[7:58] No.

[8:01] [clears throat]

[8:46] » [clears throat]

[8:50] » Good morning. I'd like to welcome everyone to the Albany County regular

[8:54] meeting of of the county commissioners for September 1st, 2026.

[9:01] Uh, first item of business is um call to order and roll call. Commissioner Gozar

[9:07] » here. >> Commissioner Hoff

[9:09] » here. >> Commissioner Jones present. Please stand

[9:12] and join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the

[9:19] United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation

[9:25] under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[9:31] » Thank you.

[9:37] Item three, we have a public hearing and it's for the Curry zoning district

[9:44] amendment application ZDA-03-26.

[9:51] Would anyone like to make public comment on the Caduri zoning district amendment

[9:59] application?

[10:02] Terry, come on up.

[10:07] commissioners. Uh I'm Carrie Grezer. Uh I have known the

[10:12] Gdoris since they came to town and their son came to basic beginnings.

[10:19] » Um in addition to that, they're my neighbors and uh in addition to that,

[10:26] they are my landlords. I feel that I was fortunate enough to be

[10:30] one of the folks that was uh able to get into the business part

[10:35] that they've built down on Skyline. I believe them to be uh very

[10:42] experienced and sophisticated business folks and I believe that if they are

[10:50] uh asking for this zoning change they have very good reasons. I've seen in the

[10:54] business park that they built new businesses come to Laramie, businesses

[10:59] expand in Laramie and I believe it's probably good for Alman

[11:04] County and I know how much they've invested in Al County. Thank you.

[11:09] » Thank you, Carrie. >> Would anyone like else like to make

[11:13] public comment? Katie, come on up.

[11:18] » Uh, good morning, commissioners. >> My name is Katie Ogden. I live at 4433

[11:23] Soldier Springs Road. I also submitted written comment. Um,

[11:29] from my perspective, I think that the zoning request warrants pretty careful

[11:34] consideration. Uh, I have concerns with regard to traffic, especially turning on

[11:39] and off Soldier Springs Road. I understand that there are plans for this

[11:43] to be RV and boat storage in addition to, I presume, business space. Uh, I

[11:50] think that the left turn in the 55 mph zone should be examined pretty

[11:56] carefully. Um, I also think that the it's an inongruous land use. The rest of

[12:01] the area, I understand that there are two small parcels on either side of the

[12:05] property that are currently zone commercial, but the rest of it is

[12:08] residential and agricultural. Um, and I don't necessarily think that it aligns

[12:12] with the goals of the Alb County growth plan. And I think it's important that we

[12:16] do undertake strategic growth that aligns with the plans that you know were

[12:21] discussed and publicly adopted and so forth. Um generally speaking I think

[12:26] there are lots better places for this. Uh I don't disagree with development in

[12:30] the broader sense. I just don't necessarily think that this is the right

[12:33] place for this. I think zoning regulations are in place for a reason

[12:37] and serve an important purpose um and should not be you know set aside at

[12:43] every request. Uh, I also observed some staff comments on the application that

[12:48] noted that it was an inongruous land use and that it did not comply with the

[12:52] growth plan. Um, and I generally agree with the planning and zoning zoning

[12:56] commission's decision to not recommend approval of the zoning change. Um, but

[13:02] yes, I think that the traffic concern should definitely be looked at more

[13:06] carefully and potentially addressed if there's to be commercial development on

[13:08] that road. Um, it's already a little bit of a problem. the left turns into Spur

[13:13] Ridge which are in a lower speed limit zone than the 55 mph. Um we have you

[13:19] know a lot a lot of residential traffic up and down Soldier Springs and it would

[13:24] be wise to widen it and put in a left turn lane if we were to consider

[13:28] commercial development in what is almost exclusively a residential area. The two

[13:33] pieces that are zone commercial also don't generate a lot of traffic like KOB

[13:37] has one car in and out per day. um the old that was a motel. It's why you know

[13:43] a hundred years ago when Soldier Springs was the primary southbound artery. Uh

[13:47] that's not actually an operating business. It's a purely residential

[13:51] facility where the Arcs live. Um so I think the notion of surrounding

[13:56] commercial development justifying the resoning is, you know, a little bit

[14:01] misleading. Um, and I would just like to express my

[14:06] overall concern for zoning changes in what is generally rural, residential,

[14:11] and agricultural areas. So that's all. Thank you.

[14:16] » Thank you, Katie.

[14:20] » Would anyone Yes. Go on up. >> You just state your name.

[14:25] » Yes. My name is Corbin Ditz. I own Arrow Works, which is a business in the

[14:29] Skyline Business Park. I'm also a recent graduate of the University of Wyoming

[14:33] College of Business and what I've come to find um being in Laramie it's been

[14:37] really hard for our business to be able to grow with whether it's you know

[14:40] university business space or other business spaces really out of most price

[14:45] ranges when I consult and work with a lot of other you know young businesses

[14:49] young companies and young founders it's hard to find a space in Larmy to

[14:53] actually kind of grow and I think as a as a state when we're talking about you

[14:57] know a mass exodus of students after they graduate or they

[15:00] I think this is a a primary reason for that is not being able to truly find

[15:05] space to be able to grow and work inside the place that they really want to call

[15:08] home. Everyone that I've been fortunate enough to hire and and uh work with has

[15:12] has loved Lar. They'd love to stay in LA, but a lot of the times these these

[15:16] offices or these places are built for other reasons and a lot of these, you

[15:20] know, young founders can't find a place that either fits their needs or that is

[15:24] within their price range. And I think for us it was an absolute godsend to be

[15:28] able to find one of them before they before they filled up. And I was talking

[15:32] to Dr. Dur. I was like, "How much space do you have?" Cuz we need as much as you

[15:35] can possibly give us. And he's like, "Well, we got two little spaces here."

[15:38] And so, um, you know, over the last two months or so, it's been an absolute, you

[15:42] know, pleasure to be able to work with him, too. An absolutely amazing

[15:45] landlord. Really lets us build the space to what fits us. And uh and there's

[15:49] really nothing else like that in Laramie that's that's reasonable um and actually

[15:54] workable for our needs. Either a lot of them need heavy upkeep, you have to

[15:58] purchase upfront, or the the square footage cost is just too high or the

[16:02] building's too outdated, doesn't have proper hookups and stuff. And working

[16:05] with Dr. Curry, being able to really do whatever. And so I think with this new,

[16:09] you know, being able to reszone it, I think would be extremely beneficial for

[16:14] not only the the county but also this, you know, city and state to be able to

[16:18] keep a lot of these residents here if we eventually build buildings, but also for

[16:21] people to be able to store and continue to work in Alb County. Thank you.

[16:26] » What's your business name? >> Arrow Works.

[16:28] » Is that a E R O W KS? Thank you so much. Anyone

[16:38] else like to make public uh comment in the public hearing? Yes, come on up.

[16:47] » Hi, Tony Whitman. Um I'm here representing Eminem Repair. Um we're a

[16:53] small mechanic shop. We do part-time after hours and weekends. My husband has

[16:58] a full-time job as well. Um, and I'm also a volunteer on a couple of

[17:02] nonprofits, so that takes up a lot of my time. Um, but definitely this space,

[17:07] we've been in business for about three years, and we were downtown um by the

[17:11] car wash, and they raised our rent double to what it had been, which made

[17:16] it impossible to stay in business there. Um, so were it not for this space, we

[17:20] would no longer be in business. And we do do a lot of community service,

[17:25] helping people that couldn't otherwise afford to have their cars repaired. Um,

[17:29] so I really would like to see you reszone this and allow him to create

[17:34] more space for businesses like ours. >> Just to be clear, you're in the skyline.

[17:38] » We are. >> Yeah. We I think we're fun one of the

[17:42] first in there after we got it built. >> Very good. [clears throat]

[17:46] » Thank you. >> Anyone else like to make public comment?

[17:51] Right. Come on up, Tom. >> I'm Tom Paris. I own Go Plumbing. Um I

[17:59] have a building on Grand Avenue, but storage space is limited. Um I have a

[18:06] unit in the Skyline Park with Dr. Kaduri. Um which has opened up a a whole

[18:11] new world for us. Um I think one of the biggest concerns of the community right

[18:17] now is cost of living on it. Um, as the previous speaker stated, um, a small

[18:24] business being able to get into operation has become incredibly

[18:28] difficult in Larmy. Um, the city council has made it very difficult on small

[18:34] businesses. Um, I know for anybody that's atheist or agnostic, we have

[18:41] settled that debate. The state supreme court has told us that the University of

[18:46] Wyoming is in fact God on it. But it's the small businesses. It's the small

[18:52] businesses that employ more people than the University of Wyoming, more people

[18:58] than the cement factory. And so I think that the commissioners need to view this

[19:03] as an opportunity to incentivize small businesses in Larmy. November 3rd

[19:11] is coming up very quickly and at least in my opinion I think that the vote is

[19:17] going to swing. People don't like paying taxes. I don't nobody is is excited

[19:23] about it. At the point in time that the property tax passes and they reduce

[19:28] residential taxes. By my mathematic calculations, you're

[19:33] looking at a decrease of around $600,000 in revenue in counting revenue. Have I

[19:41] don't know if you guys have looked at how you're going to make that up on it.

[19:46] Costs are continuing to rise. Costs of employment, all the costs are rising.

[19:51] You're looking at a huge, huge deficit on it. This is a means of taking a

[19:59] property that is currently sitting vacant and turning it into more revenue

[20:05] for the county. It's simple mathematics. As far as traffic pattern, it was not

[20:12] that many years ago and none of you were on the board at that time when at the

[20:18] end of Vista Drive, you passed it to reszone it so that they

[20:23] could have heavy equipment going over the only bridge in that area to get to

[20:29] that entire area. and it was reszoned so that there could be houses and business

[20:36] with heavy construction equipment going across that road. That's the only

[20:40] entrance in and out that entire [clears throat] area. So, I think that

[20:44] if that can be allowed, I really don't see traffic pattern as being a problem.

