Commissioners continue to seek consent on Lane 17 1/2

WORLAND – The Washakie County Commissioners met with landowners around Lane 17 1/2 to discuss the progress and where they stood on adopting Lane 17 1/2 during their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

The discussion began with a brief discussion on the new plan for the commissioners to adopt Lane 17 1/2 up through the west end of a parcel of land that the county recently discovered they owned.

There was still confusion among some landowners about why the road was not already being maintained up to the point of the bridge. The commissioners responded by asserting that there was never a survey done on the road up to the bride and the current point by Triple R Welding was the point the county maintained up to in recent years.

There were concerns brought up by landowners about what would happen should water seepage do damage to the road, the commissioners said that the road would be maintained for any and all additions once the road is initially brought up to county standards.

The commissioners denied the original petition, petition No. 107, that asked for them to include the bridge.

The County Commission heard additional concerns regarding trespassing and other acts such as dumping that may happen more frequently on the road should it turn into a county road.

The commissioners confirmed that they do not intend to sell the road in order to keep it open to public access. The commissioners are still continuing to seek consent from the landowners whose properties are adjacent to the road in order for the county to adopt the road.

Prior to hearing the concerns surrounding Lane 17 1/2, the commissioners vacated Lane 18 1/2 through Resolution 358. The resolution was approved because the commissioners were able to include in the resolution that the road cannot be destroyed in order for there to be access for emergency vehicles.

BRIDGE DISCUSSION

The commissioners met with County Planner David Anderson and Stephanie Lowe of the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) to discuss what would be done with the trusses from the Cottonwood Creek Bridge that is set to be replaced in the coming years.

According to Lowe, the bridge is eligible for the National Historic Register and the trusses from the bridge should be preserved.

The discussion centered around potentially placing one of the trusses on the grounds of the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center while placing the other alongside the road that is undetermined yet. The commissioners were reluctant to commit to the project as there was no cost estimate provided for what it would cost them for materials and moving costs.

The commissioners tabled the decision until at least the Dec. 1 to gather cost estimates for moving and preserving the trusses as well as talking with the museum about their thoughts with the truss.

OTHER BUSINESS

Washakie County Public Health Nurse Manager Amanda Heinemeyer told the commissioners that mobile COVID-19 testing with the Washakie County Ambulance Service should be up and running this week. The testing will be on Mondays and Wednesdays with no cost to community members.

Heinemeyer said they are also working on a plan for COVID-19 vaccine distribution once they are available through the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

Washakie County Emergency Management Director Kami Neighbors had Resolution 365 approved by the commissioners for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) funding in the amount of $74,700 to order three Jaguar Ultraviolet Disinfection Units. Washakie County Sheriff Steve Rakness had resolution 366 approved in the amount of $10,000 with $4,000 being approved for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and disinfectant, with $6,000 for additional costs required for the washer and dryer that was recently approved.

Retail liquor and/or microbrewery licenses were approved for RBK Ranches LLC., Big Horn Mountain Ski Lodge LLC., Asian Cuisine and Ten Sleep Brewing Company Inc.

The commissioners entered into a closed/executive session once to discuss personnel and security.