Development News for Sheridan, Wyoming

Wagner Ranch Services Awarded Bid for Old Landfill Corrective Measures Project

Dan Roberts, Utilities Director, presented the bid award for the old landfill corrective measures project. The project involves rerouting the dog and cat shelter pathway, building evaporation ponds, constructing an access road, site grading, installing an impervious cap, and dewatering wells. The primary goal is to lower the groundwater table and prevent contamination of groundwater by waste. Seven bids were received, with Wagner Ranch Services submitting the low bid of $3,166,610.25, which is approximately $200,000 below the engineer's estimate. Funding for the project includes a $3.7 million SRF loan, with the city contributing about 25% ($800,000). This project represents the final landfill remediation effort. Council members inquired about the design choices, specifically the use of a less permeable cap and the absence of a curtain wall, to which Roberts explained the intent is to lower the groundwater table and prevent off-site migration of contaminants, acknowledging that natural attenuation could take centuries.

Firefighter Achievements, Citizens Academy, and Community Events Highlighted

During the council comments and committee reports segment, City Administrator Stu provided an update on recent hires and training for the fire department. He reported that six firefighters completed the fire academy, with two showing notable achievements: Wade Larson received the 'Top Gun' award for peer recognition, and Seth Larson was chosen to give the graduation address. Stu also mentioned that the city is launching a Citizens Academy to educate residents about city operations, with a limit of 20 participants and various departmental modules. Additionally, he announced the free public opening of the city pool on Sunday, sponsored by Blue Peak, and the upcoming Arbor Day event on Thursday at Kendrick Park.

City Council Approves Ordinances on Fee Structures and Special Event Permits

City Clerk Ashley Foster presented two ordinances related to city fees and special event permits. Ordinance 2301-26 addresses administrative cleanup of fee language in the city code to align with the master fee schedule, ensuring consistency for future fee updates. It includes proposed repeals for downtown parking permits and adjustments to dog and cat shelter fees. Ordinance 2302-26 revises chapters related to alcoholic beverage permits, mobile vending, and special events, aiming to provide structure, clarity, and enforceability for special event policies. Key changes include differentiating between alcohol and non-alcohol special event permits, establishing a 21-day notice for non-alcohol events, and clarifying permit revocation and appeal processes for mobile vendors. Council members asked clarifying questions about the relationship between the ordinances and the master fee schedule, dog licensing procedures, and the specifics of special event permit requirements. Both ordinances passed with unanimous roll-call votes.

Compass Center for Families Updates Council on Services and Impact

Tiffany Reeser, Executive Director of Compass Center for Families, provided an update on the organization's services and impact in Sheridan County. The center offers programs such as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a family visitation program, parent enrichment classes, and a parent liaison program. Over the past year, these programs supported 1,266 families, with specific metrics including 68 children with CASA volunteers, over 1,200 hours of supervised visitation, 445 families completing parenting classes, and 283 families working with parent liaisons. Reeser emphasized that GPET funding enables the center to invest in family stability, which in turn leads to safer children, less isolated parents, and better school performance for children, ultimately benefiting the entire community. She highlighted the importance of partnerships and prevention-focused services and noted a current need for 14 CASA volunteers. Council members expressed gratitude for the organization's work, with some discussing the nature of tax-funded charity and the importance of community support.