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Political Subdivisions Interim Committee

MINUTES OF THE

POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS INTERIM COMMITTEE

Wednesday, August 20, 1997 - 9:00 a.m. - Fred House Training Academy, State Prison



Members Present:
    Sen. R. Mont Evans, Senate Chair
    Rep. David Ure, House Chair
    Rep. Brian R. Allen
    Rep. John B. Arrington
    Rep. DeMar "Bud" Bowman
    Rep. Craig W. Buttars
    Rep. Blake D. Chard
    Rep. Greg J. Curtis
    Rep. Marda Dillree
    Rep. David L. Gladwell
    Rep. John E. Swallow
    Rep. Richard L. Walsh

Members Excused:
    Sen. Leonard M. Blackham
    Sen. George Mantes

Members Absent:
    Rep. James R. Gowans

Staff Present:
    Mr. Joseph Wade,
         Research Analyst
    Mr. Robert H. Rees,
        Associate General Counsel
    Ms. Joy L. Miller, Secretary
        

     Note:    A list of others present and a copy of materials distributed in the meeting are on file in the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.


    Chairman Evans called the meeting to order at 9:25 a.m. at the Fred F. House Training Academy. He introduced the local officials who were in attendance. Chairman Evans explained that there is a proposal to obtain a conservation easement on some state-owned land to be utilized as a part of the Jordan River Parkway. The acreage on the west side of the property is in dispute. Portions of the area are currently being used by the Utah State Prison. Legislation is being sought to provide funding to research deeds in order to determine where the actual boundary lies along the west side of the property.

    Mr. Rick Bliss, Jordan River Trails Foundation, distributed a handout on the benefits of moving the property in question to a public trust. The property would expedite the proposed ISTEA non-motorized trail, help preserve open space in an urban area, and be a local recreational and educational opportunity. Other benefits include the control of bank stability and erosion and restoring and expanding a river basin eco-system. The property would be adjacent to a river bend nature park and a variety of mitigation projects. He noted there would be removal of invasive, non-native plants and the addition of native plants and trees.

    Mr. Orrin Farnsworth, Tri-City Jordan River Parkway Committee, explained that they are addressing environmental concerns in some of the proposed area in developing the parkway. A walking trail and equestrian trails are being developed in the parkway to help further the natural area and habitat. He noted that lands have been donated to create a wetlands park. Efforts are also underway to create a Riverbend Education Center.

    Ms. Wendy Fisher, Executive Director, Utah Open Lands, explained that the organization is a land trust group which facilitates the preservation of open space and recreational corridors through the use of conservation easements. She explained that a conservation easement is when the landowner agrees to restrict the development of their property in favor of protecting wildlife, agriculture, and scenic values of the property. The landowner, which in this instance is the state, retains ownership of the property. The conservation easement goes into a trust with Utah Open Lands. The situation may also be handled through a standard easement rather than a conservation easement. She noted that the workgroup working on this project is in the process of considering all the options. Ms. Fisher indicated that some of the property in dispute involves private landowners and the workgroup is currently addressing the issue of boundaries with them. Funding will need to be obtained for appraisals of properties and a survey of the boundaries.

    Mr. Kevin Jones, State Historical Society, distributed maps of the Utah State Prison proposed conservation/preservation area and historical sites located on the property. He said the edge of the bluff above the Jordan River was used as a prison dump for an unknown length of time. An extensive scatter of metal, glass, and other trash, including numerous license plates occurs along the top and edge of the bluff. He indicated there are some cultural sites on the property that they will be investigating.

    Mr. Ken Nye, Division of Facilities, Construction, and Management, indicated that although they have not yet been involved in the discussions, they anticipate being involved in assisting and developing the system.

    Mr. Greg Radmall, Utah Correctional Industries Division (UCI), Department of Corrections, discussed the proposal for a recycling transfer station on the property. A waste transfer station along the existing railroad is being considered. The proposal would be an opportunity to provide 20-40 jobs in the sorting of household products. He noted that during the last general session, intent language was passed which allows them to build the facility without any state funds. He said that in order to make the recycling successful, UCI would have to function as a traditional industry. He said they are attempting to go after a market that is not being met. That market is curbside recycling.

    Chairman Evans adjourned the meeting at 10:30 a.m. after which the committee participated in a tour of the property which is northwest of the state prison.

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