MEETING MINUTES
UGS Conference Room
June 10, 2005
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Attendance

Board Members:

• Geoffrey Bedell
• Charles Semborski
• Kathleen Ochsenbein
• David Simon
• Stephen Church
• Tom Faddies
• Robert Robison
• Excused Jack Hamilton

Staff:

• Richard Allis
• Kimm Harty
• John Kingsley
• Jo Lynn Campbell
• Glade Sowards

Visitors:

• Terrah Anderson, Governor’s Office of Budget and Planning
• DNR Executive Director Mike Styler
• DNR Deputy Director Darin Bird

Chair Charles Semborski called the meeting to order. New members, Jack Hamilton and David Simon, were introduced. New UGS staff was also introduced. They are: Glade Sowards, Nykole Littleboy, Denise Beaudoin, Mike Vandenberg, Kim Mellin of the State Energy Program and Ken Krahulec from the Energy and Minerals Program.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Robert Robison motioned to accept minutes as written. Geoffrey Bedell made a second. The motion carried unanimously.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Financial Position

The Division expects the end of year expenses to be close to budget. Non-General Fund sources are strong, largely because of Mineral Lease returns and this will assist UGS in paying down debt on the Core Research Center.

Grants and Contracts

Proposal activity for contracts and grants remains at about the same level as previous years. There is no indication of funding from federal, state, and local government sources declining at this time. UGS’ success rate for proposals remains at about 75%.

Legislative Update

This year’s legislative session eliminated the Energy Office, dispersing its functions among several state agencies and the Governor’s Office. The UGS received the State Energy Program (SEP) which is supported by the “Formula Grant” from DOE of about $450k (federal dollars) and $85k (state dollars). Considerable additions to the state code for the UGS have occurred as a result of this change. UGS will also be modifying the Administrative Rules to accommodate the change.

The legislature approved a second year of one-time funding for a hydrogeologist position within the ground water section, to help with growing ground water issues in Utah. It is hoped that this position can be converted to ongoing funding in the FY06 legislative session.

Appropriated to all state employees by the legislature for FY06 is a 2.5% cost-of-living salary increase and a one-step market increase was granted for most UGS positions.

Cedar City Office

Cedar City staff shifted into new offices on May 23. The offices are in the Fiddlers Canyon Bldg on the north side of Cedar City. It can potentially house four staff if needed.

SLC Office Changes

With the acquisition of SEP staff and additional temporary help, the UGS needs additional office space. The UGS is working with DNR to acquire more space.

UGS Strategic Plan

The UGS Status and Directions plan needs updating in view of changes since October, 2004. An updated draft document will be given out at the next board meeting.

Permanent Staff Positions

After two years, a decision needs to be made whether or not to keep or terminate schedule AL positions. It was decided to change several of those positions to Schedule B status. According to the UGS code, UGS Board approval is needed. UGS wants to create four positions that need Board approval. They will all be classified as Geologists. A motion to approve the creation of four Schedule B positions was made by Robert Robison to accept as written. Stephen Church made second. The motion carried unanimously.

Dinosaur Press Conference

This was very successful press conference. The new species, Falcarius utahensis, appears to be a transition between early meat-eating dinosaur and later vegetarian dinosaurs.

Professional License Reimbursements

The new DNR Executive Director is reconsidering the DNR policy for licensure reimbursements. UGS is still waiting for the Executive Director’s decision.

Board Field Trip

It is proposed that the 2005 trip be based in Moab for Friday, September 30, and Saturday, October 1. On Friday the lunch stop will be at Dalton Wells where actual dinosaur excavation is going on. Jim Kirkland will also give an update on the Crystal Geyser dinosaur discovery. The trip would continue to Upheaval Dome, Cane Creek oil field, Deadhorse Point, and to the Potash mines. Saturday would be spent looking at the Moab fault, salt collapse features, Lisbon copper development, and Lisbon oil field (site of our DOE Paradox II project). Robert Robison mentioned he would like to visit a uranium site. The UGS staff will look into locating a suitable site. Return to Salt Lake City will be around lunchtime on Sunday.

STATE ENERGY PROGRAM UPDATE

Glade Sowards gave a presentation introducing the State Energy Program and its functions.

CRAWFORD AWARD SELECTION

The Board considered three nominations for the 2005 Crawford Award. After discussion about how difficult the choice was, Robert Robison nominated Bill Lund as the recipient for the Crawford Award. Geoffrey Bedell made a second. The motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

Robert Robison motioned to adjourn the formal part of the meeting and Geoffrey Bedell made a second. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m. The Board then toured the Utah Core Research Center, together with Mike Styler, Robyn Pearson, and Darin Bird.