News

Secretary Rollins Announces Sweeping Reforms to Protect National Forests and Boost Domestic Timber Production

Publisher — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Secretary Rollins Announces Sweeping Reforms to Protect National Forests and Boost Domestic Timber Production Publisher Sat, 04/12/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

USDA Forest Service

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a Secretarial Memo to establish an “Emergency Situation Determination” on 112,646,000 acres of National Forestry System (NFS) land . This Memo comes on the heels of President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order to expand American timber production by 25%, and it will empower the U.S. Forest Service to expedite work on the ground and carry out authorized emergency actions to reduce wildfire risk and save American lives and communities.

“Healthy forests require work, and right now, we’re facing a national forest emergency. We have an abundance of timber at high risk of wildfires in our National Forests,” said Secretary Rollins. “I am proud to follow the bold leadership of President Trump by empowering forest managers to reduce constraints and minimize the risks of fire, insects, and disease so that we can strengthen American timber industry and further enrich our forests with the resources they need to thrive.”

The Memo issued by Secretary Rollins is part of a larger effort to ensure American resources are properly managed for generations to come. This work will support rural economies, reduce wildfire risk, and build capacity through workforce alignment and expanded partnerships.

This Memo will also spur immediate action from the U.S. Forest Service directing field leadership to increase timber outputs, simplify permitting, remove National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes, reduce implementation and contracting burdens, and to work directly with states, local government, and forest product producers to ensure that the Forest Service delivers a reliable and consistent supply of timber.

This action builds on Secretary Rollins’ announcement last month to unleash American energy by directing the USDA Forest Service to take action to remove burdensome Biden-era regulations that have stifled energy and mineral development on Forest Service land. As part of these decisive actions, the agency also canceled two mineral leasing withdrawals on Forest Service land that will help boost production of critical minerals.

Secretary Gray Applauds President Trump’s Executive Order to Unleash Coal Production as Wonderful for Wyoming Coal

Publisher — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Secretary Gray Applauds President Trump’s Executive Order to Unleash Coal Production as Wonderful for Wyoming Coal Publisher Sat, 04/12/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

Wyoming Secretary of State, Chuck Gray

On April 8th, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14241, an order to Reinvigorate America’s Coal Industry. The order directs federal agencies to lift barriers to coal mining, and prioritize coal leasing on federal lands. The order also requires agencies to rescind previous federal agency policies aimed at a “transition” away from coal production in favor of other sources, such as wind and solar.

In a statement praising the executive order, Secretary Gray noted, “Today’s Executive Order is a wonderful step in unleashing Wyoming’s coal industry. While some on the left continue to embrace propped-up, subsidized, fantasy-driven ‘green energy projects’ like wind and solar, I applaud President Trump’s decisive action to end the far-left’s war on the most affordable, abundant, and reliable form of energy: Wyoming coal. President Trump’s executive order is instrumental in undoing the devastating harm done by the Biden Administration. Rolling back the devastating regulatory impacts on Wyoming’s coal industry is key to unleashing Wyoming’s core industries. I want to thank President Trump for advancing this wonderful, important Executive Order.”

Hageman Plans Future Events to Be Held Virtually Because of Threats of Violence

Publisher — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Hageman Plans Future Events to Be Held Virtually Because of Threats of Violence Publisher Sat, 04/05/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) today announced her office is changing the way town hall meetings with constituents are conducted, at least in the short-term, based on recent incidents at public events, credible threats to Hageman, and the related national outbursts of politically motivated violence and attempts at intimidation. Until now, Hageman has held town hall meetings in person in public venues, but that will shift to tele-town halls or virtual settings until it is safer for all Wyomingites. Hageman had previously announced town hall meetings on March 28 in Cheyenne and March 29 in Torrington, both will now be held via tele town hall at the same date and times as previously announced. Laramie County residents may sign up at hageman.house.gov/about/events/laramie-county-town-hall-1 and Goshen County residents may sign up at hageman.house.gov/about/events/goshen-county-town-hall-1.

Since running for Congress in 2022, Hageman has held 75 in-person town halls, with at least three occurring in each of Wyoming’s 23 counties. Over that time, 73 of those meetings have occurred without incident, even though there has been spirited discussion with constituents at each one. In the past week, however, one town hall erupted in chaos fomented by activists, resulting in tense confrontations that threatened to spiral out of control.

