[0:20] I want to, I want to record it anyway.

[0:31] Can you at least feel like they've been to investors?

[0:35] Are you a swan there?

[0:37] I beat you to it.

[0:38] I handed out a hand out before you handed out a hand out.

[0:42] No.

[0:43] That's a girl thing.

[0:45] I think.

[0:45] Yeah.

[0:48] I think it's at least we could get someone.

[0:53] We're bang for your bucket.

[0:54] Is that it?

[0:56] I don't do anything like that.

[0:59] Do you guys want to take a picture?

[1:01] But can't you say it's effective?

[1:04] Yeah, it's this.

[1:05] No, I have one.

[1:07] I want to say it.

[1:30] It's more of the answer.

[1:39] Make sure it's up to far.

[1:58] Internet is blocked.

[2:03] Internet access to it.

[2:05] Yeah.

[2:05] Go to the left.

[2:07] Go to the right.

[2:08] What's this I'm connected through?

[2:10] Sweet.

[2:11] Thank you.

[6:33] We call as meeting to order September 1st, 2026, please stand and join us for the pledge of allegiance.

[7:01] Good morning, everyone. We do have a core presence morning with all five commissioners in attendance.

[7:07] Commissioners, if you've had a chance to review the agenda and there are no corrections or questions, I'd entertain a motion for approval.

[7:14] Some of, wish Mike Mr. Jones, we have a second.

[7:18] Thank you, Mike Mr. Tolman.

[7:20] All in favor say aye.

[7:22] Close the name.

[7:23] Motion is unanimous.

[7:25] I'd like to recognize Representative Brady and the audience today.

[7:28] Thanks for joining us.

[7:30] It's going to bring us to the county resident comments and concerns portion the agenda.

[7:34] This time, if there's anyone online on the audience,

[7:36] I'd like to address the governing body on the appropriate time.

[7:40] Quirks wins in the morning to you.

[7:42] Good morning, Chairman.

[7:43] commissioners. I just wanted to give a quick update on the primary election. We are all certified

[7:51] and was sent off to the state and the state certified all the results. We had 17,766 roughly

[7:59] voters. We had 50% like 51% show up for Sweetwater County. We did conduct our after our elections

[8:09] We're done. We had our ballot audit, which came out a hundred percent. We then had a recount

[8:16] for the clerk's race because it was set to totally required in the one percent. Difference

[8:21] that came out exactly the same. And then we also did our house. That was on Saturday the

[8:26] 22nd. And then this past Saturday we did the hand count audit of the Farson and the Sweet

[8:33] water, county library, precincts, polling locations, and that too also came out at 100% so

[8:40] I'm very confident our tabulators work and that everything went as planned.

[8:45] So we're now already preparing for the next one we've got the ballot has to go out for printing

[8:50] here, come Monday, we'll get those in hand and start it all over again for the November election,

[8:56] but I just wanted to give you that quick update so if you had any questions.

[9:00] Very good. Thanks Quartz once in questions. Commissioner Jones.

[9:04] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can you go over the hand count?

[9:07] Just kind of what you did, how many just kind of walk us through that?

[9:11] I'm curious with all the folks who want everything hand counted.

[9:14] I think a little review that would be helpful.

[9:17] Yes, we had four.

[9:18] We were sexually required to do four hundred and thirty-four thirty-six.

[9:23] I should have brought those numbers.

[9:24] The Secretary of State chose the two for Sweetwater County, well, for all the counties.

[9:31] But our two races was the U.S. Senate race that we had to hand count and the state treasures.

[9:37] Office results and then all legislative races on our local ballot.

[9:42] So one ballot had a Senate and a house district and the other just had a house district.

[9:47] So we did a total of five races altogether.

[9:51] We started at eight in the morning.

[9:53] I had two teams of eight and then two individuals

[9:56] that were the ones that got the ballots out broke.

[10:00] The sales on them and double check those to make sure everything was locked up and it was accurate.

[10:06] So they helped with that. I just kind of sat over and watched. So they ran the entire thing.

[10:11] And we started at eight. We took us till two o'clock in the afternoon. I did have my election staff there as well. In case, you know, to pull reports and stuff as we needed.

[10:23] It did take a little while on on some of them to get the amount right because people started

[10:29] seeing my eyes were going cross-eyed. I'm tired. You know, things so we did switch it up a

[10:34] little. I just had everybody kind of stand up and switch tables and meet some new people

[10:39] at the end to get it accurate. However, when pretty smoothly, I think it's a little more

[10:46] than what most people thought it would be and that was what six hours with only five

[10:50] and not the full 19 inch ballot.

[10:53] So it did come out correctly.

[10:55] We did have a standard operating procedures manual

[10:58] that the clerks association had been meeting

[11:00] for the last, you know, six months to get that place

[11:03] so every county used the same standard operating procedures.

[11:07] There was two different ways you could do

[11:09] you could do call out method or a stack and sort method.

[11:12] We did the call out method here where somebody reads it.

[11:16] There's a second person verifying that you called the right,

[11:20] you didn't look at the wrong name, and then two people marking them down so they can compare

[11:24] the numbers.

[11:28] How many total ballots did you count then?

[11:30] About 456, I believe, because you couldn't go under.

[11:33] So we picked a couple randomly that added up, because of course we wouldn't know in advance

[11:38] how many people were going to show up at each polling location.

[11:41] So we did.

[11:41] Then look at the results of how many ballots had each place, instead of just doing one,

[11:46] we thought it would be more accurate or give more confidence that we picked two different

[11:50] polling locations.

[11:51] to count.

[11:53] So six hours for $450,000.

[11:56] Yes.

[11:57] Thank you.

[11:57] So you could have done the 17,000 in a couple of weeks probably.

[12:00] Yeah, maybe.

[12:02] Sure.

[12:02] Commissioner Richards.

[12:04] Clerk's once and how much did that cost us to do?

[12:07] Well, it's probably roughly around $1,000 of pay.

[12:13] It's $15 an hour for 10 people and six hours.

[12:18] I had less of my add-up was like $900, $900, $900.

[12:23] Well, that was just what I was paying the hand counters.

[12:27] I didn't, I did not take into effect my employees.

[12:30] So I had two employees also for six hours at their rate of pay.

[12:34] So it'd be over $1,000.

[12:41] There's no questions.

[12:43] Do we have any independent races file?

[12:45] We did not.

[12:47] There was one at the state level, but it didn't affect Suiota County.

[12:53] Very good.

[12:54] Well, thank you for the update. We'll look forward to the next one.

[12:57] All right, thank you.

[12:58] We'll be here for where we know it.

[13:01] We're still under the county resident comments and concerns portion of the agenda.

[13:04] There's anyone else on my or in the audience.

[13:06] It would like to address a governing body.

[13:14] Seeing hearing none, we'll go ahead and close the county residents comments and concerns portion of the agenda.

[13:18] And that's going to move us right along into tab A before you today under tab A is the consent agenda commissioners with nine items.

[13:25] The first being the approval of the August 18th,

[13:27] 2,026 meeting minutes, second being the approval of the county vouchers, the Warrens, the expenditure

[13:32] approval listing and the commissioners report. Third is a request to restath of vacant

[13:37] position in the Human Resources office. Fourth is a request to restath of vacant position in

[13:41] the county attorney's office. Fifth is a request to restath of vacant position in treatment court.

[13:48] Sixth is a report on the number of network switches left to replace the next year's budget

[13:52] based off conversations that are last meeting.

[13:55] Seventh is a human or the human service agreements

[13:58] for the Family Resource Center

[13:59] and the Golden Hour Center Citizen Center.

[14:02] Eight is a request to ratify the coalition

[14:04] of local governments comments on the BLM's notice

[14:06] of policy review on manual 6320 considering lands

[14:10] within or with wilderness characteristics

[14:11] in the BLM land use planning process.

[14:14] And lastly item number nine is a request

[14:16] to ratify the coalition of local governments' comments

[14:19] on the Wyoming Public Service Commission's notice of Rocky Mountain Power's application for approval

[14:24] that's 2026 to 2028 wildfire mitigation plant and commissioners at this time out ask if there

[14:30] are any requests to remove any items off the consent agenda for further discussion.

[14:37] With none

[14:37] on an entertainer motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. So, motion to my commissioner,

[14:43] Jones, do we have a second? Second. Second, my commissioner, slaughter, any discussion?

[14:48] Here

[14:48] and then all of the papers,

[14:49] you can find me saying aye.

[14:51] Close nay.

[14:52] Motion to unanimous.

