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MINUTES OF THE SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING HELD
MARCH 5, 1984
The San Juan County Commission met in regular session on Monday, March 5, 1984, at the hour of 10:00 a.m. in the San Juan County Courthouse at Monticello, Utah.
The following members were present: Commissioner Calvin Black, Chairman
Commissioner Kenneth R. Bailey Commissioner Robert Low
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with the specified corrections on the motion of Commissioner Low. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bailey and carried unanimously.
PROPOSED ANTELOPE TRANSPLANTATION IN THE HATCH POINT AREA
C. Hardy Redd met with the Commission to discuss the February 27th meeting the Commission had with Guy Wallace of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to discuss theproposed transplantation of approximatley 150 antelope in the Hatch Point area, Mr. Redd presented the Commission with a copy of the following letter stating his position on the proposed transplantation.
LA SAL LIVESTOCK CO.
Hardy Redd La Sal, Utah 84530
January 6, 1984
Bureau of Land Management Grand Resource Area Moab, Utah 84532
Re: Hatch Point Antelope Herd Gentelmen:
I drove to Hatch Point with Guy Wallace, Area Conservation Officer with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. He called the previous evening and talked about the possibility of an additional planting of antelope on Hatch Point.
The History of the antelope on Hatch Point is as follows: In 1969 and 1970, the BLM and UDWR wanted to introduce antelope on Hatch Point. Livestock operators, including Redd Ranches, were opposed but an agreement was made between BLM, DWR, and Redd Ranches, wherein Redd Ranches would be allowed to plow and reseed the Lisbon Valley area and the antelope would be planted on Hatch Point. The agreement was that the antelope numbers would not increase beyond 300 head.
One of the concerns Redd Ranches had at the time was that the antleope would interfere with sheep grazing, but they were assured by the BLM and the DWR that they would not. (Similar assurances were given to the Cisco area permittees in 1983.) Since 1975, sheep have not been grazed on Hatch Point. The antelope were introduced and planted on the area in 1971; they increased in numbers for a short period of time and have declined drastically in number since that time. In 1972, predator control for coyote was greatly reduced by the ban of 1080. In the opinion of many who are familiar with the area, the coyote numbers have greatly increased since 1972. This has been caused primarily by the restriction on the use of 1080, and the removal of sheep has occasioned fewer trappers coming into the area.
The antelope numbers have declined fromthe number originally planted to approximately 58 head. The reason for this decline is that the does were either not having kids or the kids were being lost shortly after birth. Many observers believe that the increase in coyote numbers and the removal of sheep from the range (which had provided some feed for coyotes) are the causes of predation by coyotes on the young kids before they get big enough to run fast enough to escape. The Fish and Game Department officials have refused to accept the idea that coyote predation is causing antelope losses, or that the smallness fo the open areas was not suitable for antelope propagation or habitat.
Deer numbers were declining during the same period of time for the same reason, and the Fish and Game Department would not admit nor didi they believe that coyotes were eating young deer. A recent study
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on the La Sal Mountain establishes the case that predation by coyotes and black bear is the major reason for fawn losses. It is believed that this is essentially the same reason for the decline in the antelope herd.
The upshot is that the antelope have declined on Hatch Point and the sheep grazing cannot be blamed for their decline because the sheep were not using the same range during the period of drastic decline in antelope numbers. There was limited hunting early in the preiod that the antelope were on the range, but the antelope have not been hunted at all during the past 8 to 10 years.
I will resist the importation of any more antelope in the area for a number of reasons. We are con-sidering going back into the sheep business. Our fear is that the DWR people and the BLM will say that the sheep cannot be back on the range because they will interfere with the antelope.
Livestock permittees would like to have flexibility to run the livestock and for the range. If the sheep cannot go to a certain area because it might interfere with the antelope during various seasons, or the cattle have to be moved out more quickly in the spring because it might interfere with the antelope, then the reintroduction of antelope would be a detriment to the livestock permittee.
The BLM and the livestock permittee inteld to make some range improvements on the Hatch Point area.
These range improvedments in the form of manipulation of sagebrush or reintroduction of grass or
browse species, may be stopped by the antelope advocates. Continued plantings of antelope on range which is not suited for antelope grazing may prohibit needed range improvements.
If the range is improved by chaining, burning, plowing, grazing and reseeding to improved species, the range is usually rested for a period of 2 or 3 years to allow the new grass and browse seedlings to become established without grazing pressure. This allows the new plants to establish root reserves. The introduction of additional wildlife makes it impossible to rest the range. Sheep and cattle can and are removed from reseeeded areas. Deer, elk and antelope and other wildlife move in and clip off the young tender plants before they have a chance to establish themselves, the investment in the reseeding is lost. In addition, if wildlife grazing eliminates any plant cover, there is a chance of losing watershed which would result in tremendous soil erosion.
