Green River City Council Summary
Week of September 2, 2026
Council denies special use permit for dogs following bite revelation
New restaurant approved for former downtown bar location
City invited to join county recycling committee
Final wastewater treatment plant costs take shape
Slurry seal project expanded under budget
School ADA project comes in under budget
Public works addresses storm washouts on city streets
Longtime public works employee retires after 38 years
Council denies special use permit for dogs following bite revelation
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The Green River City Council unanimously denied a special use permit that would have allowed a resident to keep five dogs at their home, overriding a prior recommendation for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The applicant had taken in two additional dogs to care for a friend who recently passed away. However, during a public hearing, neighbors revealed that one of the dogs from the residence had recently attacked their 13-year-old son, resulting in puncture wounds and a severe infection. The council expressed frustration that the bite incident was not communicated to the Planning and Zoning Commission prior to their initial recommendation and ultimately voted down the permit due to public safety concerns.
New restaurant approved for former downtown bar location
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — A new restaurant is slated to open in downtown Green River after the council unanimously approved a restaurant liquor license for Mi Ranchito Restaurant LLC, which will operate under the name Mi Hacienda. The new establishment will be located at the site of the former Town Bar & Grill at 95 E. Railroad Ave. City staff noted there was no public opposition to the application, clearing the way for the new business to operate through March 2027 before the license requires renewal.
City invited to join county recycling committee
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The Sweetwater County Solid Waste Disposal District No. 1 has requested that a Green River City Council representative join a newly formed recycling services evaluation committee. The collaborative group will evaluate the long-term operational and financial sustainability of recycling in the county. The committee aims to establish a reliable governance model for countywide recycling while preserving the community legacy of the Ray Lovato Recycling Center. The council indicated it will select a representative in the coming days.
Final wastewater treatment plant costs take shape
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — City Administrator Reed Clevenger provided an update on the financial wrap-up of the city's new wastewater treatment plant, noting the final loan balance will land between $39 million and $40 million. The total project cost was roughly $56 million, but a $16 million federal grant significantly reduced the city's debt burden. Clevenger noted that the city will likely begin making its first loan payments in November, utilizing utility rate increases that were incrementally implemented to ensure the city had sufficient cash flow to cover the debt service.
Slurry seal project expanded under budget
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The city will seal additional streets this year after the council unanimously approved a $14,000 change order to the 2026 slurry seal project with contractor Morgan Pavement Maintenance. Public Works Director Mark Westenskow explained that because the initial bids came in under budget, the city opted to pay the contractor to treat additional side streets while their equipment and traffic control setups were already mobilized in Green River. The project has covered approximately eight miles of city roads, representing 18 percent of the local street system.
School ADA project comes in under budget
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — A pedestrian safety project near Green River schools is wrapping up and will cost taxpayers less than originally anticipated. The council unanimously approved a deductive change order with DeBernardi Construction, decreasing the contract amount to $143,040. The project, which installed Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps and flashing pedestrian lights near local schools, achieved the $5,410 savings by reducing several line-item costs during construction.
Public works addresses storm washouts on city streets
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — Addressing concerns raised during the meeting about crushed asphalt washing down North Third East and North Center streets during severe rainstorms, Public Works Director Mark Westenskow acknowledged the ongoing infrastructure challenge. Westenskow noted that some areas of the city completely lack storm drainage systems, leading to severe erosion on steep, unpaved hills. The department plans to replenish its asphalt millings pile to repair the immediate damage while looking toward long-term funding solutions to expand the city's storm drain network.
Longtime public works employee retires after 38 years
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. — The city honored Jim Byington, a Green River Public Works employee who is retiring after more than 38 years of service. Byington began his career with the city in June 1988 and has spent nearly four decades working in the fleet shop, maintaining every piece of equipment operated by the municipality. Public Works Director Mark Westenskow praised Byington's tenacity and loyalty, noting that his work has positively impacted every single department within the city government.
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