Utah Geological Survey - UGS Board

Minutes - June 18, 1999
Utah Geological Survey Board Meeting

UGS Conference Room

Attendance:

Board Members:
  • William Berge
  • Cary Smith
  • Charles Semborski
  • Deedee O'Brien
  • Richard Kennedy
  • Craig Nelson
  • Robert Robinson
Staff:
  • Lee Allison
  • Kimm Harty
  • Jim Kirkland
  • Cheryl Ostlund
  • Denise Laes
Guests:
  • Steve Allred
  • Sherm Hoskins
  • Joanne McHugh
  • Tom Faddies
Chair William Berge called the meeting of the Board of the Utah Geological Survey to order at 8:35 a.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Richard Kennedy made motion to approve the minutes of the April 23, 1999 meeting, as corrected. Craig Nelson seconded, motion approved.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW STAFF

Director Allison introduced Tom Faddies, who was representing David Terry, and new staff to the Board, Denise Laes, GIS analyst, Mapping; and Jim Kirkland, paleontologist, ESP. Director Allison also introduced Steven Allred, budget analyst, Legislative Fiscal Analyst’s office.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Budget Status
Director Allison reported that Associate Director Cory Bird has transferred to another agency. We are confident that the UGS will end the fiscal year in the black. We will not know the final year-end figures until the end of July, when the last mineral lease royalty check comes in. Before he left, Mr. Bird completed development of a budget tracking system that will allow program managers to track their budgets, including state funds, contracts, and grants.

Funding Alternatives
Director Allison reported that the legislature has endorsed a committee to address alternative funding sources for the UGS and the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining. Both agencies are facing budget shortfalls. DOGM Director Lowell Braxton is heading up the committee. Craig Nelson is representing the Board on the committee. The committee is looking at addressing the reallocation of severance tax, and at a model of a recent severance tax act that became law in Colorado. The fund would be a trust fund that could be used when additional funds are needed for unexpected shortfalls. Any funds used would have to be approved by the legislature. This alternative will be developed over the next few months. The results would then be presented to the Natural Resources Committee at an interim committee in the fall, and, if approved, submit it at the next session of the legislature.

DISCUSSIONS ITEMS

Role of the Utah Geological Survey and Board
Board members deferred this discussion until the next Board meeting.

Uintah Basin Tour and Meeting
It was decided to postpone the Uintah Basin Tour until a later date and to move the September 17 meeting to October 22, in anticipation that the new UGS director will be able to attend.

ACTION ITEMS

Selection of Crawford Award Recipient
Director Allison presented to the Board members the two nominations for the Crawford award. After a discussion of the nominations, Chair Berge called for a vote to select an award recipient. David Madsen was selected. Cary Smith recommended that the director send a letter to the nominees stating that they were recognized by the Board for the contributions to the Survey. He also made the motion to amend the criteria to add a letter of commendation to the personnel files of the nominees who were not selected for the award. Richard Kennedy seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Delegation of Authority for FUGS
Currently, Director Allison is the only person authorized to write checks on the Friends of Utah Geological Survey account. He requested the Board approve a change in who signs the account and also to change to a financial institution closer to the Survey offices. The Director recommended Kimm Harty be authorized to sign on the account, along with the new Director. Bob Robison made motion to approve the Director’s recommendation. Cary Smith seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Designation of State Paleontologist
Director Allison recommended the Board designate James Kirkland as the state paleontologist. Bob Robison made the motion, Cary Smith seconded, and motion carried unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/MISCELLANEOUS

Deputy Director Kimm Harty informed the Board that she and Gary Christenson will be conducting a field trip on June 29 to view landslides near the Capitol, North Salt Lake, Farmington, and Kaysville. Invited participants are John Massey and Steve Allred, Legislative Fiscal Analyst’s office; Mel Parker, Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget; and state senators and representatives in those areas.

Deputy Director Harty reminded the Board about the 50th anniversary picnic on July 1, at the marina at Great Salt Lake State Park.

Director Allison informed the Board that approximately 20 years ago the Survey paid for some geothermal observation wells that were drilled in the Midway area for a student project. The well was never officially abandoned. At the time, one well was determined to draw down on geothermal hot pool at the Homestead Resort. Recently, the owner of the Homestead contacted Director Allison about capping the well. The Survey is working with the Attorney General’s office to resolve the problem.

Joanne McHugh, DNR Human Resource Director, reviewed the announcement for the Director’s position with the Board members. She also reviewed the time line that has been created to fill the position. DNR Administration hopes to have the position filled by mid-September.

Director Allison expressed his appreciation for the Board member’s support during his tenure as director of the Survey. Chair Berge, on behalf of the Board, thanked Director Allison for his service and dedication to the Utah Geological Survey.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting of the UGS Board adjourned at 12:35 p.m.