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Show News Signs Continued from Page 1 Commission had met on several occasions to resolve the signage questions. It was frustrating, said Monument Manager Dave Hunsaker, when informed of the sign removal. We had been meeting with the county on the issue, and felt we were making some good progress. Kane County formally requested the removal of federal restrictions from county roads in a letter to Hunsaker in March of 2003. The letter was followed by two meetings between the commission andHunsaker to resolve the issue. We told the BLM that we werent against developing a road numbering system with them for the entire county, said Habbeshaw, adding the thought was even to work with Garfield to develop a numbering system which could be used uniformly in both counties. He added the commission even suggested separating the two issues - one being the road numbering system and the other being the restrictive signs, such as those legal ATVs. banning Commissioner Habbeshaw said Hunsaker was unable to explain his source of authority non-stre- et SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27, 2003 to restrict use on county roads. The commission and Sheriff became frustrated with Hunsaker during the meetings, contending he created a dead end to any resolution other than legal action. He also told the commission that he couldnt remove the restrictive signs without amending the monument plan. It was apparent Hunsaker was not open to resolution, said Habbeshaw. According to a quote attributed to former monument manager Kate Cannon in the Garfield County News, (March 8, 2001 issue), See, under state law, the county can say where nonstreet legal ATVs can go. She continued, And so you (Garfield County) said we want them on this road but we dont want them on that road. So we just reflected that in our plan. And the No ATT signs that are on the road number posts simply reflect what the county expressed. We can take those off. Those are purely at your wish. Garfield County subsequently instructed Cannon to remove all monument signs from their countys roads until resolution of the current roads litigation. Cannon removed not only the restrictive signs, but also the signs with federal road numbers without amending the monument plan. Therein appears to be where a lot of the problems and confusion lie - the county commissions desire. The previous Kane County Commission and the current commission think differently concerning the issue of roads. This is a complete reversal of the previous commissions publicly stated stance on the monument transportation system, said Hunsaker. It was out of the goodness of the former commissioners hearts they agreed to allow the road numbering system on the Monument, said Sher- ees monument road signs were removed by Kane County Commissioner iff Smith, with a small amount Mark Habbeshaw and Kane County Sheriff Lamont Smith. of cynicism. Smith feels the action provided the open door ees on county roads. County offi- safety and is for visitors. This that not only allowed the num- cials have an affirmative respon- action (sign removal) was bering system, but the restric- sibility to protect county proptive signage as well. Kate told erty rights and Kane County ofIt is disappointing to the us that the restrictions were ficials believe that judicial re- county that the monument mannot supposed to be on the view in either state or federal agement is more closely aligned court will uphold their actions. with preservation organizations signs, said Smith. Last February the Kane It is our job to remove any than it is interested in fulfilling considered Commission on county roads, Department of Interior Secrerestrictions County from Kane stressed Sheriff Smith. numerous complaints tary Nortons four Cs - conserHabbeshaw said Kane County vation through communication, and Garfield County residents and visitors to the monument sought legal advice from both consultation and coordination regarding signing restrictions the county and state Attorney with local government, said and verbal harassment on Kane Generals office, who assisted in Kane County Commissioner County roads, the Kane County drafting the initial letter to Habbeshaw. Commission wrote in an August Hunsaker, as well as supplied The biggest cost of this whole 25 press release. Families were the state statute to the county thing is the damage to our relatold that they can not travel cer- officials. tionship (with the Commission), not are This issue tain county roads, tourists about closing said Hunsaker, who stressed is avoiding Kane County and resi- roads, insisted Hunsaker, but that he thought they were negodents have had numerous con- rather about road numbers and tiating in good faith. We will flicts with monument employ designations. This relates to still try to work with the county. counter-productiv- e! (f Kanab's ONLY locally owned & operated parts store! : o V r A m V V 24 BtSsBEBnai pffi 115 SOUTH 100 EAST, KANAB (Next to Ramsay Auto Service) 644-252- 6 E&Q-gHM- E) J |