LaDell Bealer

The Commission Work Meeting addressed several items, including the approval of County Bills. Key discussions involved authorizing the Rockin 4B Youth Buckle Series to use the Fairgrounds arena in lieu of a monetary donation, declaring old election equipment as surplus for sale or destruction, and approving a new URS Service Agreement to allow Roth 401(k) and Roth 457 plan contributions within the Utah Retirement System. The Commission ratified new hires across various departments and ratified a UDOT Federal Aid Agreement concerning the Beaver River Replacement Bridge at the Adamsville Bridge. Furthermore, a contract for oil with NuRock was authorized, and contracts for the County Fair's Rodeo, Demolition Derby, and Carnival Midway for the 2026 County Fair were approved. An update on legislative activity in Washington D.C. was also provided.

The regular Commission Meeting addressed several items. Old Business involved discussion on the Puffer Lake Easement, specifically addressing concerns from the Department of Natural Resources regarding commercial use, timber sales, and a proposed UDOT shed. The Commission unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit for Western Rock for a temporary ready mix batch plant. A consulting agreement for lobbying services for Fiscal Year 2026 with Lincoln-Hill Partners was authorized for signature. Furthermore, the Commission approved entering into a contract for a Predator Control Management Plan with a 50% cost share to assist livestock growers. Commissioner updates included monitoring of bills during the Legislative Session affecting Beaver County, particularly water-related legislation. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel matters and litigation strategy.

The agenda for the meeting includes several key new business items. These topics involve the Minersville Board Seat consideration, a vote on the RCG Allocation Adjustment for Sleepy Lagoon, discussions regarding Economic Development Strategy Plan Surveys and Next Steps, collecting questions for the Business Survey, an introduction to the Sol Utah Small Business AI Tool, an announcement regarding Incoming Blueprint Training, and a discussion concerning the Olene Walker Trust Fund Lots in Milford. The meeting will also address the approval of the January minutes.

Key discussion items scheduled for the meeting include confirmation of contact information for members, a review of Travel Council Members Advisory Roles, presentation and subsequent vote on a Rebranding proposal, and discussion of Travel Council Fund Requests. The agenda also allocates time for a TRT/Tax Report and a virtual connection with Cherry Peak Resort.

The Commission Work Meeting involved several key actions and discussions. County Bills were reviewed and unanimously approved. Lincoln Hill Partners provided an update on areas of focus for monitoring during the upcoming Legislative Session. The Commission considered and unanimously authorized the signature on Resolution 2026-01, which amends the Fee Schedule. A discussion took place regarding the Conservation Easement for the Puffer Lake Property with the DNR, with agreement on language subject to revisions in specific sections. Val Smith was recognized for 55 years of service in Beaver County Search and Rescue, and Sheila Shotwell was recognized upon her retirement after 18 years as the Council on Aging Coordinator. Ordinance 2026-01, establishing an Agriculture Protection Area for the Jed and Rebecca Albrecht Property (following a public hearing held on January 6), was adopted unanimously. Finally, the Commission discussed concerns regarding HB 48 and considered action related to the Five County AOG Resolution addressing the Wildland Urban Interface bill.