At a town hall in Laramie on March 19, hundreds of protestors organized by the local Albany County Democratic Party and national influencers made such consistent and sustained disruptions that “shouts, boos and explicit language filled the theater,” according to local news coverage.

Because of the events in Laramie, more than 20 officers from multiple agencies were assigned to keep the peace at a town hall in Wheatland the next day on March 20. Despite the law enforcement presence, an attendee followed Hageman leaving the venue and initiated a physical confrontation with staff, into which local police were forced to intervene. Hageman also reported that staff in her Washington, D.C. and Wyoming offices have received numerous, credible threatening phone calls and emails, currently being investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies.

“I thank our wonderful law enforcement community for their willingness to support the public and myself while participating in our government process. It has become apparent, however, that the continuation of in-person town halls will be a drain on our local resources due to safety concerns for attendees,” said Hageman.

While the organized protests in Wyoming are jeopardizing the safety of members of the community, national Democratic Party leaders continue to encourage public eruptions and interruptions of what can be described as civil unrest, at best, or domestic terrorism, at worst.

The Democratic Minority Leader in the Senate, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), has not been subtle about the party’s plans to try to use public events as forums for intimidation.

“We have people going into Republican districts and going after these Republicans who are voting for [the Trump agenda],” he said on PBS Newshour. “And forcing them to either change their vote or face the consequences.”

There have been many documented incidents of politically motivated firebombing or other vandalism at Tesla dealerships, both in the U.S. and in other countries. Also, disturbingly, there has been a dramatic increase in incidents of “swatting” aimed at conservative media figures or notable Republicans. Swatting is the terroristic practice of calling in false police reports of a domestic hostage situation, a potential murder-suicide crisis, or other public safety emergencies, in order to draw an armed law enforcement response to an otherwise peaceful and unsuspecting residence. In such swatting situations, the potential for gunfire and harm to innocent citizens or law enforcement officers is extremely high. An incident at Hageman’s Cheyenne home in the last week confirms that she is the target of this national trend.

Hageman further explained why she is making changes to the town hall format.

“As the saying goes, ‘This is why we can’t have nice things,’” said Hageman. “I am proud of my record of holding dozens and dozens of town halls – 75 of them in just three years, at least three times in each of Wyoming’s 23 counties. And the only times we have had any problems with safety have been at two of the six held in the last week.”

“It’s no secret that I am willing to engage with citizens on any topic, in any place. But I draw the line when organized protestors intentionally create confrontation and chaos, escalating tensions to a point where violence seems inevitable,” Hageman continued. “It’s not safe for the peaceful citizens who want to come out to speak to their elected representative face to face. It’s not safe for attendees, it’s not safe for law enforcement, and it doesn’t do anything to encourage a meaningful dialogue at all.”

“For the time being, our town halls will be conducted in a safe virtual environment or in a tele-town hall format, until such time as it seems safe to resume in-person events,” Hageman concluded. “And because of that, I am formally calling on Sen. Schumer and his leadership counterpart in the House, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, to denounce their party’s organized disruptors and crime. A failure to do so will only further confirm that the left’s radical tactics are no longer on the fringe but the mainstay of the Democratic party and prove once again their disdain for the First Amendment and legitimate political discourse. It is time for them to demand that their partisans stop threatening and intimidating people and causing actual violence before someone gets seriously injured or killed.”

Medicine Bow Approves Property Sale

Publisher — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Medicine Bow Approves Property Sale Publisher Sat, 04/05/2025 - 07:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Medicine Bow Town Council met at 6 p.m. on March 10 at the Community Hall. Those present were Mayor George and Councilmembers Trevor Strauch, Lee Cook, Crystal Mayfield, and Kristi Wickizer.

George appointed Bob Hunter to the airport board and he appointed Melissa Maddox to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Council approved both.

The Fire Department MOU had the Council review and make changes, which were forwarded to the Fire District. The Fire District reviewed and made changes, which would be discussed by George, Fire Chief Ed Standish, and the Fire District.

Concerning the town’s property 724 Maple Street, estimates of repair were from $27,000 to 30,000, with Standish estimating repairs at $15,000 if someone local did the work. A motion was made by Strauch, and seconded by Cook to rebid out the house with a minimum bid of $48,000 and sell the house as is. The motion was carried unanimously.

Concerning the community hall door replacement; Cowboy glass would warranty the finish on the doors for two years and the seal on the glass on the door for 10 years. The Council approved Cowboy Glass to do the job.