[20:51] these the the area right now, the park that he has does not have that much

[20:57] traffic in and out of that area whatsoever. So, you're talking about

[21:03] taking a vacant chunk of property and allowing it to become something useful

[21:09] that will produce revenue to help fund what is currently taking place and what

[21:15] will be taking place after the November 3rd ballot election. And so, I think

[21:21] it's really a simple matter of mathematics on it. I also don't believe

[21:26] uh speaking with Caduri that this entire area is being turned into nothing but a

[21:32] business park. He's also looking at being able to potentially have some

[21:37] residential houses with people being able to have a business right next door

[21:42] to their house which is already taking place in other places of Albany County

[21:47] to incentivize small business use of properties. And so I would I would I

[21:55] would beg I would plead um with you to please make mathematical sense of this

[22:02] because if we don't find another way if you three don't find another way to

[22:07] increase revenue then there's only one simple answer for it and that's going to

[22:13] be that the other properties the rental properties that aren't going to be part

[22:18] of the tax ballot the business properties that are not part of the tax

[22:22] ballot. You're going to have to increase taxes on all of those places in order to

[22:27] meet your shortfall. That means that the cost of living for everybody here in

[22:33] Larmy is going to skyrocket on it. The rental prices that people are already

[22:38] complaining about, you have no other choice. Where else are

[22:42] you going to get the funding other than increasing the taxes on the people that

[22:46] aren't included in the November 3rd ballot on it? Um, cost of living is is

[22:52] probably one of the biggest issues for the people of Albany County right now,

[22:57] if not for the entire United States. My personal experience with this,

[23:04] I'm able to purchase more items when they're available at a cheaper price

[23:09] because I have the storage space now available because I was fortunate enough

[23:14] [clears throat] to get into a unit with Dr. Kaduri that

[23:18] allows me to charge customers less. So if there's a little old lady that's

[23:25] sitting there that needs a water heater replaced and can't afford it at regular

[23:29] prices, I'm able to do it for less money because

[23:33] I was able to use the storage facility to stock it with items that I could buy

[23:38] at a lower cost on. And so I think for I I would beg for your consideration of

[23:44] the general public and how much Dr. Caduri and these units have helped the

[23:51] entire county of Albany County. Thank you.

[23:55] » Thank you very much, Tom. >> Mr. Ferris, there is no we have no

[24:00] ability to raise taxes on businesses that that's not something this board can

[24:04] do. So, I just want to let you know >> I'm just on on property taxes. I'm

[24:09] saying that I I'm certain that behind closed doors that the three of you have

[24:14] already discussed what you can do with spending, what's going to happen with

[24:18] spending. >> No, sir. We we don't discuss anything

[24:20] behind closed doors. >> Yeah. And and we don't have the ability

[24:23] to raise taxes. So, if that initiative passes, you'll have to find $600,000 in

[24:30] cuts or maybe more than that. Yeah. So I think there's that understanding needs

[24:34] to be out there because we do not have the ability to raise it would be put on

[24:39] balance just like the six cent tax is put on balance and the people who are

[24:44] working people who are working don't make it to vote on it are the ones who

[24:52] are going to pay for it by the other people tired people who are able to pay

[24:58] » Can we clear this up right now? Yeah. the county will lose $600,000 in

[25:02] services. >> That's that's how that works.

[25:05] » It's money that doesn't go back into the community.

[25:07] » The county will be looking for a way to increase that.

[25:11] » No, the county will probably be looking for projects that we can tax like wind

[25:14] turbines and data centers because we did there's already counties in Wyoming that

[25:18] are having to turn. >> We're not going to put data centers.

[25:20] » We're not we're probably not going to put data centers in there. I'm just

[25:23] telling you that's the reality. That's just the quick down and dirty.

[25:28] Like it or not, that's the counties have very narrow guard rails on how they can

[25:33] collect money. Um, we don't enjoy the same fees structure that the city has.

[25:38] » No. And with the university continuing to buy properties that used to produce,

[25:42] » not arguing with >> property tax,

[25:44] » you don't get one ounce of argument >> and taking money away from the county.

[25:49] I've argued for a long time that actually our state legislators need to

[25:54] ask for subsidy. Calvin County to offset what the university is doing to us.

[26:01] » Yeah, >> be a very simple answer.

[26:03] » Katie, >> I just have like a I guess what I view

[26:06] as a quick point of clarification for my own

[26:10] understanding, which is to say we're not going to solve

[26:16] revenue shortages based on the zoning change of one property. And I don't and

[26:22] I also understand the argument for any development on vacant land. It generates

[26:27] more property taxes than having vacant land. I get that too. Uh we have lots of

[26:32] vacant existing commercially zoned actively for sale property in Albany

[26:37] County. And I don't think that reszoning questions should come down to

[26:43] exclusively, you know, the net benefit of another

[26:46] development in an already zoned commercial area. Like I'm not opposed to

[26:50] commercial development. I'm not opposed to broadening the tax base. I'm not

[26:54] opposed to any of that. It's just I think the question before the

[26:57] commissioners is whether or not this particular zon resoning application is

[27:04] appropriate, not whether or not development is good. Like we all agree

[27:09] that development is good. We all agree that more opportunity for small

[27:13] businesses is good. We all agree to that. It's just whether or not this

[27:17] particular development is appropriately placed based upon long-term planning

[27:22] initiatives and the impact to the public and neighboring private property owners.

[27:28] I think it's wrongheaded to approach it by saying if you don't approve this

[27:32] zoning application, you know, such and such and such harm will befall the

[27:36] entire population of Albony County. It's a bit hyp it's it's hyperbolic

[27:42] in my opinion. Yes,

[27:48] » madame chair and commissioners. Good morning. My name is Dr. Vijaya Kodori.

[27:53] I'm the property owner and applicant for ZDA 0326 and I respectfully ask you to

[27:59] approve the zoning amendment for our property at 1437 Rosedale Road. I

[28:05] personally attended the planning and zoning meeting. I appreciate the time

[28:08] the commission spent on this application including the concerns raised by the

[28:13] planning and zoning members and our neighbors. I believe the discussion

[28:17] identified three central questions. How should the Larmy growth area plan apply

[28:22] to this property? Is commercial zoning appropriate in this particular location?

[28:28] And does resoning all the 57s create too much uncertaintity about what could

[28:34] happen here in the future? Those are legitimate questions. I would

[28:39] like to address each of them directly. First, we respect the Larami growth area

[28:43] plan. We are not asking you to disregard it. It is an important longrange

[28:48] planning document, but I respectfully ask the board to use the plan as

[28:53] guidance for thoughtful decision making together with the actual circumstances

[28:58] of this property and the county's existing zoning review process. At the

[29:02] planning and zoning hearing, there was significant discussion that the Larami

[29:07] growth area plan contemplated further implementation including an

[29:11] intergovernmental agreement, additional regulations and more detailed

[29:15] application of the conceptual land use map. That implementation has not been

[29:21] completed. I'm not saying that makes the LMI growth

[29:25] area plan irrelevant. I'm saying that a conceptual estate residential

[29:30] designation should not by itself automatically determine the outcome of

[29:35] an individual resoning application when the county's own professional staff has

[29:41] completed a parcel specific analysis and recommended approval. Staff also

[29:46] explained that under the property's present zoning, this average could

[29:50] potentially be divided into approximately 11 lots and indicated that

[29:55] such development would not itself accomplish the residential pattern

[30:00] contemplated by the growth area plan. So simply denying this application and

[30:05] leaving today's zoning in place does not automatically implement the LAR growth

[30:10] area plan vision either. That is why I ask you to look at this property, this

[30:15] location, and this record. Albani County Planning Staff recommended

[30:21] approval of ZDA 0326. Staff reviewed compatibility, roads,

[30:26] public services, environmental considerations, surrounding development,

[30:31] and the growth area plan. Their conclusion was that this application

[30:35] represents a logical extension of existing commercial development rather

[30:40] than an isolated commercial use. The property has direct access to the paved

[30:46] county maintained road. Road and bridge said the impact on county roads would be

[30:51] small. Pi district number one considered the project well thought out. The

[30:56] Wyoming Department of Transportation raised no objection. Wyoming Game and

[31:01] Fish identified no crucial habitat issue and provided ordinary recommendations

[31:06] concerning fencing and invasive species. No reviewing agency identified an impact

[31:14] that makes responsible development of this property unworkable.

[31:18] There was also discussion at planning and zoning suggesting that approximately

[31:23] 78% of this surrounding land was residential or agricultural. We went

[31:28] back and looked carefully at the identified properties specifically along

[31:34] Soldier Springs Road. I have provided the parcel information and zoning map

[31:39] exhibit for you to look at. Among the identified Soldier Spring Roads

[31:45] properties in our analysis, approximately 77% of the aces is already

[31:51] zoned commercial. This property is not creating a

[31:56] commercial island in the middle of an untouched residential area. It lies

[32:00] within an area that already contains a significant mix of commercial,

[32:05] residential, and other uses. There is also real evidence of demand, not simply

[32:10] a projection. Last year, this board approved the zoning change for Skyline

[32:15] Business Park. We are grateful for that decision because today there is a

[32:20] measurable result. I have also presented an exhibit for your kind review.

[32:26] In approximately 11 months, Skyline reached 100% occupancy with

[32:31] approximately 74,600 square ft leased to 19 local businesses

[32:37] who already moved in and are operating. We continue to receive [snorts]

[32:42] inquiries from the businesses looking for space. That experience demonstrates

[32:46] genuine demand in Albany County for practical commercial and storage space.

[32:51] Our intended use at 1437 Rosedale is comparatively low inensity enclosed flex

[32:58] storage space and dry storage for RVs and boats.

[33:03] This is not an RV campground. This there will be no RV sewage dumping operation.

[33:09] Our intention is to develop only a limited portion initially while

[33:13] respecting drainage areas, setbacks, buffering, fire requirements, access

[33:19] requirements and applicable environmental standards. We are planning

[33:23] to leave most of the northeast parcel undeveloped because of the low elevation

[33:28] and naturally existing creek. I also heard planning and zoning's broader

[33:33] concern very clearly. If all 57 acres become commercial, what could a future

[33:39] owner do someday? That is a fair concern. Zoning runs with the land. And

[33:44] I understand that my personal intentions cannot be the only basis for your

[33:49] decision. If the breadth of future commercial uses

[33:53] across all 57 acres is the remaining obstacle to approval, we are willing to

[33:58] work with planning staff and county council on any legally available and

[34:03] enforcable solution. If county staff determine that a smaller commercial

[34:08] area, subdivision facing appropriate limitations or another legally

[34:14] permissible mechanism better address that concern, we are willing to pursue

[34:19] that path. I would much rather solve the board's legitimate concern than have an

[34:25] otherwise supportable project denied because of a hypothetical future use

[34:30] that we are not proposing. We also listen carefully to our

[34:35] neighbors regarding drainage and groundwater. We will follow professional

[34:39] engineering requirements and protect the drainage area identified on the

[34:43] property. Regarding wildlife and weeds, we will follow the recommendations from

[34:48] Wyoming Game and Fish and the Conservation District. Regarding septic

[34:52] and RV waste, again, this is a dry storage, not a dump station. Regarding

[34:56] the neighboring KOB radio towers, we take that concern seriously before

[35:01] construction that could potentially affect the station. We are willing to

[35:05] obtain appropriate professional engineering review and work with the

[35:10] station and the county to address any legitimate technical issue. That is how

[35:15] we intend to approach every concern raised about this development with

[35:19] evidence, professionals and solutions, not assumptions. I also heard the

[35:24] concern that Albany County needs housing. I agree that housing is

[35:29] important but the question today is not whether Albany County needs housing in

[35:34] general. The question is what constitutes appropriate land use for

[35:39] this particular property considering its location, road access, surrounding uses

[35:44] and the evidence in this record. Commissioners, I respect the

[35:48] recommendation made by planning and zoning, but you now have the

[35:52] responsibility to look at the complete record and make your own decision. The

[35:57] record before you contain several important facts. Your professional

[36:01] planning staff recommended approval. The agency reviews identified no

[36:06] unmanageable impact. There is substantial existing commercial zoning

[36:11] along this corridor. There is demonstrated demand for this type of

[36:15] space. Our proposed use is relatively low intensity and we are willing to

[36:21] address the concern about the breadth of the 57 acre commercial zoning through

[36:26] legally enforcable measures that county staff and council determine or

[36:31] appropriate. I'm not asking you to choose between

[36:36] responsible planning and responsible private development. I'm asking you to

[36:40] accomplish both. Respect the growth area of land, protect our neighbors, protect

[36:45] drainage and wildlife, protect appropriate safeguards, and allow

[36:49] reasonable development where your own professional review supports it.

