Rock Springs City Council Meeting: March 18, 2026

The Rock Springs City Council met on March 18, 2026, at an unspecified time. Council President Jeannie Demas presided in the absence of Mayor Max Mickelson. The meeting covered council updates, consent calendar approval, commendations, proclamations, a tourism presentation, public comment, legislative updates, and several resolutions and new business items. Key actions included denying a request to reconsider the Main Street Market layout, approving a goat grazing contract for vegetation management, and reauthorizing a bid for the Century West Parksplash Pad Project.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the approval of minutes from the March 3, 2026 meeting, the health insurance fund recap for February 2026, financial report summaries for January and February 2026, the fiscal year 2026 mid-year abstract statement, the Parks and Recreation Monthly Report for February 2026, Urban Renewal Agency monthly reports for January and February 2026, and minutes from the Specific Purpose Tax Joint Powers Board and Urban Renewal Agency Board meetings of February 9, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathy Phelps addressed the council regarding goats but deferred her comments to a future meeting when the mayor is present.

Discussion Items

• Council Updates: Multiple council members reported on their activities over the past two weeks, including attendance at building committee meetings, fire union negotiations (which started positively), a council retreat, Urban Renewal Agency (URA) business meetings, chamber of commerce luncheons, and community events like trivia night and Muley Days. Councilman Malonas expressed interest in creating a special downtown district and investing in parking around Bunning Park, and he is working on an oral hygiene program for the community.
• Commendation: The council congratulated Mark Pedrie on his appointment to the Wyoming Arts Council by the governor. Pedrie spoke about the importance of the arts as a cultural and economic resource for Rock Springs and the state.
• Proclamations: Stacey Jones presented a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Women's History Month, highlighting Wyoming's pioneering women in suffrage and government. Doug Yurig from the American Legion presented a proclamation for Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29, 2026, and thanked the council for honoring veterans.
• Tourism Presentation: Janessa Meredith, CEO of Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism, presented the 2025 annual report. Key points included: the lodging tax has been in place since 1991 and was renewed with over 81% voter support; fiscal year 2024-2025 collections were just over $1.5 million; 79% of lodging tax funds are spent on out-of-county marketing; for every $1 spent, there is a $798 return on investment to the local economy; a new block grant for downtown Rock Springs has been instituted; and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area has applied for an All-American Road designation.
• Legislative Update: Senator John Kolb provided an update on the 2026 legislative session. He noted the passage of a bill giving local governments the ability to deny simulcasting permits, which he said gives cities a voice in gaming regulation. He discussed the local distribution money for cities, a stormwater taxing district bill (which died but will be revisited), a bill to allow recall of city council members (which he helped kill), and the SAPA gun bill (which was vetoed by the governor, a move he supported). He said the budget was handled responsibly.
• New Business – Main Street Market Location: The council considered a postponed request from North Front Street business owners to reconsider the approved layout for the Main Street Market. After discussion, staff recommended moving the market to Bunning Park as a trial, with the option to revisit if needed. Councilman Beckley suggested denying the original request since the new location addresses the concerns. The council denied the request to reconsider the North Front Street layout.
• New Business – Goat Grazing Contract: The council discussed Resolution 2026-21, approving a $92,000 contract with LS5 Livestock Company, LLC for targeted grazing and vegetation management along Kilpecker Creek. Director Kalcich explained that the goats help mitigate flooding and fire risk by removing noxious weeds and thinning vegetation that can obstruct water flow. Josh Stone, owner of LS5, stated his company is Wyoming-based and the money stays local. Councilman Malonas expressed skepticism about the program's effectiveness and voted no. Councilman Pedrie voted no based on constituent concerns about cost. The resolution passed with a majority vote.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-20 (Sales Agreement): Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2026-21 (Goat Grazing Contract): Approved with Councilors Malonas and Pedrie voting no.
• Resolution 2026-22 (Concession Stand Agreement with Little League): Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2026-23 (Designating Mayor as Voting Delegate for WAM): Approved unanimously.
• New Business – Century West Parksplash Pad Rebid: Approved unanimously. The department plans to separate in-house work from the contract to reduce costs.
• New Business – Wyoming Historic Preservation Grant: Approved unanimously. The city will apply for $20,000 to support exterior preservation work on the Rock Springs Historical Museum.
• New Business – Police Sergeant Position: Approved unanimously. The chief noted that a new civil service test will be required before filling the position.
• New Business – Road Closure for Street Party: Approved unanimously. South Main Street will be closed from C Street to Bank Court on June 6, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for a summer kickoff street party.
• New Business – Liquor Catering Permits: Approved unanimously. Five permits were granted for the Jenkins Music Pool Tournament from April 8-12, 2026, at the Sweetwater Events Complex.
• Bills, Claims, and Salaries: Approved with some abstentions.