If the antelope continue to use Hatch Point, any change in class of livestock numbers, seasons of use, or range rehabilitation shoul not be impeded or restricted.
The livestock permittee believes in full multiple use. He is concerned that one use may dominate or have veto power over all other uses. Past history has indicated that wildlife uses, native or introduced have a tendency to dominate. The antelope herd in Loa, Utah was supposed to be restricted to certain numbers. When the antelope incereased beyond the agreed upon numbers, they forced out domestic livestock. Unlike Loa, the antelope planting on Hatch Point has been unsuccessful, showing that the antelope, having no competition and not being hunted, have not done well. The herd has not even been able to maintain its numbers. The conclusion is obvious; Hatch Point is not suitable for antelope.
Very truly yours, C. Hardison Redd
cc: Guy Wallace
Roland Robinson Gene Nodine Temp Reynolds
Mr. Redd stated that he does not know if the DWR is working with the BLM on this proposal. Commissioner Black read a draft of the following letter to the DWR.
March 6, 1984
Mr. Doug Day
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
1696 West South Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Doug:
The San Juan County Commission supports the proposed transplant of 150 antelope on Hatch Point only if predator control is initiated and the herd numbers are limited to 300 animals.
We further suggest that any transplant be conducted only in cooperation iwth the BLM, permittees, and San Juan County sportmens groups. We further suggest that agreements be entered into with respect to future range management and improvement projects and that such practices be consistent with multiple use principles and local land sue plans of San Juan County,
Sincerly,
/s/ Cal Black_________________
Cal Black, Chairman
San Juan County Commission
CB/cth
cc: Ed Scherick Guy Wallace C. Hardy Redd Ron Young
Guy Wallace of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources met with the Commission later in the day to report that he is working with the BLM and that he must have misunderstood Mr. Redd's position in regards to the proposed transplant. Commissioner Black reviewed a draft of the above letter for Mr. Wallace.
COUNTY CLERK MEETS
Gail Dalton, County Clerk, met with the Commission to report that the County received a check from UDIA for $250,000.00 for the Bluff to Montezuma Creek Road project.
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The County Clerk also informed the Commission about a question that has arisen in regards to Rosella Mustache's work as an interpreter in Bluff for the Bond election. The Clerk reported that there seems to be a descrepancy in the information she has received and furhter reported that she will speak to the County Attorney about the matter and make a decision.
The Clerk reported that he employees share of retirement contributions has been reduced by .5% effective July 1, 1984, and that since the County picks up the employees share of the retirement contributions the Clerk inquired as to whether the County would consider putting this .5% toward a dental program or some other fringe benefit for the County employees. Commissioner Black suggested the Clerk distribute a memo to the employees requesting their input on alternative uses for the .5%. The Clerk also suggested setting up a seperate retirement account similar to an IRA or some other sort of deferred compensation plan.
BUILDING PERMIT APPROVED
Commissioner Bailey made a motion to approve a building permit for Sutherland Brothers Drilling Company. The motion was seconded by Commissionr Low and carried unanimously.
IMPACT FUNDS REPORTED ON
Commissioner Black reported that he met with the Impact Board last week and San Juan County's request for $1.2 million dollar low interest loan was approved.
BLUFF TO MONTEZUMA CREEK ROAD DISCUSSED
Commissioner Bailey presented a copy of a cooperative agreement between San Juan County and the Department of Transportation authorizing the DOT to accept bids and construct the Bluff to Montezuma Creek project as a federal aid secondary project and an agreement to work with them on the construction engineering. Commissioner Bailey reported that the project is in the 2-week review process and they should be advertising for bids within ten (10) days. Commissioner Bailey also reported that San Juan County would like to send the matching funds of $450,000.00 to the UDOT in the following manner. The County will send @250,000.00 to UDOT at the same time as the first billing is received from the contractor The remaining $200,000.00 will be sent somewhere in the middle of the contract. Commissioner Bailey is also sending a letter stating this proposal to George Thompson, Local Government Project Engineer of the UDOT.
COUNTY KEYED GAS METERS DISCUSSED
Commissioner Bailey reported that the County keyed gasoline meters are going to be rekeyed because the meters are slipping and there have been to many unauthorized uses of the keys. Commissioner Bailey would like to have the receipents of the keys sign an agreement stating that they will be responsible for the key and that if they lose the key they will pay $50,00 to have the meter rekeyed.
