Liquor, camping, shuttle, map, eclipse and fogging

The Riverside Council met Thursday to appoint representatives to two Carbon County boards, renew liquor licenses and go over the camping situation when the Whatfest event comes to town in late July.

Riverside Hospitality (Bear Trap) and Mangy Moose Riverside L.L.C. (Mangy Moose) had their liquor license renewed. In addition to the renewals, both venues received special permits to stay open 24 hours on July 27 during Whatfest, an event taking place in Riverside July 28–29.

The town council accepted the catering bid from Riverside Hospitality for Riverside Party Day August 19.

Council member Liz Swynarczuk brought up posting signs to let WhatFest attendees know that camping in yards or cars would not be allowed for the event. She said two years ago when the signs were up, people attending the festival were respectful of yards and there were no issues of cars having people camping outside the vehicle.

The previous owner of the Bear Trap, Margaret Weber, supplied the signage. The current owner Jolene Pavelka said she would look into the possibility of distributors sponsoring the signs.

The town is looking for the signs to say, “No overnight sleeping in cars.”

Mayor Leroy Stephenson wanted the shuttle that offered free rides to the Lions Club arena grounds used for camping during this gathering to be contacted. The shuttle service used in the past is called Sober Ride and is sponsored by Budweiser Breweries to keep drunk drivers off the road.

“You guys need to apply for it, we can’t.” said Stephenson talking to the owners of Bear Trap and Mangy Moose who were in attendance. “The town can’t, individuals can’t, only bar owners can.”

Pavelka and Matt Parker, owner of Mangy Moose, told the council they would research the shuttle and how to get it.

Stacy Crimmins, the director of Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce spoke to the council about the map called “That’s WY.” Sponsored by the Wyoming Visitors Council, Crimmins explained the routes and the concept of stickers that are available at different visitors centers in Wyoming. The stickers can be found at the Platte Valley Community Center and Riverside’s Visitor Center. She also talked about the total solar eclipse coming August 21. Crimmins described different scenarios with Steinley Cup and the eclipse happening at the same time and that the Valley is trying to prepare for many jpossible eventualities.

“”I tell people to come in their RV’s and not depend on getting a motel room.” said Crimmins.

The Carbon County Council of Governments (CCCOG) coming to Encampment July 19 will be provided with desserts.

The Sierra Madre Joint Powers Board has put out new markers and is replacing meters that don’t work. The council approved granting $500 to the Encampment and Riverside Library.

Fogging for mosquitos will begin Monday and continue Wednesday and Friday. The Final Reading of the 2017-2018 Budget was approved.

The Specific Purpose Tax Representative Ed Golden was approved and Carbon County Visitors Council Representative Marilyn Godfrey was reappointed.

The next Riverside town council is July 13 at 6 p.m. at Riverside Town Hall.