Public Meetings - Rock Springs, Wyoming

The Rock Springs City Council met on July 8, 2026, with all members present. The meeting included council member reports on constituent contacts and community events, a public hearing on housing authority policy changes, a public comment period regarding the June 1st proclamation, approval of several bids and resolutions, and unanimous or majority votes on routine items. Consent Calendar - Approved the June 16, 2026, city council meeting minutes. - Appointed Chris Sutterland to the Sweetwater County Joint Travel and Tourism Board. - Accepted Joint Powers Combined Communications Board meeting minutes (May 18, 2026) and Joint Powers Telecom Board meeting minutes (May 20, 2026). - Received correspondence including a written decision in Rick Malonas vs. Mayor Mickelson and a thank-you note from the soup kitchen. - Motion carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing: No one spoke on the Rock Springs Housing Authority's proposed changes to the admissions and continued occupancy policy and the Section 8 voucher program administrative plan. - Daniel Sexton addressed the council regarding the June 1st proclamation (Pride Month). He expressed opposition, stating that the LGBTQ+ organization now advocates for “sick, disgusting stuff” including men in women’s sports, sex changes on minors, and anti-Semitism. He argued that the proclamation divides the community and that LGBTQ+ individuals should be treated as regular people without special celebration. Mayor Mickelson responded by explaining the city’s practice: any resident may request a proclamation for a recognized event, and the city does not take a position due to the First Amendment. He noted that the alternative is to do no proclamations at all, which would eliminate honoring Veterans Day, childhood illnesses, etc. Council member Malonas thanked Mr. Sexton for coming forward. Council Member Reports - Council members reported on constituent contacts (fireworks, data centers, road construction, water/sewer rate increases, e-bikes, traffic, rodents, weeds, etc.) and events attended (Flaming Gorge Days, 250th ORV ride across Wyoming, concerts in the park, Broadway Theater bartending, new judge swearings-in, blood donation, firework enforcement, parades, etc.). Mayor Mickelson praised Candy Pendleton and the events complex staff for hosting visiting groups. Discussion Items - Bid Opening: Three Stooge Electric (Evanston, WY) submitted the sole bid of $67,000 for the Rock Springs Housing Authority Aluminum Pigtail Retrofit. The bid was accepted with a personal check included. - New Business: - Request to bid the cemetery lighting project – approved unanimously. - Request to fill a vacant cemetery worker 1 or 2 position – approved unanimously. Councilor Hickerson asked about the difference between the two levels; the department will base placement on qualifications. - Request to fill a vacant police records technician 1 or 2 position – approved unanimously. - Request to fill a vacant full-time marketing and theater coordinator position (Urban Renewal Agency) – approved unanimously. - Resolutions: All resolutions (2026-85 through 2026-93) were approved with varying abstentions. Key details: - Resolution 2026-85: Authorized revised Housing Authority admissions and occupancy policies and Section 8 plan – Pedri and Thompson abstained. - Resolution 2026-86: Authorized commercial access agreement with All West Utah Inc. – Pedri and Thompson abstained. - Resolution 2026-87: Accepted Sweetwater County Transit Authority service agreement – unanimous. - Resolution 2026-88: Accepted Sweetwater County District Board of Health service agreement – unanimous. - Resolution 2026-89: Accepted MOU with Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce for FY2027 – unanimous. - Resolution 2026-90: Accepted MOU with Studio 307 Dance Center for limited parking use – Mayor abstained (he is a building owner). - Resolution 2026-91: Accepted contract with JFC Engineers for 2027 Miscellaneous Utility Project – unanimous. - Resolution 2026-92: Accepted amendment 4 to the commercial air service improvement plan – unanimous. - Resolution 2026-93: Accepted service agreement with Boys & Girls Club of Sweetwater County – Zotti abstained. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Bid for housing authority pigtail retrofit accepted from Three Stooge Electric for $67,000. - Bills and claims approved: Housing Authority June 30 and July 7 (with Pedri and Thompson abstaining), city bills June 30 and July 7 (unanimous), and salaries June 22 (with Thompson abstaining). - All four new business items approved unanimously. - All nine resolutions approved with the following abstentions: Pedri and Thompson on resolutions 2026-85 and 2026-86; Mayor on 2026-90; Zotti on 2026-93. Others unanimous. - Public hearing closed with no comments. - Public comment heard and acknowledged by the mayor.

