Monticello City Council talks golf course, personnel policy and airport

Monticello City Council received a report from the golf course superintendent, discussed new personnel policies, and heard public comment regarding the airport at their latest meeting.
At their May 24 meeting members of the Monticello City Council heard an update on the condition of the Hideout Golf Course from superintendent Caleb Bailey.
Although the course is not in the shape Bailey wants it to be yet, he did have some encouraging numbers to share.
When Bailey took over the position last Spring, the course experienced 37 irrigation breaks that golf season. The irrigation pumps were broken, putting greens were diseased and there was a crew of just five part-time employees.
Over the past year, pumps have been repaired and work was done on the irrigation system and the diseased greens.
“In the Fall we aerated for the first recorded time in five to ten years,” Bailey said. “We then topped dressed greens with sand in preparation for winter, and then we blew out our irrigation system.”
Bailey said this preparation has yielded some results with six fewer irrigation breaks this year, no issues with the pumps, and little to no disease on the putting greens. 
Bailey is working to continue to improve conditions on the course as the Hideout celebrates its 20th anniversary this season.
After receiving high praise, city staffer, Melissa Gill was promoted to Deputy City Recorder unanimously by the council.
City Manager Evan Bolt said Gill has gone “above and beyond” with her preparation for this new role. Bolt spoke extensively of her training and commitment to preparing for this title.
Gill was the only applicant for the position to replace outgoing recorder Shalena Black.
The Council was also presented with potential new personnel policies and timesheet plans for City employees.
This new plan would see an adjustment to the current paid time off policy and how and when employees could receive these payouts.
The decisions were made by the Council and a copy of this new plan will be given to all City employees for feedback. 
At the meeting council also heard public comment from county resident David Bieber. 
The long-time aviation mechanic expressed his concerns and frustrations with the current condition of the Monticello airport.
Bieber pointed to a state of Utah report that measured $11 million in economic impact brought into the city of Blanding by their airport. 
Bieber said that Monticello’s airport has the capability to bring in dollar amounts at this level, but that it would take many changes to the facility. 
The biggest concerns for Bieber are the lack of an operating fuel station and the red dirt that is kicked up by the plowing of the land surrounding the airport. 
Bieber reports the airport’s fueling system has been nonfunctional for over two months now.  
“At least eight aircraft have come in for fuel and I’ve had to tell them there’s no fuel,” Bieber said. 
According to Bieber, the larger issue at hand is the red dust that permeates the area. 
Plowing of the land next to the airport kicks up stubborn red dirt that coats all the airport equipment. Bieber says the poorly maintained equipment, potentially treacherous landing conditions, and lack of an operating fueling station will continue to drive pilots away and it may be difficult to bring them back. 
The council also received a report that a new boiler has been purchased by the city for the pool. No dates were given as potential opening days for the city pool. 
Some things that may be discussed at the next meeting are the possible rezoning of the city, adjustments to the current landfill rates, and budget discussions.