EVANSTON — Commission Chair Mark Anderson opened the Tuesday, Feb. 20, Uinta County Commission meeting by discussing the idea of opening the floor to public comment after orders of business were addressed. Anderson said he felt compelled to change the protocol after an incident at the previous commission meeting.
Commissioner Eric South was absent and excused.
Uinta County Clerk Amanda Hutchinson, on behalf of Uinta County Attorney Loretta Howieson Kallas, requested a resolution for special prosecution regarding an upcoming court case, citing a conflict of interest. Hutchinson indicated that an attorney from Sublette County has offered their legal services in the particular case, and the commissioners approved the request.
Deputy County Clerk Kim Goble discussed the renewal of several county-issued liquor licenses. Commissioner Brent Hatch mentioned that some of the licensed locations are currently out-of-business and inquired about their license renewal. Goble stated that such licenses were essentially “on hold.” The licenses were renewed.
Goble also requested the extension of hours for all liquor licenses in the county to 24 hours for July 4 and for Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31 - Sept. 2. The motion was approved.
Anderson segued into explaining two letters of support endorsed by the commissioners. The first letter was sent to the Wyoming Business Council on behalf of the city of Mountain View for an economic development master plan grant application. Anderson cited a likely influx of housing demands due to projects such as the TerraPower natrium plant, Exxon gas, Grainger and Project West.
The second letter was sent to the state of Wyoming regarding county support for the $10 million proposed international shooting facility complex. The letter highlights an overview of location offerings.
“We think that Evanston is great because it draws from the Wasatch Front,” Hatch said.
Jeff Breininger with Uinta County Maintenance addressed the roofing needs for the Uinta County Courthouse Complex and the Extension Office across the street. He said he had received bids for 20-year membrane roofs from two separate companies: European Roofing & Sheet Metal LLC and Broken Arrow.
Breininger recommended the former company for the job at the Extension Office, with a bid of $27,000, and the latter company for the courthouse to the tune of $143,309, with the understanding that costs could increase if further problems are discovered.
Breininger said the materials were already purchased and stockpiled and clarified that both companies would begin both jobs soon, “when the weather breaks.” The commissioners approved both projects.
Uinta County Planning and Zoning administrative assistant Darby Noorda presented a proposed website update via Audio Eye Service by Civic Plus. She said the software ensures that online Uinta County services are more visually and cognitively accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
It would utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to scan, but not repair, the website for violations and report them. Website amendments would be the county’s responsibility and include such measures as adjusting fonts and color schemes.
Noorda added that the company offered a discount, and they also offered legal support. Hatch agreed it is important to “keep up with technology,” and the motion was approved.
Uinta County Planner Kent Williams asked for a conditional use permit for Spackman Ranch to allow operation of a gravel pit. Williams stated that the land use allows for its “use by right unless a home is within a mile of proposed site.”
Williams also explained that it is a historical mine, though not active in recent years. Planning and zoning favorably recommended, and a five-year permit renewal was suggested, though standard permits are renewed annually.
Hatch inquired about the permit renewal process. Williams replied that he usually drives by permitted locations annually, and renewal is guaranteed as long as things appear “still good, still operational.”
Hatch asked if nearby neighbors were notified, and Williams confirmed that they had been, and the news was also published in the Uinta County Herald and the Bridger Valley Pioneer.
Anderson expressed curiosity about any current permits with renewals extending past a year. Williams replied that there were none, and even if the Spackman Ranch gravel pit was extended to a five-year renewal, “it would still be reviewed annually, regardless.”
“I don’t want to set a precedent,” Anderson said. “I think it’s favorable to keep it [permit renewal] at one year, pending further discussion.”
Williams had additional business regarding the separation and rezoning of the Rendezvous RV Park in Fort Bridger. He said the owners want to separate the park lot from the lot with the home with the intent to sell. The RV park is currently zoned commercial, while the home would need to be rezoned as residential. Three total resolutions were passed, including a finding of facts, map and subdivisions amendments.
