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Show rr econ aUdtft HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER FOR SAN JUAN COUNTY, UTAH Volume 86 Number 39- 50cents SINCE 1915 June 25, 2003 stbs-v- t County Attorney sees possible health care conflict of interest The San Juan County Attorney has waded into the fray and stated that San Juan County Two young entrepreneurs - Josh Curtis and Cody Randall - recently opened a business at one of the most visited sites in Monticello, the city water well and pump. Josh handles sales and Cody checks for rain. For more information on the watering hole, turn to page 9. Scott Boyle photo Another appeal of electric ruling Yet another appeal has been lawsuit regarding the possible purchase of the community electrical system by the City of Monticello. filed in the on-goin- g Four Monticello residents filed the appeal to the Utah Supreme Court on June 2. The appeal seeks to review recent rulings by Seventh District Judge Bryce K. Bryner. Bryner ruled that Monticello City residents were properly notified of a buy-bac- k option when the City sold the electric system to Empire Electric in 1979. The option was exercised by the Monticello City Council in 2000. However, the lawsuit effectively stopped the transaction. The four city residents argue that the City Council exceeded their authority in approving the option. se The resi- dents, which include current Monticello City Council member Albert Pete Steele, state that they would drop the court actions if the city would hold an election to give residents an opportunity to vote for or against the electric system In original rulings and in a previous appeal to the state Su- preme Court, the courts have consistently ruled that the City Council was working within its authority when it determined to the electric system. The appeal is likely to delay a final electric system decision until after the November election. The positions of three se Monticello City Council members who supported the electric will be on system the November ballot. Commissioner Manuel Morgan may have a conflict of interest in regards to certain health care issues. County Attorney Craig Halls stated that there may be a conflict due to Morgans involvement in health care organizations that may compete with the San Juan Health Service District. Halls letter has not been made public. In March, Morgan filed a disclosure statement outlining his involvement in the organizations and adding that he will maintain compliance with the statutes of the State of Utah in all regards and especially in the area of health care service. In a May meeting of the San Juan County Commission, Morgan answered a number of questions regarding his employment by Utah Navajo Health System (UNIIS), his position as chairman of the UNIIS board of trustees, and his relationship as a board member of the proposed Blue Mountain Hospital. UNIIS operates clinics in Blanding and Montezuma Creek. The organization is also a partner in the proposed hospital project. The City of Monticello has suggested that Morgan should not participate in votes that directly involve a possible relationship between the county-ownehealth care system and the other organizations in which d he is involved. Monticello officials have expressed a concern that Morgan would have a conflict of interest. According to the minutes of the May meeting, Morgan stated that his contract with UNIIS is to perform liaison services with Indian Health Services, to work with the Chapter officials and the Navajo Nation. His contract has no incentive clauses or bonus provisions. He has no stated or implied in- creases in compensation by attracting more business. His contract with UNIIS is initially for six months and ends in June, 2003. '5 Felony Court report - - - - Blanding, were acknowledged as having the finest hats at the Blue Mountain Bigfoot Summer Camp. For more information on the successful Boy Scout Scott Boyle photos Camp, please turn to page 7. These sharply dressed scouts, from Troop 927 in 7 See page 8 to revise Resource Management Plans See page 12 -- good La Sal mys- See Northern tery A News, page 16 no compensa- board. Commissioner Lynn Stevens stated that he forwarded the county attorneys letter to the state Attorney General. In a cordial meeting of the Commission on June 23, Stevens said that he is satisfied with the status of the pre- vious squabble with Monticello Mayor Scott Pehrson. Stevens had threatened to mail several letters to county residents at the the City of Monticello. r7 ( S.R. 46 East of La Sal JuncProject includes chip seal of existing pavement. T raffic is reduced to one lane in alternating directions as directed by pilot cars and flaggers. Expect delays up to 1 5 minutes and watch for workmen and heavy equipment in the area. Expected tion: completion: July 2003. U.S. 191 South of Monticello: Project includes the addition of turn lanes. T raffic is reduced to one lane in Stevens said he encouraged Pehrson to continue to press for the best interests of the City of Monticello and added, I will do all I can to make the experience positive. accepts a donation to the Frontier Museum See page BLM each direction. Expect minimum delays. Expected completion: July 2003. U.S. 191 South of Bluff: Project includes chip seal of existing pavement. Traffic is reduced to one lane in alternating directions as directed by pilot cars and flaggers. Expect delays of up to 15 minutes and watch for workmen and heavy equipment in the area. Expected completion: July 2003. Monticello Jun Hi Lo Pr 16 89 57 17 86 52 Monticello from Joyce A. Martin. Martin recently found a silver medallion which had been presented to her mother, Dora Adams, after World War II. The coin was minted for people who volunteered time and talent to the World War II War Bond program. The Frontier Museum is in need of help in the form of donations of time, labor, supplies and exhibits. For more information, drop in to the visitor center at the Staff photo barn museum in Monticello. Nell Dalton 4 Another successful 4H horse show the Blue Mountain Hospital of See page Scout Camp tion for serving as chairman of the UNIIS board or for being on expense 2 PILT payments up more than $100,000 Commissioner Morgan added that he receives See page in Blanding Lo Pr 93 64 89 59 Hi |