Pehrson Clears Name; Meetings, Roads, Windmills, and Wildlife/ Nov. 15, 2019

Meditations to Start the Day

Thanks, Anna Tom

Thank You, Readers!  Beyond the Bears -- October 2019 had the Highest Readership in a single month since inception -- 1637 site contacts

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Citizens Invited to Attend

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 State Representative Lyman Sues U.S. for $10M over Trespassing Conviction

Satire from the Navajo Times:  Jack Ahasteen is a great cartoonist

An Important message

~~ BLM Oil Leasing Facing Protests in Mesquite area

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~~ November 19 San Juan Commission Meeting

        SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - COMMISSION ROOM
AGENDA
November 19, 2019

  9:00 A.M. Work Meeting

1. Spanish Valley Planning Ordinances - Mark Vlasic, Landmark Design 
2. County Seat Presentation - Chad Booth
3. Bluff Town Updates - Bluff Town Council
4. County Predation Management Plan Contract - Mack McDonald, San Juan County Administrator
5. Public Works Purchase of Bottom Dump Trailer - Clark Hawkins, San Juan County Road Department
6. Public Works Purchase of Fruehauf 8400 Gallon Trailer, Clark Hawkins, San Juan County Road Department
7. Spanish Valley Updates - Jerry McNeely, San Juan County Liaison
8. Public lands updates - Nick Sandberg, San Juan County Planning

11:00 A.M. Commission Meeting

1. Approval of minutes - November 5, 2019
2. Citizens' comments to the commission* (Please complete the request form - available at the door)
3. Public Hearing to consider the following draft ordinances
a. Spanish Valley Residential (SVR) District
b. Spanish Valley Planned Community (PC) District
c. Spanish Valley Residential Flex Planned Community (RF) District
d. Spanish Valley Business Flex Planned Community (BF) District
e. Spanish Valley Highway Flex Planned Community (HF) District
f. Spanish Valley Highway Commercial (HC) District
g. Spanish Valley Water Efficient Landscape Requirements
h. Spanish Valley Outdoor Lighting and Sign Illumination Requirements
i. Spanish Valley Sign and Display Requirements
j. Spanish Valley Overnight Accommodations Overlay District Requirements
k. Amendment of Chapter 11: Multiple Use, Agricultural, Rural Residential Districts Adoption, specifically Subsection 11-3 of the San Juan County, Utah Zoning Ordinance (2011) to amend the minimum lot sizes in those districts from one-acre to as small as one-quarter acre as compatible with state regulations on water and sewer sources and lot sizes.
l.  Adoption of a new Section 4 of Article II. Planning Requirements for All Zones in San Juan County in the San Juan County Subdivision Ordinance (2016) to create a minor subdivision ordinance permitting developments up to four lots to be exempt from the platting requirements of the subdivision ordinance.
4. Planning and Zoning Ordinances consideration for Approval
a. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE SPANISH VALLEY DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCES AND MAP AMENDING THE SAN JUAN COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE
b. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 11; MULTIPLE USE, AGRICULTURAL, RURAL RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS ADOPTION, SPECIFICALLY SUBSECTION 11-3 OF THE SAN JUAN COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE (2011)
c. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A NEW SECTION 4 OF ARTICLE II. PLATTING REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL ZONES IN SAN JUAN COUNTY IN THE SAN JUAN COUNTY SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE (2016) CREATING A MINOR SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE 
5. Ratification and approval of  Capital Improvements to the Public Safety Building - Monte Perkins, San Juan County Maintenance Director
6. Consideration of the following Subdivisions for Approval - Scott Burton, San Juan County Planning & Zoning
a. Hummingbird Nest
b. La Sal Acres Amendment No. 1
c. Cannon Ranchos Amendment No. 3
d. Flat Iron Mesa Ranch, Phase XXIV
7. Ratification and Approval of the Purchase of Landfill Loaders - Randy Rarick, San Juan County Landfill
8. Ratification and Approval of the Purchase of Landfill Custom Scaling System - Randy Rarick, San Juan County Landfill
9. Ratification and Approval of the Purchase of Public Works Bottom Dump Trailer - Clark Hawkins, San Juan County Road Department
10. Ratification and Approval of the Purchase of Public Works Fruehauf 8400 Gallon Trailer - Clark Hawkins, San Juan County Road Department
11. Approval and Execution of the San Juan School District Quality Teaching Incentive Program Resolution - Kyle Hosler, San Juan School District
12. County Predation Management Plan Contract - Mack McDonald, San Juan County Administrator
13. Election Canvas for Approval - John David Nielson, San Juan County Clerk
14. Tax Abatement - John David Nielson, San Juan County Clerk
15. Convene as Local Building Authority
a. Local Building Authority Request for Reimbursement Authorization Form
16. Reconvene as Board of San Juan County Commission
17. Commission Reports