[36:56] Last year, this board gave us an opportunity with Skyland Business Park.

[37:00] Today, the results speak for themselves. That space is fully occupied by local

[37:04] businesses that are working, growing, employing people, and serving this

[37:08] community. It has created opportunities not only for those businesses but also

[37:13] for the local plumbers, electricians, heating technicians, garage door

[37:17] companies, contractors and other trades that helped build and continue to

[37:22] support them. Most importantly, these businesses and that economic activity

[37:27] are staying right here in Albani County. Commissioners, we have already shown you

[37:33] what we do with an opportunity. We invest, we follow through, and we create

[37:37] something our community actually uses. Today, we are not asking you to take a

[37:43] chance on a promise. Our track record is already in front of you. We are simply

[37:48] asking for the opportunity to responsibly meet a need that Albani

[37:52] County businesses have already demonstrated. I respectfully ask you to

[37:57] vote vote yes on ZD80326. Thank you very much for your time and

[38:02] consideration. >> Thank you very much. Would

[38:07] anyone else like to make comment for the public hearing?

[38:13] » Madam Chair, I move that we close the Kaduri zoning district amendment

[38:16] application ZDA-03-26 public hearing. Second.

[38:21] » All those in favor? >> I.

[38:23] » I. Motion carries. Item four. Do we have any comments from

[38:28] the public? >> Could I speak?

[38:31] » Yes, please. Madam Chair and Commissioners, um I just

[38:36] wanted to come forward and thank everybody for all their help on the

[38:40] election on Tuesday. Um we've had a successful day. It was our first attempt

[38:45] at vote centers. Um while Commissioner Hoffnos, he was up in the office, helped

[38:50] us run ballots out to the fairgrounds in various locations.

[38:53] » Uh we had some places that ran out of ballots, but we were able to get them

[38:57] ballots. Nobody was disenfranchised with the right to vote. We have our express

[39:01] votes which helped out immensely. Um, we've got some things to work on for the

[39:05] general to make sure we have our numbers correct. Of course, with everybody being

[39:09] able to vote at every location, it makes it a little tricky on getting our ballot

[39:12] numbers out. But I just want to say thank you and I have a list of people.

[39:16] So, if I miss somebody, I'm sorry, but the Galb County School District for

[39:20] letting us use Harmony and Centennial. It was really instrumental to have those

[39:24] uh those rural precincts that we had. Sabil Wildlife Research, Larmy Peak and

[39:28] Rock River for all of our rural locations, the fairgrounds for letting

[39:33] us use uh the location there, the library, the W gateway. Um and the city

[39:39] of Laramie for letting us use their IT people as well as the MOC. Um the

[39:44] sheriff's office, we had deputies at every location. That is huge for us. It

[39:49] makes our voters feel more secure and we were also able to use deputies to um

[39:54] transport ballots and equipment back from our northern precincts which was

[39:58] really really instrumental for us on election night. Um the IT office um we

[40:05] could not do this without them. I tell you what, those four are amazing. Um my

[40:10] staff, judges, EMA office, Rodenbridge, wow those guys are awesome on election

[40:18] day. Um the day before they are there to help us set up everything and the day

[40:22] after they are there taking everything down. Um Lincoln Community Center was

[40:27] another location as well. Um Secretary of State's office of course uh the other

[40:32] county clerks around the state. It's always helpful to have uh my other 22

[40:36] counterparts around the state to help us out. Um

[40:41] I'm trying to think I I hope I didn't miss anybody. Also another thing we had

[40:46] our handc count audit. Um that was something new that happened um this

[40:50] election cycle. We have to do a 5% handc count audit of ballots cast

[40:55] on election day. So we did that on what day was that? Tuesday. I think it was

[41:01] Tuesday we did it. Um we had three um three groups of four judges that did it.

[41:07] We did a great job. We started at 10:00. We were done by 2:30. Um Jerry was one

[41:13] of my judges here. Um, this was the first time we've ever done that and I

[41:17] think we did a really great job. Our judges were great. We had no

[41:19] discrepancies. Um, the machines did exactly what they were supposed to do

[41:24] and that's the whole point of that handcount audit and I think that that

[41:27] gives us just more security in our elections. Um, and the processes that we

[41:31] do. But I just cannot thank everybody enough for all of their help on election

[41:35] day. We definitely couldn't do this without a team effort. Um, so just thank

[41:39] you Alb County for for being there for my office and also just helping out. So,

[41:44] thank you, >> Kayla. Thank you for doing a really good

[41:46] job >> in and venturing into untested waters.

[41:51] » Yes. >> And your election staff.

[41:54] » Yes. Yes. And your question. >> Well, good morning.

[41:57] » Hi, Darren White. Uh, I just wanted to echo what Kayla said. They did a great

[42:00] job. The only thing that I would say, and we've talked to Kayla about this, is

[42:04] that there are a number of people who said, "I didn't know about the vote

[42:07] centers." And I think that the county clerk's office did a phenomenal job

[42:10] getting the message out, but it's incumbent upon all of us to tell

[42:14] everybody that we know for November uh that they can vote early starting

[42:18] October 6 here. They can't vote here on November 3rd that they can vote at any

[42:22] of the other 10 vote centers. >> Yeah.

[42:24] » So, thank you. >> Did on the vote center, did you have a

[42:27] list of places that people could go? >> We did. So, we had a list on the door

[42:31] out there and of course anybody that came into the office, we let them know.

[42:35] We have it on our website and of course we have the wait times on the website as

[42:38] well. I think it was really exciting. I think at every single one of our rural

[42:43] precincts we had city people that voted out there because they have the ability

[42:47] to do that. People can choose where they want to vote. It gives our voters way

[42:51] more accessibility. It gives them the ability just to get to go where they

[42:55] want to go. I mean if you wanted to take a nice drive up to Laramie Peak on

[42:58] election day, you can do that. Then you can go vote. I mean really it gives you

[43:02] that ability to do that. Um, and I hope that um, like Darren said, I think the

[43:08] biggest thing is getting the word out there. Um, you know, we do the best that

[43:11] we can, but there's some voter responsibility, too. Um, we did post

[43:17] notices at all of the locations that used to be vote are, you know, the like

[43:22] the Indian Paint Brush, Late School, all the schools that used to be polling

[43:25] places. We did post notices on the door to let them know where they could go and

[43:29] vote. Um, but really it's just getting the word out there and I think it's a

[43:33] lot of word of mouth as well. So, but thank you everybody for all of your

[43:37] help. I really do appreciate it. >> Well, I think it's very successful.

[43:42] Super.

[43:46] » Anyone else like to um make comments from the public?

[43:52] » Madam Chair, I move that we close public comment. Second.

[43:56] » All those in favor? I >> I motion carries. Any considerations

[44:02] of changes to the agenda? >> Good morning, Tracy.

[44:06] » Good morning, Madam Chair and commissioners. I would like to remove

[44:09] item 10, which is the bonding amount for the Albony County Fairgrounds

[44:13] grandstands project um through the 2026 specific purpose excise tax. Who made

[44:19] that so wordy? >> It's probably me. [laughter]

[44:23] » Um I was unable to prepare. I wanted to be able to give you a better financial

[44:27] analysis of um bonding bonding different amounts versus the the money that we

[44:34] have in our reserves and how they're invested in the timeline of those

[44:37] investments before um having you guys make a decision. I plan to bring this

[44:41] back at the next meeting and also we'll have at that time a resolution prepared.

[44:47] So if you choose to do some bonding then um we can just plug that into the

[44:51] resolution at the time as well. Tracy, in that analysis with you also including

[44:55] the B schedule with the bonding >> just so we're actually getting max

[44:59] apples to apples. >> Yes. And

[45:01] » because that's isn't that based on percentage 5 [clears throat] million is

[45:05] » for for um Kaiser wealth management fee. Should you um approve item 11 today? Um,

[45:12] there will be attorney fees, which I can reach out to Rick Thompson to find out

[45:18] what his he's got kind of a a feel for it and I can look back at the 2018

[45:24] bet to see. I'm sure there's going to be some inflationary price increases since

[45:28] then, but yes, I can try to have a better feel for what those fees would be

[45:32] as well. >> Great. Thank you.

[45:37] » Any disclosures to more changes? I'm sorry, Commissioner.

[45:42] » Good morning. I would like to add two items this morning. The first is to

[45:48] present for approval the installation of gutters and downspouts at the

[45:52] fairgrounds pursuant to the estimate from windfall roofing exteriors which

[45:58] has been approved by insurance as part of the claim for the roof replacement.

[46:04] The second is to present for approval removal and replacement of the damaged

[46:08] and broken ceiling tiles. That estimate is from Southeastern Wyoming insulation

[46:13] and has also been approved by insurance as part of

[46:18] um that roof replacement project. >> Doesn't matter where those go.

[46:22] » It does not. >> So I do 19 A and B.

[46:27] » You can do it clear at the end if you want.

[46:29] » That's pretty close to clear at the end. >> Okay.

[46:33] Thank you.

[46:38] » Any other changes to the agenda this morning?

[46:47] » Any disclosures? >> Mad for me.

[46:50] » Nor I. >> Nor I.

[46:53] Item seven, approval of the consent agenda.

[46:56] » Madam chair, I move we approve the consent agenda as presented.

[46:59] » Second. >> All those in favor? I

[47:01] » I motion carries. Move on to the regular agenda. The first

[47:07] item on the regular agenda is number eight. Discuss placement of the new sign

[47:13] and alternate options.

[47:18] Come on up. [cough]

[47:22] » Morning. >> Good morning.

[47:23] » Um I brought the sign. It's out there. >> I did. I went out and looked. Yes, I

[47:29] did. you get an idea of uh how tall it is and how long the trailer is and

[47:34] stuff. Um, also I just got a quote. It's just one quote. I'm still waiting on

[47:40] more to remove the planter boxes. And I sent that to you guys email. When

[47:45] I get the other two, I'll be back up here. But just to get an idea, um, the

[47:50] first quote, they quoted uh $45,000 to remove that planter box,

[47:56] [clears throat] which I think is a lot of money. It is.

