Present –

Commissioner Irene Hansen, Commissioner Tracy Killian, Commissioner Greg Miles, Deputy Attorney Tyler Allred, Clerk-Auditor Chelise Jessen, Public Works Director Mike Casper, Public Works Deputy Director Clint Curtis, Economic Development Director Deborah Herron, Human Resource Payroll & Benefits Administrator Jamie Park, Surveyor Jerry Allred, 4H Livestock Committee President Kevin Michaelson, Darrell Gillman with the Duchesne Soil Conservation District, Jeremy Maycock with NRCS, Code Enforcement Officer Chris Floyd, Community Development Director Mike Hyde, Assessor Traci Herrera, Michael Hawley and Brock Harrison with Jones & Demille Engineering, Community Development Zoning Specialist Shon McKinnon, Commissioner Elect Jeff Chugg, Duchesne County Residents Roger Ames and Ryan Harrison, 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.)

Public Works Update

(9:02 a.m.)

Public Works Director Mike Casper gave an update on existing projects and upcoming work. The plow trucks are ready for the winter season. They are installing the wings on the graders. The shoulder work on the Boys Ranch project is complete. They will be installing a new culvert in that area as well. Some roads in Duchesne and Tabiona have been graveled. The paint crew is done for this year. There is some work they were not able to complete due to breakdowns. A project was completed for the school district. They will attend a conference in Vernal on Wednesday this week. He plans for the entire department to attend.

(9:13 a.m.)

Public Works Deputy Director Clint Curtis updated the parties on the approach permit for Ovintiv.

Discussion & Consideration of the Application from a Local Business for the Utah Rural Grant

(9:08 a.m.)

Economic Development Director Deborah Herron presented an application from Charlie Strebel, who owns the Sage Brush Inn. She explained that this business is located in Tabiona and is one of the few businesses where you can rent a room. The outside stairs to the Inn were in disrepair, and Mr. Strebel couldn’t rent the rooms because of the risk. New covered stairs are in place, so the rooms can now be rented. He is asking for a matching grant amount of $5,506. The parties discussed the application. Commissioner Killian made a motion to approve the application from the Sage Brush Inn for $5,506.00. Commissioner Miles seconded the motion. Commissioner Killian voted aye, Commissioner Miles voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.

Discussion & Consideration of Purchasing Items for the County Fair

(9:15 a.m.)

4H Livestock Committee President Kevin Michaelson presented the Livestock Meeting Agenda. He explained that the Livestock Committee wants to purchase items for the 2025 County Fair. They would like to secure two judges for the upcoming show for $1,600 per judge. They propose purchasing sixty-four award buckles for $85 - $150 per unit, ninety- one panels for approximately $20,747.50, paying for drug testing of the 2024 grand and reserve market animals for $194.11. The parties discussed the purchases and expenses. Commissioner Miles made a motion to approve the purchase of the list of items as presented. Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Miles voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.

Junk Vehicle Prize Drawing

(9:30 a.m.)

Code Enforcement Officer Chris Floyd explained the county began its junk vehicle removal program in 2004 to encourage residents to dispose of unused/unwanted vehicles.