MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' MEETING HELD IN REGULAR SESSION ON THE 18TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1965, AT 10 O'CLOCK A. M. IN THE COMMISSIONERS' ROOM OF THE COUNTY COURT HOUSE AT MONTICELLO, UTAH
PRESENT: K. S. Summers Chairman
Marion H. Hazleton Member
Ralph A. Bailey Member
Ada Palmer Clerk
Meeting opened at 10 o'clock a. m. with Commissioner Summers in the Chair. MINUTES READ AND APPROVED
Minutes of the previous meeting of October llth were read and approved. Motion for approval was made by Com-missioner Bailey, seconded by Commissioner Hazleton, and carried unanimously.
COMMISSIONER BAILEY REPORTS
Commissioner Bailey reported that the swimming pool at Blanding was alright in reference to the release valve.
ROAD SUPERINTENDANT INSTRUCTED TO PREPARE ROAD TO WATER TREATMENT PLANT
The County Commissioners instructed Dave Guymon, Road Superintendant, to prepare the road to the Water Treat-ment Plant by grading and that the City of Monticello will do their own graveling.
BLANDING REPRESENTATIVES UPHOLD RECREATION BUDGET
Curtis Jones of the Recreation Committee and Lorenzo Hawkins of the Water Conservancy Distict were present in behalf of the Recreation Budget that has been submitted for the South end of the County. Mr. Jones stated that the budget had been submitted for various projects, but in the event that they can get approval for a project requiring federal participation, they will desire to change their budget to provide for that service. It will necessitate eliminating several of the smaller projects so that the larger project can be performed.
Mr. Hawkins stated that the Water Conservation District cannot levy more than 1/2 mill until construction work is ready to begin, then they should be able to levy one mill. He stated that the survey work has been completed and they should be able to get started with construction of the dam at Cottonwood in August of 1966. He stated that with the 10 foot increase of the dam, the project will cost from $180,000 to $200,000. He stated that if the Fish and Game Department will provide funds in the amount of $25,000, the Water Conservancy District in the amount of $50,000 and some from the Recreation Department, they will probably be able to proceed with the project. He stated that he felt that sentiment was against a bond issue at this time.
Commissioner Summers asked if public sentiment is against the project for bonding, wouldn't public sentiment be against taking it out of recreation?
Mr. Hawkins stated that if some water development were started, public sentiment would change and more people would gradually be in favor of water development.
Commissioner Summers asked if part of the water were to be used for agriculture, how will it affect the res-ervoir for recreation?
Mr. Hawkins stated that he felt that the reservoir could be drawn down 25 feet to be converted to agriculture without it affecting recreation, and that several persons, and he personally would pay $1 per acre foot for water. The method of pumping would be costly but can be done. Water would increase the value of the land and the county would benefit.
Commissioner Bailey stated that he had been thinking about the matter, and that if we are going to get water we must get it soon. Also, if the water conservancy district is to continue in existence, it must get a pro-ject started soon. If we can get a body of water , it will be a great asset to the county.He stated that the silt problem is a disadvantage , but in his travels through Texas he has noted several river beds dammed off
to make hundreds of lakes. They have their silt problems but have overcome them.
Mr. Hawkins stated that the location should not be a sectional problem as the location is easily accessable to the whole county, and thelocation of Cottonwood has the greatest run-off in the whole county.
Commissioner Summers stated that he felt that the Water Conservation District should take the lead in the matter.
The Recreation Committee was requested to put their request in writing for a possible change in budget should approval for a project with Federal participation be granted.
OFFER OF REDUCED PRICE FOR GRADER BLADES IF PURCHASED IN 100 LOT
Dave Guymon stated that he had been contacted by George Simmons of Wheeler Machinery Company that if the county purchases motor grader blades in a 100 lot they can be purchased at a saving of $1 for 7 foot lengths, and a bit less than the dollar saving on the 6 foot length blades. He stated that if the county can't pay for the total amount at this time, it can be paid after the first of the year. The price is for delivery at Cresent Junction.
Mr. Guymon stated that the county uses about 150 blades a year, and that he will check how many are on hand at the present time.
The Commissioners stated that Mr. Guymon suggest delivery at Monticello and that they will be purchsed if that is possible.
