| Crystal McGuire fills an aircraft with fuel before it takes off at the Carbon County Airport. Commissioners recently discussed a new fuel contract for the airport, and as of yet have not made a decision on which way to turn with it. A final decision is expected within the next couple of months. |
A decision to act on a regular contract for fuel supplies was postponed during the regular meeting of the Carbon County Commission on March 16. The decision was moved, pending research, to a later meeting.
“After looking into it, Mark Francis still thinks we can get more incentives to award a contract to a company,” said Commissioner Bill Krompel when the issue came up on the agenda. “We need to put this off to make sure we can get the best situation for the county.”
The issue first came up in mid-February at a commission meeting when airport manager Francis pointed out that the county should be examining a new contract since the one with Chevron had “timed out.”
During the last contract period, Francis explained that the county sold 423,000 gallons. The amount was more than the allotment of fuel for the agreement in a five year period. But a new contract would require the county to sell 500,000 in the coming five years.
The airport manager also said the last contract had offered the county “incentives” to sign the agreement. Francis had seen no incentives listed on the new proposed contract.
During the February meeting, county attorney Gene Strate indicated that assistant county attorney George Harmond had raised a red flag about the new contract because the potential supplier had included a clause that would require the seller to choose the insurer for the fuel service at the airport.
“At this point, I don’t think the county has any motivation to sign a contract on this,” said Francis. “We have no problem getting fuel so we can take time to find the best deal.”
In an unrelated matter of business, the commission discovered that the sheriff’s merit board was still short one member. The board is supposed to have three members. But when the county advertised for applicants, only one person applied for the position.
The commission approved the one member last month and has been looking for citizens to fill the vacancies.
The newest member appointed to the sheriff’s merit board is Mike Dalpiaz. But in the same vote, the commission decided to turn down a second applicant, Frank Pugliese, because of concerns about ties to the sheriff’s department.
“Since Frank is the commander of the Carbon County Search and Rescue, I think there could be a conflict,” said Commissioner Steve Burge.
The search and rescue unit is under the direction of the sheriff’s office.
The commission determined that the search for another member would continue and it was also determined that an open position on the travel bureau board will also be advertised.
The commission also approved a conditional use permit so U.S. Field Research can set up shop in a building at the Ridge Road Industrial Park. The county’s planning commission has been requiring that each time a new tenant moves into buildings that are zoned for industrial use that the land lord obtain a conditional use permit to prove the business will not be using harmful and dangerous chemicals or processes in the rented structures.
However, U.S. Field Research is an outbound call center and would not actually fall into an industrial category. This has brought up some questions within the planning and zoning department about the process for dealing with these types of situations.
The building, which was originally set up to be some kind of shop, is presently close to having it’s renovation completed so the company can begin it’s operations.
The commission also authorized $500 to be awarded to the Carbon County School District to support the graduation spectacular that is held each year at high school graduation time. The event has been successful in years past in cutting down the number of private celebrations that have gone on, which often have included under age drinking.
“The money goes to the school district even though the event is held at a church,” said Commissioner Mike Milovich. “This celebration is a matter of public health and safety on graduation night. And while the event is held at a church, it is open to everyone.”