The Rock Springs City Council met on April 22, 2026, with Councilor Pedrie serving as temporary president. The meeting covered council updates, bid openings, proclamations, a presentation from Scouting America Troop 3070, updates on the Bunning Park mine subsidence project, public hearings on the sale of the First Security Bank and a justice assistance grant, citizen petitions, and multiple resolutions. Key decisions included tabling the bank sale resolution, approving several other resolutions, and adopting two proclamations. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the April 7, 2026 city council meeting. - Accepted officer of staff reports: health insurance fund recap (March 2026), parks and recreation monthly report (March 2026), Rock Springs Renewal Fund Financial Statements (July 2025 – February 2026). - Approved minutes from the Rock Springs Historical Museum Board (Nov 12, 2025), Specific Purpose Tax Joint Powers Board (March 9, 2026), and Joint Powers Telecommunication Board (March 26, 2026). Public Comments & Testimony - Philip Stanton (Green River resident): Questioned the proposed sale of the First Security Bank (502-504 S Main) for $75,000, noting the building had been on the market for a long time and the low offer raised concerns about transparency and missed opportunities. He suggested advertising the property or seeking other offers. - Mark Pedrie (entrepreneur, Rock Springs resident): Expressed support for a positive vision for the bank building, encouraging the council to consider local dreams and ideas, and advocated for giving other potential buyers a fair chance if the current offer was low. - Unidentified citizen (petitions): Spoke on flood risks, fire hazards, and mosquito control related to Bitter Creek and other floodways. Praised the city's use of goats for vegetation management but urged follow-up clearing of woody debris. Suggested the city purchase its own goat herd to reduce herbicide use and generate revenue through rentals. Discussion Items - Council Updates: All councilors reported on recent meetings, including budget sessions, legislative updates, ribbon cuttings, and committee work. Councilor Malonas noted the budget deficit of approximately $10.7 million and ongoing efforts to cut costs. - Scouting America Troop 3070 Presentation: Scouts asked questions about city government, leadership, and attracting jobs. Senior Patrol Leader Chloe Hager presented her Eagle Scout project proposal to install seating at Arthur Park near the goggle ball pit. Council referred her to Parks Director JJ for approval and guidance. - Bunning Park Mine Subsidence Project Update: Richard McPeak and Ryan Reid of the Wyoming DEQ AML Division reported that drill-and-grout mitigation is nearly complete. Out of 111 drill holes, 46 were voids that took grout, with the largest single hole taking 431 cubic yards. The project is on track for completion by Memorial Day (May 22, 2026). Work will continue on surrounding streets (Elk, Noble, J, K, and Pilot View) through summer. A new project on the Central Cone Coke mine will begin in mid-May, affecting residents on Wyoming, Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire streets. The free subsidence insurance program (WIMSIP) was promoted. - First Security Bank Sale (Resolution 2026-32): The council discussed an offer of $75,000 for the building, which had been appraised at $695,000. Councilor Zotti moved to table the resolution to allow consideration of other potential buyers, including one who expressed interest that day. The motion passed with a voice vote (no roll call recorded). - Ward Redistricting (Ordinance 2026-05, first reading): Councilors debated the redistricting map, which adjusts ward boundaries to equalize population. Councilor Demas expressed concern about losing voters in her ward, while others noted the need to comply with state statute for equal representation. No vote was taken; the ordinance remains on first reading. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2026-32 (First Security Bank sale): Tabled to the next meeting to review other potential offers. - Resolution 2026-33 (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant 2025): Approved unanimously, accepting $11,002 in grant funds. - Resolution 2026-34 & 2026-35 (FAA entitlement transfers): Approved unanimously, transferring funds to Laramie and Sheridan airports as part of a cooperative program. - Resolution 2026-36 (Weed management contract with Weed Management Solutions, LLC): Approved (Councilor Zotti abstained due to conflict of interest). Total contract amount: $148,000.52. - Resolution 2026-37 (Vehicle purchase from Fremont Motor Company, Lander): Approved unanimously. Total: $63,329. - Resolution 2026-38 (Amended collective labor agreement with Firefighters Local 1499 IAF): Approved unanimously. - Resolution 2026-39 (Housing Authority capital fund amendment for federal fiscal year 2026): Approved (Councilors Thompson and Pedrie abstained). Federal grant amount: $393,849. - Proclamations: Declared April 19–25, 2026 as Library Week and April 26–May 2, 2026 as National Apprenticeship Week in Rock Springs. - Bid Openings: Heard bids for the 2026 crack seal project, overlay project, concrete replacement, and Century West Splash Pad Park project. No action taken; bids will be considered for award at a future meeting. - New Business: Approved the annual drinking water quality report, authorized filling a vacant police records supervisor position, and approved the Fourth of July parade route (July 4, 2026, 10:00–11:30 a.m. on Gateway Boulevard). - Bills and Claims: Approved for April 21, 2026 (Rock Springs Housing Authority and city bills). Councilors Thompson and Pedrie abstained on Housing Authority bills; Thompson abstained on city salaries. Additional Notes - The meeting began with the election of Councilor Pedrie as temporary president due to the mayor's absence. - Councilor Malonas reported that the city's budget deficit is being addressed through reconciliation meetings with outside agencies. - The citizen petition highlighted the need for ongoing floodway maintenance and proposed a city-owned goat herd as a cost-effective vegetation management tool.