[14:53] It's going to be going to start along

[14:54] into Commissioner comments and Commissioner

[14:56] Richards and floor George.

[14:58] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[14:59] Good morning.

[15:00] Today, and as a bonus, I should be able to keep my comments pretty brief this morning. On the 19th, I started the day at the airport for its monthly board meeting. Later that day, I attended the quarterly Scork Steering Committee meeting and the weekly power coalition call. On the 20th, I attended the Rock Springs Main Street Market and Butting Park. The 25th, I participated in a regional check in with the power coalition to help coordinate testimony for the Minerals Committee meeting later that week.

[15:28] On the 26th, they joined the weekly power coalition call and later attended the monthly Southwest

[15:34] Counseling Board meeting.

[15:36] Southwest Counseling's days cash on hand position has improved dramatically.

[15:41] And as of the meeting was at 47 days, that number would have likely been in the 50s,

[15:46] but delayed state payments have held it down.

[15:49] That's a significant improvement from just a few months ago when cash on hand had been down to 16 days.

[15:55] made a part of that progress came from the state recognizing shortfalls in the B.A.

[15:59] char and adjusting reimbursement rates.

[16:03] Southwest counseling continues to work through restructuring and has hired a new

[16:07] operations manager to join the clinical manager they recently hired.

[16:11] On the 27th, I attended the economic impact presentation by Wyoming aeronautics.

[16:17] I provided all of you with the handouts from that presentation.

[16:19] And if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

[16:22] That evening, I attended the last week of the Rock Springs Main Street Market in Bunning Park.

[16:28] Great year for them, average well over 70, 70 vendors, so many people in the park every week.

[16:37] It's turned into a great event.

[16:39] I also closely followed the Minerals Committee meeting that day where members considered multiple bills

[16:44] with significant potential effects in sort of our county.

[16:48] I want to thank Lyme to use Director Bingham for his testimony on the Industrial Sighting Bill and I also want to thank Director Bingham and Treasurer Cowan for their testimony on the third party electrical generation bills.

[17:00] Committee also addressed a bill that would re-institute consensus, bought grant funding for towns and counties. A lot of those bills are moving forward.

[17:07] all good for St. Laura County. On the 28th, I attend the NACO Data Center Series Session

[17:14] Understanding Electricity Trends, a series of webinars put on by NACO to try to educate

[17:23] local governments on what they can expect from the effects of data centers would have in their

[17:29] communities. I also related to NACO in addition to my appointment to the real action caucus,

[17:34] which I reported on at our last meeting, and was appointed to the Energy Environment and Public

[17:39] Lands Use Committee for the next year. It's an active committee engaged in national level

[17:44] issues with significant effects on some of our county and the look forward to contributing to

[17:49] that work on behalf of our community. Looking forward this afternoon, we have an in-person power

[17:54] coalition meeting at the events complex tomorrow. We have our weekly power coalition call as well as

[18:00] hospital foundation barbecue on Thursday morning all attend the Rock Springs Chambers Enterprise Meeting of the Hospital on Friday

[18:08] We'll have our first Friday's federal partners meeting at the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce

[18:12] Next week. I have our weekly power a little power coalition call on Wednesday and the monthly chamber luncheon on Thursday

[18:19] So far that's all I have scheduled

[18:22] I want to remind everyone that September is national preparedness month

[18:26] It's probably a good opportunity to recognize our emergency management staff, first responders, dispatchers, and everyone else who works around to make sure that what our county has prepared when something goes wrong.

[18:37] A couple other upcoming dates of notes September 7th is Labor Day, and September 11th is Patriot Day, marking the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, I can't believe it's been a quarter century already.

[18:50] One last item I want to recognize is a proud dad moment.

[18:54] My son also named Island was approved by the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors,

[18:59] pending approval of the General Membership Investors to serve a four-year term on that board,

[19:04] beginning in 227. Congratulations, Island. I'm incredibly proud of you.

[19:09] That is all I have, Mr. Chairman. I'm happy to stand for any questions.

[19:12] Thanks, Commissioner. Any questions or comments for Commissioner Richards and his report?

[19:19] Mr. Jones, the floor doors.

[19:22] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[19:23] Extremely short comments today, so I will be quick on short comments.

[19:30] I did have many, many phone calls and the in person meetings, but a lot of those regarding the election.

[19:38] So I'd first like to congratulate our Chairman and Commissioner Richards on being elected.

[19:43] Pears the vast majority of people are satisfied with the jobs you both are doing.

[19:48] and the decisions being made.

[19:50] So, that's often certainly honored to continue to serve with you.

[19:56] I was unable to attend the Memorial Hospital.

[20:00] Public comment committee meeting on the 19th hour did review their meeting agenda and the packet. Quality continues to improve at MHSC, which of course benefits everyone in

[20:10] Sweetwater County, and you want passing through who requires their services. On the 26th of the 10th of the month, we'll see what a county finance, not a committee meeting, a review of the previous fiscal year and first month of the current fiscal year was given. Both ended with positive bottom line, so they've really come along ways up there on the

[20:30] financial side of things.

[20:32] Their auditors have begun their annual audits, so I'm sure it will go well, it typically

[20:37] does.

[20:38] I don't know if I'll be able to report on that at our next meeting or not, but as soon as I

[20:42] have information, I'll spread it along.

[20:45] I've been approached several times regarding the ambulance and the future of it, so we'll

[20:49] see what goes on with that.

[20:53] Lastly, I celebrated my 30th anniversary with my lovely bride, like to thank her for hanging

[20:59] asked me for that long, many people are probably surprised that she has including myself,

[21:04] but she's still here, so it's a good thing. So that's a very short comments, but with all

[21:11] the phone calls and conversations, it was actually a pretty busy time, and I will stop there.

[21:17] Thanks, Commissioner. Happy Annie. Any questions or comments for Commissioner Jones's report?

[21:24] Wish I could keep the trend going, but I'm going to take up both of your time here.

[21:28] trying to wing it most of the time for memory, but today you've got five pages of

[21:33] Trans Day with me here. I spent a fair amount of time working with Chief WC

[21:38] County Attorney Daily On from the various funding agreements for the outside

[21:41] agencies and component units. Some of those have been before you already.

[21:45] It has a last week, all of those have been dispersed, so we should be receiving those

[21:49] back from your respective liaison duties. I appreciate John's work on those and for

[21:53] all the entities willingness to work together through different defined needs and

[21:57] with in the county. Last Monday, I received a call from Republican Party primary,

[22:03] Governor nominee, Eric Barlow, in regards to the Rock Springs Resource Management

[22:07] Plan, who offered to meet with the commission on any issues or concerns we may have.

[22:12] Moving forward, should he be elected in November? We touched on the high points of the

[22:17] current amendment process, but obviously with the good majority of that being in

[22:20] co-operator status, I couldn't share the more intricate details, but I did

[22:23] former Mr. Barlow that we all would be happy to get together after the election and prior

[22:28] to the Governor's consistency review should he be in office by the time that's initiated.

[22:33] He had been in conversation with Governor Gordon's office as well and understands that there's

[22:38] a rather detailed timeline within the amendment process and the NEPA process. More importantly,

[22:43] he shared that he has no intentions of disrupting any of the progress up to this point and will

[22:47] heavily rely on this governing body to see the process through as things progress.

[22:52] If any of you would like to meet with him outside of that, I guess let me know and we'll

[22:56] make it happen, but it seems a bit early to me at this point within the process, but nonetheless,

[23:01] I appreciate the willingness to establish a working relationship moving forward.

[23:07] I'll coincidentally, a couple of days later, line new director Bingham called, with an update

[23:10] from the local BLM office, regarding the RMP amendment, it sounds like we should be receiving

[23:15] an update and an imitation for the next cooperate meeting.

[23:20] this week or next with the goal of rolling out the public comment period likely in the

[23:26] month of October. Seems like every month we push that back another month but hopefully it

[23:32] sounds like they are very close and should be rolling out relatively quickly here. On the afternoon

[23:39] of the 24th I met with Public Works Director of the Gursky along with three constituents from

[23:44] the North Rock Springs area to discuss the recent flooding events. The more problematic area

[23:49] appears to be what the public works department refers to as the Mesa drainage ditch, the

[23:54] biggest challenge being that it is not a dedicated drainage way. And what that means is there

[23:58] are private property rights involved as well as a channel that had different utility requirements

[24:03] during previous planning and zoning as compared to the present requirements and as such that

[24:09] particular drainage has power poles and other utilities right in the middle of the drainway.