[47:59] » But um >> well, one of the line items on there is

[48:02] permit and planning. >> So I I talked to him about that. He said

[48:05] that uh HK, he talked with the city. They want um not only for them to get

[48:12] permits, they want a site plan and they want architectural drawings, what it's

[48:16] going to look like after the planter box is removed.

[48:19] » That's really easy to do. You just go out there and look. You can

[48:22] » Yeah. >> Any third grader can con can youize

[48:25] that. So, um, just let you know that's what the city's wanting for that. Um,

[48:32] and, uh, um, also we we do move forward this. I'd

[48:39] like guidance on what we're going to do for electrical.

[48:43] You want me to get quotes running conduit underground? We're going

[48:48] to have outlets at the building. Um, how do we want to power this thing? or are

[48:54] we just going to use the generator? Uh

[48:59] » I so I thought that we had discussed this about

[49:04] running the conduits underground.

[49:10] So there's nothing for anybody to trip over any of that.

[49:13] » I mean I think that'd be best for safety and stuff so you know people don't trip

[49:19] over these two inch [clears throat] thick you know extension cords and

[49:21] stuff. Plus the if if in the winter time if there's snow out there, which is

[49:27] going to come eventually. >> Yeah.

[49:29] » Um we don't want to tear that stuff up either.

[49:32] » Yeah. Um >> we don't have to run it that far now

[49:37] since the planner's looking. >> Yeah.

[49:41] » Or the one planter will be gone. >> And it will it will

[49:46] possibly the trailer's about 25 ft long. That

[49:50] planter box is about 25 ft long. So, it'll take up that whole

[49:53] » right >> that whole area. I don't think we'll be

[49:55] in the sidewalk, which is good. >> But, um, you know, just

[50:02] when I was sitting there waiting for those quotes and stuff, um, I think the

[50:06] planter boxes are newer than the flag pole. I think I don't really know.

[50:10] There's a plaque out there that, you know, says this stuff was donated and

[50:15] installed in 1936. I don't know how accurate that is, but

[50:21] my opinion to remove something that was handcarved stone that we can't replace

[50:28] and park a trailer there. I don't think it's a good idea. It's just my personal

[50:33] opinion. Um just about everyone I've talked to don't think that it's a good

[50:37] idea as well. I don't know what the alternative would be, but um I do know

[50:44] we're approved to get that new building installed. Maybe we could start planning

[50:49] on having that fully incorporated into the new building or when we purchase

[50:53] land, put that sign out there on the trailer advertising this [clears throat]

[50:57] is where the new building is going to go. Um

[51:01] I'm not sure, but I just thought I would voice uh my thoughts on this this whole

[51:06] thing. I'd hate to remove something that we can't replace those those handcarved

[51:12] stones and uh put a trailer there.

[51:18] If they I'm in agreement with you on that. Um I think that uh when we get the

[51:24] new building um we can [clears throat] use that as a piece for architecture. Um

[51:28] I'm not interested in putting a trailer out in front of a really nice old

[51:32] building house.

[51:36] Um I think it will look

[51:40] for uh to say the least. Um, and we don't have to put it up right now. We

[51:46] don't have to back it in right now. Um, can we put it in other places in the

[51:51] meantime? I think for the elections we were talking about with Mr. Wyatt, uh,

[51:57] be nice to let people know that everybody go to a vote center and so we

[52:00] can move that about the county. Um, but you know, I just I don't like the idea

[52:06] of putting it up front, backing it in, backing it out, and then, you know, so

[52:12] I mean, obviously, I'm going to whatever directive you give me, that's what I'm

[52:16] going to do. So, um, like I said, I'm still waiting on

[52:20] two more quotes. When I get those, I'll give them to Cammy and I'll be back up

[52:24] here. >> Well, did that I'm just curious, but I'm

[52:29] in agreement that We need to just wait and put that sign

[52:35] up in the next building. But did that quote include cleaning that stone?

[52:39] » Yeah, I did. Um >> Okay, that makes a big difference why

[52:42] it's so expensive. Okay. >> Well, part of it was included because I

[52:46] talked to him right right before this meeting. Um part of it was uh um

[52:52] carefully removing the stone and trying to save as much as possible. And then

[52:57] underneath that is just dirt. Uh, so that price also included just putting

[53:03] rock, you know, so the trailer can drive onto

[53:07] it. Um, which is that part's not that expensive, but wasn't sure if we wanted

[53:12] to concrete, you know, over that spot or just put

[53:15] rock there in the meantime or what. I wasn't sure if we do get the new

[53:20] building and we move the sign, what we're going to do with that empty space

[53:23] afterwards, you know, I wasn't sure. So, >> so um that what are what are your

[53:30] thoughts? >> I don't have anything positive to say,

[53:32] so I'm not going to say it. [clears throat]

[53:35] » I'm trying so hard to be positive. Um >> it's going to get stored. We're going to

[53:39] forget about it in 5 years and it's going to deteriorate.

[53:42] » Well, I will store it inside. >> Well, I don't I mean, it it is a 25 foot

[53:48] trailer. You know, it's really long

[53:51] » and in reality, it's the city that's forced us into this situation.

[53:57] » I thought maybe we could park it in different parking lots, but but it's 25

[54:02] foot long, so I don't know where we would put it in parking lots, but know

[54:06] thought about the library and thought about

[54:10] » it's way too small. >> You know,

[54:13] » I'm also concerned the generator is going to come up missing. It's a really

[54:16] nice really nice generator on it. >> Yeah. Well, I that's why I think that we

[54:20] can't just park it around places because it will be parts and pieces that find

[54:27] new homes. Um,

[54:30] can it be the first thing if if and when we do purchase property, can it be maybe

[54:35] the first thing that is installed there? Not on a but at

[54:39] » Yeah. Even probably five years now. Yes. It's probably five years down the road.

[54:44] I completely agree with you. >> Yeah.

[54:45] » Um >> yeah, because it's sitting like that,

[54:47] it's not going to be >> It would be nice to be able to utilize

[54:50] it if we could during election time. I don't know how because it is so big. Um

[54:56] » Well, I think the one comment I had from Adam was he was concerned about people

[55:00] tampering with the sign and >> misusing or mis

[55:04] I don't >> I think that we run that risk anywhere

[55:08] we put it. So,

[55:12] » um, I did ask him, "Hey, what if we put it in the grass, you know?" He said,

[55:17] "Well, it's it's weather resistant. It's designed to be out in the rain and the

[55:23] snow and stuff, but he said, "I would not recommend putting it somewhere where

[55:27] a sprinkler is going to constantly hit it."

[55:32] » Uh, that's not a good idea, he said, too. So, I thought about that. We could

[55:36] cap off some sprinkler heads and then there'd be a large portion of lawn.

[55:40] [laughter] >> Let's let's try to make the problem

[55:44] smaller, not big.

[55:50] » Anyway, that's that's what I got so far. That's my thoughts on it.

[55:53] » Well, can we check with out at the SARS building and see if we can store that

[55:58] inside? So, I did talk with uh a lot of I talked with Michelle who works over in

[56:05] that building and a lot of the deputies. Um they don't want that thing in their

[56:11] SAR building because they and I'll admit they they don't have much room in the

[56:15] » big search and rescue trailer and all their equipment.

[56:19] » You know, right now where it's at, they can't even get back to their cage

[56:22] because it's blocking the only spot left. Um, if we could just park it out

[56:27] there and I can get a big tarp, canvas tarp or something and throw over it. I

[56:32] mean, it's designed to be outside and it will be outside once it's installed

[56:36] anyway. >> Um, Taylor, is there room at the

[56:39] fairgrounds? Put that inside for a while.

[56:42] » I can go with Anthony and look at it, but we should have room. Um, we could

[56:46] put it in where we do our winter storage because we'll start bringing that stuff

[56:50] in in October. We could definitely until April at least.

[56:56] » What do you guys think? So >> fine.

[56:58] » How [clears throat] tall is it? >> It's shorter than your It's shorter than

[57:03] your um >> If it's shorter than our camper, then we

[57:06] can fit it. >> Yeah, that's good. Yeah,

[57:08] » that's good. Yeah. >> And then I told Kayla, but we can

[57:12] advertise the boat centers on our sign out at the fairgrounds, too.

[57:15] » So, I didn't even think about that beforehand, but

[57:18] » Thank you. >> We can I'll work with her to come up

[57:19] with >> mortgage. Yeah, for our sign and design

[57:22] it. So, >> okay, that's very kind. Thank you.

[57:25] » Thank you. And um >> Yeah,

[57:28] » I didn't measure the height. I didn't hit any stop points on the way.

[57:32] » Well, I know how tall their camper is. >> If it's shorter than their camper, it

[57:38] came out. >> Needs to be shorter by about a foot and

[57:39] a half. >> Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is.

[57:41] » Because it doesn't fit [clears throat] in anything out there. So,

[57:43] » I'm going to say that and then I'll have to stick walk it back and say, "Whoops."

[57:47] Well, um, whenever Bud's back and we get through high school rodeo this weekend,

[57:51] I can have him come over, too. But I can go out with Anthony and look at it and

[57:54] we can measure it and >> Perfect.

[57:55] » We should have a barn that it'll fit in. >> Okay.

[57:59] » So, yeah, that's not a problem.

[58:02] » Okay.

[58:05] » Anthony, thank you. >> More questions for me? [laughter]

[58:08] » This project has gone completely crazy and

[58:13] » I know we had a timeline to decide all these things and we were

[58:18] thrown some wrenches in the mix on the second variance and stuff. Uh but at

[58:23] least the grant is obligations fulfilled and we have it. We can decide finally

[58:28] what we want to do with this. >> Well, and it's in hand now. So that's

[58:33] » so >> um that's a big plus too. So and you

[58:37] have put lots of time in on this project. Thank you very much.

[58:43] » Thank you.

[58:50] Item nine, present for consideration the Caduri zoning district applica amendment

[58:56] application ZDA-03-

[59:01] 26. David, good morning. >> Good morning, Madam Chair,

[59:05] commissioners. Um, [clears throat]

[59:09] so the applicant is Dr. Kaduri. He's also the owner of the property.

[59:15] um which is at 1437 Rosedale Road. They're requesting a zoning district

[59:20] amendment to change the zoning to commercial. Um [clears throat] just to

[59:26] describe what you're approving or not approving today would be uh the zoning

[59:31] district amendment is you're basically changing the zoning map to from what it

[59:36] is now rural residential or ranchets, excuse me, to commercial. meaning the

[59:41] map changes and now there's a whole different um bunch of of uses that can

[59:47] be done on the property that are for commercial businesses and there's quite

[59:51] a wide variety of those. Um so we're not we're not approving any specific use. We

[59:58] are just the request is to approve um new zoning

[1:00:03] on the property which opens up the door for a number of different uses. Um so

[1:00:09] there was a number of folks that um this application was sent to. Um

[1:00:16] quite a few of them didn't have any concerns. Um Larry Rivers Conservation

[1:00:21] District just reminds land owners of the care that should be taken to minimize

[1:00:26] land disturbance. Recommends quick reclamation of disturbed areas with

[1:00:30] native grasses and shrub species. notes that the conservation district will help

[1:00:35] with recommendations of native grass species and planting information.