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.

The Rock Springs City Council convened on February 4, 2026, to review council updates, address legislative concerns from the upcoming Wyoming budget session, hear an airport performance presentation, approve a consent agenda, and vote on several resolutions and ordinances regarding public safety, land use, and infrastructure. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the minutes from January 20, 2026, including a legal memorandum on confidential procurement, correspondence thanking Mayor Mickelson, and a memo on discontinuing city electric vehicle charging stations. - Unanimously approved Item C (Correspondence) regarding Merchant McIntyre Associates, highlighting a partnership success that secured $5 million from Representative Hageman for Bitter Creek mitigation and resulted in a 22-to-1 return on investment. Public Comments & Testimony - Doug Gresham (Resident): Expressed concern regarding the proposed new setback requirements ordinance (2026-2). He argued that strict enforcement could force over 55% of current residents to tear down or move existing non-compliant structures, incurring high costs for demolition, rebuilding, and surveying ($3,500). He urged the council to pause and consider the financial burden on homeowners in a community where lots are shrinking. Position: Advocated for leniency or a pause to allow residents time to understand the rules without forced relocation. - Laura McKee (Resident): Questioned the budget transparency and timeline for the new program-based budgeting tool. She inquired regarding snow removal costs during the current low-snow year and sought confirmation that savings would be carried over to the next fiscal year. Position: Expressed desire for a clear timeline for the new budget presentation to understand legislative impacts. Discussion Items - Legislative Update (Senator John Colb): - Property Tax Reform: Councilor Malonus expressed opposition to property tax cuts, noting 67% fund schools. Senator Colb clarified his earlier comment regarding "math" referred to the feasibility of a 2% sales tax replacing lost property revenue, not property tax supporters in general. Councilor Zotti expressed frustration with the legislature's contradictory messaging on property taxes and backfilling. - Gaming Regulations: Senator Colb discussed bills to restrict skill-based games to areas with liquor licenses to prevent their placement in grocery stores, acknowledging the need to reel in out-of-control gaming growth. - Law Enforcement: Senator Colb proposed a new felony bill for vehicular interference with law enforcement following the Clarion incident, seeking input from the council before drafting. - Affordable Housing: Councilor Hickerson sought clarification on Centophile 64; Senator Colb identified it as a potential loan fund for low-income housing. - Airport Update (Devin Brubaker): - Terminal Project: Highlighted the successful completion of the $43.95 million commercial terminal project, noting it doubled facility size and tripled capacity. Emphasized the role of local government support in securing $14 million from the Wyoming Business Council. - Financials: Detailed a direct ROI of $7.60 for every $1 invested in air service. - Operational Metrics: Reported a net promoter score of 61.5 for the new terminal and a flight on-time performance of 76.61%, beating the national average. Introduced paid parking ($6/day) to reduce reliance on taxpayer funds, noting 39% of parking users are out-of-county. - Future Needs: Discussed the need for airline lease negotiations to achieve self-sustainability and identified upcoming procurement for snow removal equipment. - New Business & Resolutions: - Liquor Licenses: Unanimously approved three transfer applications for Maverick Group LLC. - Irrigation Position: Unanimously approved filling a vacant full-time irrigation specialist position. - Road Projects: Unanimously authorized bidding for 2026 overlay, concrete replacement, and crack seal projects, though exact locations were not yet defined by Engineering. - Resolutions: Approved Resolution 2026-09 (Fireworks contract), Resolution 2026-10 (Land use map amendment), and Resolution 2026-11 (Bitter Creek Segment 3 design agreement). Key Outcomes - Unanimous Votes: - Agenda Approval: Approved the revised agenda. - Consent Agenda: Approved all items, including the specific recognition of the Bitter Creek funding partnership. - Liquor Licenses: Approved three transfers for Maverick Group LLC. - Staffing: Approved the filling of the full-time irrigation specialist role. - Infrastructure Bidding: Authorized the bidding process for 2026 road maintenance projects. - Permits: Approved three malt beverage permits for the Bud Cup Men's Hockey Tournament and the 2026 all-night dates for the Liquor Dealers Association. - Contract Approvals: Approved Resolution 2026-09 (Fireworks West International contract); - Land Use: Approved Resolution 2026-10 (High-density to Low-density residential zoning change for Section 36) and Resolution 2026-11 (Professional services agreement with Sunrise Engineering for Bitter Creek Restoration Segment 3). - Zoning Amendment: Unanimously passed Ordinance 2026-01 (Zoning map amendment from R5 to R2 for 0.609 acres). - Deferred Action: Ordinance 2026-02 (Setback and Height Encroachments Limitations) was read; no vote was taken, and action is deferred to the next council meeting for further discussion. - Directives: Council was advised to prepare feedback for Senator Colb regarding the vehicular interference bill; the Airport Board is directed to prepare for paid parking implementation and airline lease negotiations.