Commissioners

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AT THE COURTHOUSE IN SUNDANCE, CROOK COUNTY, WYOMING

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

8:30 o’clock a.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Member Bob Latham and County Clerk Melissa Jones.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited to the Flag.

Kelly moved to ratify & approve the minutes from February 6 & 7, 2024. Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Kelly moved to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-7

AMENDING AND UPDATING RESOLUTION NO. 1-2004

IMPOSING A 911 EMERGENCY TAX UPON ALL SERVICE USERS WITHIN CROOK COUNTY, WYOMING; AUTHORIZING SERVICE SUPPLIERS TO COLLECT THE TAX; AND TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICE SYSTEM IN CROOK COUNTY, WYOMING

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, Crook County, Wyoming, passed Resolution No. 8-1997, effective July 1, 1997, imposing a $0.50 a 911 emergency tax upon the telephone exchange access facilities within Crook County for emergency telephone services; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, Crook County, Wyoming, passed Resolution No. 1-2004, effective June 1, 2004, imposing a $0.75 a 911 emergency tax upon all telephone exchange access facilities within Crook County for emergency telephone services; and

WHEREAS there have been several changes to the Emergency Telephone Services Act and the resolution imposing the 911 emergency tax, authorizing the collection of the tax and continuing the 911 emergency reporting system is in need of being updated; and

WHEREAS, in the interest of protecting and preserving public safety and welfare, it is desirable that the citizens of Crook County, Wyoming, continue to be provided with a 911 emergency reporting system to aid the timely provision of emergency service; and

WHEREAS, the Towns of Hulett, Moorcroft, Pine Haven, and Sundance have waived their right to install their own 911 emergency reporting system and consented, pursuant to a written agreement, to the County imposing the 911 emergency tax up to the legal limit; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Crook County, Wyoming shall determine the level of technology for provisions of the 911 emergency reporting system and how the 911 emergency tax shall be spent pursuant to the Emergency Telephone Services Act and any amendment thereto;

WHEREAS, the County Commissioners of Crook County, Wyoming, finds that the county is lawfully authorized to continue to impose on an annual basis a tax of $0.75 per month upon any service users within Crook County, Wyoming and to authorize any service suppliers to collect said tax, and to enter into an agreement with the governing bodies of other public agencies pursuant to W.S. 16-9-101 through 16-9-111, as amended, in order to establish and maintain the 911 emergency reporting system within Crook County, Wyoming; and

WHEREAS, W.S. 16-9-101 through 16-9-111 as amended, defines a “service user” as any person within the local government’s designated 911 service area who is provided local exchange access telephone service, wireless communication access service or other technological device that under normal operation is designed or routinely used to access 911; and defines a “service supplier” as any utility, person or entity providing or offering to provide 911 system equipment, database installation, maintenance or local exchange access, wireless communication access or other technological device that under normal operation is designed or routinely used to access 911 services within the 911 service access area, including, for purposes of W.S. 16-9-108 and 16-9-109, a seller of prepaid wireless communications access; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CROOK COUNTY, WYOMING that:

Section 1. The Board of County Commissioners shall continue to impose a monthly 911 emergency tax uniformly on all service users within the jurisdictional boundaries of Crook County, Wyoming, its designated 911 service area in an amount of seventy-five cents ($.75) per month uniformly on each local exchange access line, per wireless communications access or other technological device that under normal operation is designed or routinely used to access 911 in accordance with W.S. 16-9-103 and the W.S. 16-9-101 et seq. and as amended.

Section 2. At least once each calendar year, the Board of County Commissioners shall establish 911 emergency tax not to exceed the amount authorized by law in accordance with W.S. 16-9-104 (c). The governing body shall fix the rate, publish notice of its new rate and notify by mail every local exchange access company at least ninety (90) days before the new rate becomes effective. The governing body may at its own expense require an annual audit of the service supplier’s books and records concerning the collection and remittance of the taxes authorized by this act.

Section 3. In accordance with W.S. 16-9-105 (c) Funds collected from the charges pursuant to Emergency Telephone Services Act shall be credited to a cash account known as “Department No. 15 E911 Services” separate from the general fund of Crook County, for payments for public safety answering points and service supplier costs pursuant to subsection W.S. 16-9-105 (b) of this section. Any monies remaining in the cash account at the end of any fiscal year shall remain in the account for payments during any succeeding year. If any 911 system is discontinued, monies remaining in the account shall, after all payments to the service supplier pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, be transferred to the general fund of the public agency or proportionately to the general fund of each participating public agency.

Section 4. In accordance with W.S. 16-9-105 (b) Funds collected from the 911 emergency tax imposed pursuant to this act shall be spent solely to pay for public safety answering point and service suppliers’ equipment and service costs, installation costs, maintenance costs, monthly recurring charges and other costs directly related to the continued operation of a 911 system including enhanced wireless 911 service and next generation 911 emergency communications systems. Funds may also be expended for personnel expenses necessarily incurred by a public safety answering point. “Personnel expenses necessarily incurred” means expenses incurred for persons employed to:

(i) Take emergency telephone calls and dispatch them appropriately;

(ii) Maintain the computer database of the public safety answering point; or

(iii) Integrate legacy communications infrastructure for 911 systems into interoperable next generation 911 emergency communications systems.

