MINUTES OF COMBINED COMMISSION WORKING & REGULAR SESSION

MEETING HELD MONDAY, JULY 15, 2024, BEGINNING AT 9:00 A.M. IN

DUCHESNE, UTAH

Present –

Commissioner Irene Hansen, Commissioner Tracy Killian, Deputy Attorney Grant Charles, Public Works Director Mike Casper, Economic Development Director Deborah Herron, Emergency Management Assistant Shelly Felter, State Fire Warden Brandon Peck, Deputy Clerk-Auditor Becky Broadhead, Human Resource Payroll & Benefits Administrator Jamie Park, Surveyor Jerry Allred, Human Resource Director Judy Stevenson, Duchesne County Residents Jeff Chugg, and Daniel Castaneda, and Commission Executive Assistant Melissa Hughes is taking the meeting minutes.

Commissioner Greg Miles joined the meeting via Zoom at 9:16 am.

Opening Comments
(9:00 a.m.)

Chairperson Hansen welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Pledge of Allegiance
(9:01 a.m.)
Public Works Update
(9:02 a.m.)

Public Works Director Mike Casper gave an update on existing projects and upcoming work. The chip-sealing projects are going well. They have completed Neola and Roosevelt. They will move to Ledge Lane (CR 287) and Thackers Road (CR 298). About three miles in Rock Creek need to be chip-sealed. A crew is out patching, and another is mowing the shoulder of the roads. The bridge project on Old River Road (CR 92) is almost complete. The parties discussed the parking lot for fishing in the area. It needs to be addressed. Dust suppressant was applied in Hanna after a complaint was received. Commissioner Killian would like Director Casper to talk with the Weed Control Department about some Russian Olive trees in Neola that need to be treated.

Discussion of Fire Restrictions
(9:07 a.m.)

State Fire Warden Brandon Peck introduced himself and explained starting Thursday, July 18, 2024, Duchesne County will be under a Fire Restriction Order (Stage 1). The following acts are prohibited until rescinded by the Utah State Forester:

1. No open fires of any kind except within established public facilities in improved campgrounds, picnic areas, -OR- In permanently constructed fire pits at private homes where running water is present.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area that is paved or free from dry vegetation.
3. Discharging or using any fireworks, tracer ammunition, or other pyrotechnic devices, including exploding targets.
4. Cutting, welding, or grinding metal in an area of dry vegetation.
5. Operating a motorcycle, chainsaw, ATV, or other small internal combustion engine without an approved and working spark arrestor.

No information has been given on whether fireworks will be allowed on July 24th.

Discussion & Consideration of the Request for Consent to Assign from XCL Resources
(9:10 a.m.)

Commission Executive Assistant Melissa Hughes explained the request. XCL Resources has agreed to assign undivided interest shares and is requesting the county give consent to the areas listed and owned by the county. Commissioner Killian made a motion to approve the consent to assign and authorize the chair to sign on behalf of the County. Commissioner Hansen seconded the motion. Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.

Discussion & Consideration of the Temporary Beer License
(9:13 a.m.)

Clerk-Auditor Chelise Jessen presented the temporary beer license for Salt Lake Climbers Alliance before the meeting. This event will be on August 24th at Camp Steiner. The parties discussed the event. Commissioner Killian made a motion to approve the temporary beer