BLM WILDERNESS SCOPING WORKSHOP REPORTED ON
Commissioner Bailey reported on the BLM Wilderness Scoping workshop he and Commissioner Low attended. Commissioner Bailey reported that he challenged the definition the BLM has between a road and a way in regards to access roads. Some of the other topics discussed and entered officially into the plan were:
oil and gas leases
grazing permits
lack of access to state sections
imprinting by oil and mining
wood gathering
wilderness' failure to conform to County land use plans
AL HASKINS REPORT
The Commission discussed the purchase of County supplies and requested Al Haskins compile a list of the things that people who represent San Juan County should check the state bid. The Commission also re-quested a memo be sent to all department heads reminding them to be aware of high pressure telephone salesman.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT LAWSUIT DISCUSSED
Bruce K. Halliday, County Attorney, met with the Commission to discuss the progress of the lawsuit against San Juan County by the United States Justice Department concerning the method of electing County Commissioners. Mr. Halliday reported that the Justice Department is still reviewing the wording of the proposed agreement on the suit.
DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS COUNTY PROPERTY DISCUSSED
Bruce K. Halliday, County Attorney, met with the Commission to discuss the proper mthod of disposing of surplus county property. Mr. Halliday reported that the County should adopt a resolution, ordinance or rule concerning the method of disposing of surplus property. Mr. Halliday recommended to the Com-mission the adoption of a resolution stating that 10 days public notice will be given. The Commission requested Mr. Halliday draft a resolution for the Commission's approval.
COURTHOUSE VENDING MACHINES
Rex Mortenson met with the Commisison to discuss the candy and soft drink vending machines he has in the Courthosue. Mr. Mortenson offered to sell both of the machines to the County for $1,500.00. Commissioner Bailey made a motion to purchase the machines for that price and to delegate the responsibility for the machines to the Clerk's office. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Low and carried unanimously.
BID ACCEPTED FOR GOLF COURSE PRO SHOP
Grant Leavitt met with the Commission to discuss the bid proposals for the Golf Course Pro Shop. Commis-sioner Bailey analyzed the bids on a per square foot cost basis. Commissioner Bailey recommended the Commission accept the Bid Proposal #2 by Young Builders. Commissioner Bailey made a motion to accept the bid proposal #2 by Young Builders in the amount of $21,922.00 for a wood frame building, with a basement storage area. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Low and carried unanimously.
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APPOINTMENT TO THE SAN JUAN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD
The Commission received a request from the San Juan County Development Board requesting Dick Neztsosie
be reappointed for a four (4) year term which would expire December 31, 1988. Commissioner Bailey made
a motion to reappoint Mr. Neztsosie for a four (4) year term. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Low and carried unanimously.
OILFIELD WASTE DISPOSAL PONDS DISCUSSED
Commissioner Low reported that Grand County is obtaining information from the owners of the Keystone Wallace ponds and will froward it as soon as they receive it.
PROJECT BOLD DISCUSSED
Commissioner Black reported that last week he met with Arch Madsen, President of Bonneville International.
Commissioner Black discussed Project Bold with Mr. Madsen. Mr, Madsen stated that he would have someone do an investigative report pertaining to Project Bold.
Commissioner Black also discussed the proposed nuclear repository with Mr. Madsen.
Mr. Madsen reported to Commissioner Balck that his corporation would like to help promote tourism in Southern Utah.
LETTER OF SUPPORT TO ANHAUSER-BUSCH DRAFTED
The Commission drafted a letter of support for a proposal submitted to Anhauser-Busch by Moab City and Grand County regarding Anhauser-Busch considering this area for a brewery.
JOINT ROADS COMMITTEE MEETING ATTENDED
Commissioner Black reported on a Joint Highway Committee meeting he and Commissioner Bailey attended in Richfield last week. The meeting was attended by Commissioners from throughout the State to review the League of Cities proposal to change the funding formula for B and C road funds. The decision was
made to recommend to the cities and the Joint Highway Committee the formation of a subcommittee to study the proposal on the condition that no changes be proposed except by that committee.
