Zayne Bell

The board approved a consent agenda including various personnel promotions, job title changes, and employee notifications. Discussion items included a safety presentation and the awarding of safety gift cards, a monetary donation request for the EHS graduation party, and approval of the county's comprehensive insurance renewal plan. The board heard presentations regarding solar project buffer zones and drought mitigation efforts from the San Rafael Conservation District. A motion was passed to consider an ordinance for voter approval on industrial-scale solar developments. Furthermore, the board adopted the Emergency Management's National Qualification System implementation plan, accepted an Emergency Management Performance Grant, authorized the purchase of a dispatcher training program, and approved a construction contract for library ADA improvements. Finally, the board ratified updated watershed protection documents and a contract for a trail signage crew grant.

The public hearing was held to receive community feedback and comments regarding the development of utility-scale solar projects within the county. The meeting included a review of the approval process for such projects by a commissioner followed by a period for public input.

The meeting covered numerous consent and discussion items, including the approval of requisitions and personnel actions. The Commission recognized the Emery County Library for receiving a quality award and ratified a contract modification for noxious weed control. Bids were opened for the Castle Dale Branch Library improvements and commercial land valuation services. A public hearing was held regarding the proposed sale of real property to Valar Atomics, with public input on future land use. A presentation was provided concerning the Huntington Creek Solar conditional use permit application. Additional actions included approval of a letter of commitment regarding the sale of land to Valar Atomics, participation in a national opioid settlement, the advertising of an RFP for carpet replacement, and the approval of amendments to the Hornshadow battery storage project. The Commission also discussed the procurement process for airport layout plan services and authorized a real estate use agreement for construction staging.

The board conducted a public hearing to discuss re-opening and amending the 2026 budget for the Emery County Local Building Authority to secure funding for several capital projects, including a new Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue building, ADA accessibility and landscaping at the Ferron Library, and financial assistance for a weigh station at the Ferron City Agriculture Facility. Following the public hearing, the board officially approved the amendment to add $300,000 to the 2026 Local Building Authority budget.

The meeting included the approval of BLM Right-of-Way permits and the authorization of the 2026 Main Street Business Grant awards. The Board accepted the 2026 Library Technology Grant, which provides funding for patron computers across three libraries. Discussions were held regarding commercial property valuations, resulting in a decision to advertise for an RFP. The Board also addressed the potential development of an ordinance to prohibit utility-scale solar farms, ultimately directing the matter to the Planning and Zoning department, and explored options for leasing or appraising property within the Industrial Park.