Council member selected as council president following tie vote and random draw

Department heads reappointed despite dispute over voting procedure

Council tables consultant contract for telecom franchise negotiations

Council approves contract for recreation center roof replacement

Engineering firm hired to address recreation center erosion

'Jump Start' business workshop set for Roundhouse

Council member urges suicide awareness following local tragedies

Council member selected as council president following tie vote and random draw

EVANSTON, Wyo. — Council member Evan Perkes was elected council president for the upcoming year after a tie vote was broken by drawing a name from a hat. The council was split 3-3 between Council President Tib Ottley and Perkes. To resolve the deadlock, the candidates' names were placed in a hat, and Perkes' name was drawn. Both candidates expressed willingness to serve, and the council accepted the result of the random draw without objection.

Department heads reappointed despite dispute over voting procedure

EVANSTON, Wyo. — The council confirmed the reappointment of key city officials, including Police Chief Mike Vranish, City Attorney Mark Harris, City Clerk Amy Grenfell, and City Treasurer Kathy Defa in a 6-1 vote, with Council member David Sellers dissenting. Prior to the confirmation, a motion to vote on the appointees individually rather than as a block failed in a 3-4 vote. Sellers argued that individual votes are standard practice and allow for specific praise or concerns, while Harris noted that while the statute requires confirmation, it does not dictate the voting procedure.

Council tables consultant contract for telecom franchise negotiations

EVANSTON, Wyo. — The City Council voted unanimously to table an agreement with River Oaks Communications Corp. to assist with franchise negotiations for All West Communications and Visionary Communications. City Attorney Mark Harris recommended hiring the consultant to navigate complex federal laws and "Most Favored Nation" clauses, noting that Visionary is a new competitor entering the market. Council member David Sellers questioned the necessity of the $15,100 expenditure, suggesting the council might be capable of handling the contracts without outside assistance. The matter was tabled until the Jan. 20 meeting to allow for a work session discussion.

Council approves contract for recreation center roof replacement

EVANSTON, Wyo. — The council unanimously passed a resolution awarding a contract to Pon West Inc. for the Evanston Parks and Recreation facility re-roofing project. Parks and Recreation District Manager Kim Larson reported that the bid came in just under the budgeted amount.

Engineering firm hired to address recreation center erosion

EVANSTON, Wyo. — The council authorized a professional services agreement with Crest LLC to provide engineering services for a retaining wall mitigation project at the recreation center. Manager Kim Larson addressed public concerns regarding the project's necessity, explaining that the hillside is eroding into the building and threatening the structure's foundation and electrical transformer. The project will involve shoring up retaining walls and diverting water to prevent flooding in the gun range and damage to the building's base.

'Jump Start' business workshop set for Roundhouse

EVANSTON, Wyo. — Community Development Director Rocco O'Neill announced that the "Jump Start" business course will begin next Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Roundhouse. The program is designed to assist local entrepreneurs and business owners. The course is free to the public.

Council member urges suicide awareness following local tragedies

EVANSTON, Wyo. — During council comments, Council member David Sellers urged residents to be mindful of their neighbors following several recent suicides in the community. Sellers, a former first responder, highlighted the fragility of mental health and encouraged community members to reach out to family and friends who may be suffering. He also commended Police Chief Mike Vranish and the police department for their work as first responders in these difficult situations.

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