Rock Springs City Council Meeting - October 21, 2026

The Rock Springs City Council met on October 21, 2026, for a regular meeting that included council updates, consent agenda approval, appointment and swearing-in of Jordan Allen as city attorney, public comment on the future of the Civic Center, approval of routine financial items, several resolutions, and ordinance action on alcoholic beverage permits and electric bicycles/scooters.

Council Updates

• Councillors reported on work on the e-bike ordinance, a constituent concern about the bid process, and staff work on the Roosevelt/Hoover intersection.
• Councillors noted upcoming election and ward changes, property-line discussions, homecoming and school events, chamber events, a downtown history bus tour, and a school district forum.
• Mayor Mickelson reported that grant funds restricted work around Bunning Park until approximately summer 2025, praised planning staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission for upcoming changes to 21 ordinances, and recognized breast cancer awareness month and National Honor Society inductees.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda included the October 6, 2026 council minutes; appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Rock Springs Historical Museum Board; health insurance, financial, and parks reports; the Specific Purpose Tax JPA meeting minutes; and a PEO thank-you note.
• The city attorney appointment was pulled from the consent agenda and considered separately. Council approved the consent agenda unanimously.
• Council then voted unanimously to appoint Jordan Allen as city attorney. Mayor Mickelson said he had observed Allen for the past month and 20 days and expressed full confidence in him. Allen was sworn in after council suspended the regular agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tiana Gandhi, YWCA, gave community updates, including a book signing, the Wear, When, Share One Luncheon, and the Red Desert Humane Society Fur Ball, and praised city-school bus partnership safety efforts.
• Linda Seguano, a civil engineer and sister of former Public Works Director Glenn Seguano, presented data from city reports on the Civic Center. She stated the FEA report estimates $15.7 million is needed over 20 years, with $5.6 million, roughly one-third, in the first two years. She noted the fire sprinkler system passed inspection and was in fair condition, and that the elevator was not critical or urgent. She said actual spending was under budget every year from 2021 to 2026, leaving $1.4 million unused, with 52% of that earmarked for operation and maintenance. She cited the Barry Dunn report that Rock Springs' two indoor facilities meet the national benchmark of one facility per 10,000 residents. She also noted the Old Timers Civic Center group fixed an OSHA-compliant ship's ladder for about $4,500 versus an engineering estimate over $20,000.
• Ruth Brungaard, a Silver Sneakers participant from North Rock Springs, spoke in support of keeping the Civic Center open. She said closing it would harm community health, mentioned people willing to donate if the closure resolution were rescinded, and asked council to rescind the resolution so fundraising could proceed. She also suggested renaming it the Max Mickelson Aquatic and Athletic Club. Councillor Zotti responded that she had not heard specific commitments from donors and asked supporters to come forward; Mayor Mickelson said the city is seeking ways to preserve services and that it is not the city's intention for Civic Center employees to lose jobs.
• Shirley Sukaley questioned why the city was waiting until after the election to close the Civic Center and asserted it would close regardless. Mayor Mickelson explained that the city originally moved to close it about a year and a half ago, but community members asked for time to find a solution. Councillor Zotti said the two-year extension came from the historic building committee's request for time to secure grants.

Discussion Items

• Civic Center discussion: Mayor Mickelson detailed fiscal pressures, including an estimated $600,000 in major maintenance for failing City Hall elevators, with museum and rec center elevators also failing, for a potential $1.2 million in unanticipated costs. He said Rock Springs spends about 20% of its general fund on parks and recreation, more than any other community he is aware of. He noted the city invested more in Civic Center major maintenance in the prior fiscal year than in the previous 10 years combined and that proposed public-private partnerships have not produced committed funds beyond roughly $12,000 from the Old Timers Civic Center group. Councillor Malonas argued the city should let the Old Timers group try, citing the ladder repair savings. Mayor Mickelson responded that a resolution can be undone but the math does not work.
• E-bike ordinance: Councillor Bingham presented an amendment to Ordinance 2026-11 on its second reading, incorporating changes developed with staff and the police chief. He withdrew proposed under-16 street-riding and helmet requirements after discovering they were not based on state law. The amendment aligns definitions with state statute, requires prudent speeds and yielding to pedestrians on sidewalks, allows site-specific park restrictions, adds parental responsibility, and removes the one-year warning and education period in favor of a police department policy. Councillor Zotti expressed concern about class-three e-bikes on sidewalks but supported the amendment as a starting point; others supported education and follow-up information. The amendment carried unanimously.

New Business

• Council unanimously approved the Health Insurance Committee's recommendation for health insurance premiums, HSA contributions, and stop loss for the 2027 plan year.
• Council unanimously approved a request from Western Whisk Cheesecake Company to close C Street between Broadway and North Front Streets on October 24, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a community trunk retreat event.

Resolutions

• Resolution 2026-135, accepting an alcohol and tobacco inspection contract with the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, passed unanimously. During discussion, the police chief said kratom is legal for sale in Wyoming to those 21 and older, and the contract covers compliance checks.
• Resolution 2026-136, accepting a service agreement with United Diagnostic Services LLC for onsite ultrasound cancer screening for the Rock Springs Fire Department, passed unanimously. The fire chief said funding would come from the regular physicals budget, with possible workers' compensation reimbursement.
• Resolution 2026-137, awarding a contract to 10 Point Sales and Marketing LLC for a closed circuit television sewer inspection vehicle and equipment in the amount of $487,871, passed unanimously. Staff noted the budgeted amount was $150,000 and that the other bid was disqualified for not meeting specifications.
• Resolution 2026-138, approving a revised schedule of fees, passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2026-139, accepting the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming administrative services only renewal, benefit plan modification, COBRA rates, and associated stop loss provisions effective January 1, 2027, passed unanimously.
• Resolution 2026-140, authorizing the city to settle a claim with Gordon Crofts for $55,000, passed unanimously. Staff confirmed this was the final piece before Crofts takes ownership and begins renovations.

Ordinances

• Ordinance 2026-10, creating a Special Malt Beverage Permit in Title 11, Chapter 115, passed on its third reading by unanimous roll call, with all council members and the mayor voting yes.
• Ordinance 2026-11, regarding electric bicycles and electric scooters, was read on second reading; council unanimously adopted the amendment described above. No final passage vote occurred at this meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Jordan Allen was appointed and sworn in as city attorney.
• The consent agenda, city bills and claims, salaries, both new business items, and all six resolutions were approved. Housing Authority bills and claims were approved with Councillors Thompson and PG abstaining; salaries were approved with Councillor Thompson abstaining.
• Ordinance 2026-10 passed on final reading; Ordinance 2026-11 remains pending after unanimous approval of amendments.
• Civic Center closure and future remain an open discussion; council members asked supporters to bring forward specific donation or funding commitments, and city staff continue exploring options to continue services.