[24:14] In order to clean those areas, it's even difficult to get a mini excavator within the different areas

[24:19] and they're also obviously the private property owners and some circumstances that have been unwilling to grant any access.

[24:27] That particular drainage also becomes problematic at the end where it turns 90 degrees at the east side of Cathedral Drive.

[24:35] From there it goes through different private property, private commercial property and eventually underneath the old zone road alongside Killers Community Center and onto the city's property.

[24:43] and the Wattahaw complex for their arboridomins.

[24:47] Looking for solutions and potential options

[24:49] to help with that area, obviously comes with a cost,

[24:52] but staff are actively exploring different ideas,

[24:55] one of which is to be on the large land area

[24:57] to the west side of Summit Drive, which is,

[24:59] Beep.

[25:01] There are various slope and grading issues, but ideally if we could work with BLM to construct some form of a retention basin or pond to catch the runoff and slow the flow into the mace of ditch, this with a combination of channel clearing and working with the associated private property owners along the drainage way would help alleviate some of the properties who were affected by the recent flooding.

[25:22] It's obviously not a tomorrow solution, but it is one we're taking seriously and looking to help improve.

[25:28] We also discussed a lot of the engineering aspects related to flooding with examples and some clarification on terms like the 100 year flood that you often hear.

[25:37] And what that means relative to drainways and culverts and the like.

[25:40] I think most people myself included believe that a 100 year flood basically meant a once in a given century.

[25:48] And the reality with that is, it means there's a one in 100 chance of flooding to occur within any given year.

[25:55] Obviously that's difficult to predict. So the point is it's going to take a joint effort with neighbors helping one another out and allowing for access to best prepare for those unknown times.

[26:05] The best we can. All in all I think he was a good conversation. Everyone seemed to walk away on the same page.

[26:10] I appreciate Gene's time and certainly for the road and bridge crews who have been out clearing culverts and helping where they can in the meantime.

[26:17] Which is a good segue into the public works report for this month.

[26:22] The new generator has been set at the Leo's Drive facility and they are waiting final

[26:26] programming.

[26:27] They are working on value engineering options for the White Mountain Library project.

[26:31] The greener food bank concrete pad has been poured and is awaiting delivery of the freezer

[26:34] key-osk.

[26:36] Road and bridge staff aside from the north for our springs cleanup efforts.

[26:39] I just spoke about and have finished the 11 and a half by 12 and a half multi plate

[26:43] forward extension on County Road 1, the McKinnan Road, which is out at mile post 16.2.

[26:50] Engineering has been reviewing alternative plans and architectural markets for the courthouse

[26:54] we're on to expansion. They're in the final drawing review of the detention center,

[26:57] Mezzanine Rail Project, and they're working through shop drawings in submittal phase

[27:01] of the Green and Recourt House Elevator Project.

[27:04] Jeanne informs that they are working with the contractor on the final stages of the County

[27:08] Library Parking Lot Project. The Laos Drive County Road 2043 project is progressing well,

[27:13] With 90% curb and gutter and 65% pavement completion, the contractors are moving concrete around the dollar general, north, north foothill, due to specification issues.

[27:25] They have been reviewing preliminary plans for bridge ETE over big sandy and bridge ENX over red creek, the advertisement for the RFP on the design of the new bridges to replace bridge ETO and FJL, both on county road 51 and the Blair Town Connector Road.

[27:42] But, again, this Thursday, they also had a contractor fix of settlement issues on the three

[27:47] culverts that were installed on county road 15, which is nine mile road, and that project

[27:51] was part of the Energy Roads project, and covered under the original project's warranty.

[27:56] And, the Parks Department, they remain busy chipping away at the various locations, but

[27:59] will help from other nature as of late.

[28:02] Lots of pictures within that report that was sent out to you for your review.

[28:07] I attended Young at Hearts Monthly Board meeting on the 25th, they approved the funding

[28:11] agreement between us and them. They discussed their different capital needs and goals.

[28:15] And largely focused on the dire need for them to increase revenues.

[28:19] Due to some staffing changes, they have partnered with Summit Accounting to help with their

[28:23] books and their year-end close-outs and trying to get things back on track.

[28:26] Presently, this early into the fiscal year, they shared that, in order to break even by the end of

[28:30] the year, they will need to raise about $70,000.

[28:35] I also discussed with them, they need to update the

[28:41] There seems to be some recurring confusion on the maintenance and care for the funding that we provide and what that process looks like in comparison to our individual funding agreement with young at heart.

[28:50] I believe prior to next year, or at least next fiscal year, it would be beneficial for all parties to update those terms.

[28:56] I did mention this to Mayor Mikkelson and collectively I believe everyone's on the same page and understands the need to simplify the relationship.

[29:03] You know, heart will be hosting an open, an open house event to push more community engagement

[29:07] on September 12th and you should see more details to come on that later this week.

[29:14] Later that evening, I attended the monthly Sweetwater County events complex board meeting,

[29:18] a standard business there for the most part, lots of updates on the fair recap and the success within.

[29:22] Candy will be presenting at our next meeting on the 15th with a more detailed information as part of their annual summer recap.

[29:28] They have finalized the paperwork to close out the Wyoming semi-quincentennial grant in the final payment owed.

[29:34] The board also approved moving forward with the local concrete contractor to finish the pad and pathways around the silo.

[29:41] They will work on some landscaping this fall and look to have the project all but complete and ready for next spring and summer's busy season.

[29:48] Looking ahead, their plan is to begin work on the indoor arena capital project consisting of these sighting upgrades and replacement.

[29:55] Yesterday afternoon, I had a virtual meeting with members of Rocky Mountain Power, including

[29:59] Brian Wheeler.

[30:00] Senator environmental engineer, Colin McKee, their vice president of customer and community affairs, Ron Wilde and Mayor Wolfe from Superior.

[30:07] As you might recall, about a month or so ago, Mayor Wolfe reached out with concerns about dust and odor, coming from the Jim Brider Power Plant.

[30:14] DEQ and others were contacted in the air quality division initiated an investigation that investigation continues, but recommended power is working well with them,

[30:27] The big question that was whether or not there was a change in part of the production process that was causing the dust and odor issues

[30:34] During yesterday's call they offered a more in-depth explanation that I felt was worth sharing for you all and back in

[30:40] 2023 the plant stopped sending their effluent water from the scrubbers out to what they call their FGD number two pond

[30:47] Which is their flu gas decilphorization pond that particular pond is located on the northwest side of the plant

[30:54] what they have found is that in

[30:56] Sometime in 2025 the pond eventually started to dry up and evaporate and what was left behind was the sodium sulfate and other bioproducts

[31:03] Salt essentially that began to become airborne during the higher wind events

[31:08] Well obviously in nuisance a lot of the bioproducts were in remain non-toxic the FGD 2 pond is around 319 acres in size

[31:17] When the nuisance was first discovered they tried to apply a dust of presence sealant over the top which worked for short while but didn't last

[31:24] Moving forward, they've initiated a short-term plan in the interim that is currently underway

[31:28] as we speak and are also working towards a long-term solution in plan.

[31:32] The short-term plan is to cover the old pond with about two feet of soil, once that's complete,

[31:37] they will then use MagCloride or another similar sealant to seal off the top layer.

[31:41] They're actively working on this plan currently, but it's stated could take another two to three months,

[31:46] to complete it depending on the weather and the conditions, as obviously they're having to use track equipment to spread the material.

[31:52] And the long term, which they anticipate taking into the 2028 timeframe, they plan to cover or cap the area similar to the practice used at local landfill.

[32:02] As for the odor, they have found the cause to be from the byproducts of the wastewater affluent that is now hitting to their FGD-3E pond.

[32:10] To combat that, they are increasing their soda liquor and other chemical solution supplements to help the byproducts form as salt,

[32:19] which should eliminate the strong odor smell, though they did state that that too.

[32:23] We'll also take another month or so to get to mixture levels where they need to be.

[32:26] So that's that for now, but I appreciate Colin and his team reaching out and openly discussing

[32:31] the ongoing matter. Should we have any further concerns if you hear of any more complaints?

[32:36] They've asked that we send in their way, but wanted to assure that their employees and to the

[32:40] public that they're on top of the issues and while a new sense, both processes are safe and they will

[32:46] continue working with appropriate parties.

[32:49] With the primary election over there have been several phone calls and questions as well as Commissioner Jones alluded to, I also received notice last week that under sheriff Thomas will be retiring on September 11th.

[33:00] I'd like to thank Joe for his 21 years of service in the sheriff's office.

