Kemmerer local news summary

Mayor directs police to enforce strict snow removal parking policy

Chamber president and mayor clash over downtown Christmas decorations

Council tables proposal for golf clubhouse expansion due to costs and competition concerns

Power plant maintenance to bring influx of workers in January

Commissioners weigh costs of livestreaming meetings

Construction update: steel arriving, change orders expected

Treasurer: Justice Center debt could be retired by 2030

Treasurer warns against misinformation regarding impact funds

County approves $2.8 million for Cokeville road project

Commission supports Simplot Smoky Canyon plant

Mayor directs police to enforce strict snow removal parking policy

KEMMERER, Wyo. - Following a lengthy debate regarding snow removal procedures, the mayor directed city staff and the police department to strictly enforce parking ordinances. While council members and the streets superintendent discussed confusion over whether tickets should be issued when snow reaches two inches or only on specific streets, the mayor stated that plows will be deployed at the two-inch mark and vehicles remaining on the street will be ticketed immediately. "No more warnings. That's got to change," the mayor said, emphasizing that strict enforcement is necessary for the safety of plow operators and the efficiency of clearing the roads.

Chamber president and mayor clash over downtown Christmas decorations

KEMMERER, Wyo. - Tensions flared between the Fossil Basin Chamber of Commerce and city administration regarding the management of decorations at Triangle Park. The chamber president criticized the city for adding decorations to the park without consulting the chamber's volunteer committee, describing the city's action as "undermining" and "obnoxious." The mayor pushed back, asserting that city staff does not answer to the chamber and that the city retains the right to decorate its own property. Both parties agreed to explore a memorandum of understanding to clearly define roles and responsibilities for downtown maintenance and beautification moving forward.

Council tables proposal for golf clubhouse expansion due to costs and competition concerns

KEMMERER, Wyo. - The council voted to table a proposal to add a pool table, dartboards and a jukebox to the Fossil Island Golf Course clubhouse to generate winter revenue. The motion was tabled for two weeks to allow staff to gather concrete cost estimates regarding necessary staffing and potential sewer line modifications to prevent freezing. During the discussion, a council member expressed concern that a city-subsidized entity offering bar-style games would unfairly compete with private local businesses, stating, "You've got a city-subsidized business competing with the private business and that's always gotten under my skin."

Power plant maintenance to bring influx of workers in January

KEMMERER, Wyo. - During council comments, a council member advised city staff to prepare for a significant temporary population increase beginning in late December and early January. The local power plant will undergo a gas conversion and simultaneous overhauls on two units. The council member estimated the project could bring "a few hundred people" into the community, which is expected to impact local traffic and lodging availability.

Commissioners weigh costs of livestreaming meetings

KEMMERER, Wyo. - Following requests from the Lincoln County Republican Party and the towns of Alpine, Thayne and Star Valley Ranch, the commission discussed the feasibility of livestreaming their meetings. Chief of Staff Stephen Allen recommended a three-to-six-month study, noting that 56 percent of towns in the county do not stream meetings. Allen estimated a minimum unbudgeted cost of $50,000 to upgrade audio and video capabilities at both meeting locations, plus the need for two employees to manage the system. Commissioners Melvin Shumway and Teri Bowers agreed to continue exploring options but made no financial commitment.

Construction update: steel arriving, change orders expected

KEMMERER, Wyo. - Chief of Staff Stephen Allen reported significant progress on the courthouse and Justice Center projects, noting that the floor is completely poured and steel was scheduled to arrive on Nov. 24. However, Allen warned the commission to expect a change order next month because several bids came in higher than anticipated. A "topper ceremony" for the project is being planned.

Treasurer: Justice Center debt could be retired by 2030

KEMMERER, Wyo. - Treasurer Jerry Greenfield presented a lease payment schedule for the Justice Center, reporting that the debt service fund is performing well. Greenfield noted that the bulk of funding for this account is generated through prisoner care fees collected by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office rather than the general fund. Based on current projections, Greenfield stated the debt could be paid off by 2030.

Treasurer warns against misinformation regarding impact funds

KEMMERER, Wyo. - During a discussion on special district budgets and the Kemmerer Senior Citizen Service District, Treasurer Jerry Greenfield issued a rebuke regarding public discourse on impact funds. Greenfield clarified that the county cannot arbitrarily allocate funds and that specific legal processes involving a state board must be followed. He urged the public to bring questions directly to the county "instead of saying false things in the public that hurts integrity."

County approves $2.8 million for Cokeville road project

KEMMERER, Wyo. - The commission voted to approve a cooperative agreement with the Wyoming Department of Transportation for a road overlay project on County Road 207, south of Cokeville. Commissioner Teri Bowers moved to approve the reimbursement to the state in the amount of $2.8 million. The motion was adopted unanimously.

Commission supports Simplot Smoky Canyon plant

KEMMERER, Wyo. - Commissioner Teri Bowers moved to approve a letter of support for the Simplot Smoky Canyon Plant to be sent to the Bureau of Land Management. The motion was adopted unanimously. This support comes as the county continues to engage with various industrial partners, including TerraPower and Lower Valley Energy.

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