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Government Type

County

Entity

Washington County

Public Body

County Commission

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Notice Title

Washington County Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2015

Notice Tags

County Government

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

June 16, 2015 04:00 PM

Description/Agenda

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JUNE 16, 2015 The Regular Meeting of the Board of the Washington County Commission was called to order by Chairman Alan D. Gardner at 4:00 p.m. on June 16, 2015, in the Commission Chambers, Washington County Administration Building, St. George, Utah. Those in attendance were Chairman Alan D. Gardner, Commissioner Victor Iverson, Commissioner Zachary Renstrom, County Administrator Dean Cox, Deputy County Attorney Eric Clarke, and Deputy County Clerk Nicholle M. Felshaw. INVOCATION BY: Nadene Barish, Beit Chaverim Jewish Congregation (Pastor Jonathan Hendren was unable to attend the meeting). PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LED BY: Dan Greathouse, Army Veteran CONSENT AGENDA: The Consent Agenda is a means of expediting routine matters which come before the Commission for approval. The Consent Portion of the agenda is approved by one (1) non-debatable motion. If any Commissioner wishes to remove an item from the Consent Portion of the agenda, then that item becomes the first order of business on the Regular Agenda. - Consideration of Auditor-Approved Claims for Payment for June 3, 2015, through June 16, 2015 - Consideration of Regular Commission Meeting Minutes of April 7, 2015, April 21, 2015 and May 5, 2015 - Consideration of Administrative Adjustments: Personal Property (attached) - Consideration of Applications for Property Tax Abatement: Roy and Glennice Brewer, S/N L-LE-29; Darlene Aguiar, A/N 0319510; Sharon and Boyd McKnight, A/N 0649239 - Consideration of Applications for Settlement or Deferral of Property Taxes: R&G Construction/Richard Seegmiller, S/N W-4-2-6-2286; Stellman & Verna Hinton, S/N PA-1-3-HV; Stellman & Verna Hinton, S/N PA-1-2-HV - Consideration of Amendment #3 to Agreement 68-8D43-14-08 between NRCS and Washington County for the Rehabilitation of the Frog Hollow Debris Basin and Ivins Dams - Consideration of Agreement Between Washington County and CRSA Architecture for a County Administration Building Program and Feasibility Study MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Iverson to Approve the Consent Agenda with the Exception of Application for Property Tax Abatement Account Number 0319510, Which is Disallowed and with the Exception of Item (g), Consideration of Agreement Between Washington County and CRSA Architecture for a County Administration Building Program and Feasibility Study, Which Shall Be Considered on the Regular Agenda. Motion seconded by Commissioner Renstrom and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION: CONSIDERATION OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN WASHINGTON COUNTY AND CRSA ARCHITECTURE FOR A COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING PROGRAM AND FEASIBILITY STUDY Commissioner Renstrom stated that this item was on a previous agenda in connection with Resolution No. R-2015-1904, however was tabled in order to receive clarification on the bid, which has since been clarified. At this time, Commissioner Renstrom recommends that the Resolution and Agreement be adopted contingent upon the County Attorney approving the final contract. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Renstrom to Approve Resolution No. R-2015-1904, A Resolution Approving the Execution of an Agreement Between CRSA, Inc. and Washington County to Perform Architectural Services For a Program and Feasibility Study Considering the Construction of a New County Administration Building, Contingent Upon County Attorney Review. Motion seconded by Commissioner Iverson and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. PRESENTATION OF CHECK TO SEARCH AND RESCUE/ROXIE SHERWIN St. George Convention & Tourism Director, Roxie Sherwin mentioned that this year new street pole banners were printed for the Ironman event. It was determined that the old banners would be sold for ten dollars ($10) each with the proceeds to be donated to Washington County Search and Rescue. Ms. Sherwin stated that 150 banners were sold and presented a $2,000 check to Search and Rescue. EMERGENCY SERVICES REPORT: SHERIFF CORY PULSIPHER Deputy Darrell Cashin reported on nineteen (19) Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts, which included three (3) fatalities from April 22, 2015 through June 15, 2015, for a total of 614.5 man hours. (See attached report for additional details) PURCHASE REQUESTS: MARK BLANCH Convention and Tourism Office, Springdale Town, Street Lighting ($50,000.00) Convention and Tourism Office, WTC, Pro Athlete Appearance Fees ($17,520.00) Washington County Purchasing Agent Mark Blanch expressed that the Convention and Tourism Office purchase request for the street lighting in Springdale should be tabled at this time. All purchases are budgeted, bonded, or paid for through grant funds. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Renstrom to Approve One Purchase Request Item as Outlined by Mark Blanch. Motion seconded by Commissioner Iverson and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. PRESENTATION: REPORT ON 2015 WASHINGTON COUNTY TAX SALE: KIM HAFEN Washington County Clerk Auditor Kim Hafen stated that there were ten items on this year's tax sale. Tax sale number twenty-one (21) was purchased in the tax sale by Kerry Burner, however, recommends that the Commission rescind the sale and suggests Washington County strike ownership with the intent to transfer ownership to Hurricane City, as it is a planned roadway. Commissioner Renstrom commended Mr. Hafen in his efforts to help homeowners retain their property. There were 297 properties on the list and Mr. Hafen narrowed that to ten (10) prior to the tax sale. