San Juan Commission gets fire and building reports

Members of the San Juan County Commission received reports on wildfire safety, building code and approved a grant for OHV trail maintenance at their latest meeting.
Members of the San Juan County commission received a report from San Juan County Fire Warden Ryan McArthur presented on wildfire danger in the area at their May 20 meeting.
McArthur shared when considering fire restrictions factors including fuels, drought, weather, potential fires and preparedness levels are all measured and tracked. While no fire restrictions were recommended at that latest meeting the county and area cooperative wildfire system (CWS) will continue weekly monitoring of criteria. The decision matrix noted that while there is drought in the region, other factors including adverse weather in the next 8-14 day outlook, fuel moistures and other considerations mean restrictions have not been placed on the region as of the presentation to the county commission. McArthur noted that CWS programs encourage property owners to mitigate fire potential near their homes, and added the county uses seasonal workers for prevention and mitigation work.
Members of the commission also approved receipt of a grant for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trail maintenance. County road superintendent TJ Adair shared the county was a recipient of a $64,000 grant from the State of Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation for OHV trail work. The funds will be used to repair damaged areas on the Black Mesa Trail System to make the trail accessible for novice riders.
Members of the county commission also approved an interlocal agreement with Monticello, Blanding and Bluff to simplify business license requirements. The agreement allows municipalities and the county to recognize each others business license meaning business owners don’t need multiple business licenses in the county.
Members of the county commission also approved a engineering agreement for the La Sal Drinking Water project. The agreement with JUB Engineering for preliminary engineering report services is a follow-up to a previous feasibility study on the project. The county is working to have the project shovel ready to seek other funding through the state or community impact board to bring a La Sal drinking water project online.
Members of the county commission also heard a report from new building official Corey Coleman. Coleman shared a presentation as part of the annual Building Safety Month each May. Coleman shared the importance of code for public safety related to fire prevention and structural integrity. Also highlighting the role of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Coleman noted the carbon monoxide poisonings that made dozens of students and staff very ill at Montezuma Creek more than a decade ago as examples of the consequences of lacking proper CO detectors. County Commissioners noted costs of CO detectors can sometimes be prohibitive or discouraging for residents but added the detectors are essential life-saving devices. Coleman mentioned while previously employed in Nevada a program provided funds for free CO detectors limited to one per household and suggested a program like that could be looked into. Members of the commission offered thanks and support for the annual building safety month.
Members of the county commission also approved the San Juan Counseling Area Plan. Director Tammy Squires presented the 68-page three-year plan which is a state requirement to work as a basic guide for the department, which retains flexibility to tailor services to meet community needs. While commissioner Stubbs raised concerns about rising youth suicide rates Sam Spilman supervisor of the county mobile crisis outreach team outlined their work noting resources like 988 which is designate as a free confidential resource available to anyone 24/7 to call, text or chat. The county mobile crisis outreach team is available around the clock to go to anyone in the county in crisis to help in person. Members of the commission unanimously approved the San Juan Counseling area plan.
Commissioners also approved letters supporting a Digital Access and Opportunity Grant.
The letter supports an application for a state grant aimed at enhancing broadband connectivity in the county while also focusing on digital literacy programs. The program would partner with non-profit organizations to teach safe and effective internet use, promotion of opportunity for residents including in telehealth and education as well as economic mobility opportunities. Members of the commission approved the letter of support.