COKEVILLE WYOMING

 

                                                                       Welcome to the Open Range!

 

Mayor — Colby Peck                                                                                                                  Council Member- Wayne Harmon

Clerk — Tracey Whitehead                                                                                                          Council Member- Brad Nate

Police Chief— Eric Whitehead                                                                                                    Council Member- Theresa Lewis

Public Works Director — Mike Duran                                                                                          Council Member- Charles Dayton

                                                                             Town Council meeting

                                                                          October 14, 2025 7:00p.m.

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Attending: Mayor Colby Peck, Council — Charles Dayton, Wayne Harmon, Theresa Lewis, Brad Nate,

Clerk Tracey Whitehead, Chief Eric Whitehead, Officer Davis Stocking, and Bentley Johnson

Also attending: Elbert Harmon, Jody Harmon, Trevor Teichert, Sarah Dayton, Brittany Kelley, Mike Kelley, Dennis Nate, Ron Wild, Robert King, Boyd Nelson, Ammon Hatch, Hudson Himmerich, Brandie Bell, Rachel Thomas, Mia Dayton, Addison Barnes, McCall Murdock.

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1. Mayor Peck called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. The Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Harmon.

3. Motion to approve the agenda by Councilman Harmon seconded by Councilman Dayton. Motion carried.

4. Motion to approve the Town Council Meeting minutes for October 14, 2025, by Councilman Harmon, seconded by Councilwoman Lewis with corrections. Motion carried.

5. Motion to approve the accounts payable, payroll for October 2025, by Councilman Harmon, seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. Motion carried.

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TOWN of Afton

$27.00

IDAWY

$219.25

All West Communications

$835.75

Napa

$227.61

AT&T Mobility

$314.91

Pro-Vision

$60.05

Big Ridge

$240.00

Payroll

$27,739.64

Business Solutions

$707.16

Payroll Taxes

$7,441.00

Bowers Law Office

$3,043.02

Usa Blue Book

$140.73

Capital Business Systems Inc.

$226.70

Rocky Mtn. Power

$5,626.03

Caselle, Inc.

$624.00

Forsgren

$4,726.25

Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

$78.00

Todd Brown

$1,400.00

Ch Diagnostic

$535.00

Valley Wide Co-op

$1,096.34

Energy Laboratories, Inc.

$600.00

WY Dept of Workforce

$1,247.43

First Bankcard

$2496.93

WY Retirement

$4,582.36

Chemtech-Ford

$803.00

WEBT

$7,118.95

Lincoln County S. O.

$942.00

Tegeler

$100.00

McPherson

$128.69

One Call of Wyoming

$31.50

1. Awards and Public Recognition

2. Business

Council approved Bids for Propane

Motioned By: Council women Lewis Second: By Councilman Harman All in favor: Everyone

1. New Business

Rocky Mountain Power Illuminating light on highway 30 Ron Wild

• Infrastructure status and options (lighting, power lines, bridge, system age)

• A participant reported a total count of 17 (context suggests "fed" items, possibly circuits or lights); the system age was estimated as 1980. Wiring details included light boxes and a plan to extend "three feet in the north end," "two span," with replacement discussed.

• There was mention of failed underground "complex service" and an unknown minimum fee for material due to uncertainties.

• Overhead power lines may be used instead of underground, described as "preferable" but not confirmed; preference for existing lights versus alternatives was asked.

• Prior actions referenced "the one bridge" and placing something "in the hat" and notifying neighbors, but outcomes were not clearly stated.

• Coordination with DOC was mentioned "once we get the license," with acceptance noted and intent to vote communicated.

Beautification committee

Town Mural Project

• The beautification committee proposed creating a large mural to commemorate America's 250th anniversary and showcase Cokeville's history, aiming to create a landmark that boosts tourism and community pride.

• The project is connected to a grant application with a deadline at the end of the year.

