check 0.00 36531 Frontier 3,168.61 36532 Gallegos, David 52.00 36533 Gallegos, Tamara 52.00 36534 Grainger 165.83 36535 Grand Valley Foods 672.94 36536 Hazleton, Kirk 31.03 36537 Hickman, Kristina 175.10 36538 Hinckley Dodge Inc. 105.75 36539 Holliday, Jason 20.00 36540 House of White Birches 29.91 36541 IAFE 100.00 36542 Ingram Library Services 561.10 36543 International Sportsmens Expo 1,100.00 36544 Intouch Paging 32.00 36545 Intrepid Potash, Moab, LLC 680.64 36546 Ivins, Shawn 40.00 36547 JC Hunt Co., Inc. 2,822.24 36548 Jacco Diustributing Co. 179.55 36549 Joyce Guymon Smith 69.78 36550 Ken Garff W. Valley Dodge 174,665.00 36551 Keyes, James D. 43.21 36552 Latham, Heath 20.00 36553 Lawson Products, Inc. 93.82 36554 LexisNexis 464.00 36555 Lyman, Austin J. 45.00 36556 M. Taylor & Assoc. Inc. 127.25 36557 Meadow Gold Dairies, Inc. 609.00 36558 Meehan, Steve 70.00 36559 Miscellaneous Payables 18.00 36560 Monticello Home & Auto Supply 77.74 36561 Monticello Mercantile 5.88 36562 Mullaly, Sarah 105.00 36563 Musselman Plumbing, Inc. 502.82 36564 Musselman, Kedric 43.00 36565 Myers Tire Supply co. 3.39 36566 Newspaper Agency Corp. 87.15 36567 Nicholas & Company 1,161.36 36568 Norton, Kenneth 140.00 36569 Office Etc. 77.90 36570 Packard Wholesale Co. 210.15 36571 Page Brake Warehouse 120.15 36572 Palmer, Danny S. 80.00 36573 Patterson, J.T. 43.00 36574 Penworthy Company 277.07 36575 Pitney Bowes 378.00 36576 Professional Garage Door Co. 260.25 36577 Quill Corp. 372.88 36578 Redd, Susan 1,100.00 36579 Redd's True Value 80.83 36580 Regence BlueCross BlueShield 723.57 36581 Regence Life & Health Ins. 1,946.73 36582 Reliable 219.99 36583 Reporters, Inc. 232.15 36584 Restaurant & Store Equip. Co. 36.82 36585 Rocky Mountain Power 298.85 36586 Rocky Mountain Propane 920.00 36587 Ross Products, Inc. 205.92 36588 Information Only check 0.00 36589 San Juan Clinic 405.00 36590 Information Only check 0.00 36591 San Juan County 14,126.17 36592 San Juan Pharmacy 2,064.94 36593 SHELL 67.51 36594 Shoreline Creations, LTD 600.00 36595 Shumway, Javan 20.00 36596 Shumway, Mitchell 20.00 36597 Southwest Diesel Specialists 397.06 36598 Sysco Intermountain Food Svc. 918.34 36599 Thayn, Anna 3,000.00 36600 Thomas Bouregy & Company, Inc. 138.50 36601 Tiger direct 215.98 36602 Tom Growney Equip., Inc. 359.87 36603 Travel Industry Association 1,010.00 36604 Travel Pal International 500.00 36605 UniFirst Corp. 153.24 36606 United States Postal Service 4,000.00 36607 United States Postal Service 36.00 36608 UPS 64.77 36609 Information Only check 0.00 36610 Verizon Wireless 1,255.35 36611 Wal-Mart Community 251.52 36612 Wheeler Machinery Company 781.67 36613 Amerigas-Blanding 673.26 36614 Blue Mountain Meats, Inc. 12.75 36615 Grand Valley Foods 206.30 36616 Nicholas & Company 315.11 36617 Patterson, J.T. 20.00 36618 WalMart Community 34.76 02/01/07 36619 Aflac 240.90 36620 AFSCME 56.80 36621 Bradford, Clint 110.00 36622 Child Support Services 782.43 36623 Colonial Life & Accident Ins. 1,130.31 36624 Conseco Health Insurance Co. 1,434.40 36625 Equitable Equi Vest 2,832.50 36626 Nationwide Retirement Solution 107.62 36627 PEHP 2,055.25 36628 Provident Life & Accident 165.50 36629 San Juan Credit Union 430.00 36630 Schultz, William L. 2,500.00 36631 Utah State Retirement Fund 79,381.79 36632 Utah State Tax Commission 19,891.50 ___________________________ ________________________________ Bruce B. Adams, Chair Dianne F. Neuss, SJC Deputy Clerk