*The Board of San Juan County Commissioners can call a closed meeting at any time during the Regular Session if necessary, for reasons permitted under UCA 52-4-205*

~~  State Records Committee Clears Kelly Pehrson of Insubordination 

   "The management style of the new commissioners has taken a toll on day-in, day-out workings of government. The most visible and possibly far-reaching impact so far could be Maryboy’s accusations of insubordination directed at Kelly Pehrson, county administrator, who left in April to take a high-level state job in Salt Lake City. Pehrson has fought to clear his name over the past five months, and yesterday the State Records Committee sided with him in that effort."  Bill Keshlear

~~ Range Magazine Tells Part of the LeVoy Finicum Story

~~ Dept. of Interior Paves Way for Future State Control of Public Land Roads

"In a notice in the Federal Register on Friday, Interior revealed it would open a 30-day review of control of Manganese Road in southwest Utah.

Nearly all of the 10.18-mile thoroughfare sits on lands governed by the Bureau of Land Management. Interior's approval would give control of the right of way — including maintenance and improvements — to state and local officials.

But conservationists warn that the Manganese Road could be a test case for Utah, which has long disputed control of more than 14,000 rights of way covering some 35,000 miles in the state."

~~  Huntsman Visits Southern Utah:  "Ground Zero" for Growth in Utah

~~ Penetrating the Ballot Fog in San Juan (Nov. 5 vote on study regarding type of Gov. )

~~ Utah Explores Alternative Fuel Solutions

~~ Farmers Contribute to Economy: 1.5 Billion Eggs produced in Utah

~~ Patagonia Pays Bail for Arrested Protesters 

Who Wonders What "Industrial Tourism" Looks Like, and Why SJ Doesn't Want it?  

~~ What Happens When Wind Turbines Reach the End of their 20 Yr. Cycle?

~~ "Sustainable Development" Policies Work Against Beef Industry

"The term “Sustainable Development” was born on the pages of the 1987 United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development. It is basically the policy for the implementation of Agenda 21 which came along in 1992. The announced purpose of Agenda 21 was a “comprehensive blueprint for the reorganization of human society”.

~~ Encroaching Bans on Animal Products Threaten Food Producers

"Politicians want to tax farmers and ranchers for emissions and slap sin taxes on meat to encourage plant-based diets. Celebrities are spinning faux science into meatless propaganda in the name of compassion to animals and the planet."

~~ Last Resort?  When the Only Card You Know How to Play is "Racism"

~~ Cougar Sightings on the Rise in SW Utah; How to Protect Yourself 

~~ Fires in Central Utah; A Convenient Excuse, or Good Policy?

~~ Feral Horse Management Creates Crisis

~~ Bad Environmental Policy Causes Forest Fires

~~ From James Adaki's FB Page:

Seasons and Times are a Changin'/ Bear Essentials 9/12/2019

Happenings in the West
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SJC Transparency in action

Recording of 9/4 SJC Commission work meeting

Recording of 9/4/ SJC Commission Meeting

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Agenda for Sept 17 Commission Meeting at bottom of page (in Monticello)

~~ Spanish Valley Residents Push Back on Commercial Development

~~Freedom of Information Act Search-- Requires Patience and Longevity

Kudos to Jim Stiles and Bill Keshlear for their tenacious digging!

~~ Six Candidates Move On in Moab City Council Race

~~ Utah Launches Optional Gun Safety Program in Schools

~~ Trust and Training Range Land Exchange in SW Utah 

 Counting the Costs

~~ Proponents investigate Splitting the State of Washington  

Some believe "splitting Washington would be a win-win scenario for rural conservatives who live east of the Cascade Range and urban liberals who live in western Washington."

~~ BLM Purchases Private Land to Better Protect Desert Tortoise

~~ Climate Change A Power Grabbing Scam  Free Range Report

~~ Counties Demanding Federal Land Reimbursement 

~~ Judge Rejects SUWA's Involvement in Kane County Public Lands Case

San Juan Record: 

      "This landmark case will move forward, but with a significantly limited role for SUWA after Waddoups wrote, “SUWA has no legal right to be in this case.”

“It was clear SUWA had the intent to take a lead role in this litigation – a lead to which it had no right to take,” Waddoups writes. “A lead that could well harm the actual parties who do have a right to be before the court.”
       The judge stated that SUWA filed actions that delayed progress on the case. In fact, it was SUWA’s role in delaying the case that may have triggered Judge Waddoup’s ire. The judge writes of one particular instance, “For over two years, Plaintiffs’s time and resources were taxed as they addressed SUWA’s defense before the Utah Supreme Court on an argument that ultimately was struck down as absurd.”