[33:04] I'll Joe serve various roles in important ranks as the latest as the under sheriff was.

[33:09] A lot of the time that kind of behind the scenes position that certainly doesn't discredit the title over the importance, but Joe had a unique way of handling business and dealing with difficult issues.

[33:18] decisions as they arise. We'll miss that working relationship, but wish him well in his next endeavor.

[33:26] It was also brought to my attention that Deputy Jason Mower, the Public Affairs Director,

[33:30] will also be moving on after 18 years of service with the Sheriff's Office,

[33:33] aside from the many years of service and significant roles within the department.

[33:37] Deputy Mower was the lead public information officer for the County during COVID,

[33:41] which eventually led to his current role as the Public Affairs Director.

[33:44] here at the commission level if we ever needed to get information out in a critical time frame

[33:49] often times with complex details such as the R&P and Deputy Mowers our guy. I wish them both

[33:55] well in their next chapters and thank them for their selfless years of service to Sweetwater

[33:59] County and its citizens. Looking ahead I've got the monthly leadership lunch with the

[34:04] mayors and the chamber tomorrow. I've been coordinating discussions on the future of ambulance

[34:08] service funding and preparing for the wake of conference towards the end of the month down at

[34:17] Thank you.

[34:22] Thank you.

[34:22] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[34:26] I will do my best to get us back on time.

[34:29] It's been a pretty slow couple weeks for me.

[34:31] I didn't have any liaison assignments during this period.

[34:35] My activities consisted mainly of helping several constituents with issues that they were dealing with.

[34:40] Lots of phone calls.

[34:42] Several small items for the specific purpose tax.

[34:45] This week and next week, I returned to a full schedule of liaison activities and I think things will once again be back to normal.

[34:52] Congratulations to all the candidates that participated in the primary election. It's a tough thing to put your name on a ballot like that, so special congratulations.

[35:00] A very special congratulations to all of them, but a very special congratulations to the Commission of

[35:03] Richards and Chairman last on their resounding victories. The county will be well represented

[35:08] for the next four years with their leadership when they are also the choice of the people in

[35:12] the general election in November. Mr. Chairman, with that I will close my comments and stand

[35:17] for any questions. This is kind of nice. Don't get the day. That's a first. Got a nice thing.

[35:23] I don't have to do too much. Questions or comments for Mr. Slaughter report?

[35:31] Mr.

[35:31] or Tom and it's all yours.

[35:33] OK.

[35:35] Yes, I would also reiterate the congratulations

[35:37] to my fellow commissioners, and I hope to see them winning

[35:43] the election, which I'm sure they will.

[35:44] So thank you for stepping up to do that again.

[35:48] On the 19th, I went to see Skitty National Wildlife Refuge

[35:51] to attend the Font Now Working Group meeting.

[35:54] They're holding the reservoir at 800 CFS except for the University

[35:59] on the state engineer studies related to some releases from Fremont Lake, which will create

[36:07] some uptics, I think it was in late August. On the 22nd, I attended the greener intergalactic

[36:14] space port event, they gave me a plane. We also like a ride and a t-shirt. So anyway,

[36:28] anything

[36:28] their breakfast and saw all the youngsters crawling all over the plains and getting the

[36:35] vision for the future, I guess. So that was pretty exciting.

[36:41] On the 24th, the Super Combined

[36:44] Communications Board meeting, they received, they're one of the quarterly 9-1-1 deposits

[36:51] of around 400,000. The Board sent a letter to Y dot requesting that Social Security numbers

[36:57] be on all drivers licenses. Our board member Cindy Johnson objective. I'm not sure I like that

[37:06] idea either, but they say it's difficult for law enforcement to identify a person just by

[37:11] their driver's license if there's not a social security number attached.

[37:17] They engage MHP for their

[37:18] annual audit. They approve diagnostic x-radio-analyzer project that sends report of any

[37:24] videos out of alignment,

[37:29] so two phase project, and they save considerable amounts of money

[37:35] by paying the 86,140 for the both years instead of the 118,120 of quarter separately.

[37:45] Water pump has been repaired on the Wilkes Peak Generator.

[37:50] They discussed implementation of Nica, the non-engagement call, taking platform for non-emersent

[37:59] line at the Joint Communications Center.

[38:03] So what that will, it's AI, but it will redirect calls to the proper area or take notes,

[38:11] saving a staffing for one person.

[38:14] The Golden Hour Senior Center is revising the bylaws to move their Alexis to November

[38:18] they will receive all the proceeds from the River Festival. Contest, so maybe a couple thousand

[38:26] dollars additional money they may receive. The conference room has been repainted,

[38:33] carpeted with assistance from the United Way and Exxon saving over $3,500 a paint contractor to the

[38:40] center. And to the county, I guess, it is our building. And thanks to Gene and them for helping

[38:45] to tear out the old plaza that can get it ready for updating.

[38:52] The National Senior Citizens Breakfast buffet received a $700 donation from the hospital.

[39:00] They served over 130.

[39:02] People, the next one, is September 18th, the invite the public to come for breakfast.

[39:07] Sheep Creek Flamingorge Bus Tour on the 18th of September, the front concrete barriers have

[39:16] been painted. The huge puzzle has been completed and mounted on the wall in the hall.

[39:23] So check it out. Financials were explained and steps were being taken by golden hours to seek

[39:28] other funding. United Way contributed 14,000 to food for the next two years, so 14,000 each.

[39:35] So that's that will be a huge help and yesterday I traveled to Rollins to attend the Executive Committee meeting of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative.

[39:47] I gave a handout to the commissioners.

[39:52] That process has been in place for 18 years over 50 million dollars worth of habitat.

[40:00] Top projects have been completed in Southwest Wyoming over 19.5 million acres. They continued to do projects last year,

[40:09] BLM contributed $2 million to projects. They're always seeking partners with industry and other agencies.

[40:17] They leveraged the dollars at least three to one on all of the projects. So, they've done asking treatments,

[40:22] habitat restoration, wetlands, stream bank,

[40:29] just all kinds of natural resource projects.

[40:32] The initiative was created to offset the effects of all of the mineral development happening

[40:38] in Southwest Wyoming.

[40:40] So it is one initiative that has survived four administrations, so that is, that is, itself

[40:46] is pretty amazing.

[40:47] So yesterday, we recognized Larry Hicks, who retired from low snake river conservation district.

[40:55] He's contributed to a lot of the natural resource projects that have happened in this area.

[41:04] Also, we looked at updating the web page and making it more interactive if industry partners want

[41:11] to join up and offer mitigation dollars. They're able to do better if they just want to

[41:17] they can do that. So they're updating the website to make it more user-friendly and interactive with

[41:25] industry and other people who might be interested. It is WLCI.gov. It's still in the process of being updated,

[41:33] also it's not totally updated. But it is a historical record of all the science, the research, the projects,

[41:40] what the local work groups have done and contributed. So it's a powerful resource for anyone looking

[41:45] to do any kind of natural resource projects.

[41:49] So the next meeting will be in March,

[41:51] and I've been involved with it since day one, I guess so.

[41:56] Yes, some committee's almost have to die to get off,

[41:59] but it's been an exciting effort because it's so much on the ground

[42:02] as it's wonderful, and it has a coordination team that helps

[42:07] develop the grants and the projects.

[42:10] So they've got the Game and Fish, U.S. G.S. Wildlife Service,

[42:18] well, yeah, the Federal Wildlife

[42:20] Service Agency and all of the local natural resources. State partners, BLM, Game and Fish,

[42:29] in RCS, conservation districts, county commissioners, anyways, a huge collaborative partnership

[42:34] that has been very successful.

[42:38] So I'll also I work with John Dealingon to follow up with Green River on the Joint Communications

[42:43] MOU.

[42:44] So slowly that we're working through that I hope so that concludes my next semester.

[42:51] Nice plan.

[42:52] Any questions or comments for Commissioner Tomons report?

[43:00] It's not.

[43:00] You guys are making me feel bad.

[43:02] Good updates and we are still ahead of schedule.

[43:06] So it's going to move us right along into tab B, which is the Action Presentation items portion

[43:10] the agenda. First up, we've got a fire restrictions update from Fire Warden, Alan Adams,

[43:15] morning on. Good morning, Mr. Chairman, commissioners. It's a pleasure to say we have

[43:20] had Western Wyoming, the majority of the state has had great amount of moisture lately

[43:26] and speaking with the members of District 4, fire, we are all in in line with one or

[43:35] in asking to remove fire restrictions between this week and next week with all the counties

[43:42] involved, everyone's going to go with their commissioner meeting and request the BLM is

[43:48] for service everyone is in favor and therefore I am asking it. So what are county get

[43:53] to remove their remove our fire restrictions? We're good sir. We appreciate that and appreciate

[43:59] the weekly updates you've been keeping us surprised of and finally Mother Nature helped

[44:04] that a little bit.

