Several years ago, the Laramie County Commissioners started live-streaming the Commissioners' meetings and allowing the public to view previous meetings; as I work during the week as most of the public does, I rely on these videos to keep abreast of decisions being made by the Commission as well as areas of interest to the community during public comments. Everyone should take advantage of this valuable service and stay informed on decisions affecting the growth and direction of the county. Laramie County - Calendar (legistar.com) I will post a brief synopsis of the bi-monthly Commissioner meetings on my campaign Facebook page, including my comments and welcome input and dialogue from the community.
June 18th Laramie County Commissioners meeting:
The consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.
Resolution was approved, giving notice of a public hearing on the proposed establishment of the Woods Landing Estates Road Maintenance Improvement and Service District. Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee spoke on the issue and informed commissioners that a request for a special district was made and that it had met all applicable statutory requirements. The public hearing was set for August 6; there will be a 30-day period for protests regarding the proposal, which ends September 5. On September 17, following the public hearing and after the protest period, the board will take the final step in the approval process and order an election to form the special district.
A resolution was considered to impose stage one fire restrictions for Laramie County due to extreme fire danger. Commissioner Thompson motioned for the vote to be postponed, and Commissioner Holmes seconded the motion. After initial discussions over the past few weeks, the County Fire Chiefs and Fire Warden met, and it was determined that not all areas of the county are experiencing dry conditions; some places have standing water after recent rainstorms in their districts. Continued discussions with the Fire Chiefs will include the consideration of fire bans in specific fire districts instead of a county-wide ban.
An agreement was approved between Laramie County and KGA-Chey LLC in an amount not to exceed $243,438 to purchase six F150 4x4 Cab XL-141 trucks for Public Works. This was an ARPA-funded project that went out for bid.
An agreement was approved between Laramie County and KONE Inc. in an amount not to exceed $277,900 for the removal of the existing historic courthouse elevator and the provision of an upgraded elevator. This was an ARPA-funded project that went out for bid.
A motion was scheduled to be heard regarding an addendum to the sales order agreement between Laramie County and Election Systems & Software LLC. However, County Clerk Debra Lee notified the board that the Wyoming Secretary of State's Office notified her earlier in the day that their office would be supplying the requested hardware through their permanent election readiness account. This will save the county over $80,000. The item was withdrawn from the agenda.
An agreement was approved between Laramie County and BenchMark Engineers, PC, to provide engineering and surveying services for Public Works.
An agreement was approved between Laramie County and JTL Group Inc, dba Knife River, for the Archer Parkway Rd. & Site Improvement Project not to exceed $2,459,193.
An agreement was approved between Laramie County and Stasis Design, PC, at most $108,850, to provide professional design services in connection with the design of the new Archer storage building and horse barns. This project was funded through the 6th penny taxes. Commissioner Malm thanked the voters of Laramie County for continuing to invest in the Archer Complex.
Resolution approved appointing Jason Coy to the Laramie County Planning Commission for a three-year term expiring June 30, 2027
Resolution approved appointing Mike Williams and Kevin Marquart to the Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board for a three-year term expiring June 30, 2027
Resolution approved appointing Pete Obermuler to the Laramie County Hospital Board of Trustees for a five-year term, expiring June 30, 2029
Resolution approved re-appointing Steve Leafgreen to the Laramie County Library Board for a three-year term expiring June 30, 2027
Resolution approved appointing Phil Vanhorn, Jerry Jessen, and Ken McCann to the Cheyenne-Laramie County Joint Powers Board for Frontier Park Improvements for a three-year term, expiring June 30, 2027
Resolution approved appointing Lois Pricket to the board of Community Action of Laramie County for a three-year term, expiring June 30, 2027
Public hearing regarding a subdivision permit and plat for R Bar H Ranch Estates, 3rd Filing was withdrawn by the applicant at this time.
A public hearing was held regarding board approval for a 16-inch water main located in Sects 24 and 25, T13Nm R67W of the 6th PM, Laramie County, Wy. The project met all applicable land use regulations, and no members of the public were present to speak on the issue. The water main was approved.
