CASPER, Wyo. — The Natrona County Board of County Commissioners convened Tuesday to address a diverse agenda, including updates on ongoing legal matters and road projects, public hearings on land use and public records, and further discussion regarding state land leases on Casper Mountain.
Deputy County Attorney Leda Pojman gave an update on Title 25 cases related to involuntary hospitalization, saying that Carina Ostberg, contracted as a deputy county attorney for such cases, is “doing a great job.”
Pojman said, given it’s budget time, that her office is reviewing the contracts of all contracted attorneys.
She informed the commissioners about road projects, mentioning that they are waiting for maintenance records for Bates Creek Road, construction will begin next year on Squaw Creek Road and meetings are scheduled to discuss Geary Dome Road.
Pojman also mentioned the installation of the columbarium for unclaimed and indigent persons established at Highland Cemetery.
Following an executive session, motions were made to direct legal counsel to prepare a letter to the Wyoming Land Board requesting the denial of Prism Logistics’ gravel lease renewals.
Later in the meeting, during public comment, Carolyn Griffith of Coates Road told the commissioners the Office of State Lands and Investments had received applications for the renewal of sand and gravel leases covering over 3,200 acres on the north slope of Casper Mountain, with review expected at the June 5 meeting. She said the area is zoned Mountain Residential 1 and identified in the land use plan as having a fragile water supply, making mining inappropriate.
Griffith said adjacent landowners had not received notification of the lease renewal applications and requested the Wyoming Land Board meeting where the leases will be reviewed be moved to Casper to allow for easier public participation.
“I would like to see the hearing here in Natrona County,” Commissioner Dallas Laird said. “You’d think the governor would do that just out of the fact that it affects this county and it will make it easier for five people to travel up here than 300 to go down to Cheyenne.”
Commission Chair Dave North thanked Griffith for raising the issue. He said the county should collaborate with legislators to change state laws, allowing counties to have a say when state leases involve sensitive areas. He mentioned discussing the idea with Gov. Mark Gordon, who agreed but had trouble getting the legislation passed last session.
In other business, commissioners held a public hearing on a proposal to vacate unused sections of Appian Way in Park East Ranchettes. One resident supported the removal, saying the dead end attracts off-roaders and trespassers, which is inconvenient. No one opposed the proposal.
Commissioners also discussed the need for emergency access through the vacated area, particularly for fire services, proposing that gates be installed. The applicant agreed to work with the county fire department on specific plans for gates to ensure emergency access.
The motion to vacate the road with the stipulation for approved gates for emergency services was carried.
A second public hearing considered a notice of intent to adopt a resolution establishing uniform procedures, costs and charges for inspecting, copying and producing public records pursuant to the Wyoming Public Records Act.
Pojman said no formal public comments had been received, although she heard a suggestion regarding clarity on the cost per CD/DVD. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.
Commissioners discussed clarifying the language to specify a fee of “$6 per device or item” rather than just per CD. A motion to adopt the resolution with this clarified language was passed. The resolution coincides with the rollout of new online software for public records requests.
Commissioners also voted to hold a public hearing June 3 to discuss a resolution related to health, safety and welfare of county roads, specifically concerning potential weight and time restrictions on Coates Road.
A discussion took place regarding a request from Advance Casper for a resolution of support for an application to the Wyoming Business Council related to the Radiant energy project. Due to the time-sensitive nature — the deadline is June 3 — commissioners explored options for reviewing and potentially acting on the resolution while allowing for some level of public input, such as scheduling a special meeting.
In commissioner comments, Commissioner Jim Milne highlighted that the Steamboat Fund is currently active and accepting applications for funding for students attending home school or private school.
Commissioner Peter Nicolaysen spoke in support of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, emphasizing its value in lobbying on fiscal and local control issues, providing educational opportunities for commissioners and facilitating networking with businesses that benefit the community, in light of proposed legislation targeting funding for such associations.
Commissioner Casey Coates commented on the nature of politics and expressed appreciation for the commission’s focus on the county’s best interests and the efforts of elected officials and department heads on the budget.
Laird stressed the importance of hearing public input before voting on matters that affect the public and suggested that executive sessions might be overused.
The chairman reminded the public about the pending deadline for the Long-Term Homeowner Application.
The board’s agenda and packet are attached below.
