Commissioners follow Governor's lead

Jeremy McCallister and Sam Allen with TO Engineers presented the Dixon Airport master plan for the Commissioners approval. The Master plan will now be presented to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Once the FAA approves the plan, TO Engineers will continue on to implementation.

McCallister explained the airport layout plan to the Commissioners. According to McCallister, the FAA categorizes the Dixon Airport as a “B” runway. He said that there are deficiencies that need to be addressed but based on their studies, upgrading the runway isn’t one of them. McCallister said the runway is rated a 2, which works fine for the Dixon Airport. McCallister said the reason for these ratings is to set standards for the airport. He said when he came to work on this project in 2012, Dixon was looking at upgrading to a C2 runway. In light of the results of the recent studies, he feels that there is no reason to upgrade. McCallister said Dixon Airport currently meets almost all of the standards except for a few things that need to be corrected. The majority of issues is with some buildings that need to be removed for safety issues because they are too close to the ramp. The pavement in some areas needs to be removed as well. He said that there are other deficiencies, but they are operational, such as public restrooms and WiFi. The plans can be seen on the carbonwy.com/987/Dixon-Airport. Commissioners approved the plan and authorized Chairman’s signature.

Road and Bridge Coordinator Kandis Fritz thanked her staff and said they keep 492 miles of road open during the winter. Fritz presented a plaque to Verna Cook in memory of Philip Cook. Fritz said that “Philip Cook started with the county in 1993. He served the Medicine Bow district until January 2022. He had a total of 25 full time years and 3 part time.” Phil passed away in November at the age of 72.

Carbon County Information Technology Director Matt Webster spoke to the Commissioners about blocking Tik-Tok site from County Devices in light of the Federal government and Wyoming State Government blocking Tik-Tok. Webster recommended that they copy the memorandum put in place by Governor Mark Gordon. On December 15, 2022 Governor Gordon banned TikTok from all state electronic devices and networks to address cybersecurity concerns raised by the app’s foreign ownership and potential influence of foreign governments. The ban extends to all state-issued cell phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers and other information technology equipment capable of internet connectivity. Exceptions may be granted to enable law enforcement investigations and other uses as needed. Commissioners told Webster that they felt it was at his discretion. Webster asked to put a memorandum out to the departments mirroring the one put out by the Governor. The Commissioners said that Webster could put that memorandum.

Planning and Zoning Director Sarah Brugger presented a comment letter for the draft Environmental Assessment for the Two Rivers Wind Project. The project will be installed in Carbon and Albany counties. This is a partnership between BluEarth Renewables and Clearway Energy group. It is expected to begin commercial operations in 2024. This project includes 79 wind turbines and generates up to 420 megawatts of energy. It is expected to provide power to about 100,000 homes each year.

According to the Division of Migratory Birds, good places for wind energy are also good places for eagles. They use the wind to soar and hunt. Large soaring birds forage for prey on the ground so they don’t see the large wind turbine blades while they’re flying. The Fish and Wildlife Service is in the process of approving an eagle take permit for the wind farm, which would allow it to kill a specified number of eagles that is safe to the overall population. Two Rivers Wind applied for two separate eagle take permits.

One portion of the project will extend over about 15,657 acres of land in Carbon County north of Medicine Bow and U.S. Highway 30. The other portion will cover 4,500 acres and will be located south of U.S. Highway 30 and west of Rock River. This letter was drafted after taking public comments through December 9. The Commissioners approved authorization for the Chairman’s signature on the comment letter.

Carbon County Sheriff Archie Roybal asked the Commissioners for approval to pursue remodeling the Command Center in the housing department at the jail, including equipment and flooring/carpet. Roybal received two bids and advised that the cost will be $21,102.21. County Clerk Gwynn Bartlett advised the Commissioners there is money available in ARPA and Choke Cherry accounts. The Commissioners approved the funds come from the ARPA money.

Chairman John Johnson thanked Roybal for his service as this is his last meeting.

Buildings and Grounds Interim Manager Mike Newbrough said there had been an issue over the weekend with a heating coil at the Jeffrey Center. He has reached out to a company to come take a look at it. There is currently heat in the west wing. Newbrough said there are parts coming to possibly get the east side boiler working. He also said they have been finding other issues that are being addressed as well.

Newbrough reported that there was a heating unit malfunction at the Jail Saturday night. It was repaired.

The next Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting will be at 9 am on January 3, 2023. Swearing in of newly elected officials will be at 8:30 am.

Carbon County Commissioners

Meeting Overview

Approvals

Brush Creek overlay project will accept bids.

A double chip seal on Seminoe Road before the center stripe.

Chairman’s signature on WLC Engineering survey work on Cherokee Road.

Cathy MacPherson will be hired to update personnel policy.

Resolution for the 5th penny tax that was passed.

Signature on Notice of Reversion for the piece of property that was donated to the City of Rawlins for a fish pond.

Chairman’s signature on Federal Financial reporting for Dixon Airport Master Plan and Fence Relocation.

Chairman’s signature on Wyoming Game and Fish 20 year Public Easement Access in Arlington.

Buildings and Grounds

Saratoga Public Health building water pipe issue has been repaired and is up and running.

Chairman Johnson thanked Carbon County Attorney Ashley Davis for her service.

Public Hearings

Resolution 2022-058, C.U. Case #2022-06-Union Telephone Company and BLM - Bloody Lake Communications site

According to the Union Telephone representative, installation of a tower will open up more coverage for that portion of the interstate. Commissioners approved signature on resolution.

Resolution 2022-059, C.U. Case #2022-07-Union Telephone Company and Dana Meadows Wyoming Close LLC - for installation of a 105’ tower. The Commissioners decided to table this resolution until the second meeting in January to wait on response from additional agencies that had not responded to the Planning and Zoning commission concerning the change of tower location.