[44:06] It's good to see.

[44:10] So, obviously that.

[44:11] I think they were doing, was it, you told us about what the first of every month around,

[44:16] about that time frame, they do soil samples.

[44:18] Yeah, they take the fuel moisture levels, I haven't received that today or as yet.

[44:26] But we all believe, obviously, it's going to be quite lower.

[44:31] And so our restriction was through the fourth and just to alleviate any confusion and things like that, I would recommend that we just remove that at the end of this week.

[44:46] Questions, commissioners?

[44:47] Mr. Chairman.

[44:48] Mr. Chairman, just to be clear, no action today means our current prior restrictions.

[44:52] Just expire on September 4th.

[44:55] Correct.

[45:00] I need to show follow up. Sounds good. We'll do just that. We'll let it expire on Friday and hope that that's the end of it for this year.

[45:08] Thank you. Appreciate it. It's going to move us to have number two under tab B, which is the University of Wyoming Extension office

[45:17] introductions and annual compensation agreements. And believe we've got the whole team today. We've got Matt, is it hewy?

[45:23] I'm saying that, right?

[45:24] Yes, sir.

[45:26] Jail Johnson, Chloe Willenborg, and Lindsey Baker.

[45:30] Good morning to you all.

[45:31] Good morning.

[45:33] Before we move into introductions,

[45:34] I know we got some questions from the commission.

[45:37] I had it today.

[45:38] I just want to make sure you all have all the information

[45:40] you needed for the compensation agreements.

[45:43] I believe we do.

[45:44] We appreciate that.

[45:45] I think just kind of a lot of different changes

[45:48] over the last couple of years.

[45:50] We want to make sure that we understand exactly

[45:52] kind of where we're at and you guys were forthcoming with that information so we appreciate

[45:56] that and look forward to moving forward together so absolutely well now that we have a fully

[46:01] staffed office I'll go ahead and let them introduce themselves.

[46:07] Good morning chairman and commissioners

[46:09] my name is Lindsay Baker you guys have probably seen me a little bit out in the community. I'm going to

[46:13] be doing community vitality and health here locally in sweet water. My job right now is to hear what

[46:20] you guys want what you need listen to the residents here before we start throwing some programming

[46:25] out to you so you'll see me out and about like I said kind of listening and here and what's

[46:30] going on just some ideas you know leadership you know mental health probably is what I'm

[46:35] going to be focusing on what we can do to keep some youth in the state that kind of deal so

[46:39] that's what I'm working towards so excited to be here excited to work with you guys so very good

[46:45] Thank you.

[46:48] Hi everybody.

[46:49] I'm Jayelle.

[46:50] I'm the office person.

[46:51] For extension.

[46:53] A salary I'm sure gets my emails all the time, I corresponded with you guys yesterday.

[46:59] I'm really excited but we have a fully staff office again and I'm excited for everything

[47:04] that we're going to be able to provide to suit water county.

[47:07] I hope all of you feel comfortable to reach out and call an email as needed.

[47:12] I'm kind of our first point of contact for our office.

[47:14] Thank you guys.

[47:15] Thank you. Appreciate it.

[47:18] Morning. I'm Chloe Wolenborg. I'm the new 4H educator. I had the pleasure of attending and helping out at our county fair and the state fair as well.

[47:28] I'm looking forward to starting the new 4H year on October 1st and I want to get into the schools, both school district 1 and 2, to help grow our 4H community and create more youth leaders.

[47:42] Thanks, Chloe.

[47:44] Welcome.

[47:47] I'm really happy we were able to get Chloe in place ahead of fair and thank you to Commissioner

[47:52] Tolman for sitting on those interviews.

[47:55] I know that's kind of a push to get someone in place.

[47:58] I actually say they were outstanding.

[48:00] They do outstanding presentations in their interviews so I'm very excited for the county.

[48:09] Any other questions or comments, commissioners?

[48:17] Sorry.

[48:17] We put together some little, what I'll say is what I've noticed is a lot of people here don't know what extension is and so we put together some little informational packets for you guys

[48:26] Just to kind of talk about for age what we've been doing in sweet water in the past and we've also got a contact card for you

[48:32] W in there

[48:33] So we have one for each of you. So I don't know if we want to just take one and pass it around

[48:44] Thank you. We appreciate that and we appreciate all of you coming over and introducing yourselves and putting a

[48:49] based in the name and we look forward to all the success you'll have moving forward hopefully.

[48:54] You'll have a little more time before next year's fair now and we'd like to bring it through a firehouse.

[49:00] So we appreciate the relationship and certainly for coming over.

[49:03] In their interviews, they offer plans of action. It was pretty exciting.

[49:09] Now they're planning to be a little bit more present.

[49:12] Very good. Well, there's no other comments or questions commissioners.

[49:15] I've entertained a motion to approve the annual compensation agreement for the extension.

[49:21] Professional position currently held by Jail Johnson and the amount of $52,144 dollars.

[49:28] The motion by Commissioner Jones, we have a second.

[49:31] Second.

[49:32] Second.

[49:34] Second.

[49:34] on all of those in favour of signify of saying aye.

[49:37] Opposed.

[49:37] NAY.

[49:38] Motion is unanimous.

[49:39] Then in our Tain of Motion to approve the annual compensation agreement for the 4-H youth

[49:43] development programming position currently held by Chloe Willenberg in the amount of 23,643 dollars

[49:49] and 50 cents.

[49:49] Mr. Chairman, some move.

[49:51] And most make the Mr. Tomen, we have a second.

[49:54] Second, second, by Commissioner Jones.

[49:55] Any discussion?

[49:57] Here you know all of those in favour of signify of signify of saying aye.

[49:59] Aye.

[49:59] Thank you.

[50:00] Opposed, nay, motions, mans. Thanks all. Appreciate it. Keep up the good work.

[50:08] It's going to take us to add a number 300 to have me this morning, which is the contract award to Alpha Facilities Solutions for Facility Condition Assessment on about 314,366 square feet of suitor County buildings, joining us this morning's Public Works Director, Gina Gertzky. Morning, Gina.

[50:26] Good morning, Chairman West, connectors, which you have before you is a contract with Alpha Petroleum.

[50:30] If you guys remember back in 2020 and 2021, they came up and did a facility in the

[50:36] initial facility assessment on a lot of our buildings, they didn't get to all of them

[50:40] because of budgets and stuff like that.

[50:42] I've been in contact with them over the past year to see if they could come up at our new

[50:46] buildings, at all of the southwest buildings, and then refresh some of our stuff.

[50:52] This is where I get all the information from you guys about where we are in our capital.

[50:56] They uploaded into our vertical solution software, where we keep track of everything, and

[51:03] you know, it's just it's a good face set to have somebody else come in, besides me and

[51:07] say, yeah, everything's fine.

[51:09] These guys come out, they do this all over the United States, and they go through basically

[51:14] everything.

[51:14] If you look at it, they go through everything that's, that they can reach touch or see, basically

[51:21] it's how they do it.

[51:22] Obviously, they don't go in the walls and look at wiring and everything like that, but they

[51:24] they will, they open up panels, they go through all the plumbing, you know, they go through all the big stuff that we've put in in the last three, four years.

[51:32] The other thing that they're doing this year since they're up here and they're going to be visiting all the buildings is all of our big stuff.

[51:39] We have a, you know, free new people on their facilities staff.

[51:45] And, you know, when you go up on top of the jail and you see 18, 18, 18, 18, 18, 3, R to use, or sorry, other way around.

[51:51] 18, R to use, and 3, H to use everybody has a hard time with them.

[51:53] have labels on them. The other thing that they're going to do is actually make QR codes now

[51:57] for everything. So you go up there, you actually just scan it. Tell you what it is. And then

[52:01] if it's within a month of having to do a six month quarterly or yearly PM, it actually brings

[52:06] that up for you. So they're already there. They're already doing it. They just go through that checklist

[52:09] and finish everything as they're doing it. They're going to go up there and see everything anyway.

[52:13] So they'll print everything out and just stick it on the side. So it's a really good way of keeping

[52:17] track everything and making sure, you know, R to U is an R to U for R to U three's getting the

[52:22] service, everything that we need.