• While the grant does not require a financial match, the committee suggested the town contribute around $2,500 to show commitment for future maintenance or a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Suggested historical themes include emigrant trails, the Oregon Short Line railroad, ranching, agriculture, local elements like sheep, and U.S. history to meet grant requirements.

• It was stated that agriculture built the community and should be a significant focus.

• Cokeville history, such as having the first woman mayor and town council in the country (Ethel Stoner), should be featured.

• The "Cokeville miracle" was proposed as a potential theme, with the acknowledgment that it is a sensitive topic that must be handled tactfully.

• Two potential locations on a Main Street building were presented, with discussion on visibility versus accessibility for photos.

• The durability of the mural was a key concern, with estimates that acrylic paint on brick could last 20-30 years if protected from UV exposure. The group is willing to fundraise for long-term upkeep.

• A selection process for an artist was discussed, involving a selection committee, a blind review process, and presenting finalists to the council.

• The importance of community involvement was emphasized, though a council member expressed reservations about proceeding without more public feedback.

• A partnership with the town library is in place to create a display to educate people on local history in conjunction with the mural project.

Robert King is working on county grant.

Commemorative Coin Project

• The deadline to place the coin order is December 1st. The final design must be submitted as a PDF file.            Initial order quantity estimates ranged from 250 to 500 coins. A final budget decision was tabled for the next meeting.

• There was a strong consensus to align coin pricing with other communities, with suggested prices from $10 to $25 per coin. Tiered pricing and volume discounts were also proposed.

• A motion was approved to create a community competition to source the coin design, with a strong emphasis on encouraging youth participation through the local high school.

• The winner of the competition will receive a free coin and public recognition.

1. Resolutions/ Ordinances

Mike Kelly zoning change/ordinance 25-07 third reading

• The council passed the third and final reading of Ordinance 25-07, which rezones a property owned by Michael and Brittany Kelley from Residential-to-Residential Agriculture.

ORDINANCE NO. 25-07

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• AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN OF COKEVILLE, WYOMING, TO

CHANGE THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY OWNED BY MICHAEL AND BRITTNEY KELLEY

WHEREAS, the Town of Cokeville has received a request from Michael and Brittney Kelley to rezone property located within the corporate limits of the Town; and

WHEREAS, the property is more particularly described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, consisting of Mower Tract A and Mower Tract B, as surveyed by Surveyor Scherbel Ltd., and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Lincoln County, Wyoming; and

WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Cokeville has reviewed the proposed zoning change and has recommended approval; and

WHEREAS, the governing body finds that the proposed zoning change is consistent with the Town's comprehensive plan and promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the community;

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• NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE TOWN OF COKEVILLE, WYOMING:

Section l . The zoning classification of the property described in Exhibit "A" is hereby changed from Residential (R) to Residential Agriculture (RA).

Section 2. The official Zoning Map of the Town of Cokeville shall be amended to reflect the zoning change set forth in Section l .

Section 3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption, approval, and publication as required by law.

Legal Description:

MOWER TRACT A

That part of Block 7 of the Heuett Addition to the Town of Cokeville of record in the Office of the Clerk of

Lincoln County, being the intent to more correctly describe as one tract those tracts of record in said Office in Book 395 of Photostatic Records on page 672 and Book 476 of Photostatic Records on page 817, described as follows:

BEGINNING at the northwest cap of Block 4 of the C. R. Roberts Addition to the Town of Cokeville of record in said Office on the east line of Sage Street of said Heuett Addition;

thence NOI 021 '07"E, 125.30 feet, along the west line of said Block 7 identical with said east line of Sage Street to a point; thence S88 021 '33"E, 140.00 feet, to a point; thence NO 1 02 1 '07"E, 40.00 feet, to a point; thence S88 021 '33"E, 210.00 feet, to a point; thence continuing S88021 '33"E, 53.57 feet, to a position on the easterly line of said Block 7; thence S09001 '55"W, 164.49 feet, along said easterly line to a position of intersection with the easterly extension of the north line of said C. R. Roberts Addition; thence N88 041 '05"W, 381.59 feet, along said easterly extension and said north line to the CAP OF BEGINNING;