A building permit was referred to the Council because it involved two of the Planning and Zoning Board members. The permit was for placing a Connex next to the old Texaco station on Lincoln Highway. It is meant to be temporary. It was approved with Strauch abstaining due to a possible conflict of interest.

The legislature is requiring municipalities to appoint a Homeland Security Coordinator and formulate a plan for security. George will speak to Lenny Layman, who is the Carbon County Emergency Management Coordinator about this, as many areas overlap for emergency management situations.

A mission team was coming to town and wished to know what community service project they could do. They had previously painted the park bathrooms and cleaned up the cemetery in prior years. A motion was made to table this discussion pending ideas for projects until the April meeting. The motion was approved.

With the WAM JPIC Elections Board coming up, George asked if anyone was interested in serving, and Public Works Director Brian Lashley volunteered.

Ordinance 1-2025 Mayor Pro Tem Duties had its first reading and was approved.

Resolution 2025-1--Wyoming Water Development Commission—was read in its entirety and approved.

National Service Recognition Day March 12 was proclaimed by George.

The Recreation Board said there will be another Crime and Wine March 22. There may be more. The Crime and Wine is now a potluck, with donations received for any alcohol consumed. New ideas were presented for the Drive-In Movies.

The meetings by the rec board are held the first Tuesday of the month and are open to the public.

South Central Wyoming EMS Representative Kenzie Strauch said the service has changed to a new collections company. The organization were in a contract discussion with the North Platte Medicine Center. A new ambulance would arrive in May, replacing the ambulance in Hanna that was giving trouble, paid for by grants. March 17 was the next meeting in Saratoga at 6pm, and it would also be available by Google Team Meets.

The WWDC application was filed, and the resolution that was just passed would be sent in to complete it. Application was made for mosquito spraying grants, Wes Smith would represent the town at the Carbon County Recreation Board meeting to ask for funds for the summer employees. Public Works Director Brian Lashley had met with several agencies to discuss how to better protect the wells by extending the protection area out five miles. The Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems will put together a proposal and present it to the Council. High Plains power is raising rates, but a great deal of money has been saved since putting lockboxes on the thermostats.

Medicine Bow Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Ed Standish reported there had been one call this month, a fire in Hanna. He was conducting training, setting up for the FF1 test, and rescheduling red card certification testing.

The structural helmets had arrived, but the wildland helmets were still on order, delayed by the wildfires in the east.

Planning and Zoning Chairman Trevor Strauch said the only permit they had received had been taken care of earlier in the meeting.

Town Attorney Smith had been in touch with the County attorney to make an appointment to review the town records they were holding and copy what was essential to the running of the Town. The Town needed to restart the municipal code violation process. Judge Massey had a procedure where he would do most of the work issuing citations for violations, the Council only had to send the violation to him. The codes needed to be evaluated and updated.

Airport Board President Lee Cook said the meetings were the third Thursday of the month. A 501 (C) 3 needed to be set up. Megan Standfill of the Historic Preservation Society came to a meeting and verified the airport was on the Historic Register.

Concerning the High Country Joint Powers Board, the Town of Hanna wanted to purchase 2.4 acres more, but would do a survey. They will pay for the new land, but they would get a third of the price. They could write Medicine Bow and Elk Mountain a check. The reseeding has not taken place yet.

Conor Mullen, a visual artist, presented the idea of creating a large art project in town, such as painting a mural. He thanked the Council for their time. George said he would reach out to him to discuss the project. The Council thanked him for coming to the meeting.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on April 14 at 6 p.m. at the Medicine Bow Community Hall.

Secretary Gray Expresses Complete Support of SAVE Act to Ensure Proof of Citizenship to Vote Nationwide

Publisher — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Secretary Gray Expresses Complete Support of SAVE Act to Ensure Proof of Citizenship to Vote Nationwide Publisher Sat, 04/05/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

