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.
March 19th 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.
Grant application to the WY Office of the Attorney General, Division of Victim's Services was approved. This two-year grant funds the Sheriff's Office Victim's Services program. Grant amount 299,356.97
Grant application to the WY Dept. of Transportation Highway Safety Behavioral Grants Program was approved. This grant will fund Advanced Impaired Driving Detection Training and Coordination (DRE) through the Sheriff's Office. Grant amount $485,214.49
A public hearing announcing the WY Dept. of Family Services fiscal year 2025 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Community Partnership Initiative grant application. The announcement did not require any action buy the Board of Commissioners and there were no public comments. Grant applications are due to the County Commissioners by noon on Friday, April 5, 2024.
An addendum to an agreement between Laramie County and Motorola Solutions was approved to provide maintenance and support services for the Combined Dispatch Center radio equipment from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2028. Maintenance agreement not to exceed $188,014.91
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was approved between Laramie County and CLIMB Wyoming to provide employment opportunities for CLIMB Wyoming participants within the Laramie County Government. CLIMB Wyoming offers free job training for single moms living in poverty, preparing them for new careers.
A service agreement was approved between Laramie County and Network Communications International Corp to provide telephone and video visitation services for inmates within the jail.
A service agreement was approved between Laramie County and MedTrust to provide correctional healthcare services for jail inmates.
A public hearing was held regarding a resolution to adopt the Laramie County Public Works Snow and Ice Control Policy. There was no public comment during the public hearing, and the commissioners adopted the resolution. The Ice Control Policy is available to view on the county website.
Public hearing regarding a zone change from A1- Agricultural and Rural Residential to AR- Agricultural Residential for a parcel in the S ½ of the NW ¼ of Sect 10, T14N, R66W, of the 6th PM, Laramie County, Wy. There was no public comment at the commissioner's meeting; however, several landowners bordering the property attended the Planning Dept. public hearing and voiced concerns about the zoning change. Their concerns centered around possible issues with groundwater levels. The zoning change request met the Laramie County land use regulations, and the commissioners approved the zone change.
Public hearing regarding a zone change from A1—Agricultural and Rural Residential to AR—Agricultural Residential for a parcel in the S ½ of the NW ¼ of Sect 10 T14N, R66, of the 6th PM, Laramie County, Wy. There was no public comment. The zone change request met all of the Laramie County land use regulations and was approved by the commissioners.
Public hearing regarding a zone change from LU—Land Use to PUD—Planned Unit Development for Tracts 1 to 4, Terry Ranch Business Park, and Lot 1, Block 1, Terry Park, Laramie County, Wy. The zone change request met all of the Laramie County land use regulations and was approved by the commissioners.
A public hearing was held regarding a subdivision permit and plat for Bison Crossing, 11th Filing, situated in the SW ¼ of Sect 30 and the NW ¼ of Sect 31, T13N, R66W of the 6th PM, Laramie County, Wy. There was no public comment. The proposed subdivision met all of the Laramie County land use regulations and was approved by the commissioners.
For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website.
March 5th 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.
Resolution was approved proclaiming March 12th, 2024 as National Service Recognition Day. Zack Valario with Serve Wyoming spoke on behalf of the resolution and highlighted volunteers' positive impacts on their communities in Laramie County and across the Country.
Resolution was approved proclaiming March 2024 as Red Cross Month. Mrs. Pickard and Mrs. McCormick with the Wyoming Red Cross spoke on behalf of the resolution, giving some background on the Red Cross founder, Clara Barton, and how the organization has benefited the citizens of Laramie County and the nation in times of crisis. Commissioner Holmes praised the Red Cross and other volunteers around Laramie County for coming together to aid the community during the grass fires in recent weeks.
An agreement was approved to purchase a used 2018 Case IH Optum 300 CVT tractor from Wyoming Machinery for not exceeding $155,000.00 for Public Works. The project was funded through an ARPA grant.
An amendment was approved to extend an agreement between Laramie County and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) through February 4, 2025, for Laramie County Public Works to provide snow removal for portions of South Greeley Highway and Fox Farm Rd. WYDOT will reimburse Laramie County for snow removal services provided during the agreement's terms.
Liquor license fees were approved for July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
A resolution was approved to appoint Sue Thompson and Paula Poythrus to the Laramie County Hospital Board. They will complete the remainder of the five-year terms held by current board members who are stepping down. The current term expires June 30, 2026.
Public hearing regarding a zone change from A1—Agricultural & Rural Residential to AR—Agricultural Residential for a portion of the W ½, NE ¼, NW ¼, of Section 5, T14N, R66W, of the 6th PM, Laramie County, Wy, and a subdivision permit and plat for Beer Gardens Subdivision, Laramie County, WY. Both motions before the Commissioners met all county requirements, and no members of the public spoke for or against them. Both motions were approved.
A resolution declaring a state of emergency due to the March 1st grass fire was approved. The resolution will allow Laramie County to recoup expenses incurred fighting the fire, which included airdrops from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft from the Wyoming National Guard. Emergency Management Director Jeanine West presented the request to the Commissioners. Commissioners Malm and Thompson expressed gratitude to the state and local agencies and volunteers who supported the community during the event.
A resolution imposing Stage 2 fire restrictions for Laramie County was approved due to the extreme fire danger.
For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website.
February 20, 2024, 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.