REPORT FROM UTAH FIRE RATING BUREAU
The following report has been received from the Utah Fire Rating Bureau:
P.I.P INSPECTION REPORT
INSURED: San Juan County
STREET: Main Street West Side
CITY: Monticello STATE Utah
BLDG._________________ITEM_____________________DEFECT_______________________________DATE____________INSP_____
Blanding, Utah
1. Clinic
177 E. 2nd No. 1. Not inspected (Bldg. locked) 10-9-65 MHD
2. Library
SWc 3rd S. & Main 1. Extinguishers not provided for 10-9-65 MHD
2. Extension cord used for lighting in Museum (Bsmt.)
3. Nurses Office
26 E. 2nd South 1. Not inspected (Bldg. locked and no longer
used according to Librarian) 10-9-65 MHD
4. Shops
Abt. 185 S. 4th W. 1. Floor cluttered and greasy. (Bldg. locked) 10-9-65 MHD
5. Shops
(Old State Shop) 1. Hazardous wiring-non-metalic sheath wiring
to and on exterior of bldg. 10-9-65 MHD
6. Swimming Pool
51 W. 2nd So. 1. No def. noted (Operated summers only) 10-9-65 MHD
7. Courthouse
SE 1st N. & Main 1. Plate missing on junction box in Blr. room. 10-9-65 MHD
2. Extinguishers not inspected nor recharged, (last tagged 2-27-64)
Monticello, Utah
8. Hospital
384 W. 3rd North 1. (1) 55 gal. drum Isoproponol-Anhudrous on 10-9-65 MHD
side with plastic valve. Should be removed to outside location.
2. Plate missing on junction box in blr. room
3. Open one gallon can of diesel fuel in Aux. power unit room.
4. Ext. in boiler room not properly hung.
5. Hood and vent filters in kitchen moderately greasy.
9. Library 1. No deficiencies noted. 10-9-65 MHD Abt. 260 N. Main
10.Swimming Pool
Abt. 300 W. 2nd N. 1. No deficiencies noted (Operated summers
only) 10-9-65 MHD
11. Shops
Abt. 835 E. 2nd No.
1. Generally conjested with cardboard boxes
on floor 10-9-65 MHD
2. Extinguishers not tagged. Although reportedly checked on an annual basis by Co. employee.
Rr. Bldg. 1. Congested although primarily incomb. stge. 10-9-65 MHD
12. Shops
14 miles east of
Monticello 1. Not inspected. 10-9-65 MHD
Other County Properties Not inspected 10-9-65 MHD
General Many locations do not have extinguishers properly located
nor hung in accordance with N.F.P.A. pamphlet No. 10
The Clerk was directed to make copies of the above report and send them to department heads. INVITATION TO ATTEND LUNCHEON MEETING OF MENTAL HEALTH IN SALT LAKE CITY
Invitations have been received by the County Commission to attend a Mental Health-Public Health Forum on October 26th, and especially the luncheon meeting on that day.
INVITATION TO ATTEND CONFERENCE ON STATE PLAN-OLDER AMERICANS
Invitations have also been received by the County Commission to attend a conference on State Plan for Older Americans Act on October 22, 1965, from 9 a. m. to 12 noon in Room 331, Senate Committee Rooms at the State Capitol.
Commissioner Bailey stated that he would like to attend the conference.
HALLS CROSSING ROAD APPROVED BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, BUREAU OF PUBLIC ROADS
The following letter has been received from the Utah State Department of Highways:
Utah State Department of Highways State Office Building Salt Lake City 14, Utah October 13, 1965
Mr. K. S. Summers, Chairman San Juan County Monticello, Utah
Dear Mr. Summers:
Subject: Addition of Federal-Aid Secondary Route 368 in San Juan County
On October 7, 1965, the U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Public Roads approved the addition of Federal-aid-Secondary Route 368, from a point near Halls Crossing easterly and northerly to Federal-aid-Secondary Route 370 near Natural Bridges National Monument in San Juan County.
Transmitted herewith is a description sheet and a map,
Very truly yours,
B. Dale Burningham B. Dale Burningham
Transmittals
The mileage on local system will be 50.5 miles.
LEE RASMUSSEN MAKES APPLICATION FOR SHERIFF JOB
Lee Rasmussen of Monticello was present to make a verbal application for the Sheriff's job.
COMMISSIONER SUMMERS REPORTS
Commissioner Summers reported that his telephone conversation was with the State Parks Commission and that they had requested that San Juan County furnish four (4) men for the installation at the Goosenecks. They will write a letter making their formal request.