ENCOMPASSING an area of I .35 acres, more or less; AND,

MOWER TRACT B

The north six (6) feet of Lot I and of Lot 2 and of Lot 3 of Block 4 of said C. R. Roberts Addition, secondarily described as follows:

BEGINNING at said northwest cap of Block 4; thence SOI 021 '07"W, 6.00 feet, along the west line of said Block 4 identical with the east line of said Sage Street to a point; thence S88041 '05"E, 343.84 feet, to a point on the easterly line of said Block 4; thence N23 0 13' 17"E, 6.47 feet, along said easterly line to the northeast point of said Block 4; thence N88041 '05"W, 346.25 feet, along the north line of said Block 4 to the CAP OF BEGINNING;

ENCOMPASSING an area of 0.05 acres, more or less.

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• Motioned By: Second By: All in favor

1. Reports from officers, Boards, and Committees

Councilman Nate — Streets & grounds

Use the town's cold mix to patch the holes on Pearl Street and in front of the old Catholic church, heating the mix for 3-5 days beforehand to ensure it sets properly.

Councilwoman Lewis — Parks & Recreation, Economic Development

• The annual Santa Claus visit is being coordinated with the school and library for a day between December 20-30.

• The Halloween carnival is scheduled for October 23rd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the high school commons.

Councilman Harmon — Water/Sewer, Airport

The airport project is stalled, with no clear timeline or next steps pending further information from Jason.

It is unclear if the town will begin notifying residents in advance of sewer line cleaning to prevent issues like water being forced from toilets.

Councilman Dayton — Planning & Zoning, Business Relations

We had one building permit application. Bill King applied to bring a storage cargo container and set it up.

It is unclear how a potential government shutdown could affect the Terra Power project's licensing timeline.

The Chamber of Commerce will be mailing approximately 250 business directories to local businesses.

The master plan. We want a workable copy by the end of the year. Council met wi8th John Park. To help guide us in the right direction.

Mayor Peck — Administration, Police, Public Works

Council Operations and Technology

• A major legal risk was identified regarding the use of personal electronic devices for official business. A motion was passed to get quotes for purchasing dedicated devices, such as Microsoft Surface tablets, for council members.

• The council approved a motion to move its 12 email accounts to a more secure Microsoft system at a cost of around $14 per user per month.

• A motion was passed to approve a new business account, which is required for security compliance (e.g., HIPAA) and access to Microsoft Teams.

• Drafts for an electronic device policy and a social media/internet use policy were distributed for council and legal review

• Motioned By: Councilman Nate Second By Council women Lewis All in favor: Everyone

Business License Compliance and Enforcement

• A list of businesses revealed that a significant number, estimated at 60-70%, are operating in Cokeville without a required town business license. Only seven businesses on the list presented were licensed.

• This was identified as a major source of lost revenue, as the annual fee is a flat rate of $30.

• The license is required for any entity transacting business in town, including home-based businesses claimed on taxes, regardless of where the business is headquartered.

• Past enforcement efforts were unsuccessful. The council agreed to start an educational campaign to inform businesses of the requirement before taking further action.

• One council member acknowledged their own business does not have a license and committed to remedying the situation.

Public Safety Equipment

• It was noted that there are no first-aid kits in the main town building or in many city vehicles and facilities.

• A motion was passed to purchase all necessary first-aid kits for the main building, shop, sewer plant, well house, and all city vehicles, at an estimated cost under $400.

• The need for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been raised. A motion was passed to investigate acquiring an AED by approaching the local hospital district for a donation.  Motioned By Councilman Nate Second By Councilwomen Lewis All in favor Everyone

12. Adjournment

Motioned By Councilman Nate Second By Councilwomen Lewis All in favor Everyone