Commissioners Aguiar and Galovich requested to self-recuse

At the Hot Springs County Commissioner’s October 6 regular meeting, Commissioners Bob Aguiar and Paul Galovich were presented with a written request that they recuse themselves from any action to be taken by the County Commission with regard to the Tipi Retreat land use matter, which is currently making its way through the Land Use Planning Commission.

The written request was prepared by attorneys representing neighbors of Michael and Michele Stevens, who are pursuing a land use change for their glamping business on Coyote Run. Commissioner Galovich stated that the issue would be discussed by the commissioners in an executive session later in the meeting. After the twenty minute executive session ended and the meeting was returned to a public meeting status, the commissioners advised that no action had been taken with regard to the requested recusal.

The Stevens’ land use change request is set for a public hearing before the Land Use Commission on Wednesday, October 21 at 6 p.m. at the county annex.

In other business, FBO director Nate Messenger reported that the month of September had been very busy at the airport. There were 594 air operations, which set a new monthly record. Aviation gas sales amounted to 4,329 gallons, while an additional 2,024 gallons of jet fuel were sold.

Messenger reported that this year’s Fly-In held on September 19 had not been as heavily attended as in the past. The weather forecast for the day had called for overcast skies and possible rain, which may have explained the low turn-out. The joke was on those who did not attend, however, as the weather turned out much better than the forecast and those in attendance were treated to a great day.

County planner Les Culliton reported that there have been a lot of requests for new construction in the county this year. Culliton stated that the Land Use Commission had discussed at their September 16 meeting the need to consider revisions to Chapter 4 of the Land Use Plan, which deals with land use changes and use permits. That project will be undertaken by the Land Use Planning Commission, with any recommended changes to be forwarded to the county commissioners.

The commissioners approved the signing of a grant from the State of Wyoming for updates to security at the courthouse in Thermopolis. The grant is in the sum of $337,300, and calls for a 10% match from Hot Springs County ($33,730). Some work under the grant is already underway.

The commissioners approved a recommendation by County Fire Warden Dion Robbins to rescind the Stage 1 fire restrictions which had been put in place as a result of the dry conditions last summer.

The commissioners will next meet on Tuesday, October 20 at 3 p.m. at the county annex.