Postponed by general consent.
Commissioner Killian made a motion to recess until 1:00 p.m. Commissioner Chugg seconded the motion. Commissioner Killian voted aye, Commissioner Chugg voted aye, and Commissioner Miles voted aye. The motion passed.
Commissioner Greg Miles, Commissioner Jeff Chugg, Commissioner Tracy Killian, Duchesne County Water Conservancy Director Clyde Watkins, Community Development Assistant Director Mike Gottfredson, Community Development Planner Duncan Kading, Economic Development Director Deborah Herron, Public Works Director Mike Casper, and Commission Executive Assistant Melissa Hughes is taking the meeting minutes.
Commissioner Chugg made a motion to go into a public hearing. Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Chugg voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Miles voted aye. The motion passed.
Community Development Assistant Director Mike Gottfredson presented a Water Use & Preservation Element and explained the requirements under Utah Code 17-27a-403, SB110 (2022), and SB76 (2023), which integrate water and land-use planning to promote sustainable development and ensure long-term water security. Per state requirements, this element only addresses the following at this time:
- The impact of development on water demand and infrastructure
- Strategies to reduce water use for existing and future development
- Operational modifications to reduce waste
- Coordination with state and regional stakeholders.
Assistant Director Gottfredson went over the 15-page report and explained that the numbers are estimates. There are unaccounted wells and industries. The parties discussed the water issues facing the Uintah Basin. The Commissioners want to postpone passing the resolution for a couple of weeks to obtain more accurate numbers. The state requires the Counties to have the resolution in place by December 31, 2025.
Duchesne County Water Conservancy Director Clyde Watkins said that the water entities need to all be on the same page/team. This needs to be looked at properly.
Commissioner Killian made a motion to close the public hearing and return to regular session. Commissioner Chugg seconded the motion. Commissioner Killian voted aye, Commissioner Chugg voted aye, and Commissioner Miles voted aye. The motion passed.
Commissioner Killian made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:07 p.m. Commissioner Miles stated that the end of the agenda had been reached, and the meeting was adjourned.
Read and approved this on the 15th day of December 2025.
Minutes of the meeting prepared by Commission Executive Assistant Melissa Hughes