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Iverson to Rescind the Tax Sale A/N 168602 to Allow Ownership Transfer to Hurricane City and Approve the Other Tax Sales as Presented. Motion seconded by Commissioner Renstrom and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF 2015 PROPOSED CERTIFIED TAX RATE: KIM HAFEN Mr. Hafen discussed the 2015 proposed certified tax rate stating that budgets are prepared at the end of each year, for the upcoming year. Tax rates are not finalized until later in the year, therefore no tax increases are added in the original budget. Tax rates have now been finalized and ready for approval in preparation for disclosure notices that will be mailed for receipt by the first of August. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Renstrom to Approve the 2015 Certified Tax Rate as Presented. Motion seconded by Commissioner Iverson and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2015-1050-O, AN ORDINANCE REZONING A CERTAIN PORTION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY IN DAMMERON VALLEY FROM THE OSC-20 TO THE RE-40 ZONE Washington County Community Development Director Scott Messel explained that there are approximately eighteen (18) acres of property located north of the intersection of Homestead Drive and Dammeron Valley Farms Drive. The owner has requested to rezone the property for a proposed subdivision. A public hearing was held, at which time no one came forward to speak for or against it. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval to rezone the acreage. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Iverson to Adopt Ordinance No. 2015-1050-O, an Ordinance Rezoning a Certain Portion of Washington County in Dammeron Valley from the OSC-20 to the RE-40 Zone. Motion seconded by Commissioner Renstrom and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2015-1051-O, AN ORDINANCE REZONING A CERTAIN PORTION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY ADJACENT TO SILVER VALLEY ESTATES SUBDIVISION NEAR LEEDS FROM THE A-20 ZONE TO RA-1 ZONE Mr. Messel stated that the owner of this property has requested a zone change to develop a subdivision on the approximate nine (9) acres. The Planning Commission reviewed it and with no public comment unanimously approved the rezoning. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Renstrom to Adopt Ordinance No. 2015-1051-O, an Ordinance Rezoning a Certain Portion of Washington County Adjacent to Silver Valley Estates Subdivision Near Leeds from the A-20 Zone to RA-1 Zone. Motion seconded by Commissioner Iverson and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. R-2015-1909, A RESOLUTION RE-APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Commissioner Gardner recommended Michele Mitchell and Marilyn Richardson be re-appointed to the Library Board and mentioned that they have both agreed to serve a second term. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Renstrom to Adopt Resolution No. R-2015-1909, a Resolution Re-Appointing Michele Mitchell and Marilyn Richardson to the Washington County Library Board with Terms to Expire June 30, 2019. Motion seconded by Commissioner Iverson and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. R-2015-1910, A RESOLUTION APPOINTING AND RE-APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY CAREER SERVICE COUNCIL Commissioner Gardner recommended Gary Kermott and Bryan Simonsen (alternate) be re-appointed and Michele Mitchell (alternate) be appointed to the Career Service Council with terms to expire June 30, 2018. County Administrator Dean Cox stated that state law requires this Board, which is utilized on the rare occasion when a former employee appeals a termination decision or a reduction of other rights they feel entitled to. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Iverson to Adopt Resolution No. R-2015-1910, a Resolution Appointing Michele Mitchell (Alternate) and Re-Appointing Gary Kermott and Bryan Simonsen (Alternate) to the Washington County Career Service Council. Motion seconded by Commissioner Renstrom and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. R-2015-1911, A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE TRANSFER OF PUBLIC LANDS TO WILLING STATES AND AFFIRMING COUNTY'S RIGHTS OF ASSOCIATION Chairman Gardner explained that a group from Washington D.C. requested the Attorneys General of Montana, Utah and Arizona investigate the possibility of filing fraud charges against Ken Ivory and the American Lands Council (ALC) for advocating the Transfer of Public Lands. A legal analyst for the State Legislature gave his opinion that there could potentially be a constitutional issue when HB148 was passed in 2012. This Resolution supports the Bill and states the County's obligation for the health, safety, and welfare of the people in the County in promoting public policy and protecting the interest of the residents. The County's membership in the Utah Association of Counties (UAC), National Association of Counties (NACO), and the local Five County Association of Governments leverages its efforts with other counties concerning items of importance to County residents. Among other agreements, the County has joined forces with Southern Utah counties, Mohave County in Arizona, and the Arizona/Utah Coalition in an effort to allow continued mining on the Arizona Strip. Also, the Quad State, which includes counties within Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California are working together on Desert Tortoise issues. Chairman Gardner also mentioned that the Commission has written a letter to the Attorneys General of Utah, Arizona, and Montana reflecting the County's support of the transfer of public lands and recommends the letter be sent along with the approved Resolution. