SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 27, 2003 The regular meeting of the San Juan County Commission was held at 10:00 A.M. in the Commission Room at Monticello, Utah. Present: Lynn H. Stevens, Chairman Manuel Morgan, Vice-Chairman Ty Lewis, Commissioner Rick Bailey, Administrative Assistant Norman Johnson, County Clerk LaVee Scherick, Deputy Clerk A motion to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2003 meeting as written was made by Commissioner Ty Lewis and seconded by Commissioner Manuel Morgan. None opposed. Commissioner Lynn Stevens declared the motion carried. CEU/Health Sciences Building Dr. Don Larsen and Beth Carter, representing CEU-San Juan Center, presented information concerning the CEU master plan and proposal for a medical science building on the San Juan campus in Blanding. Beth Carter reported on the challenge by the County to come up with a plan for a health sciences building. This building will be a hub site for a variety of medical training such as EMT, CNA, LPN, RN, and medical technicians. There will be classrooms, office space, space for counseling, and library. Ms. Carter stated that a money commitment by the County will have a large impact as federal and state sources are sought. Right now the timing is critical. The State Legislature has some additional monies that are available right now because of a project that will not take place. A proposal was presented for a commitment from the County for $500,000 seed money. With that money CEU could go to federal appropriations or federal set aside and request matching money. Next they plan to go to the CIB and request matching funding plus $250,000 extra. They plan to approach the State legislature to ask for a match to obtain $2,250,000 for a total of $4,500,000 to construct and equip the building. Contacts have been made to Congressman Jim Matheson and Senator Orin Hatch's office who agreed to support the project. Ms. Carter stated they have spoken with CEU President Ryan Thomas, and members of the legislature all of whom have agreed to assist in funding and make this building a priority because of the magnitude of the health care issues in San Juan County. If funding is obtained in a timely manner, ground breaking could begin as early as the spring of 2004. As part of the assistance from the federal government the college hopes to obtain extra money to equip teaching labs in Monticello, Montezuma Creek, and Monument Valley. Commissioner Ty Lewis made a motion to commit $500,000 from the Nursing Home Trust Fund contingent on CEU being able to obtain matching funds to complete the proposal. Commissioner Manual Morgan seconded. None opposed. Commissioner Lynn Stevens declared the motion carried. Forest Service Contract/Sheriff Office Sheriff Mike Lacy presented the annual Forest Service reimbursement contract in the amount of $3,805 for approval and signature. Commissioner Manuel Morgan made a motion to sign the contract. Commissioner Ty Lewis seconded. None opposed. Commissioner Lynn Stevens declared the motion carried. Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Update Superintendent Kitty Roberts and Deputy Bill Pierce, Glen Canyon Recreation Area, presented an update on the rule making concerning personal water craft on Lake Powell. The proposed rule was published on January 17, 2003 which would allow for continued use of personal water craft on the Lake. There would be some restriction and closures on certain rivers coming in to and out of Lake Powell. The ruling is open for public comment and will be open until March 17, 2003. The Lake is closed to personal watercraft until the rule making process is completed. Ms. Roberts stated she hoped the rule making would be completed as early as June but it could be as late as August. There will be no waiting period after the rule making. Antelope Point Marina Superintendent Kitty Roberts reported that a concession contract has been signed for development of the Antelope Point Marina and Resort. Construction could begin late spring or early summer. This is a cooperative effort between the Park Service and the Navajo Nation Tri County Deputy Position Deputy Bill Pierce reported the Tri-County deputy position has been a key position and the Recreation Area appreciates the counties working with them. Temporary quarters have been set up. Trent Halliday will be moving in on February 1, 2003. Low Water Level Deputy Bill Pierce reported on low water levels on the Lake. Plans are being made to extend the ramps at Bull Frog and Halls Crossing. Because of the impact on water in take in the Lake there is a possibility of closing Hite sometime in the future for a period of time. Visitation In 2002 the over all visitation at Lake Powell was down almost 10%; Hall Crossing was