On Call/Call Out personnel policy was approved. This policy lays out compensation for all nonexempt county employees assigned to on-call status throughout the county. Each department will need to develop its policy.
A contract was approved to purchase a Ford F550 4x4 with a service body from Kois Brothers Equipment Inc., to be at most the amount of 158,398.00 to be used by Public Works. This was an ARPA-funded project.
An addendum to the agreement with ImageTrend LLC to purchase goods and services to integrate computer services between City and County Fire and the Dispatch Center was approved. This software was paid for through the 2018 6th Penny tax funds.
Agreement was approved to have Capital Communications upgrade the county's phone services in an amount not to exceed 246,796.82.
Approved an update to the policy concerning Laramie County Health and Safety Program.
A public hearing was conducted regarding amendments to the 2019 Laramie County Land Use Regulations. The amendments will clean up language in the current regulations while the complete rewrite is finalized. The draft of the new regulations should be submitted to the Board of Commissioners for review in early to mid-summer. No public comments were made on this agenda item.
Public hearing regarding board approval for ATR Landscaping, located at 6607 Highlands Rd. Public members who spoke on the issue did not have any concerns with the business but did voice their frustrations with the lack of maintenance on the road they share with the proposed company. The item was approved, but there will be additional discussions with the business owner, County Planning and Public Works to look at future options for improving and maintaining the road.
For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website. https://laramiecounty.granicus.com/player/clip/684
February 6th 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.
Clifton, Larson, Allen LLP presented the fiscal year 2023 Laramie County audit. The audit found no discrepancies, and no action was required by commissioners. The complete audit is available for public viewing on the Commissioners website.
Martin/Martin Inc. presented the Archer sewer water and wastewater master planning report. No action was required by the Commissioners. The report discussed future water and sewer needs for the Archer Complex and surrounding properties.
Commissioners approved a project allowing Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and Volunteers of America to provide gambling prevention and treatment services. Funding for the project was supplied through a grant from the Wyoming Department of Health.
The Commissioners approved a contract for JSG Solutions to install new water hydrants for the Archer RV Park
Contract modification was approved to allow TC Solutions to manage and install owner-supplied furniture and equipment for the new Senior Center and the EMA fleet storage building.
Approved a contract for Rieman Corp. to install culverts along Telephone Rd.
An application was approved for the Iron Horse subdivision (3rd filing). The Subdivision will be located on 71 acres and subdivided into 16 5.25-acre lots in the area between West Wrangler Rd and West Riding Club Rd East of I-25 and west of Yellowstone Rd. The project met all of the county's land use requirements; however, several landowners from adjacent properties attended the meeting and voiced concerns about the additional drain on the area's water table.
Comments from the commissioners referenced the AMEC groundwater study. The 2014 study, completed under the direction of the State Engineer's Office, identifies the aquifer recharge rates for specific areas of the county and gives recommendations for minimum lot sizes for each location. The 5.25-acre lots proposed in the subdivision request meet the minimum lot size requirements indicated for this area in the AMEC study.
For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website.
January 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.
Eric Nelson, Owner of Wyoming Downs, gave a presentation on a proposed 600-acre project at the Terry Bison Ranch. This presentation required no action from the board or the public to get input from the community before a final proposal and formal consideration by the commissioners. Noah Zahn with the Wyoming Tribune wrote an excellent article on the project in Wednesday's paper; it is worth a read. The project is called "Gateways to the West" and will entail a 5000-seat indoor rodeo arena, hotel, expansion of current RV facilities, and other amenities.
Consideration of a resolution giving notice of Laramie County's intent to adopt Laramie County Public Works Snow and Ice Control Policy. Approved
An ARPA grant funding the purchase of an automated stacker with a transfer conveyor from Power Motive Corp. for public works was approved.
Consideration of the first amendment to the agreement regarding the proposed purchase of the 2020 Carey property was approved. The amendment included an allowance for building inspections before purchase.
Bryce Hamilton held a public hearing during the meeting with no action required. It was on the Ready Wyoming Transmission Line, a high-power transmission line and substation project going through a few eastern neighborhoods in Cheyenne. There was a presentation and discussion, and the public hearing was completed.
For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website.
January 2nd Laramie County Commissioners meeting
Brian Lovett elected as the Board Chair for 2024
Gunnar Malm elected as Vice Board Chair for 2024
Consent agenda items regarding part-time employees' salaries and acceptance of fees collected by the various county departments were approved.
Cheyenne City Planning gave notice of a change in land use to a property at the corner of Converse and Storey from Urban Residential to Community Business. The property is slated for annexation into the City.
The County Commissioners approved the contract for Quality Electric to add lighting for the Abandoned Motor Vehicle Lot and Public Works at Archer, which was paid for by an ARPA grant.
500,000 payment was approved for a portion of the minimum revenue guarantee to provide air service from Cheyenne to Denver.
County Planning is working on revising the Laramie County Land Use Regulations. They should have a draft for the Commissioners in early spring. They are also working on cleaning up language in the current regs to streamline the process for subdivision developments.
Developers for the Cathcart Unit Development property at the corner of Richard Rd. and Robert Ave. requested a zoning change to allow for the addition of a campground at the site. The change met all land use regs and was approved. No public comments were made.
Commissioners voted on and approved a new subdivision on County Road 142 between County Roads 212 and 213. Three members of the public living in the community voiced concerns about public services, schools, and possible water table issues. 398.7 acres will be divided into approximately 14-acre lots.
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