Commissioners approve Red Rim Subdivision

At the July 5 Hot Springs County Commissioners meeting held at the Annex building, a public hearing was held to address the Red Rim Ranch Subdivision application, represented by developer Brian Hayek. The request was for the approval of a preliminary subdivision plat to divide 385 acres into 88 single-family residential lots and a land-use change from Agricultural land use category to Residential land use category. 

During public comments, Lisa Vice from Coyote Run asked the commissioners, “I just don’t understand we have all these rules and regulations that are being made and you’re going through all of the things that are required for someone to sort undeveloped land. And I don’t understand why is there no enforcement? We have all kinds of things going on in the county that were unapproved, or that were approved. But the people come and they do whatever they want.” Vice also brought up the roads and their maintenance.

The commissioners replied that it isn’t in their purview to enforce the covenants and that is a homeowners association matter. 

Another resident from Overlook Circle West, just off of Rimrock, brought up the idea of mitigating the number of people driving on the road would be solved by paving the road. The resident added, “I’m personally not interested in trying to stop the development because I understand that, that’s what happens in a community.”

Chairman Tom Ryan then held a discussion with the applicant Brian Hayek about the idea of paved roads and how it creates new issues for maintenance. 

There were also concerns from the commissioners about letters from the State Engineer’s Office and DEQ received after the LUPC recommended the application. These letters were related to water rights. Hayek said that they abandoned those water rights after finding out about the issues. Chairman Ryan added that they were confused about how the letters were written. Hayek said the “rejection seems to be more of an opinion as opposed to supported by any logical data.” 

Commissioner Jack Baird said that he was concerned about the soil conditions and the problem of erosion if livestock were to be on the lots. 

Commissioner Phil Scheel commented that he appreciates the applicant going through the proper process. Scheel added, “I am all for the development of the county and the good things that it will bring to make Hot Springs County a great place.”

The commissioners then went through the checklists for the application. Commissioner Scheel made a motion to recommend approval of the project subject to the 15 conditions and, as long as the DEQ is not opposed to onsite septic systems. Commissioner Baird seconded. The vote unanimously approved the application. 

In other business, County Attorney Jill Logan requested an addition to the agenda regarding appointing a special prosecutor. The commissioners voted and approved to appoint Fremont County attorney Pat LeBrun for the case of the State of Wyoming vs. Stacy Green. Commissioner Phil Scheel abstained from the vote. 

The commissioners voted and passed the approval of the proposed budget summary for 2023. There will be a public hearing on July 18 for this document.  

The commissioners voted and approved the Black Mountain Road Emergency Culvert Repair Weekly Progress Report. They also voted and approved both the West Cottonwood Creek Culvert Bid for CC&G for $141,120 and a motion to proceed.

The commissioners voted and approved the T-O Contract Proposal and Scope of Work for Children’s Outdoor Discovery Area, a TAP Grant, for $82,024.74. The grant maximum is $100,000 and covers this phase. Chairman Tom Ryan noted that he sits on the TAP committee and recused himself from the vote there in September of last year. The other commissioners were OK with Ryan signing this document. 

Bill Gordon gave the Emergency Management report and said regarding the possibility, although unlikely, event of Boysen Dam failing that he recommends families come up with a plan and discuss it now. Gordon recommends knowing where families can go for shelter, food, medical needs, and what options they have. Gordon added that time of year and even the time of day or night the event might happen has a “huge impact.” 

Gordon continued his report and said, “the new Hot Springs County Emergency Operations Plan went out into the world for some review. So it’s out there and people are hopefully looking at it. It went out to first responders and to the county attorney and to town government.

Another subject Gordon brought up was the issue of debris management and having a plan in place in case there is a disaster. Gordon recommended the county’s Road and Bridge Department would address such matters. 

The commissioners and Gordon discussed the level of water currently in Boysen Reservoir and how it is almost full. At the time of the meeting, the elevation was 4,724.3 feet. To be considered full, it must be at 4,725 feet in elevation. If the water reaches full, then the Corps of Engineers take over management of the dam and the reservoir. 

Bo Bowman gave the County Planner report and said there will be two more smaller subdivisions coming up for the LUPC. Regarding septic applications, Bowman said there are 16 still in play and that plastic suppliers have held up the progress on these matters. 

Bowman notified the commissioners that he sent two enforcement letters to a property on Black Mountain Road.