Council approves first reading of ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units

Amendments added to ADU ordinance regarding tiny homes and occupancy

City Attorney and Police Chief address stalled demolition of Hillcrest Motel

Contract awarded for 70-year-old water tank roof replacement

Water supply projected to reach full capacity despite dry winter

State senator updates council on legislative session and revenue

Commissioners set minimum bid for Old Memorial Hospital building sale

County approves significant tax roll corrections for energy company

O'Neill appointed to Uinta County Economic Development Board

Uinta County Fairgrounds usage fees updated

Uinta County Sheriff's Office secures contract for Forest Service patrols

Council approves first reading of ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units

EVANSTON, Wyo. — The city council unanimously approved the first reading of Ordinance 2601, which would permit property owners in low-density residential zones to construct accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. Proponents of the ordinance argued the measure aims to allow guest housing or rental income opportunities while maintaining neighborhood character. The proposed regulations limit ADUs to a maximum of 1,200 square feet or 50 percent of the principal dwelling's footprint and require the property owner to reside in either the main home or the accessory unit.

Amendments added to ADU ordinance regarding tiny homes and occupancy

EVANSTON, Wyo. — Following the introduction of the accessory dwelling unit ordinance, the council voted to attach several amendments recommended by the planning and zoning commission, including adopting specific building codes for "tiny homes" between 190 and 400 square feet and clarifying that owners must physically reside on the property for more than 50 percent of the calendar year. Additionally, the council discussed modifying the definition of "family" occupancy to ensure nonfamily caretakers or hospice workers can legally reside in ADUs, with city staff directed to draft that specific language for the ordinance's second reading.

City Attorney and Police Chief address stalled demolition of Hillcrest Motel

EVANSTON, Wyo. — Following public complaints about the condition of the Hillcrest Motel, City Attorney Mark Harris and Police Chief Mike Vranish informed the council that while the owner had begun demolition, equipment failures and limited funds have stalled progress. Officials discussed the complexities of the city potentially taking over the project, noting that while they could intervene and place a lien on the property, the high cost to taxpayers makes it a difficult decision that requires further deliberation.

Contract awarded for 70-year-old water tank roof replacement

EVANSTON, Wyo. — The council passed Resolution 2604, authorizing a professional services agreement with Sunrise Engineering for the design and construction management of the East Hill Water Tank No. 2 roof replacement. City Engineer Damon Newsome noted the 70-year-old tank's roof and internal supports have failed, though the tank itself remains sound. The project, which has been delayed since 2017, is expected to go out for bid in the fall with construction slated for the winter months when water demand is lower.

Water supply projected to reach full capacity despite dry winter

EVANSTON, Wyo. — Despite a winter characterized by low snowfall and drought concerns, Public Works Director Gordon Robinson reported that the city's water storage is in good condition. Robinson informed the council that the reservoir level has risen seven feet since October via the pipeline. If current river conditions sustain themselves, officials expect the reservoir to reach full pool by mid-April, alleviating immediate storage concerns for the upcoming summer.

State senator updates council on legislative session and revenue

EVANSTON, Wyo. — State Sen. Wendy Schuler, a former member of the council, addressed the body regarding the upcoming budget session in Cheyenne. Schuler highlighted pending legislation concerning the direct distribution formula for state funding to municipalities and a bill regarding "historic horse racing" gaming machines, which would clarify regulatory authority between city and county jurisdictions. She also noted pushback against proposals to alter sales tax distributions, describing them as unfair to lower-income residents.

Commissioners set minimum bid for Old Memorial Hospital building sale

EVANSTON, Wyo. — The Uinta County Commission moved forward with the process of selling the Old Memorial Hospital building, voting unanimously to advertise the property for public bid with a deadline for sealed proposals set for Feb. 20. The board established a minimum bid requirement of $332,000 for the property, a figure that officials stated represents the building's current assessed fair market value.

County approves significant tax roll corrections for energy company

EVANSTON, Wyo. — The commission approved substantial corrections to the 2023 tax roll regarding Hilcorp Energy Company, authorizing refunds or adjustments totaling more than $41,000. The board authorized specific adjustments broken down into amounts of $34,039.73, $7,619.80, and $52.31, alongside a minor correction of $0.31 for Wexpro Company for the 2022 tax year.

O'Neill appointed to Uinta County Economic Development Board

EVANSTON, Wyo. — Evanston Community Development Director Rocco O'Neill was unanimously appointed to serve on the Uinta County Economic Development Board for a three-year term. O'Neill's appointment followed a motion made by Commissioner Brent Hatch and seconded by Commissioner Eric South.

Uinta County Fairgrounds usage fees updated

EVANSTON, Wyo. — The cost of using county facilities will change following the commission's approval of an updated fee schedule for the Uinta County Fairgrounds. The motion was brought forward following a request by Josh Davis, the custodial and grounds supervisor, and passed with three "yes" votes.

Uinta County Sheriff's Office secures contract for Forest Service patrols

EVANSTON, Wyo. — Sheriff Andy Kopp received approval for a $5,000 contract with the U.S. Forest Service to conduct patrols on Forest Service roads. The unanimous vote authorizes the Uinta County Sheriff's Office to continue providing law enforcement presence on federal lands within the county's jurisdiction.

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