Wyoming Secretary of State, Chuck Gray

On April 1, Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray released a statement in support of H.R. 22, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, to be considered by Congress this week. The SAVE Act requires proof of United States citizenship to register to vote for all federal elections. Requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote has been the number one priority of Secretary Gray’s election integrity reform agenda announced in 2024. During the 2025 Legislative Session, the Wyoming Legislature passed House Bill 156, which is modeled after the SAVE Act and requires proof of citizenship and proof of Wyoming residency to register to vote in all elections in Wyoming. “As I have said previously, I am in complete and total support of the SAVE Act, which is commonsense election integrity legislation to ensure only American citizens can vote in American elections by requiring documentary proof of United States citizenship to register to vote across the country,” Secretary Gray said in a statement. “Proof of citizenship for registering to vote is so important. Only United States citizens should be voting in American elections. Period. This is a key priority of President Trump, Speaker Johnson, Congresswoman Hageman, and of Republicans in the U.S. Congress. And I’m proud of our work in implementing these priorities in Wyoming, with the passage of House Bill 156, requiring proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of Wyoming residency to vote in all Wyoming elections. I applaud President Trump, Speaker Johnson, Congresswoman Hageman, and all Republicans in the U.S. Congress who support the SAVE ACT for continuing to push for the SAVE Act at the federal level, and look forward to its passage.” The text of the SAVE Act can be found at www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/22/text.

Don’t be April Fooled: Secretary of State’s Office Warns of Common Fraudulent Investment Tactics

Publisher — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Don’t be April Fooled: Secretary of State’s Office Warns of Common Fraudulent Investment Tactics Publisher Sat, 04/05/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

Wyoming Secretary of State, Chuck Gray

This April Fools Day, Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray is urging Wyomingites to be vigilant against the increase in fraud across the country. According to the FBI’s most recent Investigation Internet Crime Report statistics, investment fraud complaints have increased nationally from $1.45 billion in 2021 to $3.31 billion in 2022, a 127% increase.

“This April Fools Day, we’re warning Wyomingites to be vigilant against the common red flags of fraud,” Secretary Gray said in a statement. “Fraudulent investments continue to rise across the country, including Wyoming, and are becoming more and more sophisticated. Beware of common red flags indicating fraudulent investments, including:

Unsolicited pitches seeking to get personal information;

Guarantees of “zero risk” and high returns;

Pressure to “act before it’s too late;”

Offers for “offshore” and “tax free” investments;

Offers that sound too “good to be true;”

For more information on investor awareness or to report suspected fraud, visit the Compliance Division’s Investing Center of the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office, sos.wyo.gov/Investing/Default.aspx, or contact the Wyoming Compliance Division at (307) 777-7370 or via email at investing@wyo.gov.

Encampment Town Council Reviews Library Funding, Infrastructure Needs

Publisher — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Encampment Town Council Reviews Library Funding, Infrastructure Needs Publisher Sat, 04/05/2025 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Encampment Town Council met on March 13 to discuss budget considerations, infrastructure improvements, and public works concerns.

Adelaide Meyers, a member of the Carbon County Library Board, addressed the council regarding potential budget reductions due to declining property tax revenue. The county library system, which currently operates seven branches, closed the Sinclair branch last year due to financial constraints. While there are no immediate plans to close additional branches, another closure remains a possibility depending on the extent of budget cuts.

Meyers noted that the Encampment library is the third most used branch in the county and asked the council to consider financial support in its upcoming budget discussions. Alternative funding sources include grants, the Carbon County Library Foundation, and the state library, though operating costs are often not covered. Fundraising efforts are also being explored. Budget discussions are set to begin next month.

The council approved Mayor Shannon Fagan’s recommendation to contract American West for Phase II of the sewer lagoon project, citing the company’s qualifications and previous work.

The council also approved the second reading of Ordinance 2025-01, which amends Chapter 8.04 regarding the enhanced 911 telephone emergency system. No changes were made from the first reading.

Public Works reported that the sewer line between the E&H building and the highway is in deteriorating condition. A section of the pipe was removed following a blockage. While the council considered delaying repairs until the upcoming highway project in three years, Public Works warned that the pipe’s current state poses an immediate risk, particularly in hot weather. Further research into repair options will be presented at the next meeting.

A sewer backup at 805 McCaffrey Ave. prompted homeowner Mr. Brandt to request reimbursement for cleaning costs. The backup was traced to a blockage 125 feet from the property, which has since been cleared. The council approved his claim for $1,206.05.

The council approved the following expenditures:

• Three new batteries (two for the fire truck, one for the ATV)

• A new computer for the Public Works Department

• $6,630.40 plus freight for water plant chemicals and equipment

• $4,100 for spare parts for the UV treatment system at the sewer lagoon, a proactive purchase ahead of an expected price increase

• $2,213.70 plus freight to rebuild the front axle on a 2008 backhoe

• $700 plus freight for irrigation system repairs

• $10,106.70 for materials and compactor rental for Lagoon Road, to be funded by specific tax monies

• $14,198.56 plus freight for mosquito control chemicals, partially covered by a grant and a contribution from Riverside

The council also reviewed a request for lighting repairs at the pickleball court, estimated at $2,278.94. This includes $800 for the portion of the court on school property. Given strong community interest, the proposal includes a timer system to ensure lights turn off by 10 p.m. to minimize disruption to neighbors. The sodium lights would be replaced with LEDs for energy efficiency. The council will discuss cost-sharing options with the school before making a decision next month.

