Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Miles voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.
Discussion & Consideration of Ordinance #24-415
Commissioner Hansen explained that the ordinance was passed during last week's Commission Meeting. It has not been published in the Uintah Basin Standard, so it will not be in effect until then. Deputy Attorney Grant Charles gave an overview from the attorney’s office and how the grandfather laws would apply to the existing subdivisions.
Community Development Director Mike Hyde said there are nearly a hundred files of subdivision applications. As of January 1, 2024, subdivisions have an application fee.
The parties discussed the existing projects and the ordinance being passed as is for all subdivisions, not just minor subdivisions.
The Commissioners want to declare their concerns and findings regarding the temporary land use regulations prohibiting subdivisions over four parcels or lots.
The Commissioners met with Joe Hadlock with TriCounty Health, to which several water districts were invited. The Fruitland Special Service District has to hold a large amount of water reserve for each connection. At this point, they don’t have any more availability for additional water connections. Mr. Hadlock asked other water districts if they could provide water to customers.
Commissioner Hansen is seeing fragile people move to the county and live on their property meant for recreation. Many are living in camp trailers, hauling water, and without a proper septic system, which is also concerning.
Commissioner Killian is on the TriCounty Health Board of Directors. During the meetings, the issue of water and septic systems is usually the topic of conversation. To be approved for a subdivision, the developer has to prove there is a well or water rights. TriCounty Health verifies this information before the County approves the permit. It has been seen on the news and social media that Fruitland is out of water connections.
Duchesne City may not approve new hauling accounts as of January 1, 2025.
Commissioner Miles said emergency vehicle access is an issue. During the last major wildland fire event, there were issues with egress. Some residents are using private roads to access their property.
Commissioner Hansen said there are issues with residents making their own roads or using the oil field roads. Winter access is also a concern. Residents off the main roads have had problems getting out of their driveways after heavy snowfall. The county does not maintain private roads.
The state fire warden does a good job inspecting the roads for the base course but doesn’t account for defensible space on routes to support fire trucks and emergency vehicles. The County Road Department has rescued stranded motorists due to flooding from the burn scar.
Theft has increased since 2020, making it nearly impossible to investigate and solve all cases appropriately. Most subdivisions are not on County Roads, and the county doesn’t have the staff or equipment to maintain private roads for the new subdivisions.
The Commissioners are concerned for residents' safety and security. Given the listed concerns, there is a compelling and countervailing reason for the ordinance.
Recess 10:14 a.m. to 10:21 a.m.
Commissioner Miles made a motion to recess. Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Miles voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.
Discussion & Consideration of the Board of Equalization (BOE) Adjustments
No BOE adjustments this week.
HR Office – Payroll
Human Resource Generalist Tommi Mascaro presented the payroll report ending September 14, 2024; 216 employees were paid. Commissioner Miles made a motion to