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Iverson to Adopt Resolution No. R-2015-1911, a Resolution Supporting the Transfer of Public Lands to Willing States and Affirming County's Rights of Association and Approve the Letter Reflecting Support be Sent With the Resolution to the Attorneys General of Utah, Montana and Arizona. Motion seconded by Commissioner Renstrom and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. R-2015-1912, A RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE DESIGNATION OF A GRAND CANYON WATERSHED NATIONAL MONUMENT IN NORTHERN ARIZONA DUE TO CONCERNS OVER THE LOSS OF MULTIPLE USE OF PUBLIC LANDS IN THE AREA DIRECTLY SOUTH OF WASHINGTON COUNTY Chairman Gardner stated that interest groups are in favor of designating $1.7 million acres in Northern Arizona to create a National Monument which would disallow uranium mining in the future. The County is involved with the Utah/Arizona Coalition to allow uranium mining and is opposed to the designation of a Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument. Commissioner Iverson along with Chairman Gardner mentioned that in 2012 a twenty (20) year ban was imposed on uranium mining next to the Grand Canyon although it is one of the safest operations with little to no environmental impacts. That portion of Arizona has the highest quality uranium in the United States. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Renstrom to Adopt Resolution No. R-2015-1912, a Resolution in Opposition to the Designation of a Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument in Northern Arizona Due to Concerns Over the Loss of Multiple Use of Public Lands in the Area Directly South of Washington County. Motion seconded by Commissioner Iverson and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. R-2015-1913, A RESOLUTION ADDING HURRICANE CITY AND ITS BOUNDARY TO THE HURRICANE VALLEY FIRE SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT Mr. Cox stated that when the Hurricane Valley Fire Special Service District (SSD) was first created it included Hurricane City. Within a short period of time the boundaries were changed to remove Hurricane City. Over the last year Hurricane City has been contracting for services with the Hurricane Valley Fire SSD, which is currently comprised of; LaVerkin, Toquerville, Virgin and a large area of the unincorporated County. Washington County received a resolution from Hurricane City that was passed on May 21, 2015 petitioning the County Commission to change the boundaries of the Hurricane Valley Fire SSD to re-include Hurricane City within the boundary. The Hurricane Valley Fire SSD has voted unanimously to support the City of Hurricane in their Resolution. MOTION: Motion by Commissioner Iverson to Adopt Resolution No. R-2015-1913, a Resolution Adding Hurricane City and Its Boundary to the Hurricane Valley Fire Special Service District. Motion seconded by Commissioner Renstrom and carried by unanimous vote, with Commissioners Gardner, Iverson and Renstrom voting aye. COMMISSIONERS' REPORT Commissioner Renstrom mentioned that the Commission received a notice from the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on a proposed project to install an automated water sampler at Willow Springs in Hack Canyon. The Commission has written a letter requesting explanation and more detailed information on why the testing is taking place. Commissioner Iverson explained that he recently attended a Utah Counties Indemnity Pool (UCIP) meeting and although the County has good rates there is a possibility of an increase in cost next year due to the reserves being low with the fire and flood incidents that took place. Commissioner Iverson also mentioned attending a Southwest Public Health emergency drill that made him appreciate the emergency preparation established within the County. PUBLIC WORKS OR ROAD BUSINESS Public Works Director Ron Whitehead explained that the road crews are finishing the outer areas of the County, working on roads that have not been maintained for a few years. The chip seal projects will begin within a few weeks and reminded citizens to travel slowly through construction zones. COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING BUSINESS Mr. Messel mentioned the department has been busy with lot line adjustments and small lot splits. Inquiries have come in and there is interest in doing larger developments but septic and sewer issues seem to be a factor at this time. Growth will continue to happen as those problems are resolved. Mr. Messel is also looking forward to working with the new Deputy County Attorney Natalie Nelson, in updating and changing Ordinances. Commissioner Gardner welcomed Ms. Nelson to Washington County as a new employee. HCP BUSINESS Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Administrator Robert Sandberg stated that the HCP continues working with Federal and State partners in trying to acquire in-holdings. Recently the State and Division of Wildlife Resources acquired the 11.4 acre Middleton Parcel that was owned by the Virgin River Land Preservation Association. It currently has not been recorded with the County. Also, the ninety (90) acres of School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) property above Green Springs was acquired. The funds have been transferred but it has yet to be recorded with the County. Since the County expended other species money to help purchase Confluence Park, there is a direct tie with the HCP and thus the HCP has been working on a State Trails Committee Grant for work to be done at Confluence Park. The Main Street trail head facility is taking shape with Hurricane City currently in the process of building a restroom facility. This will allow the public to access the Hurricane side of Confluence Park. There being nothing further to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m. ______________________________ ______________________________ NICHOLLE M. FELSHAW ALAN D. GARDNER DEPUTY CLERK CHAIRMAN

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

Washington County will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled members of the public in accessing county programs. Please contact the Washington County Commission Office at 435.634.5700 in advance if you have special needs.

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Meeting Information

Meeting Location

197 E Tabernacle
St. George, 84770
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Contact Name

Nicholle Felshaw

Contact Email

nicholle.felshaw@washco.utah.gov

Contact Phone

(435)634-5700

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

August 05, 2015 11:01 AM

Notice Last Edited On

August 05, 2015 11:11 AM

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