down over 14%; and Hite was down over 27%. County Health Care Issues/Jill Bayles Jill Bayles, Blanding, reported she attended the San Juan Health Services Board meeting in Bluff last week. The Blanding Birthing Center and the nursing staffing problem at that facility were not on the agenda at all. She stated, "I am representing several citizens as we protest and object to the continued delay in re-opening the Birthing Center in Blanding and also objecting to an inappropriate action taken by the San Juan Health District Board at the meeting in Bluff on January 23, 2003. At the meeting, the Board reported that they are looking to re- open the Birthing Center on February 13. This is three more weeks of continued closure which will put pregnant women in jeopardy and will result in more loss of revenue for the county system. This completely unacceptable. Why is this board not concerned enough to hold emergency meetings and solve this problem? Also, the final action taken by the board at that meeting was to vote a $10,000 per year pay raise for Mr. John Hart, San Juan Hospital Administrator. We object vigorously to this inappropriate action by the board. I request that the County Commissioners interject themselves in to this situation and this board re-open the Birthing Center immediately. Also, I request that the County Commissioners block or rescind the $10,000 raise given to Mr. John Hart by the Health District Board." Donna Arthur, Blanding, expressed her concern about the Birthing Center being closed, the nursing staffing situation at the Birthing Center, and stated that nurses are willing to work. At a nurses meeting held in Blanding about three weeks ago, six or seven nurses indicated they were willing to work to keep the Birthing Center open. They were told to put their name on a paper and that they would be contacted. This process is not happening very quickly. She further stated that the pregnant women she contacted will not come to Monticello to deliver but will go elsewhere. She feels the Birthing Center should be open now. Letha Burtenshaw, Blanding, stated she feels for whatever reason the real facts are not being given. Ms. Burthenshaw has spoken with Debra Wynkoop, State Licensing Dept. who informed her that 1)the State was not aware that the Birthing Center was closed or on divert; 2)Regarding Urgent Care a rumor was given that when it was closed a couple of years ago the State required that. It was not a State licensing requirement and could have remained open and was strictly an administrative call from the Administrator and or the Director of Nurses. These decision are being made without the State licensing being involved. Ms. Burtenshaw also stated that the nurses are not willing to come forth and express their feeling because of feeling threatened. She feels there is a personnel issue in the District. Commissioners Stevens and Morgan expressed their concerns about the nursing shortage, the birthing center not being open, the welfare of patients, and pay increase issues. Commissioner Lewis stated the concerns are legitimate and he would like to meet with the hospital administration and hear their views before a decision is made. Administrative Assistant Rick Bailey will contact the hospital administration to set a meeting. PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT REPORT Payroll Change/Sheriff Dept A payroll change was presented for Kenneth Black, who has entered POST, to be moved from Step 63 at $1603 per month to Step 89 at $1804 per month effective February 1, 2003. Commissioner Ty Lewis made a motion to approve the payroll change. Commissioner Manuel Morgan seconded. None opposed. Commissioner Lynn Stevens declared the motion carried. A payroll change was presented for Jesse Cole Young, who has completed POST, to be moved from Step 89 at $1804 per month to Step 114 at $2026 per month effective January 1, 2003. Commissioner Ty Lewis made a motion to approve the payroll change. Commissioner Manuel Morgan seconded. None opposed. Commissioner Lynn Stevens declared the motion carried. Request to Hire/Sheriff Dept A request to hire Marsha Shumway as a full time Corrections officer was presented. She will be hired at Step 114 at $2026 per month effective February 11, 2003. She is POST certified. Commissioner Ty Lewis made a motion to approve the hire. Commissioner Manuel Morgan seconded. None opposed. Commissioner Lynn Stevens declared the motion carried. Blue Cross Blue Shield The renewal date for Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance is February 1, 2003. County employees who wish to make changes to their policy should do so at this time. PLANNER EDWARD SCHERICK'S REPORT Tom Brown/Hydrogen Sulfide Well-Road Closure Planner Edward Scherick reported that the Road