[52:24] And this will be done all over.

[52:25] Major stuff, the boiler's here, the R-T-U-H,

[52:27] who's over there, all over ACU, and stuff like that.

[52:30] Just a good way to keep track of it,

[52:31] and not get everybody confused.

[52:33] You know, if you see that number 300 in 14,166

[52:36] where foot, that's not all the square foot of building we have.

[52:39] We have a lot more than that, but this is a good hand

[52:42] on what we're trying to do and trying

[52:44] to keep everything consolidated.

[52:46] If you look at page, I believe it's 21 in your packet,

[52:49] 13 of theirs.

[52:52] It's all the buildings that they're going to touch, so if you see that, it's on 13 of their summary that's 21 in your packet.

[52:58] So that's really all it is, they come up here, do everything, send us a report, I'll be presenting that report to you guys.

[53:05] I'm sure when we get into the budget, you know, I'm here six months from now or four months from now or

[53:10] whenever we decide to do it and roll back again, we'll be talking about these also.

[53:16] Very good. Thanks, Gene. Any questions on the proposal before your commissioners?

[53:20] Mr. Chairman, Mr. Sauder, just one quick question.

[53:24] And looking at it, a 430 Blair wasn't included,

[53:27] and I thought it would be one that would have fit

[53:29] into an assessment like this.

[53:31] Is there, what was the reason that we didn't include it?

[53:34] Or, because hopefully it won't be ours in a couple months.

[53:36] That's what we're hoping we'll be meeting.

[53:38] Well, that was the thought.

[53:40] There's already an engineering firm that's doing

[53:42] a facility assessment for the state of Wyoming,

[53:44] as far as a grant program for start on that building.

[53:47] So we, there was no use to up on it.

[53:49] Okay, thank you.

[53:51] You use this company in the past, Gene?

[53:53] Yes, we have.

[53:54] We use them for two, we use a back in 2020 and 2021.

[54:00] Just no questions.

[54:05] What?

[54:06] Commissioner Tom.

[54:07] What a great part to be done.

[54:09] It depends on what they can get up here.

[54:10] These guys are from San Antonio,

[54:12] so I'm assuming they'll try to get up here

[54:13] in September, early October.

[54:15] Last time they did this and November

[54:17] and December and absolutely hated it.

[54:19] So I'm sure as soon as we get the contract,

[54:20] we have all the other documents in place.

[54:22] They'll try to schedule their crews, you know, post-taste, I guess, the best way to put it.

[54:28] But, you know, hopefully by the first of the year, you know, the issue is what we're shooting for, to get the complete report done,

[54:33] but it all depends on what they can get up here.

[54:38] Additional questions?

[54:41] Not in an entertaining motion to approve the contract with Alpha Facility Solutions in the amount of $29,350, $86,

[54:48] to conduct facility condition assessments on sweetwitter county buildings and allow the chairman to sign on this asary documents.

[54:54] So, most of my commissioner's slot, or excuse me, Richards, do we have a second?

[54:59] Second, second, by commissioner.

[55:00] Mr. Slotter, any further discussion? Hearing none, all of us in favor, second, five of us saying aye. Aye, aye, aye, aye, aye, aye, aye, aye.

[55:06] Post nay. Motion is unanimous. It's going to be a title number four in her tab B, which is the irrigation design contract for crossroads and reliance parks and we're heading back to Gene.

[55:16] I'm during the budget. If you guys remember, I actually put in projects to do the design for crossroads and reliance parks with hopefully construction on reliance park, mech spring.

[55:28] And if you guys awarded the stuff on Crossroads Park next fall, what this is, we contacted a person that Chris has worked really well with in the past, has ultimate, you know,

[55:41] knows reliance, knows Crossroads Park could be best for a ton of help on programming and other stuff.

[55:46] So we've used him and what we've done, we've combined both of these together so we could say once the travel cost is going to come up your one way.

[55:52] You know, so it's basically a day's worth of travel for him, you know, a day up here.

[55:57] He's going to fly all the parks with his drone, mark out everything, and then do a complete design with all of the specifications and everything.

[56:04] So I can do the front end documents and everything and put this out to bed for the reliance park.

[56:09] And then we'll see next year if you guys have put money aside for crossroads park, but we have these already sets, so they're kind of shovel ready.

[56:17] And they're ready to go whenever funding becomes available.

[56:20] And I think, first of my memory, I know we talked about it, but I can't remember all the details.

[56:24] We were planning on one, but there was money.

[56:26] Yeah, we were planning on one.

[56:28] And me being super hyper unaware of what prices are anymore, because I can't put a price to a number anymore.

[56:35] I put $50,000 in there for design.

[56:38] For one park where you can see where it came at, so I'm like,

[56:40] let's just add the other one to it.

[56:41] There's no sense in having him come up again.

[56:44] So yeah, we're just going to combine both of these into one design contract and go for one.

[56:48] Maybe when they're put out, they'll actually be two separate designs, design or not design

[56:52] contracts, construction contracts.

[56:55] So you guys, like I said, in the capital, reliance is in there for design and construction

[57:00] this year.

[57:02] In granicous, or in clear gut, I put crossroads for next year.

[57:07] One of the things that we're going to ask them is if you remember, I had $75,000 to rewind,

[57:11] the two high-head pumps that are in crossroads.

[57:14] If he's going to get up there, he wants to get up here here in the next 15 days.

[57:18] We're going to have him evaluate those and see if we really need to rewind him.

[57:21] If not, we'll just not even do that project, especially if we can get to it next fall.

[57:26] There won't be any problems.

[57:27] No, if it's going to be a three-year, four-year thing, we probably need to get him re-wound.

[57:31] But if it's going to be six months later, even a year, we might be able to push that off and not spend the money.

[57:36] Very good.

[57:37] Questions for the design contracts, commissioners?

[57:43] I do have a question.

[57:44] Mr. Tolman.

[57:47] Do we have an irrigation, a sprinkler system in place in those parks now?

[57:52] Is that going to be replaced or totally?

[57:54] It will be redesigned and replaced.

[57:57] Technology has changed.

[57:59] Obviously, in the irrigation world, just with everything else.

[58:01] So yeah, they're going to be replaced in both parks and upgraded to your 50 years old.

[58:09] They're at their useful life.

[58:13] Thank you.

[58:15] And the crossroads is on the effluent water grant.

[58:20] Just some questions or comments.

[58:23] Not an entertainment motion to approve the professional services contract

[58:26] with irrigation technologies incorporated in the amount of $22,000 and $30.

[58:31] For the design of irrigation systems within the reliance and crossroads perks,

[58:35] and allow the chairman to sign on this Siri documents.

[58:38] So I'll move.

[58:38] Motion by Commissioner Slotter.

[58:39] We have a second.

[58:40] Second by Commissioner Richards.

[58:42] Any further discussion?

[58:44] Here you know all those in favor, so if I'm saying aye, aye.

[58:47] Opposed, nay.

[58:49] Motion's unanimous.

[58:50] Thank you.

[58:50] Thanks, Gina.

[58:51] Appreciate it.

[58:53] It's going to take us to time number 500 tab B, which is the Sweetwater County

[58:55] Letter of Support for the Proposed Resision of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation

[59:01] Rule, joining us this morning.

[59:02] His line of your director here being a morning air.

[59:04] Good morning.

[59:05] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[59:07] So, I prepared a letter for you.

[59:09] U.S.D.A. has proposed a decision of the 2001 roadless rule.

[59:14] What that did is place 58.5 million acres of Forest Service land in the United States under

[59:21] this restriction.

[59:22] And that was under the Clinton administration when that was done.

[59:26] And also what it did is prohibited new road construction in these inventory roadless areas.

[59:32] And then also halted some potential timber cutting in those areas too, which from a forest health standpoint is concerning.

[59:44] So, what this does is it does not rescind what's current under travel management in these forest service areas.

[59:53] What we're trying to say here is we want local control here and so we want a county and not at the national level.

[59:58] which is...

[1:00:00] What the road this rule does? So, we're not encouraging roads everywhere. That's not what this does. What it does is, we want land use decisions and travel management decisions done locally, where they should be, where the stakeholders are and understand those systems.

[1:00:17] So I've prepared a letter for you.

[1:00:20] I've also contacted WCCA, Tristan, and also Micah, and talked to them and let them know that

[1:00:28] we were hearing this today and they appreciated reaching out.

[1:00:32] I know the believe the CLG will also be commenting on this.

