SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING June 15, 2009 The regular meeting of the San Juan County Commission was held at 10:00 A.M. in the Commission Room in Monticello, Utah. Present: Bruce Adams, Chairman Kenneth Maryboy, Vice Chair Lynn Stevens, Commissioner Tammy Gallegos, SJC Administrative Assistant Norman L. Johnson, SJC Clerk/Auditor Dawn Shawn, SJC Deputy Clerk Attendees: Jerry McNeely, Marilyn Boynton, Scott Burton, Frank Morrell, Sue Morrell, Jackie Steele, Walter Bird, Bob Turri, Monte Wells, Wanda Franklin, Evan Lowry, Howard Randall, Lynn Laws, Larry Sorrell, Jeff Nielson, Paul Barr, Cyndi Eldredge, Doug Allen, Dan Webb, Myrle Tanner, Wesley Tanner, Joe Lyman, Ben Black, Edwin Hawkins, Arlan Henderson There was a general discussion, with several members of the public, about the federal raids and arrests of citizens in Monticello and Blanding. Commissioners agreed that letters should be written to Senator Bob Bennett and Lt. Governor Gary Herbert. The letters are as follows: June 15, 2009 The Honorable Bob Bennett United States Senator 431 Dirksen Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Bennett, As San Juan County Commissioners, we are very concerned about the recent action of Federal authorities to raid and arrest citizens in Monticello and Blanding. The following are questions and concerns that need to be addressed: 1. We do not advocate that anyone is above the law. 2. Why were those arrested treated as if they had violent criminal backgrounds? 3. Did the arrest of Dr. James Redd and his wife really require the surrounding of their home by 18 vehicles filled with Federal agents wearing protective gear and weapons in-hand, to simply arrest them for artifact violations? 4. Did those citizens pose a threat that required handcuffs and leg shackles, along with verbal insults to their character and reputations? 5. Did the Federal authorities even give thought to contacting the San Juan County Sheriff and asking him to contact the citizens, requesting them to peacefully surrender and begin the process of defending the charges against them? 6. Has anyone remembered that WW II was fought to eliminate Gestapo action against civilians? 7. Did the actions of Federal authorities contribute to the death of a doctor? We urge your prompt attention and investigation into this deeply grievous matter. Sincerely, Bruce Adams Chairman, San Juan County Commission June 15, 2009 The Honorable Gary Herbert Utah State Capitol Complex P.O. Box 142325 Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2325 Dear Lt. Governor Herbert, The following bullet points may be helpful to you as you meet with Secretary Salazar: * Nobody is above the law. * Approximately 20 homes were the target of an early-morning raid by Federal authorities for the purpose of arresting citizens who had violated laws pertaining to Indian artifacts. * The arrests were conducted as if these citizens were criminals with violent backgrounds. o Homes were surrounded by carloads of agents. o Agents wore flak jackets and carried weapons that were drawn and brandished during the arrests. o Citizens were hand-cuffed and shackled. o Citizens were verbally assaulted, called liars, and some pushed up against vehicles. o Agents were jubilantly exchanging high-fives to celebrate their accomplishments. o The show of force was at least 120 agents to take down these horrible “looters.” o The press conference was well-executed and orchestrated in a way to deliver the message that the heavy hand of the Federal government would react boldly to such atrocious criminal activity. The citizens of San Juan County heard the message and are fearful of impending future raids by the Federal government. * Dr. Redd must have been the “big fish” in this stray operation, because it took 18 vehicles to surround and secure his home, as agents arrested his wife and him. Then, with weapons drawn, the Redds were hand-cuffed and shackled, verbally taunted, then hauled off to appear before the magistrate. Agents remained at their home, conducting a search for the next 10 hours. * The following day, after the humiliating arrest and actions of the Federal authorities, Dr. Redd committed suicide. * Did the Federal authorities even consider contacting the local Sheriff to ask for his help? The Sheriff could have contacted these people and asked them to peacefully turn themselves in, due to the Grand Jury indictment. * It is our opinion that the Feds intended to conduct a “look at us” news conference. * Did the actions of the Federal authorities contribute to the death of a medical doctor? Sincerely, Bruce Adams Chairman, San Juan County Commission A motion to approve the minutes of June 8, 2009, with corrections to be made by Commissioner Kenneth Maryboy, was made by Commissioner Lynn Stevens. Commissioner Bruce Adams seconded the motion. None opposed. Commissioner Bruce Adams declared the motion carried. Commissioner Kenneth Maryboy was absent for the vote. Lynn Laws – SJC Road Department Lynn presented a request to open a special checking account to have electronic checks issued from for oil and other business. There was discussion on how expenditures would be handled. At times the funds will need to be drawn outside the normal accounts payable process. A motion to approve the request and was made by Commissioner Lynn Stevens. Commission Kenneth Maryboy seconded the motion. None opposed. Commissioner Bruce Adams declared the motion carried. Bob Turri – S.P.E.A.R. Mr. Turri reported to Commissioners that S.P.E.A.R. applied for several short right-of-ways, to open up the 400 mile trail through the county, with the BLM three years ago. He stated that the normal turn around for right-of-ways with the BLM is 60 days and asked for Commission help to push this through with the BLM. Commissioners agreed to make contact with the BLM. Norman L. Johnson – SCJ Clerk/Auditor Norman reported to Commissioners that he has researched the Kent Rowley property issue and recommends that they abate the taxes, penalties and interest to the 2007 green belt level. A motion to abate all taxes, penalties and interest to the 2007 green belt level was made by Commissioner Lynn Stevens. Commissioner Kenneth Maryboy seconded the motion. None opposed. Commissioner Bruce Adams declared the motion carried. Tammy Gallegos – SCJ Administrative Assistant Tammy presented two building permits for signature and approval. Stephen Jensen – Residence – Ucolo Jay Betruzzi – Carport/Shed – Four Wheel Drive, Moab A motion to approve the building permits, provided all appropriate signatures are in place, was made by Commissioner Lynn Stevens. Commissioner Kenneth Maryboy seconded the motion. None opposed. Commissioner Bruce Adams declared the motion carried. Cyndi Eldredge – SJC Personnel Cyndi presented a request to hire Debra King as the part time Grade 1 Step 1 Monticello Senior Center Aide, with Francine Corrao as the alternate. A motion to approve the request was made by Commissioner Lynn Stevens. Commissioner Kenneth Maryboy seconded the motion. None opposed. Commissioner Bruce Adams declared the motion carried. Commission Reports Commissioner Stevens reported that he attended a CEU Board of Trustees Meeting and the Republican Convention meeting on Saturday. Tomorrow he plans to leave for Salt Lake where he will attend a RS2477 Committee Meeting and will return Thursday. He can be reached by phone. Commissioner Maryboy reported that the Blue Mt. Dine held a dinner in recognition of Veterans. He plans to be in Window Rock this week but can be reached by phone. Commissioner Adams reported that he attended a CIB retreat training meeting and a funding meeting where there is a $250,000 grant/loan for the Monticello Pool, $900,000 grant/loan for the Wellness Center in Blanding and Bluff Service Area is on a pending list. He also attended the Republican Convention meeting on Saturday. He plans to be in the county all week and can be reached by phone. Adjourn 11:07 A.M. 1