REQUEST THAT INTEREST AND PENALTIES BE WAIVED ON 1963 NEW VERDE TAXES
Marian Bayles, County Treasurer, reported that she had been contacted by Robert H. Ruggeri, Attorney at Law, and in behalf of Claude E. Nugent in regards to the taxes due on the 1963 assessment of the New Verde mines. Mr. Nugent wishes to waive interest and penalties, but is ready to pay the taxes. By holding over certain ore in a stockpile, they were charged additional taxes on average ore production.
Commissioner Hazleton made a motion that the County accept the compromise in taxes and waive the interest and penalties on confirmation that the State Tax Commission approve the measure. The motion was seconded by Com-missioner Bailey, and carried unanimously.
Miss Bayles called Donald Adams, Chairman of the State Tax Commission, who stated that he was not familiar with the negotiations that had transpired between the State Tax Commission and Mr. Nugent and his attorney regarding the matter.
County Attorney F. Bennion Redd was called in for consultation and will check into the legality of waiving interest and penalty.
LETTERS PERTAINING TO PROTEST OF PRIORITY CHANCE ON ROADS
The following letters have been received regarding the protest of road priority changes:
United States Senate
Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs
October 12, 1965
Mr. K. S. Summers, Chairman
443
Mr. K. S. Summers, Chairman San Juan County Commissioners Monticello, Utah
Dear Chairman Summers:
On receipt of copy of your letter of September 29th, which was addressed to the National Park Service here in Washington, I talked with both the Bureau of Public Roads and with the National Park Service about a pro-posed priority for a highway on the west side of Lake Powell as against improvement of Highway U-95 in the Golden Circle area.
These officials in turn talked with their field representatives, who do not seem to be aware of any such priority move.
They also tell me a total of almost $5 million has been allocated by the Bureau of Public roads from their Public Lands Funds for three projects:
1. One to be 12 miles long, all in Garfield County, far a total of approximately $1 million;
2. 6.2 miles, four-fifths in Garfield County and one-fifth in San Juan County at a cost of $3.204 million; and
3. 7.6 miles entirely in San Juan County for a cost of $800,000.
The National Park Service plans to communicate with you for further details on the proposed priority to which you refer.
Sincerely,
Frank E. Moss Frank E. Moss United States Senator
*********
United States Department of the Interior Office of the Secretary Washington, D. C. 20240
Oct. 8, 1965 Dear Senator Bennett:
I am acknowledging your letter of October 7 with reference to the objections of the San Juan County Commis-sioners to the proposed highway near Lake Powell.
We are checking into this matter and will be writing you further in the near future.
Sincerely yours,
Stewart L. Udall_____
Secretary of the Interior
Hon. Wallace F. Bennett United States Senate Washington, D. C. 20510
COUNTY TO JOIN AS PARTY PLAINTIFF IN COURT SUIT FOR COLLECTION OF TAXES
F. Bennion Redd, County Attorney, stated that he had a telephone conversation with Reed Hunter of the Attor-ney General's Office who had informed him that the State Tax Commission was anxious to file suit against the Atlas Company for failing to put up security on taxes to be collected on their uranium mine, and that taxes were now delinquent. Mr. Hunter wanted to know if the County desired to be a party to the action.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bailey that San Juan County join as a party plaintiff with the Utah State Tax Commission in filing a court action against the Atlas Company.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hazleton, and carried unanimously. COMMISSIONER HAZLETON REPORTS
Commissioner Hazleton stated that he would like to include a sum of $1,000 in the Tourist and Publicity budget to be used formuseums in Blanding and Monticello. He will submit in writing his request for an addi-tion to the Tourist and Publicity budget.
Mr. Hazleton also reported that he and Mr. Argyle had made a trip to Salt Lake City and had made a purchse of a Dodge Truck for $3600. from the Bunnell Dodge Dealers in Price, Utah, and had received a quote on a sprayer and other equipment from the Steve Regan Company of Salt Lkke for weed and rodent purposes in the amount of $2240.25, which can be either paid for this year or out of the 1966 budget.
Mr. Hazleton stated that there are sufficient funds in the Weed and Rodent budget to make payment of all but about $400, to be carried over until after the first of the year 1966.
Commissioner Hazleton also stated that he had talked vith a representative of Blue Cross-Blue Shield who stated that they have not been officially notified that the county will no longer participate in the group insurance. Mr. Braithwaite also stated that the County will have 6 months/to rejoin Blue Cross-Blue Shield .
COMMISSIONER BAILEY REPORTS
Commissioner Bailey reported that Vint Redd desires a chance to prepare and present a comprehensive insurance plan for the county.