[1:00:36] I'm sure Commissioner Tomman is very aware of the roadless rule.

[1:00:38] Also this is addressed in our federal lands and resource plan, so that's a reason why we're

[1:00:43] commenting, no we don't have inventory roadless areas in Sweetwater County, but we are a

[1:00:51] cooperator in the Ashley where there are several, well over 30, inventoryed areas. Also, you

[1:00:59] have to look into the future if you keep this restriction in place we do have four service

[1:01:04] managed lands which are around flamingoards. So I think it's important that we comment and with

[1:01:09] Mr. Chairman, I just asked the board to support and improve the letter.

[1:01:13] Thank you.

[1:01:14] Thanks, Eric.

[1:01:15] Questions or comments on the letter to Mr. Jones?

[1:01:18] Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[1:01:18] Thanks, Eric.

[1:01:20] I really appreciate this letter.

[1:01:21] Very well written.

[1:01:24] Couldn't agree more with the local control.

[1:01:26] I spent four days up on Union Pass over the weekend.

[1:01:31] Driven some folks around who'd never been up there in the comments.

[1:01:36] resoundingly, we're wow, look at all the dead trees, and it is just a sea of dead trees.

[1:01:41] And of course, people in Washington, DC, have no idea what's going on here.

[1:01:47] And we'll never set foot in these forests.

[1:01:51] So they have no clue what a healthy forest is or how we maintain them and not maintaining

[1:01:59] is not maintenance, so it's, lots of things to say about that. I mean, the timber industry, the

[1:02:07] jobs, the fires we have every year, people lose their lives, they lose their homes. I'd

[1:02:14] good for the wildlife. I mean, this is on and on and on, but couldn't agree more with

[1:02:19] you on the point that the local control or local voice definitely needs to be there and

[1:02:25] It hasn't been at all, so appreciate this a lot.

[1:02:30] Just no comments, commissioners.

[1:02:33] Well, I agree with Mr. Jones, I mean,

[1:02:37] I was in the upper green last week

[1:02:38] and I was pretty shocked out.

[1:02:39] We had sheep a lot in the set for 40 years

[1:02:41] on Rock Creek and Elk Ridge and across metal,

[1:02:45] a way to greener relates to see that sea of burnt timber.

[1:02:49] It would take 100 years to wrought that.

[1:02:51] And they did have fire roads and trails

[1:02:54] that went into that forest

[1:02:55] that were abandoned when the roadless rule came out, so this letter is timely and thank you,

[1:03:02] it was a very thoughtful letter. Appreciate it.

[1:03:09] Yeah, well done on that, even the grammar police

[1:03:11] signed off on it, so. Wow. I was shocked. I had to throw that in there to a new and

[1:03:18] would be. No further discussion of entertainment motion to approve these, we

[1:03:23] what are counting letter of support for the proposed decision of the 2001 roadless area

[1:03:27] conservation rule as presented.

[1:03:29] Mr. Chairman.

[1:03:31] Uh-huh, hot Taylor.

[1:03:34] Mr. Tolman.

[1:03:35] I would like to meet that motion.

[1:03:38] Got a motion to approve.

[1:03:39] I commissioner Tolman.

[1:03:40] We believe we have a second.

[1:03:41] We do.

[1:03:42] Second by commissioner Jones.

[1:03:43] Any further discussion?

[1:03:45] Hearing none.

[1:03:46] I was in favor.

[1:03:47] I was in favor.

[1:03:49] Sorry, Jones.

[1:03:50] I had seniority.

[1:03:52] Always do.

[1:03:53] Thank you Mr. Chairman.

[1:03:55] Thanks, Erica.

[1:03:56] Appreciate it.

[1:03:56] I'm just along for the ride.

[1:04:00] Final item is a health insurance renewal.

[1:04:04] I do not see Gary's.

[1:04:05] We're going to break for five minutes.

[1:04:06] We're about 25 minutes ahead of schedule.

[1:04:08] We'll shoot back here at 10 or five.

[1:04:34] Believe we have brand carder joining us online.

[1:04:36] Have I know now we'll go to just point right into it?

[1:04:38] So apologize for that brand.

[1:04:40] But if you're there, I guess go ahead and take us away

[1:04:44] with the health insurance renewal.

[1:04:45] Hopefully Gary communicated that with you.

[1:04:48] I was not aware he's not here.

[1:04:50] but I'm happy to jump in, so I can, I can lead that discussion around the benefits for sure.

[1:04:57] So thanks for having me, Commissioner.

[1:05:00] Regarding the health insurance we're new all for the upcoming year. I think you've got a few documents. I'm not sure that they paint a whole picture of what the plans look like today and that they're mostly just the recommended increase for the upcoming year.

[1:05:17] So let me give just a little bit of background around that. The benefit plans continue to run really well currently in that.

[1:05:24] Today, our last 12 month wash ratio on those plans,

[1:05:31] meaning the money that the plan is spending versus the budget,

[1:05:36] or currently at an 85% wash ratio,

[1:05:38] meaning we're currently running 15% below budget,

[1:05:43] which is remarkable in today's current environment.

[1:05:46] And just to paint a little bit of a picture on what I mean

[1:05:48] around today's current environment,

[1:05:51] we are seeing the highest renewals we've ever seen across

[1:05:54] all clients, and this is nationwide, and we continue to see large claims across the country grow

[1:06:02] at an incredible rate. Cancer claims are much higher than they've ever been, both in the number

[1:06:07] of diagnoses. We're up 30% in cancer diagnoses across the country in the last four years,

[1:06:14] and then the cost to treat those cancers is significantly higher. With better outcomes, so

[1:06:19] it's a, I mean nobody wants to be diagnosed with cancer, but if you're going to get diagnosed

[1:06:24] with cancer, now is the age in which you want to be diagnosed with cancer and then there's so much

[1:06:27] more that they can do than they ever had been before. We continue to see new medications that get

[1:06:32] approved, met a very rapid clip, most of all of medications that are getting FDA approval right now,

[1:06:37] are biologics and the average cost is now exceeding $10,000 a month for one of these biologics

[1:06:42] that get approved. So we see a lot of these medications throughout plans. Your plan is no exception.

[1:06:48] We've done some very creative things on pharmacy to help manage some of those increased costs on the

[1:06:54] with some things we've done to manage the plan and with some good fortune around some of your

[1:06:58] large claimants, our plan is running much better than your peers are. And if you look at

[1:07:06] even in your sector, other government entities, counties, cities, school districts, they're going to

[1:07:13] likely experience averaging increases this year between 10 to 15%. And we're recommending that you

[1:07:24] more color to that. When we say we're running 15% better than budget and we're recommending a five

[1:07:30] That there's a couple pieces to that over the years. We've had some volatility in our budgets

[1:07:36] Where we've gone a couple of years where we budgeted no increase and then we had to come back with a 20% one year and

[1:07:42] I think at that time when we had that year that we had a 20% increase after two years of no increase

[1:07:48] Was it how do we avoid this in the future and so we're really trying to smooth that and we've done this taking the

[1:07:54] the last couple of years where we've budgeted much smaller increases than what the national trends are

[1:08:00] on the years in which we're running well and then it sets us up well when we do have that bad

[1:08:05] year and there will be a year where we have those large claims hit and it could be 2027 right where we have

[1:08:11] more cancer claims hit than what we did this year or more you know other other large claims outside of that

[1:08:17] but the biologic sort of heart disease

[1:08:20] or the premium babies, those kinds of things,

[1:08:23] also continue to be big factors.

[1:08:25] But it could be that this year

[1:08:26] that you see some more of those arch claims.

[1:08:28] That's the big difference in your plan

[1:08:30] between a good year and a bad year.

[1:08:31] It's really just how many of those large claims you have.

[1:08:34] Your underlying utilization on your plan

[1:08:36] when you take out those large claims

[1:08:37] has been incredibly steady for four or five years now

[1:08:42] where we've seen almost no movement in the per member

[1:08:45] per month claims cost when you take out those large claims. So it's really just a matter of

[1:08:51] was this the year that we got unlucky and had a lot of large claims or is this the year that we

[1:08:56] had good fortune and didn't see as many of those those catastrophic illnesses on the plan

[1:09:02] and unfortunately right now we're in that cycle where we have not had those catastrophic illnesses.

[1:09:06] So it's a recommendation that we budget a 5% for the upcoming year. Despite running below

[1:09:11] budget. We do know claims next year will be higher just because of the national trends and it also

[1:09:16] set this up to avoid that volatility in future years and having to take a really big increase in

[1:09:23] a year when those large claims do come back. Well thanks for that brand. We appreciate it and for

[1:09:29] running points. Sorry to put you on the spot. That's some internal communication on our part, I guess.