~~ All Things NAC -Confronts Maryboy's Fake History Concerning Bears Ears 

~~ Blanding City Council Takes Official Stance on Civility in Meetings

~~ Science Should Take Precedence Over Political Agendas

~~ Separate Town Hall Meetings Address Simmering Controversies

~~ BLM Renovating/ Upgrading Virgin River Recreation Area

~~ $4 Million in Drugs Seized on New Mexico Reservation

~~ Grand Staircase Plan Developing In Spite of LItigation

~~ NTEC Purchases 3 Coal Mines in Wyoming

~~ How Tribal Sovereignty Really Works,  by Jack Ahasteen

"How Tribal funding REALLY WORKS...

As President Jonathan Nez stated before the US Congressional Committee on Appropriations which regulates expenditures of money by the government of the United States,
"....the Navajo Nation seeks to strengthen the sacred trust relationship and Assist the Navajo Nation in furtherance of self-sufficiency and tribal sovereignty...."

Sovereignty?....funded by the American tax payer??? How is that possible when the annual tribal budget is completely dependent on the US taxpayer?"

~~ Liberal Activists Work to Change the Color of Conservative States

"Outside groups are organizing an army of liberal activists around the country to campaign for local races in states where they don't live. Organizers said the spending is strategic, honing in on states and specific seats where they can have the most significant effect. The top targets include Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina."

"To Coloradans, the strategy looks familiar. Republicans almost entirely controlled the state power structure until 2004. That's when a group of four wealthy Colorado Democrats — Tim Gill, Rutt Bridges, Jared Polis, and Pat Stryker — teamed up with political strategist Al Yates on a plan to transform the local politics. According to a 2008 article by the Washington Examiner's Fred Barnes, the group targeted vulnerable Republican incumbents, creating pop-up activist groups drawing on support from labor unions and national liberal organizations. The project was a success. That cycle, Democrats won control of both chambers of the general assembly for the first time in over four decades. Two years later, they upped their spending and won the governor's office. The total tab for securing state control was reported to be $9.5 million, which was less than the average expenditure on a successful U.S. Senate campaign, but an enormous amount for state elections."

~~ Johnny Depp's Dior "Sauvage" Ad Draws Ire of Native Tribes

~~ Utah Dineh Bikeyah Intent on Playing the Racial Card

"“Anglo residents in San Juan County have learned that when dealing with conflict-avoiding cultures like the Ute or Diné peoples, who live according to principles of reciprocity, that aggressive, intimidating, loud and bullying behaviors work,” Benally said. “In most other border towns, Native Americans are treated respectfully, but in Blanding we are treated like outsiders.”

~~ Biased Reporting Stifles Truth in San Juan County

~~ House of Representatives Working to Cripple America's Oil Supply

~~ Couple Writes Graffiti in Tribal Area, then Posts on Instagram

~~ Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Faces Growing Suicide Rate for Youth

~~ Ribbon Cutting in Cameron, Snubs Some Groups

~~ Two Serious Accidents on Moab's Main Street

~~ Zions Overcrowded for Labor Day Weekend

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Sept. 17 Commission Meeting agenda 117 South Main Street, Monticello

9:00 A.M. Work Meeting

1. Follow up discussion with Library Director regarding a possible property tax increase for the library fund - Pat Smith, Library Director
2. Discuss McElmo Creek Bridge repair agreement with NDOT - Ben Musselman, SJC Public Works
3. Review amendment to Road Agreement with USFS for emergency road repairs - Ben Musselman, SJC Public Works
4. Review an application for San Juan County Planning & Zoning Commission - Walter Bird, SJC Planning & Zoning
5. Discuss Planning Issues in the Spanish Valley Area - David Everitt, SJC Interim Administrator
6. Discuss Maintenance / Building Issues - Monty Perkins, SJC Maintenance
7. Discuss comments to be sent to various federal agencies regarding the designation of a part of the west-side regional energy corridor through San Juan County - Nick Sandberg, SJC Planning
8. Updates - Jerry McNeely
9. Public lands updates - Nick Sandberg, SJC Planning

11:00 A.M. Commission Meeting

1. Approval of minutes - August 6, 2019
2. Citizens' comments to the commission* (Please complete the request form - available at the door)
3. A RESOLUTION POSTPONING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF WATER REVENUE AND REFUNDING BONDS AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND POSTING OF NOTICE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING AND NOTICE OF BONDS TO BE ISSUED.
4. Approve Comments to be sent to various federal agencies regarding the designation of a part of the west-wide regional energy corridor through San Juan County - Nick Sandberg, SJC Planning
5. Ratify amendment to road agreement with USFS for emergency Road Repairs - Ben Musselman, SJC Public Works
6. Approve McElmo Creek Bridge repair agreement with NDOT -  Ben Musselman, SJC Public Works
7. Approve Planning & Zoning Commission Member - Walter Bird, Planning & Zoning
8. Out of State Travel request - Linda Simmons, SJC EMS Director
9. Approve Board of Equalization Recommendations - John David Nielson, SJC Clerk & Greg Adams, SJC Assessor
10. Beer License Renewal - John David Nielson, SJC Clerk
11. Commission Reports
12. Executive Session to Discuss Pending or Imminent Litigation