441
COUNTY SHERIFF APPOINTED TO REPLACE PRESENT SHERIFF WHO HAS RESIGNED
The following applicants for Sheriff were considered by the Board of County Commissioners: Max King, Lee Ras-mussen, Cleal Bradford, Tully Harvey and Ross A. Musselman.
Commissioner Summers stated that names had been considered by the Republican Central Committee and that their recommendation was Ross (Rusty) A. Musselman.
Pursuant to the application of Max King, Commissioner Hazleton requested that the Sheriff be present to an-swer the request of Mr. King as to the condition of the office and jail when Sheriff Cahoon came into office.
Sheriff Cahoon stated that the Sheriff's office and jail were in good condition when he came into office.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bailey that since Ross A. Musselman (Rusty) is the best qualified of the applicants he should be given position of Sheriff of San Juan County.
Commissioner Hazleton was asked to take the Chair and Commissioner Summers seconded the motion.
A vote was taken as follows: AYE: Ralph A. Bailey
K. S. Summers Marion H. Hazleton
NAY: None
The Sheriff was called in and informed of the appointment. The Commissioners expressed their appreciation to Sheriff Cahoon for his fine performance as county sheriff, and asked that he work closely, with Mr. Musselman to correlate his new duties as sheriff of this county,
Sheriff Cahoon stated that he felt that the duties of sheriff are administrative and that Mr. Musselman is mature and respected and will follow through on his duties in such a manner that the county will be pleased with his performance. Mr. Cahoon also thanked the Commissioners for their kind consideration.
THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS WERE APPROVED FOR PAYMENT: GENERAL FUND
Verd a ray Corporation Building supply 63.94
Continental Oil Company Gasoline & Oil TBCoord. car 18.51
Frank Redd Attendance Welfare meeting 5.00
Milton Nielson " " " 5.00
Hilda Perkins " " " 5.00
C. Don Holladay Professional Services—Mental Hlth,
+ travel 177.50
Elwin C. Nielsen " " " " 1/4 " 89.50
Thomas C. Hardy " " " " 115.50
City Court of Monticello Co. share of Court costs 200.00
carr Printing Co. Election supplies for cities 13.90
Kelly Compnay Office Supplies 13.85
Truck Insurance Exchange Vehicle Insurance 611.28
RECREATION FUND
Western Mine Supply Co., Inc. Supplies—Various 87.49
City of Monticello Utilities -Water, Tennis Ct etc. 534.63
Utah Power & Light Co Electricity etc. 9.36
Tom Burr 12 hr @2.00--Rec Area 24.00
Texburger Meals 43.40
Bean Capital Impl.&Motor Co Parts & Supplies 30.50
San Miguel Power Association, Inc Power 2.80
Black Oil Co Gasoline 70.69
The Midland Telephone Co Service—Long distance calls 2.15
E. A. Black Circulating Pump 76.50
Monticello Lumber and Hardware Parts 4.00
JB Grain & Bean CO Weed spray 5.40
Utah Gas Service Co Gas 107.70
Smith Chemical Co Chemicals 73.00
Harvey Builders Supply Supplies 8.14
Sunvalco Athletic Supply Co. Repairs 23.31
The Plastex Co. Parts 9.42
Richard Reece 12 hr work at park @1.00 12.00
COUNTY ROAD FUND
Truck Insurance Exchange Vehicle Insurance 1,483.12
Wycoff Co., Inc. Freight 4.00
Slavens Hardware & Lumber Supplies & Parts 15.82
Bowman Products Divn. Parts 81.50
Canyonlands "76" Service Jacks, servicing 45.50
Blair Auto & Radiator Service Repairs 82.50
Abajo Petroleum Oil and Grease 829.17
Redd's Parts 109.73
Young's Machine Company Parts & Labor 26.31
Motor Parts Co Parts 192.17
Rocky Mountain MachineryCoc Parts 62.17
AIRPORT FUND
Richard L. Smith Salary for Sept 150.00
City of Blanding Balance 1965 Budget for Hangar
Construction 13,746.04
LIBRARY FUND
Truck Insurance Exchange Vehicle Insurance 66.00
442
WEED AND RODENT CONTROL FUND
Marion Hazleton Travel, 600 miles @.08 $48.00
There being no further business to come before the Board, upon motion the meeting was adjourned.
Attest: K. S. Summers, Chairman, Board of County Commissioners
Ada Palmer, Clerk