[1:00:41] Um they also noted that there was a portion of the property that was very

[1:00:46] limited for development buildings due to shallow depth of groundwater and

[1:00:50] seasonal surface water flows. Um the Wyoming Game and Fish Department

[1:00:55] reviewed this. They just recommend avoidance of fencing that restricts big

[1:01:00] game and wildlife friendly fencing if fencing is proposed. Um it's recommended

[1:01:07] that they um that the following be done to reduce

[1:01:11] reduce invasive species, clean vehicles and

[1:01:14] equipment prior to con construction activity and developing a plan with Alb

[1:01:19] County to assess, treat and monitor invasive species. Um the city of Laramie

[1:01:25] almost also commented on this. Philip Gaburer um planning manager recommends

[1:01:30] denial of the request and notes future development of the property should be in

[1:01:34] accordance with the state residential future land use designation of the Larmy

[1:01:39] growth area plan. Larmy yeah lar grow plan. Um so the basic proposal is to

[1:01:47] change there's 57 acres out here ranchet to commercial. Um and this is is

[1:01:54] contiguous to to Soldier Springs Road and then Rosedale Road

[1:02:00] also access provides access to this property.

[1:02:05] Then

[1:02:10] get

[1:02:20] all right. So my analysis of this application

[1:02:27] um so approval of this zoning district amendment proposal um to change this to

[1:02:33] commercial zoning um would allow the property to develop

[1:02:38] with uses that are compatible with surrounding commercial uses. Um the

[1:02:43] property has direct access to paved county maintained road and is located in

[1:02:47] close close proximity to city of Larmy allowing allowing for efficient access

[1:02:53] to emergency services. The applicant has demonstrated that potential impacts

[1:02:58] associated with the dis zoning district amendment have been addressed. The land

[1:03:02] use allowed by right or through the conditional use application process in

[1:03:07] the commercial zoning district are generally compatible with the existing

[1:03:10] mix of land uses of the surrounding properties. Um there's a number of

[1:03:15] different uses um and zoning types in the vicinity out here. Um the

[1:03:21] compatibility is expected to minimize land use conflicts and support logical

[1:03:25] growth pattern in the area. The proposed district amendment is generally

[1:03:29] consistent with the goals and policies of the Albony County comprehensive plan

[1:03:32] for the following reasons. Proposal um furthers a comprehensive plan's vision

[1:03:37] of promoting economic development and growth efficiency. The proposed

[1:03:41] commercial zoning district will provide opportunities for additional businesses

[1:03:44] to in invest um and increase the county's tax base. The proximity to the

[1:03:51] city of Laramie and nearby emergency services supports comprehensive plans.

[1:03:55] the goals of growth efficiency by directing development to areas having

[1:03:59] adequate access to public services. This property is in an area designated as

[1:04:03] priority growth area 3. This designation recognizes the potential for small

[1:04:07] convenienceoriented commercial uses. Commercial zoning

[1:04:11] district includes a includes a very variety of uses that are consistent with

[1:04:15] the recommendation. Um, rural commercial land use

[1:04:19] designation in the Albony County Comprehensive Plan notes that rural

[1:04:24] commercial areas should be located at intersections of major roads to take

[1:04:28] advantage of higher traffic volumes and have water and sewer availability. The

[1:04:32] property has direct access to a paved county maintained road, a future in

[1:04:37] intersection with 15th Street, a future major arterial. Um, and Soldier Springs

[1:04:42] Road is shown on the major street plan just north of this property. Although

[1:04:46] municipal water and sewer are not currently available, domestic wells and

[1:04:50] small wastewater systems provide feasible methods of serving commercial

[1:04:54] development until such services become available. The staff finds the proposal

[1:04:58] is generally consistent with the intent of the rural commercial land use

[1:05:02] designation. [clears throat] So based on these points, staff finds the zoning

[1:05:05] district amendment um application generally consistent with the goals and

[1:05:09] policies of the comprehensive plan. Um this property is also shown in the Larmy

[1:05:15] growth area plan as estate residential. Um it is also

[1:05:21] contiguous to an area designated neighborhood commercial. So um to extend

[1:05:27] commercial um from that neighborhood commercial designation um what seems

[1:05:32] logical and um consistent with the intent of the plan. um planning and

[1:05:39] zoning commission reviewed this and and discussed um discussed the application.

[1:05:46] They discussed the proposal's consistency with the adopted land use

[1:05:50] plans and surrounding areas. The majority of the commission determined

[1:05:53] that the proposed commercial zoning is not consistent with the Albony County

[1:05:57] conser comprehensive plan because the property is located with priority within

[1:06:01] the priority growth area 3 which supports residential uses on large lots

[1:06:06] and small neighborhood oriented businesses. The majority note that the

[1:06:10] use is identified in the application may not be consistent with the intent of the

[1:06:14] priority growth area 3 designation. Majority also noted that although the

[1:06:18] neighborhood commercial future land use designation in the Larmy growth area

[1:06:22] plan is adjacent to property, the estate residential future land use designation

[1:06:27] applicable to the property should guide future development. In addition, the

[1:06:31] majority determined that the size of the property approximately 57 acres would be

[1:06:37] incompatible with the surrounding land use power pattern. Most properties

[1:06:41] adjoining the proposed zoning amendment are currently used for agricultural

[1:06:45] residential purposes. One member of the planning zoning commission disagreed

[1:06:48] with majority's assessment. This member stated that the learning growth area

[1:06:53] plan should not be relied upon because it has not been significantly

[1:06:56] implemented since its adoption three years ago. The member also believed that

[1:07:01] the application satisfied the required findings for approval. Planning zoning

[1:07:06] commission had voted to deny the application based on incompatibility

[1:07:10] incompatibility with the surrounding area inconsistency with the AB county

[1:07:15] comprehensive plan and the Larmy growth area plan. The motion carried um by a 4

[1:07:20] to one vote. Um so their re the recommendation is to deny the Kaduri

[1:07:26] zoning district amendment based upon the applicant's failure to demonstrate that

[1:07:30] the proposed zoning district amendment complies with the criteria

[1:07:34] specified in the zoning resolution chapter 35 subsection C uh 6B and C

[1:07:43] 1 as follows. The proposed zoning district amendment is not consistent

[1:07:47] with the Alb County comprehensive plan for growth area 3 because the commercial

[1:07:52] uses allowed by the zoning resolution are not limited to small neighborhood

[1:07:56] oriented businesses. The proposed commercial zoning district is not

[1:07:59] consistent with the estate residential future land use designation shown on the

[1:08:04] Laram Growth area plan map. Um, and the proposed commercial zoning district is

[1:08:08] not compatible with existing agricultural and residential uses in the

[1:08:14] area. So, um, I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

[1:08:23] » To your knowledge, when was the last time we did a traffic study? And this is

[1:08:26] probably a question for Jake. A traffic study on Soldier Springs Road.

[1:08:31] I know when they don't know when they leave covered it um at a constituent's

[1:08:35] request, Rob actually changed the no passing zone out farther to accommodate

[1:08:42] » uh some of the housing developments back from Soldier on Yeah. from Soldier

[1:08:47] Springs um back, but I don't believe a traffic study was done at that time.

[1:08:53] » Yeah, I'm not aware of a traffic study out there. Not that there hasn't been

[1:08:56] one, but I I just don't know. There should be one soon with that safe

[1:09:01] streets for all grant. That just is starting off though. So

[1:09:05] » yeah, but what is soon? >> The year.

[1:09:09] » But the grant would end in 2028. So >> it'll be in the next two years.

[1:09:14] » Within the next two years. >> Okay.

[1:09:17] » David, your staff report indicates this is a small neighborhood oriented

[1:09:21] business. 57 acres small neighborhood oriented business. Can you explain that

[1:09:26] to me? uh this small neighborhood oriented business would be the actual

[1:09:30] businesses on the property. What we're asking or what is being asked is to

[1:09:34] change the property to um commercial zoning. So that that has nothing to do

[1:09:40] with >> No, your staff two different things.

[1:09:42] » No, your staff report said it was consistent with priority growth area

[1:09:46] three which ensures small neighborhood oriented businesses. you you can you can

[1:09:53] on um commercial property they can develop small neighborhood oriented um

[1:09:59] businesses on there. >> What they're saying is no Walmart in

[1:10:02] that spot. >> If it's own commercial, then it could

[1:10:07] have a Walmart in that spot. >> Right. Our our commercial zoning

[1:10:11] district allows for a number of uses. Small businesses, large medium

[1:10:16] businesses, and large businesses. >> Yeah, I understand that. But this is

[1:10:20] priority growth area three and it's at that if it's commercial it'll be small

[1:10:27] neighborhood oriented businesses and that's right

[1:10:30] from priority build area three >> correct

[1:10:33] » I think for me that envisions convenience stores barber shops um child

[1:10:40] care facilities um 57 acres is not a small neighborhood oriented business

[1:10:45] that's my take on um so I would disagree with with your staff parking and green

[1:10:51] the commission the planning and zoning commission. Um I also think that once

[1:10:56] you change it it changes forever. So that goes with the land. The land now

[1:11:01] becomes a commercial land and whatever wants to be done with it can be done

[1:11:04] with it as long as it been commercial. Um you can people can be well intended.

[1:11:12] People can tell you what exactly what they're going to do with that land but

[1:11:15] that is not what has to happen with that land. Once that is commercial, all the

[1:11:19] things that are commercial can happen to that. Um, and although the applicant

[1:11:25] said they're willing to uh work and sign things, it's a little late. Force is out

[1:11:31] of the bar. Um, and so I think that uh if that is an intention, if the

[1:11:37] applicant wants to do something different, um, they need to do it before

[1:11:42] this body would change that commercial zoning the entire park. Um,

[1:11:48] I do think we have to have some consideration of Larmy growth plan. This

[1:11:52] body passed that plan. Uh, it was two years and hundreds of thousands in the

[1:11:59] making. Um, so um I don't think this applies this uh priority growth area

[1:12:07] three. This doesn't fit. I don't think it fits with the larger growth area

[1:12:10] plan. I don't feel like it's a good idea with a 55 mile per hour. you always know

[1:12:16] that term. Um there's a lot of problems in there um that I think we should be

[1:12:22] cognizant about and we should be um we should respect flying donation

[1:12:26] commission's recommendation that was a 4 to1 vote um and

[1:12:32] you know and the economic benefit and all that that's great right that doesn't

[1:12:39] come to determine planning and zoning we are saying does this planning and zoning

[1:12:44] thing being asked for fit with this area. I don't think it does.

