Commissioners approve Shaffer Subdivision

At last Tuesday’s Hot Springs County Commissioners board meeting, Brian Clarkson of Ardurra (formerly T-O Engineers) gave the Geographic Information System (GIS) update. Clarkson said that they have scanned more septic permit documents, processed and uploaded septic permit files from 1982 to 1983 to cloud storage, and added septic permit information to the online GIS database. Additionally, Clarkson said that they have reviewed Samsung Galaxy Tablets for field maps. 

Regarding anticipated work for the next period, Clarkson said they will create an HSC Geo Hub tutorial for the commissioners. They will also continue scanning septic permit documents from 1977 to 1980 and process and upload permit files to cloud storage, continuing to add new permit information to the online GIS database.

Also, Clarkson said they will continue mapping land-use changes for the Planner Land-Use Change application and obtain additional county road easement/right-of-way documents.

The commissioners held a public hearing regarding the Shaffer Subdivision application for preliminary subdivision and two land use changes. The preliminary subdivision plat is dividing 36.1 acres into seven lots, ranging in area from 3.8 acres to 6 acres. Also, a land use change from agricultural to residential for proposed lots one through six; and agricultural to commercial for proposed lot seven.

The Hot Springs County Land Use Planning Commission considered this request at a duly advertised public hearing on February 8, voting unanimously, with Harvey Seidel having recused himself, to recommend approval of this proposal subject to sixteen conditions of approval.

Chairman Tom Ryan opened the meeting for public comment.

Kent and Lara Shook live across the highway from the applicant’s property on Buffalo Creek Road. They have concerns that the proposed road can potentially direct the headlights of vehicles into their picture window. County Planner Bowman said they will be in dialog with the Shaffers.

Vic Ohrmund brought up concerns about stormwater runoff from the applicant’s property. The applicant’s proposal could potentially help this situation and stop irrigation runoff. However, it was noted that this would reduce his problem but not eliminate it. Bowman said they will contact WYDOT to look into the matter.

There were no further public comments, and the commissioners filled out their checklists to address the application. After their discussion, the commissioners voted and passed the approval of the Shaffer’s application. 

Nate Messenger gave the FBO report and said that there were 202 total recorded operations, of which two aircraft were air ambulances. They had six aircraft overnight and had two requests for a hangar. Regarding fuel sales, they sold 1267.57 gallons of Avgas and 2417.17 gallons of jet fuel.

Shane Rankin gave the Road & Bridge report and said that they continue to be busy with snow removal. They plowed the runway at the old airport for the state’s driving training. Maintenance on their machinery continues and they are addressing culverts and leaks as needed. 

Rankin presented a request for approval of a right of way for SonRise Operations LLC. The commissioners voted and passed the approval of the request. 

Frank Davis gave the Maintenance report and updated the commissioners on progress of projects at Hot Springs County Courthouse, Annex/Public Health building, Law Enforcement Center, Library and Extension/4-H building.

Tricia McPhie gave the Public Health/Prevention update and said regarding vaccines, “Last quarter we ordered 115 doses of publicly supplied vaccines. We didn’t have any wastage. We’re doing a lot of sharing still with surrounding communities, so we don’t have that wastage. But we have expended 96% of our vaccine line item for this budget. So I would like to be able to purchase more vaccines out of my total budget if you guys are fine with that. A lot of it went towards the changes in the recommendations for the adult pneumonia vaccine changed and then with the change of the high dose flu recommendations for 65 and older, those two things were 30% of our budget. And, the cost of vaccines just gets more expensive. So if you’re fine if I just use my overall budget, there are a couple of lines I could take it from to continue to purchase vaccines.”

The commissioners asked County Clerk Becky Kersten if that would be appropriate. Kersten agreed, and the commissioners told McPhie to do as she proposed.

Bill Gordon gave the Emergency Management report and said that the siren testing has resumed and they will be on the first Saturday of each month at 12 noon. 

Regarding snowfall in the drainages above Boysen, Gordon said that the snow tells (snow measuring devices) have not leveled out and continue to climb. There is the anticipation of a significant runoff during the spring, however, Gordon said, “I’m not implying that we might see anything that we haven’t seen before.” Also, Gordon said there will be good irrigation from the runoff in areas such as Grass Creek and elsewhere. 

There was discussion about concerns of river floaters from out of the area who might not be aware of the high level of water flow and that it could be dangerous. Gordon said that he has in the newspaper a colored notice giving the public that week’s status of river flow in cubic feet per second. Also, Gordon has signage in four different areas to communicate the possible danger of floating in the river. 

Bo Bowman gave the Planner report and said that the Natural Resources Planning Commission will be meeting to discuss new topics, such as the increase in federal regulations. Bowman said they will take a close look at the issues and there should be “good discussion.” 

The Land Use Planning Committee met on March 15 at 6 p.m. but they did not have any agenda items and held a workshop to discuss procedures and have checklist education.

Regarding septic applications, Bowman said there are three unpermitted systems he is aware of and will discuss them with the property owners about compliance. 

Chairman Ryan asked Bowman about any septic activity on the Red Rim Ranch. Bowman said there is none, but he anticipates there will be construction this year.

Barb Rice gave the Youth Alternatives report and said she has 16 total juveniles, including 11 males and five females. Three students are in the high-set program. Rice added their math tutor has been helpful and is a “game-changer” as well as their foster grandparent who is assisting. Regarding a recent event with High Country Behavioral Health, they had ten kids participate in that. 

Rice continued and said they have been busy with community service projects, including snow shoveling, and loading and unloading food trucks. Rice’s students had 17 kids participate in a pancake supper and said “it was really successful and wonderful.”

In other business, the commissioners voted and passed the approval to ratify the Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites & Trails Assumption of Risk & Agreement to Hold Harmless the County of Hot Springs, Wyoming. They voted and passed the approval of the Carver Florek & James Audit Engagement Letter and the Ratification of Senior’s Center Support Letter (SLIB Grant) and the approval of the Senior Center Generic Support Letter for Other Grants.

The commissioners voted and passed the approval of RFR#1 2023 for NAVAID Maintenance for $4,753; the approval of RFR#8 for the Black Mountain Road Project for $16,626.90; and RFR #7 for the Big Horn Basin Children’s Outdoor Discovery Center for $698.59 and $558.87.

Toward the end of the meeting, a lengthy discussion was held regarding a request from Commissioner Galovich to allow public comment/discussion during the commission meetings. A follow up story on this issue will appear in the March 23 Independent Record.