A public hearing was held regarding the proposed Ready Wyoming Transmission Lines Project. No action by the Commissioners was required. A member of the public/ homeowner in the affected area was present and asked several questions regarding the project. A representative for Black Hills Energy was also present and answered each of his questions.
For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website.
June 4th, Laramie County Commissioners meeting:
Before starting the regular business, County Fire Chief Coy gave the Board of Commissioners a gift for their actions and support during the Dusty Road fire on March 1st, 2024. Chief Coy underscored the significance of this fire as being one of the county's most impactful fire events in several decades. Over 200 hundred firefighters and 40 agencies in Wyoming and Colorado were involved. The gift consisted of a commissioned painting by a Colorado artist. The piece will be displayed in the Commissioners' office in the county building. Each commissioner also received a postcard-sized copy of the artwork.
The consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.
Addendum approved between Laramie County and Beanworks Solutions USA in the amount of 28,666 to provide the county with subscription access to an accounts payable platform.
Agreement between Laramie County and Trane US Inc. in an amount not to exceed 245.740 to replace the covered equipment at the old courthouse. See attachment A in the agenda section for this meeting on the county website for details.
A memorandum of understanding between Laramie County and the US Marshals Service (USMS) was approved for temporary, short-term joint operations with state/local agencies.
The contract between Laramie County and 24/7 Sobriety Systems, LLC, was approved for the county to access and use software related to administering a remote alcohol and drug use monitoring system.
Contract approved between Laramie County and Alco Fence Co.Inc. not exceeding 898,402.84 for constructing a fence at the Archer Events Complex.
Notice of award ratified for Knife River to complete the Archer Parkway Rd. & Site Improvement Project. In an amount not to exceed 2,763,99. Public Works Director Molly Bennet spoke on the issue. She indicated that the project would entail paving the remainder of Archer Parkway, which is currently gravel, paving the parking lot, looping around the M building, and paving the parking lot west of the events Center and drainage work.
A public hearing was conducted regarding a zone change from AR - Agricultural Residential to LI Light Industrial to the north 116 feet of Tracts 143 and 144 Sunnyside Addition 5th filing, Laramie County. The property is located at 4991 Cheyenne St. The request met all county regulations, and there was no public comment. The zone change was approved.
A change order was approved for Sampson Construction Co. Agreement (231017-8), adding concrete parking areas instead of asphalt on the north and east sides for the new senior center activity center for an additional amount of 71,340.30.
For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website.
May 21st Laramie County Commissioners meeting:
The consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.
A resolution was approved proclaiming the week of May 19-25, 2024, as National Public Works Week.
A resolution was approved, designating patrol deputy new hires eligible for a $5,000 hiring bonus. This initiative aims to boost recruitment for the Sheriff's Office Patrol division.
A resolution approved designating detention deputy new hires eligible for a $8,000 hiring bonus to increase hiring for the Sheriff's Office Detention Division.
A resolution was approved to establish a location for an in-person absentee voting and counting center for Laramie County. The designated location, the atrium of the Laramie County Governmental Complex at 310 West 19th St, will be open for early voting for the August Primary from July 23rd through August 19th and for the General election from October 8th through November 4th.
A resolution was approved authorizing the submission of an invoice to the Wyoming Dept. of Health for the fiscal year 2024 Wyoming Gaming Commission allocation for gambling prevention efforts along with treating problematic gambling behavior for $72,098.82.
A public hearing to consider renewing county liquor licenses was held. There was no public comment, and the commissioners approved all renewals. See the posted minutes of the May 21st, 2024, commissioners meeting for a detailed list.
Public hearing regarding board approval and site plan for the McRady RV storage facility located at the Northwest corner of East College Drive and Avenue C. There was no public comment and both items were approved.
For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website.
May 7th Laramie County Commissioners meeting:
Consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.
As state statutes require, a resolution was approved to divide Laramie County into six election districts. The districts will be the same as in the last election cycle.