[1:12:51] » I'm of the same opinion. If we could issue issue a conditional zoning

[1:12:56] application and it stayed in the owner's possession for the next 3 to 5 years and

[1:13:01] they did exactly what they would do, it stayed permanently. Um otherwise, it

[1:13:06] would revert back. But we don't have that ability. Um, I also have

[1:13:10] significant um concerns about Soldier Springs Road um and would be fearful of

[1:13:15] changing this zoning to commercial um with what we don't know about the road

[1:13:21] with the turning lanes, the approaches. Um, I think you need a traffic study

[1:13:27] before this something like this would be

[1:13:30] changed. I I I think it could end up costing the county significant amount of

[1:13:34] dollars if there's if we're found to need revisions on that road prior to

[1:13:40] approval of this.

[1:13:44] If there's no further discussion, >> Madam Chair, I move that we deny the

[1:13:50] Caduri zoning district amendment ZDA-03-26

[1:13:54] based upon the applicant's failure to demonstrate that the proposed zoning

[1:13:57] district amendment complies with the criteria specified in AZR

[1:14:02] chapter 3 section 5 subsection C6B and C1 as follows. Um, and then

[1:14:13] one, the proposed commercial zoning district is not consistent with the

[1:14:16] Alman County Comprehensive Plan priority growth area three because the commercial

[1:14:20] uses allowed by the zoning resolution are not limited to small neighborhood

[1:14:23] oriented businesses. Two, the proposed commercial zoning district is not

[1:14:26] consistent with the state's residential future land use designation shown on the

[1:14:30] land growth area plan. And three, the proposed commercial zoning district is

[1:14:34] not compatible with the existing agriculture and residential uses in the

[1:14:37] area. >> Commissioner Doar would uh entertain

[1:14:42] friendly amendment to renew part three of that.

[1:14:47] » Uh accepted and I'll second. >> All those in favor?

[1:14:52] » I I >> I motion carries. Thank you.

[1:14:57] Um

[1:15:01] on to item 11. Present for approval mis mis municipal

[1:15:08] advisory agreement between the count the between the board of county

[1:15:13] commissioners for Albany County and Todd Bishop with Kaiser wealth management for

[1:15:19] bonding of projects through 2026 purpose excise tax and direct the chair

[1:15:26] to sign. >> Good morning once again madam chair

[1:15:30] commissioners. This is the agreement with Todd Bishop. Um, this would cover

[1:15:33] us for any of his purposes for bonding, whether we bond for the fairgrounds or

[1:15:37] the county building. Um, it covers us for all the projects.

[1:15:41] » Oh, good. >> This doesn't guarantee funds though.

[1:15:45] We're not entering into uh a city fun. This is just agreeing to their

[1:15:49] percentages of the bond requirement. >> Correct.

[1:15:53] » Okay. I move that we approve the municipal advisory agreement between the

[1:15:56] board of county commissioners for Albony County and Todd Bishop with Kaiser

[1:16:00] Wealth Management for bonding of projects through 2026 specific purpose

[1:16:04] excise tax and direct the chair sign. >> Second and then just comment

[1:16:10] » we have to put this out for bid. Um I have nothing to say about Todd. I have

[1:16:15] nothing but good things. We've worked with him before but is this large enough

[1:16:19] that we have to put this out for bid? I think that's it. Depends

[1:16:24] [laughter] >> how much money are we gonna

[1:16:29] » um I guess I'll defer to Jennifer. >> Is there enough of a market in this

[1:16:35] industry to >> I don't think so. Not with this type of

[1:16:42] experience either. Um I I honestly guess I don't know that we

[1:16:49] know that. Well, it'd be more of a consulting because don't they solicit

[1:16:53] the best price on behalf of the county at that point?

[1:16:56] » So, I don't know how do we need to table this?

[1:16:59] » They do. We also do pay commission. I think I mean my advice would be that we

[1:17:05] could do this essentially under a soul source given Kaiser helped us in the

[1:17:12] process when we were doing the bid work with Rick out of the attorney out of

[1:17:18] Cheyenne and the history that he has with the county bonding process. I think

[1:17:23] that is not something that can be replicated

[1:17:26] for something of this magnitude that has such a long-term impact on the county.

[1:17:34] » I just want to do the eyes and cross the tees because I suspect this project will

[1:17:37] be >> well viewed and well looked at. So

[1:17:42] » I hate using soul source. >> I know and we do not do it very often.

[1:17:52] I I feel like they act as a fiduciary on behalf of the county that

[1:17:56] » they essentially do.

[1:18:00] » I know he had been very instrumental in, you know, calculating all those ballot

[1:18:05] amounts and everything already. >> Yeah. Der, would you have the ability to

[1:18:10] give us a little more in two weeks when the other stuff comes in?

[1:18:15] » Uh, you certainly can. I can certainly write something of it similar to the

[1:18:19] memo that we do when we generally have is for things to go up. I can do that

[1:18:22] for us if you'd like to table this. >> I'll amend my motion to uh table

[1:18:27] » item 11 um until the 15th of this month. >> Second agrees.

[1:18:33] » All in I >> I motion carries.

[1:18:39] Thank you. Item 12, present for approval, highway

[1:18:45] safety program FFY2027 subawward agreement between the Wyoming

[1:18:52] Department of Transportation Highway Safety Program and the Albany County

[1:18:56] Sheriff's Office for Occupancy Safety Visibility Enforcement in the amount of

[1:19:02] $2,97144.

[1:19:07] » Morning commissioners. This is the essentially the yearly grant agreement

[1:19:12] that we've had uh with YOT uh highway safety program for a grant for basically

[1:19:19] seat belt enforcement. It's what high visibility occupancy is to the tune of

[1:19:24] just shy of $3,000.

[1:19:28] » And this pays for deputies for how many hours?

[1:19:31] » Uh >> it's just kind of a laughable amount.

[1:19:34] » So they have with the it is it's a very low amount. Um, but they have specific

[1:19:39] times through the highway grant office when you agree to this grant that you

[1:19:43] use it for. And so May mobilization is one of the events that they call. So

[1:19:49] this uh essentially for two and a half weeks around

[1:19:53] uh the Memorial Day holiday. Um and then August crackdown is another one that we

[1:20:00] are required to use it for. um we spread it out for uh throughout the year at all

[1:20:06] of kind of the high traffic times that we have. So um like this weekend is an

[1:20:11] example of it um uh all through the summer as well and then key holidays

[1:20:16] that we have also. So >> and I'm assuming this and the next

[1:20:20] agenda item kind of go hand in hand or >> they do the the prices are a little bit

[1:20:25] um or the awards are a little bit different. Um the awards are uh kind of

[1:20:30] based more on uh population and essentially uh

[1:20:38] uh initiation of work that we do. So the citations that that we're able to

[1:20:44] uh to initiate the stops that we're able to initiate. So because we don't have a

[1:20:49] primary seat belt law in the state of Wyoming, that's why the occupant safety

[1:20:55] [clears throat] grant is is >> so would you explain a primary

[1:21:00] the primary seat belt? >> Right. Where uh we don't have a primary

[1:21:04] seat belt law and so we cannot pull over solely for you not wearing your seat

[1:21:10] belt. So, we do traffic enforcement [clears throat] and then if we um you

[1:21:15] know come across a traffic stop and find out that an occupant isn't isn't being

[1:21:20] protected by wearing their seat on a safety belt or a child restraint isn't

[1:21:25] properly uh uh applied within the car. go ahead and issue

[1:21:29] » when you started into that then I go okay now I get

[1:21:34] » madam chair move we approve the highway safety program fiscal federal fiscal

[1:21:39] year 2027 subaw award agreement between the department of transportation highway

[1:21:42] safety program and the county sheriff's office for occupancy safety visibility

[1:21:46] enforcement in the amount of $297144 >> red second

[1:21:51] » very good um all those in favor I >> I motion carries

[1:21:57] item 13. Present for approval highway safety program FFY 2027 sub award

[1:22:05] agreement between the Wyoming Department of Transportation Highway Safety Program

[1:22:09] and the Albany County Sheriff's Office for Impaired Driving Visibility

[1:22:14] Enforcement in the amount of $18,64210.

[1:22:21] » This is along the same lines. It's just for DUI enforcement. So it comes with uh

[1:22:26] uh different requirements but similar to where there's certain times during the

[1:22:30] year that we're required to uh do high visibility enforcement for DUIs. Um and

[1:22:36] then like I said we spread it out throughout the year for uh known hightra

[1:22:40] areas um and other times of the year where we know that there's a high

[1:22:46] possibility of of drinking >> when we play CSU or something like that.

[1:22:50] » Yes, we will have a lot of people out this weekend.

[1:22:54] uh as we do every Labor Day weekend and opening weekend for Wic.

[1:23:01] » Madam Chairman, we approve the highway safety program fiscal year 2027 sub

[1:23:06] award agreement between the Wyoming Department of Transportation Highway

[1:23:09] Safety Program and Melvin County Sheriff's Office for impaired driving

[1:23:12] high visibility enforcement in the amount of $88,64210.

[1:23:16] » Second. >> All those in favor?

[1:23:19] » I I >> I motion carries.

[1:23:21] » Thank you, Commissioner. Item 14, present for approval amendment two for

[1:23:26] the contract between the Wyoming Department of Health Behavioral Health

[1:23:30] Division and Albany County Board of Commissioners as

[1:23:35] governing body for the Albany County Court Supervised Treatment Program in

[1:23:39] the amount of $740,700

[1:23:44] through September 30th, 2027 for state opioid response funding.

[1:23:52] Good morning, commissioners. Uh the department of health is just giving us a

[1:23:57] second amendment for Heather's state opioid response grant. Uh there's a few

[1:24:01] minor changes um because the federal government has made a few minor changes.

[1:24:07] Um but Heather has no problem with any of them.

[1:24:12] » I'll move that we approve. I'm just checking to see if you had any comment.

[1:24:15] Okay. Move the approved amendment to the contract between Wyoming Department of

[1:24:18] Health Behavioral Health Division and Alb County Board of Commissioners as

[1:24:22] governing body for the Alb County supervised treatment program in the

[1:24:25] amount of $740,700 through September 30th, 2027 for state

[1:24:30] opioid response funding. >> Second.

[1:24:33] » All those in favor? >> I I motion carries. Thank you. Item 15,

[1:24:39] present for approval subreient amendment between the county between the

[1:24:46] Albany County Commissioners and Climb Wyoming Cathedral Home for Children's

[1:24:51] Community Programs, Larmy Interfaith and Greater Wyoming Big Brothers Big Sisters

[1:24:57] for TANF CPI 2024 through 2027 grant funding ALN

[1:25:06] 93.5 558 for services provided between the date of October 1st, 2024 and

[1:25:14] September 30th, 2027. >> Haley,

[1:25:18] » the at the last meeting I had you guys approve our a second amendment with the

[1:25:22] state. So this is just our second amendment with all of our subreients

[1:25:25] that we've discussed those amounts a few months ago. So [clears throat]

[1:25:30] » any questions? Madam Chair, I move that we approve this

[1:25:33] other recipient amendment between the Albany County Commissioners and Fly

[1:25:37] Wyoming Cathedral Home Children Community Programs, Larry Interfaith and

[1:25:40] Greater Wyoming Big Brothers Big Sisters attempt CPI 2024 through 2027 grant

[1:25:45] funding for services provided between the date of October 1st, 2024 and

[1:25:50] September 30th, 2027. >> Second.