[1:09:36] But one question I have, I don't know if it's a question for you or not, but there's there's

[1:09:39] two options within our packet of information that we have and it's relative to Cobra and

[1:09:45] it's specifies a 2% administrative fee but then there's an option without that administrative

[1:09:51] fee and I don't know if that's internally on our part or if that's something you could speak to.

[1:10:00] I'm afraid of caught off guard a little on that one.

[1:10:03] And that's fine.

[1:10:04] And if you don't answer, we can always.

[1:10:06] So it's generally covert administration the way an administrator charges for that is that they'll have a small per-employed per month fee that they charge to administer cobra.

[1:10:16] And then they'll keep 2% of the, so cobra is your budgeted premiums, plus 2% for an administrative fee, and the administrator generally keeps that 2%.

[1:10:27] So I'm guessing that there's a discussion around whether to retain that 2% or charge that 2%, I can't add any more color than that.

[1:10:38] Sure. I appreciate that. Any questions based on the other discussion before your commissioners?

[1:10:44] Mr. Chairman, Mr. Jones.

[1:10:47] Just one question that you said something that peaked my interest, you said new drugs are being approved at a rapid pace.

[1:10:55] Yes, that sounds unusual and if so do you know why?

[1:11:02] Yeah, um

[1:11:03] It's this new category of medications where we're able to create medications that are all DNA based right where they're made up of

[1:11:13] Well, the criteria to be called a biologic ass to have at least 40 different amino acids that make it up

[1:11:19] So it's technology advancements that didn't exist before,

[1:11:23] and these DNA-based medications can be far more targeted

[1:11:26] than chemical-based medications.

[1:11:29] And so it's the advancement of technology that's doing it,

[1:11:32] but we're also seeing AI start to play a factor in that

[1:11:35] where AI is helping design some of these medications.

[1:11:39] So I think we're going to continue to see

[1:11:41] this rapid pace of new development of drugs.

[1:11:43] The interesting thing is that while some of these do have

[1:11:47] broad usage. And some of the biologics that you see broad usage on there are autoimmune disorders.

[1:11:53] Because there's a lot of individuals with autoimmune disorders out there like a rheumatoid arthritis

[1:11:57] or a Crohn's disease or a psoriasis that can be treated with these biologics. But outside of that,

[1:12:03] most of these biologics are for unique conditions or very specific types of cancer.

[1:12:09] And so you see this rapid clip of approvals. And while outside of the autoimmune disorders,

[1:12:16] You don't see huge adoption. I mean one of these medications, just the sheer volume of options out there continues to increase every year.

[1:12:26] Thank you.

[1:12:29] Additional questions or discussion?

[1:12:35] Thanks Brian.

[1:12:36] We appreciate you joining us and starting for the confusion there, but always get to have some background data and sounds like the plans performing well all things considered.

[1:12:44] And some fashions and sounds like we're pretty lucky in that regard.

[1:12:48] I think the one thing we do need as item on this is just to approve the recommended 5% increase

[1:12:56] on the budgeted premiums.

[1:12:58] I think that was the goal coming out of that discussion.

[1:13:03] Very good.

[1:13:06] All right, commissioners, so we've got,

[1:13:12] I'm no way in here, since there's no formal presenter.

[1:13:19] the proposed plan before you and your packet for the contributions schedule for the active

[1:13:24] employees and retirees that are pre 65,

[1:13:28] which would be the first item for approval that

[1:13:30] includes the 5% increase. Are there any questions on that? I believe it's pretty straightforward.

[1:13:39] And if so, I'd entertain a motion for approval and allow the term to sign as presented before you.

[1:13:44] So moved.

[1:13:46] Which my commissioner told him in the way of a second?

[1:13:48] Second.

[1:13:49] Second my commissioner slaughter.

[1:13:50] Any discussion?

[1:13:53] Here he knows the favor signal by the saying aye.

[1:13:56] Pose nay.

[1:13:58] Motion's unanimous.

[1:14:00] We've then got the retiree health insurance premiums schedule for the post age 65.

[1:14:08] And if there's no questions, I'll not entertain a motion for approval and allow the author

[1:14:11] as a chairman to sign.

[1:14:13] So moved.

[1:14:15] I hope my commissioner slaughtered with a second.

[1:14:19] Second.

[1:14:20] Second, my commissioner Jones.

[1:14:21] I need a discussion.

[1:14:24] Hearing none of those in favor saying five to saying aye.

[1:14:27] Close nay.

[1:14:29] Motion is unanimous.

[1:14:38] Commissioners, if you don't mind two other items, I think probably have to be included in this.

[1:14:45] We do have a slight increase in the administrative fee.

[1:14:47] It is included in that five percent.

[1:14:49] So I don't know if it needs to be a separate item, but the administrative fee is going up

[1:14:53] $6,560 a year or 3.7%, that's with UMR.

[1:15:00] The ministers, the health plan. And again, that's included in that 5% budget increase. And then separately, we do have a much larger increase on the stop loss insurance. That's also part of the overall budget of the health plan. So it's not separate from that 5% but it is a line item inside there.

[1:15:21] There was an increase of 29.6% or 219,000 dollars for the upcoming year and understanding that

[1:15:29] that is a very large increase as a percentage, we just touch on that from background real quick.

[1:15:36] As I've mentioned, almost all of the growth and healthcare costs right now, not only specific

[1:15:40] to your plan, but nationwide is having to do with these large claims where large claims just

[1:15:46] getting bigger and you know the cancer being the number one but also heart conditions and these

[1:15:51] biologics and premature babies are the top conditions but because of that stop loss tends

[1:15:58] to be a pooled product and all of the stop loss carriers of being hit very hard right now and

[1:16:03] so with that we're seeing the effects of that with a relatively large increase being asked on the

[1:16:09] stop loss again at that $219,000 or 29.6% and those are the, you can both budget both of

[1:16:18] those are included in that 5% recommending increase and there's plenty of funds inside the budget

[1:16:23] to account for those but I did want to point those out should we need to approve those separately.

[1:16:30] Thanks, Brian. I think we're going on that normally we do approve those in a separate format but I

[1:16:39] Next item, commissioners is the pre-65 retiree rates,

[1:16:45] and if there's no questions there it

[1:16:47] entertain a motion for approval and I'll try the chairman to sign.

[1:16:54] I'm sorry.

[1:16:56] I wish my commissioner told him and we have a second.

[1:16:58] Second.

[1:16:59] Second.

[1:17:00] Second.

[1:17:01] discussion.

[1:17:02] Here you know all those in favor, I think if I was saying aye.

[1:17:05] Pove's nay.

[1:17:07] Which is Janus.

[1:17:08] We've also got these Sweatwater County Lincoln Financial Life Insurance Rates, which is

[1:17:12] a one year rate guarantee.

[1:17:15] All of these, by the way, are effective.

[1:17:17] January 1st, 2027.

[1:17:19] There's no questions on the Lincoln Financial Rates.

[1:17:22] An entertainer motion to approve and not throw as chairman of sign.

[1:17:25] It's all moved.

[1:17:26] Which my commissioner slaughtered, we have a second.

[1:17:31] Second.

[1:17:31] I promise we're Jones on favor say aye.

[1:17:33] Aye.

[1:17:34] Post nay.

[1:17:35] Not just unanimous.

[1:17:36] The last one and the reason I didn't individually

[1:17:37] is because obviously we don't have a presenter, so that's fun.

[1:17:41] But also, there's two options on the cobra that I spoke to earlier.

[1:17:44] One that includes the 2% administration fee and one without it.

[1:17:50] So because these are not effective until you can

[1:17:53] re-first, my recommendation will be to post polna and get clarification

[1:17:58] from Gary and HR.

[1:18:01] If you're all good with, uh, agree.

[1:18:04] Okay.

[1:18:06] I think we're good.

[1:18:07] Thanks, Brian.

[1:18:07] If anything changes, we'll keep you apprised.

[1:18:10] But thanks for kind of filling in for us.

[1:18:12] Of course.

[1:18:13] Thank you all.

[1:18:15] Thank you.

[1:18:16] Commissioner, that's, I think, pretty close to our record.

[1:18:18] With no further business to come before us.

[1:18:21] That's going to conclude this meeting.

[1:18:23] And we'll see you back on the 15th.

[1:18:24] The meeting stands adjourned.

Board of County Commissioners

Agenda

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