Committee has met concerning the hydrogen sulfide well in the Lisbon Valley area and placing a gate on the road for temporary closure. The road is not on the County B road system. The road committee agreed that a gate could be placed on the road limiting access and the road be temporarily closed. The committee would like to recommend that the County road committee have a yearly review on the status of that road. Bill Stringer, Moab BLM, explained the process that will be used. The road closure is for the purpose of limiting access to those people who are un-aware of the danger behind the gate and how to proceed when they go there. Commissioner Ty Lewis made a motion to place a temporary closure on the road with a status review to be held yearly. At no time does the County ever relinquish their right to that road in this closure process. Commissioner Manuel Morgan seconded. A comment was made by Herb McHarg, Monticello, that he feels there should be more discussion in terms of hazard to the community on the release of the gas rather than on the road closure issue. Also look in to the option of whether or not it is economically feasible for the company to extract the sulfide from the gas rather than re-injecting it because of problems in the future that may occur with that gas. BLM Permittee Bill Stringer, Moab BLM, stated that the County should receive a copy of a letter going out to all grazing permittee. The BLM feels that under current drought conditions they will not be authorizing any grazing permits past March 31, 2003. Restrictions on other activities the BLM authorizes may also be affected because of impact from the drought. The Monticello BLM Field office is also looking at similar situations. Planning Conference Planner Scherick reported that he attended a planning conference in Vernal, UT on January 22-23, 2003. Karen Fallon- Bud, representing public land issues; Howard Hutchinson, County Planner from Ketron County, New Mexico; Kenneth Sizemore from Southwest Association of Governments; and San Juan County Planner Edward Scherick were the speakers. As a result of that meeting, Planner Scherick feels that through the Department of Environmental Quality and the BLM planning regulations the County has the opportunity to ask for and be granted the joint lead responsibility or at least become a participating agency in the BLM planning process. This would include the entire process from scoping to where the agency actually makes their decisions. Planner Scherick recommended the County make application to both the Moab and Monticello Field offices for that status. Then have permission to start developing a public lands council for the commission. This group would make recommendation in to the process. Planner Scherick has drafted a letter to be sent to the BLM offices. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT RICK BAILEY'S REPORT Building Permits A building permit was presented for Richard Watkins for a new shed on Browns Canyon Road. Commissioner Ty Lewis made a motion to approve the building permit. Commissioner Manuel Morgan seconded. None opposed. Commissioner Lynn Stevens declared the motion carried. UAC Insurance Mutual Administrative Assistant Rick Bailey presented information concerning UAC Insurance Mutual requirements on renters of county facilities. A request was made to have Anna Thayn, County Fair Coordinator, come to commission meeting with a report of utilization etc. before a decision is made on renting the fair building. Meetings There will be a community meeting in Monument Valley on January 28, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. On January 29, 2003 there will be a County Accident Review Board and Risk Management Safety Committee meeting. Off Line Medical Director/Dr. Fisher-Ambulance Linda Swenson, Ambulance Coordinator, presented an Off Line Medical Director agreement with Dr. Fisher for approval. Commissioner Ty Lewis made a motion to approve the contract. Commissioner Manual Morgan seconded. None opposed. Commissioner Lynn Stevens declared the motion carried. Bid/Defibulators Linda Swenson, Ambulance Coordinator, presented a bid to purchase two 2002 Olympic surplus defibulators to replace two obsolete defibulators. These will be purchased with a 50/50 grant match with the State. Each defibulator will cost $11,500 each. Commissioner Ty Lewis made a motion to approve the purchase. Commissioner Manuel Morgan seconded. None opposed. Commissioner Lynn Stevens declared the motion carried. COMMISSIONER MANUEL MORGAN'S REPORT Commissioner Morgan attended the Jim Matheson meeting in Blanding at the Visitor Center on January 22, 2003 and in Bluff on January 23, 2003. Roads, water and school issues in the Navajo Mountain area was raised. Road #262 was discussed as to why