Fairgrounds approved for graduation ceremony

POMEROY– Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) approve the request to hold the 2020 High School graduation at the Garfield County Fairgrounds on June 13, 2020, if the county has moved into Phase 3.

The class requested the use of the Garfield County Fairgrounds for their graduation ceremony, providing an outside venue appropriate for community activity in Phase 3, which was approved at last Tuesday morning’s meeting, May 26, 2020.

Phase 3 allows outdoor recreational facilities to host events at less than 50% capacity. According to Garfield County Commissioner Justin Dixon, there is a way to accomplish that at the fairgrounds, but it would be the responsibility of the school district, seniors, and their parents to be sure they are following all requirements of the Safe Start guidelines.

Commissioner Bob Johnson would like to see their plan to achieve the required separation of people. Without this in place, it could mean losing the Phase 3 status for the county if the event is not done properly.

Dixon said the plan would allow 30 people, to gather and participate outside and all others would have to remain in their vehicles to observe the ceremony.

Other details of how they would abide by the requirements of Phase 3 have not been worked out yet. Commissioner Dixon stated that there would most likely be requirements to supply hand sanitizer, and the restrooms would have to be sanitized as well. The Board agreed to allow the plans to proceed as long as all requirements are met.

Laura Dixon, parent of senior Maddy Dixon, said the class would follow all requirements of Phase 3, if the county is approved for that by June 13, but could delay graduation until July if needed.

The Indigent Defense contract has been approved after final negotiations with attorney Julie Karl. The three-year contract sets forth increases each year in specified amounts. Karl will receive $2,924 per month beginning May 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. Her salary will increase to $3,313 per month for 2021, and $3,754 per month for 2022. In addition, she will receive an extra $150 per hour for any case requiring more than 10 hours. According to Commissioner McCabe, this negotiation resulted in $11,000 saved from her original request of an immediate 40% increase for the entire three years.

The BOCC also discussed some proposed changes for the upcoming Garfield County Fair which may include holding a closed event. No decision has been made at this time.

Repair or replacement of the water filtrations system at the fairground is being considered. In addition, it was decided to replace one of the toilets with a manual plush toilet.

Other repairs planned for County properties include correcting a water seepage problem from the courthouse lawn into the exterior wall of the WSU extension office, and the flooding issue at the Sheriff’s Office during times of heavy rainfall. Both issues will be addressed by the Garfield County Public Works department.

Sheriff Drew Hyer reported t the Memorial Day weekend brought in a large number of people to the mountains, but that no issues were reported. Fish and Wildlife and Forest Service law enforcement were on hand throughout the weekend. Hyer also reported that he has ordered 50 gallons of hand sanitizer that will be needed when the jail re-opens.