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Show rri army n "ytitf" ft fr"yiri Wiilll'lltW-rili'll'tllnWmmijim- in i'rrih.Hinr.toi n- j jiiiri)i Wr"Tr 'imfl iiii1 "0 uii i f i SERVING MOAB AND SOUTHEASTERN UTAH SINCE 1896 Moab, Grand County, Utah 84532 Volume 97 County Commission defers appointment of member replacement by Ken Davey Grand County Commissioners David Knutson and Feme Mullen put of making a decision on appointing a third commissioner for According to state law, when a commissioner resigns, the party he or she was a member of presents replacement nominations to the commission, and the commissioner chooses from that list If after 30 days no decision is reached, the list goes to the governor, who has an additional 30 days to make the ap- at least two weeks. At the regular commission meeting on Tuesday, Knutson said he needed more time to make a decision. The county Democratic Party central committee nominated a list of 6 4 pointment. While Lawton first presented his resignation on October 16, the commission did not accept it until their meeting on October 29. And according to County Attorney Elaine Coates, that means the commission has until the end of the month to fulfill the y requirement candidates to fill the vacancy following Merv Lawtons resignation (mi October 16. The names on the list are Kyle Dance company to perform Friday . This week Dance Bailey, David Bierschied, Craig Bigler, Jack Campbell, Sam' Cun- . . Company is keeping Grand County students and staff on their toes (and knees and elbows and heads)! The dancers are demonstrating and instructing at all grade levels. Shirley Ririe will conduct a community class this Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Red Rock lunchroom. There is no charge and all interested adults are encouraged to attend (you needn't be a skilled dancer). will perform for the community this Friday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 in the HMK lunchroom. There is a $2 charge at the door. Children age 10 and under are free. is available to Grand County Schools through a state grant and local donations. Those who support this effort to bring professional artists into the schools, are asked to please direct their donations to Principal Margaret Hopkin at Red Rock Elementary (checks payable to Grand County School District). Ririe-Woodbu- ry Ririe-Woodbu- ry Ririe-Woodbu- ry Umetco Minerals closing down UtahColorado operations P.K. Willmott, President Umetco Minerals Corporation, of an- nounced the temporary cessation of its mining and milling activities in western Colorado and eastern Utah. He cited the impact of increased imports or uranium on an already pressed market as the reason for the action. Umetco produces uranium concentrates for use in the nuclear power industry and various vanadium products used primarily in the steel industry. Curtailment of mining at the La Sal, Sunday, and Dove Creek area mines will result in the layoff of 58 people. R.A. Van Horn, Director of Operations, said a small number of employees will maintain the facilities on a standby basis. Additionally, a significant de. geological and engineering effort will be undertaken to support future mine development plans, which will be implemented when the market allows. The White Mesa Mill at Blanding, will reduce its staff by 25 people. This is in addition to the previously announced maintenance shutdown in which 97 people were, laid off on October 15, 1990. The remaining staff will maintain the plant on a standby basis and do only that work necessary to comply with federal and state regulations. Duration of these temporary shutdowns will be determined by how quickly conditions in the depressed market place turn around. "In real dollar terms, the current Nuexco uranium quote of $8.35 per pound is the lowest ever recorded," Mr. Willmott said. "Ever increasing imports of Russian, German and Australian uranium are being sold in the U.S. at distress prices. In 1990 Russian imports of four million pounds alone will account for 10 percent of or are sold at prices that more accurately reflect actual costs of production, they will account for as much as 25 percent of that market in 1991. "The problem is that most if not all of the offshore uranium showing up in our market place is produced under government subsidy or by government entities," Mr. Willmott said. "This material is heavily discounted with no regard for the actual cost of production. Their only goal is the generation of hard currency to satisfy foreign exchange needs." Mr. Willmott noted two recent transactions that brought chaos to an already unstable market. The first is the long term deal for enrichment involving the Soviet (continued on page A2) WALU urges public comment on Book Cliffs planning unit by Jane S. Jones The initial comment period ends Friday, November 16 for the State Division of Lands & Forestry's Book Cliffs Planning Unit. Any issues not already identified by the Division must be raised by this date if they are to be addressed in the Draft Book Cliffs General Management Plan (GMP). According to the Western Association of Land Users (WALU), even though this is just the beginning of the planning process, the identification of all issues at the start is of major importance. The Book Cliffs Planning Unit BoofiC&ffs 'Planning Unit OwensHR1500 Wilderness Proposal National Conservation