The next Encampment Town Council meeting is scheduled for April 10 at 7 p.m. at Encampment Town Hall.

Riverside declares Proclamation at Meeting

Publisher — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Riverside declares Proclamation at Meeting Publisher Sat, 03/29/2025 - 06:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Riverside Town Council had all council members present along with Mayor Leroy Stephenson.

After introducing all present, including those in the audience, Stephenson approved the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting on February 13, the agenda and financials.

When going over the reports, council member Mark Helwick said that he found going to the every other month meeting of the Carbon County Council of Governments (CCCOG) could be a meeting with not enough members to make a quorum. He hoped with the weather improving, that would not happen in the future.

The 2025 Riverside Party Day is getting closer to having the event have the food taken care of. The Easter Egg Hunt will be on Saturday, April 19.

Stephenson said the sewer system was overwhelmed by algae last year and the UV system could not take care of what needed to be discharged. Two E. Coli tests in the last month in the discharge failed.

The town approved purchase of an algae control system made by Bio-Hydro Science out of Tennessee.

The town will be putting up two street signs.

Town Clerk/Treasurer Jan Cook informed the Council she had worked on a grant to Weed and Pest for chemicals to control mosquitos. She said the cut to property tax has hit Week and Pest hard, so Cook could not assure the Council the town would get what it asked for, but she was confident there would be some funds.

The Council approved the permit for Mark Shepherd’s garage with the condition that they get in writing from Grand Valley Ditch permission.

Born and Raised Beef and Whiskey will be held on September 6, sponsored by the Riverside Garage and Cabins.

The Carbon County Library Board asked for any help the town could give to the System, especially to Encampment’s library.

Cook reminded the Council it will be going back to the starting time of 6 p.m. now that spring has started.

The Town will spend $500 for advertising for the Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering.

The Amendment Ordinance 230 of the Fiscal Year of 2024 to 2025 was approved in its first reading.

Stephenson proclaimed March 13, 2025, as National Service Recognition Day in the town of Riverside.

Signs indicating the Town Hall will be replaced.

Leanne Stephenson told the Council there was a committee that had been formed in Carbon County honoring the 250 years of the United State being in existence and they might be funds available to celebrate it.

The next regular meeting of the Riverside Town Council will be at 6 p.m. on April 10 at the Riverside Town Hall.

Rawlins City Council Honors Community Contributors and Advances Key Ordinances

Publisher — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Rawlins City Council Honors Community Contributors and Advances Key Ordinances

Publisher Sat, 03/29/2025 - 06:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Rawlins City Council convened Tuesday May 18, 2025 recognizing an outstanding community member, firefighters and moving forward with several ordinances and resolutions impacting city operations.

The council awarded the March 2025 Community Builder Award to Mary Kay Albrechtson for her dedicated volunteer service and contributions to the city’s quality of life. The monthly award honors individuals, businesses, and organizations for their outstanding support of Rawlins’ programs and events.

The council unanimously approved the third and final reading of an ordinance repealing Chapter 2.56 of the Rawlins Municipal Code and Ordinance No. 4-1994, which established the Rawlins Urban Systems Advisory Committee. The repeal aligns Rawlins with other Wyoming municipalities by removing the committee’s bylaws from city code, allowing the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) to oversee its operations.

Public Works Director Cody Dill and City Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave explained that the repeal would prevent conflicts between city ordinances and WYDOT regulations. The motion, introduced by Councilmember Steve Sanger and seconded by Tonya Lewman, passed without opposition.

The council approved revised 2025 Fire Civil Service Rules following a yearlong review by the Fire Civil Service Commission and city officials. The revisions, vetted by attorney Bradley Cave of Holland & Hart LLP, were unanimously endorsed by the commission and a council subcommittee. Councilmember Tonya Lewman moved to approve the rules, with Bruce Seilaff seconding. The motion carried unanimously.

A new Police Officer III position was added to the city’s law enforcement ranks as part of an update to the job descriptions for Police Officer I and II. The revision, recommended in conjunction with the city’s 2025 salary study, allows officers to advance based on accreditation rather than receiving separate stipends.

