Minutes of Combined Commission Working & Regular Session

Present –

Commissioner Irene Hansen, Commissioner Greg Miles, Commissioner Tracy Killian, Deputy Attorney Tyler Allred, Public Works Director Mike Casper, Public Works Deputy Director Clint Curtis, Economic Development Director Deborah Herron, Deputy Treasurer Connie Sweat, Human Resource Director Judy Stevenson, Clerk-Auditor Chelise Jessen, Sheriff Travis Tucker, Sheriff’s Office Manager Cynthia Wardle, Chief Deputy Jeremy Curry, Jail Commander Jason Curry, Jail Sargent Jordan Thompson, Jail Kitchen Supervisor Bobbie Jo Gallup, Treasurer Stephen Potter, Recorder Shelley Brennan, Emergency Management Director Josh Phillips, Human Resource Generalist Tommi Mascaro, Commissioner Elect Jeff Chugg, Treaven Grant with Mountains West Ranches, Duchesne County Residents Mark Gallup, Michelle Miller, and Clint Peatross, and Commission Executive Assistant Melissa Hughes is taking the meeting minutes.

Opening Comments

(9:00 a.m.)

Chairperson Hansen welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Pledge of Allegiance

(9:01 a.m.)

Yellow Lake Fire Update

(9:02 a.m.)

Emergency Management Director Josh Phillips gave an update on the Yellow Lake Fire. The team has been reduced to a Type 4, and the Forest Service's BEAR team has been activated to help with the runoff in the spring. The fire has mostly been extinguished, but the Forest Service land will remain closed.

Presentation of Employee of the Month

(9:05 a.m.)

Human Resource Director Judy Stevenson presented Jail Kitchen Supervisor Bobbie Jo Gallup with the October Employee of the Month Award. She read Corporal John Jacobs’ nomination letter. Jail Commander Jason Curry conveyed his gratitude for her hard work and dedication. Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Curry explained that she is in charge of preparing 20,000 meals every month. This is a big job that she does well. Each Commissioner appreciated Mrs. Gallup's hard work and dedication to the County. Mrs. Gallup thanked everyone for the award.

Public Works Update

(9:14 a.m.)

Public Works Director Mike Casper gave an update on existing projects and upcoming work. Winter is almost here. They are preparing the equipment for the winter season. The River Road (CR 79) damage was patched last week, and two approaches were completed. The Duchesne Library parking lot was paved. They may have to use rotomille for the shoulder. The graders are out catching up on rough roads, which were the subject of complaints received. The department will work 4 10-hour shifts but will move to 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Thanksgiving. There is training at an oil factory this week, and at the end of November, the Build Utah Conference is in Vernal. Director Casper is planning for the entire department to attend.

Discussion & Consideration of Approach Permits

(9:21 a.m.)

Public Works Deputy Director Clint Curtis presented two commercial approach permits and explained the requests. A24-052 is for Berry Petroleum Company. The approach location is on Berry’s “Ethel Pad” Ingress Road Coordinates—N33° 34’ 37” E, Section 27, Township 4 South, Range 3 West, U.S.M. The parties discussed the request. Commissioner Miles made a motion to approve approach permit A24-052 as presented. Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Miles voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.