Area Proposal of school trust lands in northern Grand County and into part of Uintah County, some in large blocks and some scattered over federal lands less area, 2) Mineral lease options, 3) Recreational cabin site development, 4) Book Cliffs conservation initiative, 5) Land ownership adjustments, and 6) Mitigation of im- administered by BLM. pacts on wildlife. covers approximately 160,000 acres The stated planning goal of the Division is to achieve maximum utilization of these lands by obtaining the greatest possible monetary return for the school trust, by managing the lands for their highest and best use, and by perpetuating the renewable natural resources using conservation practices. The Division has identified the following issues and their possible resolutions to be addressed: 1) Road In a letter to the commission, Coates wrote that "until the remaining members of the board or the organization. . .accept the proffered resignation, the position is occupied, not vacated. Therefore, at the time the remaining members of the board voted to accept the resignation. . .the position was officially vacated." Coates went on to say that "the Commission will have until close of business on November 28, 1990, to make a selection to replace Commissioner Lawton." And Knutson added that he was not sure it is enough time. "I'm not ready to commit that I'll be ready to make that decision at the City. Knutson said he had first heard the names over the weekend, and had not yet spoken with the individuals. "I haven't had a chance to talk with any of these people since the list came out," Knutson told the meeting. "I would really like to have the time to discuss and seriously consider all those listed. At this time. I'm just not ready to make that decision." do- mestic demand. "Unless future imports are reduced services 30-da- ningham, and Peter Haney. The Democrats announced the list last Thursday, while Knutson was attending a conference on multiple use of public lands in Salt Lake The Division has specifically requested comments on the feasibility of its participation in the conservation initiative being pursued by the Vernal District Office of BLM and the State Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). The objectives of the initiative are to acquire, through cooperation with the Nature Conservancy, 20,000 acres of cattle ranches and other private lands in the area, then add 319.000 acres of BLM land and 114.000 acres of state school trust lands, for a resulting block of 450.000 acres to be congressionally designated National Conservation Area, to be managed ". . .as a multiple use showcase area with emphasis on management of unique ecological values." The roadless area, in the western part of the unit, is 48,000 acres of state land in one block removed from mineral leasing in 1975 to preserve a unique environment and accommodate the DWR's desire to establish a trophy hunting area. Income to the state of $4,500 was generated last year from commercial guides and outfitters using the area. Under oil and gas lease when it was withdrawn in 1975, it is expected by the Division that this land, if reopened to mineral .leasing, could generate up to $38,000 annually, and more in the future if producing oil and gas fields were discovered. Kjnown commodity resources in the area include oil, natural gas, tar School out early Nov . 15 next county commission meeting either," he said. Knutson explained that he would like to discuss the appointment with Manuel Torres, who will begin term on the comserving a Grand County Schools will dismiss one hour early on Thursday, November 15 for Parent-Teach- mission in January. "The bottom line is," said Knutson, "I dont fell comfortable. If it runs into the Governor's time, that's fine. Then the Governor can make the decision." Mullen agreed to table the appointment until the next meeting, but felt a decision should be reached by then. "I think 2 weeks should be enough," she said. "I really think we should make the decision." If the two commissioners fail to agree and the Governor takes his full 30 days to decide, the appointed commissioner will not participate in the upcoming budget hearings for er conferences. There will be no school for Kindergarten on Thursday, Novem- ber 15. sands, coal and coal gas, and oil shale. Recreation and wildlife resources include the trophy hunting area, general hunting, camping, hikvehicle opporing and tunities, excellent summer and winter range for deer, elk and other important wildlife, area suitable for recreational cabin sites, and areas of relatively undisturbed and unique en- vironmental ecosystems where moose, desert bighorn sheep and bi- next year that begin later this month. Recycling Task Force In other business, the Commis- - son have been reported. John Keogh, Vice President of the Grand County Chapter of WALU, is urging the general public to write the Division about their concerns right now. "Don't wait until the end of the planning process to get involved. Look at the total picture. " If current wilderness and conservation area proposals go through, and if the roadless trophy hunting area is continued, there will be only about 12,000 acres of school trust lands left open in this unit which will be managed as traditional multiple use lands." Some additional major issues identified by WALU are 1) to what U. of U. president