LETTERS SENT BY THE COMMISSION
A letter was sent to the Editors of the Ogden-Standard Examiner, Desert News and the Salt Lake Tribune in regards to an article on the Nuclear Waste Repository,
BILLS APPROVED FOR PAYMENT
Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Liability from payroll run 109.80
First Security Bank of Utah Liability from payroll run 13,740.10
State Tax Commission of Utah Liability from payroll run 4,284.46
Utah State Retirement Board Liability from payroll run 738.68
Utah State Social Security Agency Liability from payroll run 17,728.97
Utah State Retirement Fund Liability from payroll run 16,725.96
Aba jo Petroleum, Inc. Fuel purchased 987.96
Frank Beeson Material and Labor 109.17
Blanding Clinic Judgement Payment 46.00
Blanding Home Center Supplier 5.94
Blanding Mercantile Supplies^ 35.75
Blue Mountain Foods Supplies 526.70
Bluff Water & Sewer Users Assn Utility 12.80
Brodart, Inc. Service fop April 1384 211.82
Canyonlands Communications Parts purchased 148.67
Car Care Center Miscellaneous service 123.23
Carr Printing Company Supplies 419.15
Caun-Co., Inc. Supplies 109.44
Central Utah Insurance Agency Treasurer's Bond 378.00
Chevron USA Inc. Gasoline 41.92
City of Blanding Utility 981.28
City of Monticello Utility 111.50
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Price Soft Drinks 21.00
Computerware Data Prod., Inc. Supplies 612.59
Conference & Institutes Registration 50.00
Continental Tel Co of the West Telephone charges 1,570.49
Cummins Intermountain Supplies and parts 1,211.94
Empire Electric Assoc. Inc. Utility 2,601.32
Wanda Farabee Cleaning services 40.00
First Security Bank of Utah Judgement payment 50.00
Jeffery H. Gale Wages, Tel. and Transp. 164.90
W. W. Grainger, Inc. Parts and supplies 52.59
Grand County Cost of Work for S.J.C. 2,083.61
Great Western Supply Division Supplies 473.80
Green Well Motel Lodging for Marsha Keele 23.90
H & C Starter & Alt. Service Inc. Repairs 349.55
V.G. Halliday Club House rent 150.00
Haskins, Al Travel 206.11
Highland Equipment Co. Supplies 343.19
Hogie's Restaurant Meals for Feb. 462.00
Howell, Patsy Meals for Feb. 1,359.00
Humphreys, Peggy Travel 365.00
Hunter, Dell J. Travel 25.20
Dena Hunter Janitor work 80.00
International Business Machine Supplies for copies 198.00
Industrial Supply Co. Inc. Supplies 49.11
Kelly Co. Supplies 37.42
Law Review Subscription 50.00
Lyman & Thompson Copies 3.80
Matthew Bender Book purchased 85.00
Jim Miller Work done at library 915.00
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Montella, Barbara Mileage/Assessing in County 169.26
Monticello Mercantile Supplies 197.97
Motor Parts Company Supplies 94.41
Motor Parts,Pro Mart Home Center Insulation 51.98
Mountain States Stationers Inc. Supplies 12.00
Calvin Mueller Witness Fees 28.30
Neal, Helen Meals for Helen Neal 23.00
Walter K. Nez Refund for overpayment 6.00
Osborne's Eng. Supply Co., Inc. Supplies 11.37
P & F Parts and Supply Towing and repair tire 13.00
Parkway Tire Center Fuel Purchased 38.02
Parley Redd Foodtown Supplies 41.26
Katy Pipkin Restitution payment 101.00
Qualtiy Bookstore Supplies 44.53
Recreation Publications Book purchased 26.45
Parley Redd Mercantile Salt Lake Tribune 36.00
Riverview Service Station Fuel purchased 27.80
Roger's Foods Supplies 16.15
San Juan County February Revenue 1,181.00
San Juan County Library (M) Petty Cash 40.97
San Juan County Road Dept. Fire Extinguishers 190.87
San Juan County Sheriff Restitiution payment 50.00
The San Juan Record Supplies 797.49
San Juan County Travel Council Supplies 130.00
Saveway Automotive Tube purchased 6.10
Scenic Aviation Parts and supplies 340.00
Sherry Shupe Home Health Care 140.70
Southeastern Public Service Co. Cheese and Butter pruchase 43.04
State Information System Serv. Teleprocessing service 149.00
State Treasurer of Utah February Revenue 2,561.00
Texaco, Inc. Gasoline purchased 102.09
Twentieth Century Plastics, Inc. Supplies 15.66
Uarco, Inc. Supplies 17.26
United States Welding, Inc. Cylinder rent 154.10
Utah Assoc. County Recorders Membership dues 10.00
Utah Assoc. of Counties Registration 60.00
Utah Gas Service Co. Utility 2,005.69
Utah Power & Light Co. Utility 292.20
Utah State Retirement Board Judge's Retirement 50.00
Utah State Treasurer P.O.S.T. 538.00
Utah State University UMC 49 Travel 91.56
West Publishing Co. 1984 Cumulative Pocket 162.50
Western Office Products Supplies 4.32
White Mesa Ute Council Heals for Month of Feb. 287.50
Wycoff Frieght Charges 29.53
Mike Young Inc. Supplies 1.58
There being no further business for this day the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:15 p.m.
Commissioner Calvin Black, Chairman Carol T. Hoggard, Deputy Clerk