[1:25:53] » All those in favor? >> I

[1:25:55] » I motion carries. Item 16, present for approval grant application to the

[1:26:00] Wyoming Office of Homeland Security 2026 SHSP funding to support the purchase of

[1:26:10] a search and rescue boat. >> Morning.

[1:26:13] » Good morning. >> Yes. Uh this is an application to uh

[1:26:18] Office of Homeland Security for their SHSP funding that was released for the

[1:26:24] purchase of a new search and risk vote. Um it's one of three items that you guys

[1:26:30] have coming up in terms of the application in there.

[1:26:34] Um, and we've ranked this one third, but Alb County Sheriff's Office dive team is

[1:26:42] basically the only dive team in southeast Wyoming. And the current boat

[1:26:48] that we have is not [clears throat] in the greatest shape whatsoever. And so uh

[1:26:54] attached you'll see the quote along with the application for a brand new boat

[1:26:58] engine and trailer um with a small reduction for a trade in of our existing

[1:27:04] boat and trailer in there as well. >> Is this the same boat you were trying to

[1:27:08] shoot for last year? >> Yes. So we applied a few few months ago.

[1:27:13] » Uh yeah, SHSP had what they call leftover funding.

[1:27:18] » We we applied then we were awarded radios but not

[1:27:21] » great. So now that there's a full award and a set of leftover, there's a a

[1:27:27] better chance of not getting the boat. >> So is the boat stored inside?

[1:27:32] » It is. Yes. It's stored in our search and rescue facility.

[1:27:37] » Madam Chair, I move we approve the grant application of Wyoming Office Homeland

[1:27:41] Security 2026 SHSP funding to support the purchase of

[1:27:45] a search and rescue boat. Second. >> All those in favor? I I motion carries.

[1:27:53] Item 17, present for approval grant application to the Wyoming Office of

[1:27:57] Homeland Security for the 2026 SHSP funding to support the purchase of

[1:28:04] mobile and portable radios. Kate, good morning.

[1:28:08] » Good morning, commissioners. So, this is just our grant application um to support

[1:28:13] our three-year radio replacement plan. And this year we uh collaborated with

[1:28:18] both city and county um departments and agencies. We don't know exactly how much

[1:28:23] we're going to ask for on the first year yet because all of our um requests came

[1:28:27] in at 2.8 million which is way higher than we can divide over three years. So

[1:28:32] we're going to whittle that down and get you a total.

[1:28:38] Just just so you guys know, this grant, the most I've ever been able to receive

[1:28:42] one time was for the detention center generator and that was $125,000.

[1:28:47] » Oh, we have to whittle it way down. >> We did ask the state for some direction

[1:28:51] on what would be a reasonable request and they couldn't give us any. So, we're

[1:28:55] continue to work on this. >> Let's let's just shoot arrows in the

[1:28:59] dark then. >> Yes, I think that total is all the money

[1:29:03] they have for the whole state, including state homelands. So,

[1:29:08] They'll aim high, you know. [laughter] >> Shoot for the moon. We'll get half of

[1:29:13] it. >> I move [snorts] to be approved the grant

[1:29:17] application to allow me Office Homeland Security for the 2026 SHSP funding to

[1:29:22] support the purchase of mobile and portable radio.

[1:29:24] » Second. >> All those in favor?

[1:29:26] » I >> I motion carries. Thank you.

[1:29:30] Moving a repeater would be cheaper than replacing radio [laughter]

[1:29:35] » by like $300,000. >> Item 18, present for approval grant

[1:29:40] application to the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security for the 2026 SHSP

[1:29:47] funding to support the purchase of two purchase of generators for WCO Wola and

[1:29:54] Sab. Um so this is a grant application for uh emergency backup generators for

[1:30:01] WCO uh fire station and Sabil fire station. Um there are the two stations

[1:30:07] left that don't have backup generators. So um this would support uh continued uh

[1:30:15] fire management and response and also would provide shelters for those areas

[1:30:19] where we don't have any other county facilities.

[1:30:23] We're talking the spiel's station that's in Black County.

[1:30:26] » That is correct. Okay. >> But is our station?

[1:30:31] » I don't know. I just It's interesting. >> I I I know. I was That's exactly how

[1:30:36] Chad explained it, too. It's >> It's interesting. It is. Yes.

[1:30:41] » But it is our station. >> Making sure that Okay.

[1:30:45] Well, I move that we approve the grant application to the Wyoming Office of

[1:30:48] Homeland Security for the 2026 SHSP owning support purse of generators for

[1:30:54] WCO and Seabil. Second. >> All those in favor?

[1:30:57] » I I >> I carries. Thank you.

[1:31:02] » Item 19, present for approval fiscal year 26 1% community partner funding

[1:31:08] agreements between Albany County and community partners.

[1:31:16] Okay, Bailey. >> Uh, these is I sent out an email last

[1:31:19] week to the few that were missing. Here's majority of them. I'm hoping to

[1:31:22] have the last three on your agenda the next time and that'll take care of all

[1:31:26] them for this year. >> Madam Chair, I move that we approve the

[1:31:30] school year 26 1% community partner funding agreements between the Albony

[1:31:33] County and community partners. I mean art guards coalition relative theatrics

[1:31:37] peace of mind safe project skate by me and developmental preschool. Second.

[1:31:42] » All those in favor? I >> I

[1:31:44] » I motion carries. >> Item 19A.

[1:31:50] » I can read it for you. >> Would you please

[1:31:52] » present for approval installation of gutters and downspouts the fairgrounds

[1:31:56] activities building pursuant to quote from windfall roofing and exteriors and

[1:32:00] and as approved by insurance in the amount of $5,376.

[1:32:05] » So this as you just read is the quote for that. Windfall is the same company

[1:32:10] that did our roof. So we won't have any issues in going with them with regard to

[1:32:18] with the warranties that were with the original roof. And this has been

[1:32:22] submitted to and approved by insurance. Madam Chair, move we approve the

[1:32:27] installation of gutters and downsides at the fairgrounds activity building

[1:32:30] pursuant to the quote of windfall roofing and exteriors and as approved by

[1:32:33] insurance in the amount of $5,376. >> Second.

[1:32:39] » All those in favor? I I >> I motion carries. Item 19B, present for

[1:32:45] approval removal and replacement of damaged and broken ceiling tiles at the

[1:32:50] fairgrounds activity building pursuant to quote from Southeastern Wyoming

[1:32:55] installation and approved by insurance in the amount of $4,991.

[1:33:02] Again, this is the interior ceiling tiles from the water damage from when we

[1:33:08] had the issues with the roof fairgrounds. And this has also been

[1:33:12] approved by insurance. Madam

[1:33:14] » chair, I move that we approve the removal and replacement of damaged

[1:33:17] broken ceiling files at the fairgrounds activity building pursuant to quote from

[1:33:21] Southeast Wyoming insulation and as approved by insurance in the amount of

[1:33:25] $4,991. Second.

[1:33:28] » All those in favor? >> I I

[1:33:30] » I motion carries. Item 20, reappoint Aaron Odori, Fletcher, and Cat Gabriel

[1:33:37] to the community services block grant tri.

[1:33:45] [laughter] >> Thank you. My tongue was twisted. I

[1:33:48] could board for the elected officials sector for threeyear term and effective

[1:33:55] immediately. Hello.

[1:33:58] » I know I have a difficult time with that word as well. Um this is just exactly as

[1:34:04] it says. It's um Pat Gabriel is representing um as a former

[1:34:08] commissioner. He's representing the commissioners on this board as an

[1:34:11] elected official as you appointed him prior. Um and then Aaron of course is

[1:34:16] serves on city council and I am the county treasurer.

[1:34:21] » You are. [laughter] So, I'd like to thank you all of you for

[1:34:25] doing this, being willing to do it again. I'd like to reappoint Aaron

[1:34:29] Hordi, >> uh, excuse me, I move to reappoint Aaron

[1:34:32] Authority, Tracy Fletcher, and Pat Gabriel to the community service block

[1:34:35] grant part for the elected officials sector for three-year term effective

[1:34:39] immediately. Just second. >> All those in favor?

[1:34:42] » I I >> I motion carries. I was trying to put

[1:34:46] another A in there and I knew that wasn't right. I just couldn't get a

[1:34:50] mouthful. Item uh 21, discuss the Sallyport and south entrance of the

[1:34:55] courthouse. Kayla, >> good morning.

[1:34:58] » Good morning, commissioners. Um since

[1:35:03] some time ago when we uh took access away from the front entrance of the

[1:35:09] courthouse in the Sallyport, um I watch on a daily basis people wander around

[1:35:15] the building trying to figure out how to get into the building. Um, and so, uh,

[1:35:20] it has been, we've talked about it during, I think, department head

[1:35:25] meetings, um, and I spoke to the sheriff yesterday, um, a little bit about this

[1:35:30] and my concerns with the public and the fact that it makes it really difficult

[1:35:35] for people that put in our address, which is 525 Grand Avenue, takes them to

[1:35:40] the front of the building. They walk to the front of the building, they cannot

[1:35:43] get in. There are no signs telling them where to get in. So, they wander around,

[1:35:48] try to get in this entrance over here, which is a not a public entrance, and

[1:35:52] then, of course, they find their way around the building. So, I just thought

[1:35:56] that maybe we could have a discussion about possibly opening back up. I know

[1:36:02] the one door on the front has the badge access. Even just opening the one door,

[1:36:06] I don't think all three doors need to be open. Um, but it's kind of a moot point

[1:36:10] anyway when people can let people in. I mean, I don't I know why we went forward

[1:36:16] with putting the one point of access when we were going to have the body

[1:36:20] scanners or whatever that was we were going to do, but that has not happened.

[1:36:24] And so, I feel like it is a disservice to the public um not allow them to come

[1:36:30] in the front doors. So, um that's my two cents on it. It is totally my opinion.

[1:36:36] Um, but we do hear it from our customers of their frustration when they do come

[1:36:40] in that they, you know, are having a hard time figuring out how to get into

[1:36:45] the building. So, even though Anthony did put up a sign in the elevator

[1:36:51] to help access that challenge

[1:36:57] there, I talked to a person this morning. They were confused. They

[1:37:00] couldn't figure it out. And I think that we would save a tremendous amount of

[1:37:05] frustration with the public by having these doors open.