coming to Moab extent mineral development and recreation will actually be allowed if current special land designations go forward 2) how these designations will affect the proposed Book Cliffs Road (Cisco to Ouray), 3) how current multiple use designation already protects the environment in this area, 4) the issue of increasing restrictions of public access to public lands, both state and federal, 5) restrictions to vehicle use on state lands and how if affects recreation and mineral exploration, and most importantly, 6) all issues raised in the GMP are secondary to the revenue-producin- g mandate of Utah's Enabling Act, which is to provide the maximum economic benefit for Utah school children's public education. Written comments from interested individuals and groups must be received and stamped in at a Division of State Lands & Forestry office by the Friday deadline. Address letters to: Book Cliffs GMP, Division of State Lands & Forestry, 3 Triad Center, Suite 400, Salt Lake City, Utah 84180-120Letters can be hand delivered until 5 p.m. Friday to the Moab office of 4. the Division of State Lands Forestry 89 East Center. & . University of Utah President Chase Peterson will make an allday visit to Moab on Monday, Nov. 26 to look over the facilities at the Moab Arts Center at Helen M. Knight School, and the proposed Kokopelli Theater, among other activities. He will be taken on a familiarization tour of the Moab area and be briefed on issues during the morning, in addition to meeting with local leaders. He will speak at the weekly Rotary luncheon, and meet with school administrators and a select group of high school students during the early afternoon. This will be followed by a tour of the Kokopelli National Theater site. In die evening there will be a reception for a number of supporters of the University program. Highlight of the day will be a town meeting at HMK with remarks by President Peterson with a question and answer period. This will be followed by a "Broadway to Moab" extravaganza by the Crimson Express and Utah Jazz Band, which will be the university's expression of thanks to Moab. Graphic displays of what the university has accomplished in Moab since the local program was established, much in concert with local people and programs, will be on display around the walls of the HMK room, where the program will be held. The program is free to the public and everyone is welcome. multi-purpo- se sion adopted a resolution to act as a recipient of funds and donated equipment for the Canyonlands Re- cycling Task Force. The resolution allows the Task Force to accept donations until it can establish itself as a organization. By establishing an account through the county, the Task Force will be able to solicit tax- - deductible non-prof- it donations. The county also agreed to store recycling equipment if space is available. The resolution does not commit the county to spending any revenues on the project. The Recycling Task Force was established earlier this year to investigate ways to extend die life of the current land fill. Task Force members plan to have recycling dropoff points operating by the spring of 1991, and they hope to have a curb-sid- e collection of recyclables pro- gram by 1992. Recommendations for Jail The Commissioners heard a report from Sheriff Jim Nyland on holding prisoners in the Grand County jail. Nyland recommended that no more than 8 prisoners be kept in the jail at any one time. He said that number was suggested by director of state corrections Gary Deland, who was in Moab two weeks ago. After county voters turned down the referendum in October to renovate the courthouse and jail, Nyland recommended closing the jail completely to all prisoners except those involved in legal proceedings at the courthouse. But the Commissioners decided to try to keep the jail open until they could organize another special election to pass the renovation proposal. Other Matters Covered The Commission also heard from Jane Jones on the state's Book Cliffs Management Plan. The Division of State Lands and Forestry is accepting public comment on what residents thing should happen on state trust lands scattered through the Book Cliffs. That public comment will be accepted at the State Lands office in Moab through Friday, Nov. 16. The Commission heard reports on economic development activities and on Travel Council matters. And the Commission accepted a check from Bruce Louthan, representing the local historical preservation society. According to Louthan, local fundraising has been so successful that the group was able to return money given by the county during the current budget year. Thanksgiving services Tues. The Moab Ministerial Association of Moab will hold a Community Thanksgiving service on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Christian Center. Speaker will be Pastor Keith VanArsdol from the Community Baptist Church. All are invited to attend. Parentteacher conferences set Grand County High School would like to announce that parentteacher conferences will be held Friday, Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gymnasium. Using the last name, the schedA-ule will be as follows: 8-- 9 - 10, D-- G; 10-1- 9, C; 12 M-- 1, -- lunch break; 3 - 4, U-Parents who can't attend at the scheduled times are invited to come at any convenient time. 1, S-- 2, 2-- P-- Z. WEATHER , 3, |