it is not complete and how it can be completed. Commissioner Morgan attended the uranium meetings in White Mesa and Blanding on January 22, 2003. He also attended the San Juan Health Services Board meeting in Bluff on January 22, 2003. Commissioner Morgan attended the Utah State Extension meeting and luncheon that was held on January 21, 2003. Commissioner Morgan attended the Chapter meeting in Navajo Mountain. They did not have a quorum so the meeting was rescheduled for next week. He will attend a CEU Alliance meeting on Friday at 9:00 a.m. COMMISSIONER TY LEWIS' REPORT Commissioner Lewis met with the legislative committee at UAC. There are a couple of bills of concern. One is Senate Bill #46 which is property tax exemption on secondary homes; Bill #93 which concerns appointing county Justice Court judges; and Bill #97 concerning county annexation. Commissioner Lewis also met with Brent Richenson, Senator Bennetts office, concerning a budget bill in congress that the Blanding and Monticello water projects are in. This week Commissioner Lewis will attend the community meeting in Monument Valley on January 28, 2003. On January 30, 2003 Commissioner Lewis will attend the legislative meeting. He will attend the Department of Natural Resources meeting on January 31, 2003. COMMISSIONER LYNN STEVENS' REPORT Commissioner Stevens attended the tailings scoping meeting. There are four possible locations. They are Blanding, Klondike Flat, Crescent Junction area, and one in the Price area. Commissioner Stevens suggested to the DOE and International Uranium Corporation if the pipeline is built and before it is charged with radio active slurry why not have a test program and fill every reservoir between here and Moab and charge the line. They were supportive of that idea. Then after the slurry is finished they could put a liner in the pipeline or conduct a massive cleansing it could be used for future infra- structure. It was indicated there would be 95 to 105 employee increase at the site after the pipeline is complete. Commissioner Stevens attended the Jim Matheson meeting in Blanding. BILLS APPROVED FOR PAYMENT Advanced Auto 52.46 Amerigas-Blanding 1861.87 Amerigas-Dove Creek 506.73 Armstrong Medical 124.24 Associated Administrators, Inc. 210.50 Bayles, Lyle 116.00 Benallie, Ophella Cher 55.00 Best Western Salt Lake Plaza 206.04 Better Roads Magazine 48.00 Blanding City 855.00 Blanding Justice Court 137.50 Blue Mountain Foods 48.02 Blue Mountain Meats 346.50 Bonneville Livestock Inc. 25.00 Bunker, Bruce 122.30 Business Owners of Bluff 500.00 Cascade Fire Equipment Comp. 124.96 Clark Security Products, Inc. 561.20 Codale Electric Supply, Inc. 3.14 Crystal Inn 272.00 Daeo.Net, LLC 19.95 Dell Marketing LP 279.00 Distribution Plus Incorporated 128.28 Eagle Point Software 1200.00 Earthgrains Baking Company 51.60 Electro-Comm Distributing, Inc. 76.47 Emery County 770.98 Franklin Covey 154.35 Frontier 1614.35 Grainger Parts 283.14 Hensley Battery & Electrical 98.92 Holiday Inn-Price 55.00 IDville 786.89 Intermountain Drug Testing 360.00 Intermountain Farmers Assoc. 123.96 International Conference of 195.00 Interstate Barricades 450.00 Intouch Paging 35.72 Johnson, Norman L. 284.70 Kristine Rogers, Attny at Law 345.00 Lamplight Restaurant 125.00 Latham, Lana 43.68 Lorman Education Services 289.00 Meadow Gold Dairies, Inc. 135.10 Medtronic Physio-Control Corp. 455.50 Mexican Water Chapter 619.01 Monticello Justice Court 510.00 Monticello Mercantile 101.36 Morgan, Manuel 58.00 Nicholas & Company 629.94 Nor Kem Distributor 9.53 Penworthy Company 95.10 Precis Communications 42.99 Provo Marriot Hotel 126.00 Purchase Power 919.00 Questar Gas 4553.82 Quill Corporation 386.09 Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield 18838.91 Regence Life & Health Ins. 1055.43 Reliable 109.39 Rice, George 8.00 Ross Products, Inc. 241.72 Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore 71.39 San Juan/Task Force 3000.00 San Juan County 3977.77 San Juan County Sheriff 1505.43 San Juan Dental 446.00 San Juan Record 40.20 Schaechter, Valerie 62.40 Schafer Auto Clinic 150.00 Smith, Carolyn 116.50 Sysco Intermountain Food Svc. 1054.36 Tom Growney Equip.,Inc. 225.24 UniFirst Corporation 95.44 United Parcel Service 41.92 Utah State Fire Chief's Assoc. 40.00 UWCA 60.00 Vallentine, John F. 35.00 Verizon Wireless, Bellevue 957.63 Viking Office Products, Inc. 114.74 Walker, Holly 115.00 Washington County 25.00 West Group Payment Center 1282.60 Wheeler Machinery Company 722.16 Woody's Enterprises, LTD 16.26 Colonial Life & Accident Ins. 1037.46 Republic Resources, Inc. 13.00 Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 1:35 P.M. ______________________________ ____________________________ Lynn Stevens, Chairman LaVee Scherick, Deputy Clerk