To accommodate the Board of Equalization hearings for property tax disputes, a resolution was approved consolidating the scheduled commissioner meetings in September 2024.
A resolution was passed to rescind Stage 2 fire restrictions in Laramie County. With the recent moisture and forecast for additional moisture, it is no longer needed.
An agreement was approved for OMNI Institute to provide evaluation services for the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program in an amount not to exceed 150,000. The services will be funded through the county's federal Department of Justice grant.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cheyenne-Laramie County Health Dept was approved to provide wraparound services for pregnant inmates at the Detention Center and Juvenile Services Center to ensure they have the support they need after release.
A public hearing was held regarding a request for reconsideration of 4 fireworks permits denied during the April 21st Commissioners meeting. The same person owns the businesses and operates as Jurassic Fireworks and Artillery World. The attorneys for the companies and the owner spoke on the request. The Board of Commissioners gave a rebuttal outlining the issues that led to the denial. During the public hearing, a representative for a neighboring business, Phantom Fireworks, spoke and detailed issues their business had with the petitioner. The Laramie County Fire Warden spoke regarding safety issues by Jurassic and Artillery World employees passed on to him by members of the public and by law enforcement. A law enforcement representative also spoke regarding complaints on the petitioner's businesses. After reviewing the request for reconsideration and public hearing, the Laramie County Board of Commissioners unanimously denied all four permits.
Public hearings were held regarding seasonal fireworks permits for Pyro City, Fireworks Outlet, Fireworks Wholesale, and Fireworks Wearhouse. All were approved, and no public comments were given.
Recommendation for Clifton, Larson Allen audit services to continue conducting financial audits of Laramie County finances was approved.
Public hearing regarding subdivision and plat for Piata Ranch 2nd filing, located at the intersection of county Rd 146 and Iron Horse Rd. The 40.63 acres will be divided into seven 5.25- to 8-acre tracts. No public comments were given, and the permit and plat were approved.
A public hearing regarding a site plan for the Leachman Feedyard and Sale Facility was held. The property lies approximately ½ miles SE of Highway 85 and Rd 152. There was no public comment, and the site plan was approved.
Public hearing regarding a zone change from Agricultural (A2) to Mixed Use (MU) for a property at 8619 US 30. There was no public comment, and the site plan was approved.
April 16th Laramie County Commissioners meeting:
Consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.
The resolution was approved, proclaiming April 2024 as the month of the military child. Dawn Sanchez, with the Laramie County 4-H Program, and Cindy Pew, Lead Coordinator of the Wyoming National Guard Traveling Youth Program, spoke on the resolution and introduced several of the military families' youth who serve on the Teen Leadership Council. It was identified that approximately 5,000 children and youth have been affected by the military deployments of at least one parent or loved one.
A resolution was approved allowing 307 Horse Racing, Inc. to conduct pari-mutuel wagering on live horse racing and simulcast events at 3310 Ridge Rd. The Commissioners commended 307 for voluntarily giving the Board of Commissioners a greater level of control over reporting and other aspects of the business. Commissioner Thompson referred to the businesses as wonderful community partners.
A public hearing was conducted on four combined grant applications to the Wyoming Department of Family Services for the federal fiscal year 2025 Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Community. Representatives from Climb Wyoming, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and My Front Door attended the meeting to thank the Board of Commissioners for past funding and give an overview of the lives positively impacted. There was no public comment, and the applications were approved for submission.
The commissioners approved an emergency rule amendment, amending the Laramie County Fireworks Permit Application, which amended certain fireworks permits and provided notice to applicants.
The commissioners held a public hearing regarding the yearly fireworks permit for three fireworks businesses owned by Breanna Elliott and doing business as Jurassic Fireworks, located at 201 I-25 Service Rd Building A, Artillery World, located at 237 I-25 Service Rd Building B, and Artillery World, located at 237 I-25 Service Rd building C. These were listed individually on the commissioners' agenda but were bundled and heard together during this meeting. These three yearly fireworks permits were not granted due to past poor behavior on the part of the business, as outlined by several of the Commissioners. For specific details, please watch the video for items 15, 18, and 20 for the meeting dated April 16th. There was no public comment on these permit applications.
