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Wayne County Commission Discusses Recent Power Outages, Aging Power Infrastructure


WAYNE COUNTY – At the August 8, 2018 Wayne County Commission meeting, Commissioner Wood began the meeting by inquiring if anyone in the room would care to lead the opening prayer. Mr. Dan McClendon of Garkane Energy obliged.

There ensued a presentation by Mr. McClendon regarding Garkane’s response to the power outages during the fire on Highway 24 near Richfield, in June. Garkane Energy co-op has one of the largest geographic areas of any electic co-op in the country, at over 16,000 square miles, with 13,000 members. Commissioners were concerned that they had very little communication from Garkane during the outages, and requested that this be rememdied in future situations.

One of the greatest concerns voiced by Mr. McClendon is that there is only one electric line running east to west in the county, which runs through Capitol Reef National Park. He said that although the line has been upgraded 3 times since 1974, working with the Park Service to keep trees trimmed and the lines in good repair is a “miserable process.” He said a second line, which most counties have, would be great, perhaps west of Boulder Mountain, but that Wayne County’s geography makes such an undertaking very difficult. He also mentioned that lack of electrical capacity is a cause of concern in Hanksville, in that their service is “maxed out” and there is simply not enough power available to serve new businesses or housing.

Commissioners discussed “backup” generators, especially in Hanksville, which has a very old generator that is barely adequate for their needs. The backup generator for the center and west of the county is also over 40 years old. Commissioners also discussed the location of the generator in case of emergency, in order to service people with medical needs, etc. Both the Community Center in Bicknell and the Courthouse in Loa could serve as emergency centers for those in immediate need.

Commissioner Wood inquired whether a “citizen” could be trained to re-set the electrical grid when power was restored, rather than having to wait for a Garkane employee to come to the county to perform the task. Mr. McClendon responded that it’s not merely a matter of flipping a switch, and that (a) Garkane’s liability insurance would not permit this and (b) Garkane’s first concern is the safety of both its employees and the public, and that “outside” assistance could jeopardize both.

Jeanie Webster-Drought Declaration: Since Wayne County’s Drought Declaration had expired after 60 days, Mrs. Webster read a new declaration which would be effective for 6 months. The Commissioners approved the new declaration.

Kendal Nelson-Fishlake NF Fire Update: Kendal Nelson reported on a lightning-caused fire in the Red Canyon area of the Fishlake NF, which had reached approximately 6 acres on Monday morning. They are managing the fire to reset the ecosystem, which currently contains mainly beetle-killed conifers. Allowing the fire to burn will stimulate the regrowth of aspen in the area. The fire is southwest of the Elkhorn Guard Station, but otherwise there are few structures in the area.

Ratification of new Sheriff’s Deputy hire: Commissoners approved the ratification of David DeGraw as a new deputy sheriff.

Discussion of a stage for the fair grounds: Commissioners discussed whether to try to retrieve an old stage that was built on private property 15 years ago, or to build a stage on a flatbed trailer, which could be placed in various positions, as needed.
Discussion of cleaning and preparation of the Wayne County Fairground: In the past, FFA members performed this task. Plumbing malfunctions have been addressed.

Discussion of class action suit: PILT payments have been reduced to a number of counties in Utah for the past 3 years. Kane County has asked Wayne County to join in a class action suit against the Federal government to attempt to recover monies that they deem are owed to the counties. Tabled for further research.

The Wayne County Commission meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month.

—Ronni Egan

 

 

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