[1:37:11] » Um, I don't know what that entails. Of course, I'm not security for the

[1:37:16] building, but I imagine that probably has a discussion with the sheriff, but I

[1:37:20] just wanted to bring it forward as a discussion item. Um, and my concerns

[1:37:24] that I have for the public. I'll second everything Kayla said and

[1:37:31] with the office that probably has the majority of the day-to-day regular foot

[1:37:35] traffic into this building. Um we hear complaints consistently of and and it if

[1:37:42] it's raining out those complaints are a little more

[1:37:45] » in the middle of winter >> warm to say the least. But um given that

[1:37:51] there is no requirement, you know, for anybody to go

[1:37:55] through a body scanner or any kind of those security measures on either door,

[1:37:59] I mean, and people continually do hold the door open. For others, sometimes in

[1:38:05] the summer months when that um heat, the sun expands the metal door frame, it it

[1:38:10] gets stuck open, >> which

[1:38:13] » Oh, yeah. >> You know, then anybody can still get in.

[1:38:16] Um, but I think it it would be a greater convenience for, you know, our

[1:38:20] constituents and taxpayers of the county to be able to access that door. And like

[1:38:24] Kayla said, the middle doors would be sufficient.

[1:38:28] » I don't I don't know what that entails. I guess that would maybe be a question

[1:38:31] for it or the sheriff, but I just wanted to bring it forward as a discussion

[1:38:35] item. >> Yes. So, [snorts] it seems like I went

[1:38:37] on a security tour with Homeland Security and the sheriff some time ago,

[1:38:41] and it was the court security that was forcing us. So we were making this

[1:38:45] decision court security was forcing us to do the

[1:38:48] single point entry. I'm not sure the sheriff will be able to approve that. Uh

[1:38:53] it but then the legislature came back and said nothing or made that un

[1:38:58] workable. I don't believe that court security memorandum has gone away. Um so

[1:39:03] we are kind of in this world where we have two conflicting ideas. Um and

[1:39:08] sheriff would you speak to that? >> Yes. Yes. We went to the single point of

[1:39:13] entry uh based on the recom uh recommendations from uh the court

[1:39:18] security commission from the supreme court and from CISA that came uh I think

[1:39:23] it's been a while now three almost four years that came and did the security

[1:39:28] assessment when we got the slip grant for the addition to the north entrance

[1:39:33] as well. Uh in addition to that grant um for the addition was the installation of

[1:39:39] security cameras and other security procedures or security equipment uh for

[1:39:46] screening uh into the courthouse. And so the cameras that were installed in there

[1:39:52] are all geared towards a single point entry uh on that north side. Um

[1:40:01] like I said, those safety measures that have been taken for that single point of

[1:40:06] entry um also within consideration of the ADA access that they have now u on

[1:40:11] that north entrance is there um has been in place and it's it's worked really

[1:40:17] really well. We do know that it's a it's a minor inconvenience for the public

[1:40:23] sometimes to have to walk around the building to that single point of entry,

[1:40:28] but for security purposes for the courts and everything else, it makes the most

[1:40:33] sense. Moving forward, this building is going to change a little bit as well

[1:40:40] where that second floor will be transitioning to a new building uh in

[1:40:46] there. And even with the changes in the laws that doesn't allow us to do full

[1:40:50] security screening right now since we have public access there once the second

[1:40:54] floor essentially moves out into the new building. This will be solely a

[1:41:00] courthouse which we will be able to move forward with the security screenings

[1:41:04] that we had in the original plan. And so the sheriff's office, the sheriff

[1:41:08] doesn't feel that a change is is necessary or really in the uh entrance

[1:41:15] uh interest of the courthouse moving forward.

[1:41:20] » So um I was on that tour also. >> Mhm.

[1:41:24] » And um they wanted no garbage cans.

[1:41:29] » Y >> we have garbage cans. They also wanted

[1:41:32] all of our bushes cut down. Yep. >> We still have all of our bushes.

[1:41:36] » Yep. >> We trimmed your bushes in the trees.

[1:41:40] That was the compromise that we made for the line of sight. So, and for most

[1:41:45] part, those trash cans have been essentially

[1:41:50] uh changed instead of >> Well, there's no flip blades on.

[1:41:54] » Yeah, that's right there. So that we can >> But we're not in compliance. better

[1:41:58] account for those explosive devices that we that we

[1:42:03] worry about. So, so yes, like I said, we have done a lot

[1:42:09] in terms of the recommendations by that by that there as well. So, but uh like I

[1:42:15] said, it it gets to be difficult to continue to secure the building if we

[1:42:20] let everybody in all of the entrances that we have all

[1:42:25] the time. So,

[1:42:29] » didn't we talk to Anthony about this and and

[1:42:34] » I have. >> Yeah. But he's in favor of our the way

[1:42:38] it is right now. So, >> we talked to him this morning.

[1:42:43] » Would finding signs be >> I've recommended that we put signs up um

[1:42:49] for a long time and they have not been entertained. Um I guess I have a hard

[1:42:55] time I understand a single point of entry,

[1:42:59] but people can leave and let people in from any of those entrances. During the

[1:43:04] commissioners meeting, we perched the door open for people to come in to this

[1:43:09] door. >> Probably should,

[1:43:11] » but I mean, because it's accessible to the public because this is where the

[1:43:14] board meets. Um, I guess I'm just It feels a little much like a moot point.

[1:43:20] » The north door is also easily accessible as well.

[1:43:24] » Correct. >> It is. It's not direct. They like

[1:43:26] direct. They know how to use this. >> Especially because we don't have

[1:43:29] commissioner meetings at nights anymore. >> All those commissioner meetings are

[1:43:33] during regular business hours. Access is is still available.

[1:43:40] » I I am the only one I I only have my opinion and you know what that is and

[1:43:45] the board and the sheriff will do what they choose with the building. and I

[1:43:48] just felt like it needed to be brought forward because um we get complaints

[1:43:52] from the public and we're the ones that hear it.

[1:43:55] » So, >> this board opens up these doors. It'll

[1:43:58] make my life easy because at home I hear why aren't those south doors open

[1:44:02] because I can walk >> attorneys walk across the street.

[1:44:06] » A few more steps won't hurt you, Kevin. Um, so, um, like I said, we acknowledge

[1:44:11] that it's an inconvenience, but it's an inconvenience and safety. So,

[1:44:18] the fact that we've had very, very little incidents [clears throat] here at

[1:44:21] the core house shows that those security measures that we've installed have been

[1:44:26] working >> well, only if there was a potential

[1:44:28] problem. >> I don't think that there were many

[1:44:30] incidences prior to the doors. No, I don't either. But that's

[1:44:35] » But we did have some issues with those doors being locked, those doors coming

[1:44:38] open. I remember those >> when all three of them were open. Yes.

[1:44:41] » Yeah. And so, uh, >> and Anthony has done a lot of work on

[1:44:44] those front doors in order for them not to do that.

[1:44:47] » Agreed. Because they would, they would get stuck open and the wind would get

[1:44:51] it. But I think with only opening one door rather than all three because only

[1:44:55] one has the key lock on it. that you said and you're the only one opinion

[1:45:01] here.

[1:45:06] » That's a discussion item. So I guess we discussed

[1:45:10] » I don't see any So let me ask you this. Who can see the cameras in the

[1:45:12] courthouse right now? >> So

[1:45:14] » can anybody in this building actually view the cameras in like department

[1:45:17] offices? >> No, we're able to. The judges are able

[1:45:20] to. uh the detention center is able to as well as

[1:45:26] » because their doors can automatic the assessors, the treasurers and the

[1:45:29] clerk's office can be closed with a visual button. [clears throat]

[1:45:32] » Um and I've done this for several district court offices.

[1:45:35] » So, and your door is always locked. The attorney's door is always locked. So, if

[1:45:41] the judges have a security issue, anything above the second floor

[1:45:45] » becomes a courtroom security problem. >> Judges doors are always locked as well.

[1:45:49] zoom and like I said the cameras installed are um there in the forier to

[1:45:53] look at that front entrance and then we have one on the second floor or two in

[1:45:57] the second floor to be able to look at the front entrances of the clerk

[1:46:01] assessor and the treasurer as well. >> Well, and and people's ability to carry

[1:46:05] a firearm in here now has changed since that assessment.

[1:46:07] » Yes, it has. >> Have you had any issues with people

[1:46:10] carrying the gun in here? >> Inappropriately.

[1:46:13] » Inappropriately. No. >> Okay.

[1:46:15] » No. No. There's a few folks that um not firearms but knives obviously trying to

[1:46:23] get in the courtroom and they usually forget that they have their pocket knife

[1:46:26] on them. So we have to ask them to >> they're too explained

[1:46:29] » to remove it. Not some but

[1:46:33] » but no we we really haven't had uh really haven't had any issues with

[1:46:37] people concealed carrying or open carrying um there there in the

[1:46:42] courthouse. So but we also get to um see and address those issues um fairly

[1:46:48] easily because like I said there is a single point to be trained. So um the

[1:46:52] core security officer that we have is is able to see and recognize

[1:46:58] » and if he's stationed or static on the second third or fourth floor

[1:47:03] » third floor >> you count that as Yeah.

[1:47:05] » Yeah. Third floor has >> basement. Okay.

[1:47:08] » Yep. when the third floor is there, like I said, we get to he gets to see we have

[1:47:12] a monitor that has a camera on. So,

[1:47:17] » I don't see any reason why the south doors need to be locked, but nor this

[1:47:22] one >> and I never have. So,

[1:47:28] » I do I I don't know why I don't think we're been relieved of that security or

[1:47:34] that homeland security advice. how >> the practices that we have are the same

[1:47:39] standard procedure that you have at just about every other courthouse uh in the

[1:47:44] state. This is a single point of entry. >> I'd like to see a copy of that

[1:47:48] assessment. Um I have a conference with SISA tomorrow, so I'll

[1:47:54] » see [clears throat] how that's going. They're barely operating right now.

[1:47:56] » Yeah. >> Under the CR. So, yeah.

[1:47:58] » Right. Um but you should be able to see it through rules and regulations for

[1:48:03] court security through the um court security commission through the Supreme

[1:48:06] Court. >> Okay. Oh, I think Mr. Wash is on that.

[1:48:12] So [snorts]

[1:48:16] » we'll just bring this up another time. >> All right. [laughter] Again,

[1:48:20] » yes, [clears throat] >> we won't we won't table it. So we can

[1:48:23] bring it up whenever we want.

[1:48:32] Item 22, approve vouchers for August 2026.

[1:48:36] » Madam Chair, I move we approve vouchers for August 46. Second.

[1:48:40] » All those in favor? >> I I

[1:48:42] » I motion carried. Seeing no further business before the board of county

[1:48:46] commissioners. Um may I have a motion to adjourn?

[1:48:50] » So moved. Second. >> All those in favor? I I

[1:48:55] » Thank you. We are journed.

Albany County Government - County Commissioners Regular Meeting - 9/1/2026

Transcript