Public hearings for yearly fireworks permit applications were conducted for Phantom Fireworks, located at 239 I-25 Service Rd, and USA Fireworks, located at 102 W College Dr. No public comments were received on either application, and the commissioners approved them both.
There was a public hearing regarding approval for a vacation of Lot 1, Block 1, of the Swan Ranch Rail Park, located at 5648 Burwick Dr. The request was to allow for a change to property lines within the parcel. There was no public comment, and the item was approved.
A public hearing was held regarding the site plan approval for ATR Landscaping, located at 6607 Hyland Rd. Several property owners spoke in favor of the Landscaping Business and welcomed it to the neighborhood. The business was previously approved by commissioners; however, concerns were raised at that time regarding the condition of Hyland Rd. All issues with the road have been mitigated since then. The site plan was approved.
There was a public hearing regarding approving the vacation of lots 3 and 4 of the property at 1319 Green Acres Ct. The vacation of the lots would allow for 1 larger single parcel. There were no public comments, and the item was approved.
For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website.
Laramie County - Calendar (legistar.com)
April 2nd Laramie County Commissioners meeting
* Consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.
* Commissioners approved a resolution proclaiming April 2024 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. Lynn Huylar, Director of Safe Harbor Children's Justice Center, presented the proclamation to the commissioners.
* A reconnaissance report was approved as part of a cooperative agreement between Laramie County and the Wy Dept of Transportation regarding the evaluation of a bridge over Lodgepole Creek on county road 124 between Bridger Dr and Lodgepole Dr. The bridge is slated to be replaced in the future.
* Public hearing regarding changing the boundaries of precinct 1-1 and 1-2 and changing boundaries of 5-2 and 5-3 to create a new precinct 5-4 for the town of Pine Bluffs. There was no public comment on the boundary change, and it was approved by the commissioners.
* An agreement was approved between Laramie County and Schlosser Signs, Inc., for a total of $572,356.00 to manufacture and install a new monument display sign for the Archer Complex, funded with proceeds from oil leases on county property.
* A contract modification with Martin/Martin was approved for additional design services to connect the Archer sewer system with the water treatment plant.
* Fireworks permit requests for Jurassic Fireworks and two Phantom Firework locations were moved to the April 16th Commissioners meeting agenda.
* Simon Contractors was awarded the contract for the Road 142 reconstruction project. This is a 6th penny tax project in an amount not to exceed $5,189,321.50
* Public hearing regarding a zone change from A-1 Agricultural and Rural Residential to AR—Agricultural for a property located at 1535 Tranquility Rd and from A1—Agricultural and Rural Residential to LR—Low Density Residential for a portion of property located at 1522 McCallister Rd. No public comment was made, and the zone change was approved.
* A motion was approved to correct language to a zoning change previously approved in March for a property off of Ridge Rd.
* Public hearing regarding a zone change from MR—Medium Density Residential to MU—Mixed Use. The property is located at the NW corner of Avenue C and East College Dr. No public comment was made, and the zone change was approved.
* A public hearing was held regarding a subdivision permit and plat for Riatta Flats Subdivision, located east of 4340 I 80 Service Rd at Burns. The proposed subdivision would divide the 50.49-acre property into ten 5.25-acre lots. There was no public comment, and the permit and plat were approved.
* Public hearing regarding postponement of the solar energy site plan and permit for the Cowboy Solar 1 & 2 Project. The delay would allow more time for the County Planning review process. There was no public comment, and the postponement was approved.
* Public hearing regarding a vacation of property located near Roundtop Rd and Happy Jack Rd. and a zone change from NB - Neighborhood Business to P - Public. This zone change will allow for the construction of a new fire station at that location. There was no public comment, and the recommended changes were approved.
For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website. Laramie County - Calendar (legistar.com)