City Manager Thomas Sarvey, who presented the proposal, stated that the change ensures structured career progression within the department. The council approved the motion, moved by Lewman and seconded by Seilaff, without opposition.

The council also passed a resolution adopting a revised salary schedule pay plan and Appendix A, ensuring equitable compensation for city employees. The new pay scale, reviewed during a March 4 work session, provides clear guidelines for advertising open positions. Lewman and Seilaff once again sponsored the motion, which passed unanimously.

In an effort to address staffing shortages, the council approved suspending the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) 86-hour overtime rule for the Rawlins Police Department. Effective April 6, 2025, the suspension will remain in place until the department reaches sufficient staffing levels, as determined by the city manager. Sarvey, who presented the resolution, emphasized the necessity of the suspension to ensure adequate law enforcement coverage. The motion, introduced by Lewman and seconded by Seilaff, was unanimously approved.

The first reading of an ordinance revising Chapter 8.16 of the Rawlins Municipal Code on nuisances was approved. City Attorney Maberry-Nave outlined the updates, which clarify language, streamline enforcement mechanisms, and implement a citation-based system with grace periods and extensions for compliance.

A key change involves relocating abandoned vehicle regulations to a separate municipal code section. The revised ordinance aligns with the city’s beautification efforts and enforcement objectives. An amendment adjusting a provision to allow 48 hours for compliance was included in the final motion, moved by Sanger and seconded by Seilaff. The motion carried.

Rawlins City Council Approves Repeal of Urban Systems Advisory Committee Ordinance

Publisher — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Rawlins City Council Approves Repeal of Urban Systems Advisory Committee Ordinance Publisher Sat, 03/29/2025 - 06:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Rawlins City Council voted Tuesday May 4, 2025 to approve the second reading and waive the reading of an ordinance repealing Chapter 2.56 of the Rawlins Municipal Code and Ordinance No. 4-1994, dissolving the Urban Systems Advisory Committee under city governance.

Public Works Director Cody Dill and City Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave presented the ordinance, stating that the repeal would align the committee with Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) policies and practices followed in other municipalities. The Urban Systems Advisory Committee, originally established in 1974, oversees transportation projects funded through federal and local sources.

Since 2021, WYDOT has sought to modify the committee’s bylaws to improve operational efficiency. The repeal removes legal constraints and allows the committee to function as an independent advisory body under WYDOT’s oversight.

The motion to approve the repeal was made by Steve Sanger and seconded by Tonya Lewman. The resolution passed with a vote of 5-1, with Derek Elliott opposing and Terry Patterson abstaining.

The council also approved a new gaming license application for the Boys and Girls Club of Carbon County, Inc. The license, valid through December 31, 2025, permits the organization to conduct bingo and pull-tab gaming activities.

City Clerk Lynn Shearer confirmed the application met all legal requirements and was properly posted in the Rawlins Times. The motion, made by Sanger and seconded by Bruce Seilaff, passed unanimously.

The council approved a Special Use Permit (SUP 2501 001) for Union Wireless to install a 100-foot self-supported telecommunications tower east of Harshman Street and south of the Rawlins Sports Complex.

Community Development Director Lou Lascano and SAC Wireless representative Cynthia VanDeMark presented the proposal. The Planning & Zoning Commission previously reviewed and certified the application on February 11, 2025. The tower will include a generator shelter, propane tank, and fencing.

Sanger moved to approve the permit, with Lewman seconding. The motion carried.

The Parks and Recreation Department secured an $80,000 grant from Carbon County School District #1. Parks & Recreation Director Nikki Howell stated the funds will be used for a laser grading machine, warning track mix, and infield upgrades to improve the VFW fields ahead of the 2026 All-Star Tournament.

The council approved the grant and authorized City Manager Thomas Sarvey to sign the agreement. Lewman made the motion, seconded by Seilaff, and it passed unanimously.

In response to an emergency affecting the city’s waste transportation contractor, the council approved the assignment of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Transportation Agreement from Precision Demolition, Inc. to Blackburn Cattle Co., Inc.

Public Works Director Cody Dill explained that Precision was unable to fulfill its contract obligations due to unforeseen circumstances. Blackburn, an experienced waste hauler, has been operating in place of Precision for two weeks without issue. The agreement remains unchanged, ensuring continued service.

Sanger moved to approve the contract assignment, with Seilaff seconding. The motion carried.