Section 5. In accordance with W.S. 16-9-103 all service suppliers shall continue to collect the 911 emergency tax imposed by this resolution commencing immediately from all service users in Crook County, Wyoming. Taxes imposed under this act and required to be collected by the service supplier shall be added to and stated separately in the billings to the service user.

Section 6. Every billed service user shall be liable for any 911 emergency tax imposed under this act until it has been paid to the service supplier or governing body. An action to collect taxes under subsection (d) of this section may be brought by or on behalf of the public agency imposing the tax. The service supplier shall annually provide the governing body a list of the amounts uncollected along with the names and addresses of delinquent service users. The service supplier is not liable for uncollected amounts.

Section 7. Any 911 emergency tax imposed under this act shall be collected at the time charges for the telecommunications are collected under the regular billing practice of the service supplier. Service shall not be discontinued to any service user by any service supplier for the nonpayment of any tax under this act.

Section 8. The 911 emergency tax imposed pursuant to this section shall only be imposed upon service users whose address is in those portions of the governing body’s jurisdiction for which emergency telephone service shall be provided; however, such 911 emergency tax shall not be imposed upon any state or local governmental entity.

Section 9. The 911 emergency tax imposed on prepaid wireless communication access is imposed and shall be collected as set forth in W.S. 16-9-109.

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall provide notice of this Resolution to all “Service Suppliers” within Crook County, Wyoming.

Motion made, seconded and carried in an open meeting on March 5, 2024.

Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member.

State of Wyoming }

County of Crook }

Signed or attested before me on March 5, 2024 by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member, Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.

Melissa Jones, Crook County Clerk

Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Kelly moved to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION 2024-8

UPON FORMATION PETITION OF THE YELLOWSTONE L&R RANCH IMPROVEMENT AND SERVICE DISTRICT

WHEREAS the petitioners for the formation of an Improvement and Service District filed their petition pursuant to W. S. 18-12-101 et seq. and W. S. 22-29-101 et seq. had filed a Petition for the formation of a district to be known as the “Yellowstone L&R Ranch Improvement and Service District”;

WHEREAS the Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming held a hearing to consider the petition to form an Improvement and Service District hearing on January 3, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at the Board of County Commissioners Chambers in the Courthouse in Sundance, Wyoming;

WHEREAS the petition for formation was modified and granted by the Board for the creation of the proposed district that shall be limited to “repair and maintain the common roads within the proposed district; however, the proposed district will not maintain any private easements or right of way located within the district boundaries. The proposed district may also provide subdivision governance for the homeowners within the district and may provide any other legal purpose authorized by law”;

WHEREAS the Yellowstone L&R Ranch Improvement and Service District boundaries are set forth on the Map labeled as Exhibit A and Legal Descriptions on Exhibit B, both that were attached to the ORDER UPON FORMATION PETITION and includes the following described property, to-wit:

Township 55 North, Range 65 West, 6th P.M., Crook County, WY

Sec 10 – All Sec 13 - W1/2, W1/2NE1/4    

Sec 11 – S1/2S1/2 Sec 14 - All

Sec 12 – SW1/4 Sec 15 - All

WHEREAS all said landowners have had thirty (30) days after adjournment of the hearing on January 3, 2024, and entry of the ORDER UPON FORMATION PETITION dated January 3, 2024, to file written protests against the formation of the district, and none have been filed with the County Clerk concerning this matter;

WHEREAS the owners of at least thirty-five percent (35%) of assessed valuation of property included in the proposed district, have not presented any written protests against the formation of the district to the Board of County Commissioners, so the proposed district modified by the Board of County Commissioners does not fail and shall continue to proceed;

IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, WY that:

The County Clerk shall conduct an election to establish the district and an election to elect the initial Directors by selecting one (1) Director for one four (4) year term, two (2) Directors for two (2) year terms, until their successors are elected and qualified at the regular scheduled subsequent director election as provided in W.S. 22-29-112, publish notice of the election in The Sundance Times at Sundance, Crook County, Wyoming as soon as legally possible;

The County Clerk shall hold the election by mail ballot or on the next election date authorized under W.S. 22-21-103.

Any election shall be at the expense of the sponsors, and the Clerk shall not commence to proceed with the election until receipt of an initial deposit of $1,500.00 to conduct the election.

Any errors or changes on the map or in the legal description shall be corrected, and the corrected version shall be displayed at the polls on election day or included in each mail ballot package. The map shall be developed after consultation with the County Assessor to ensure accuracy.

Motion made, seconded and carried in an open meeting on March 5, 2024.

Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member.

State of Wyoming }

County of Crook }

Signed or attested before me on March 5, 2024 by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member, Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.

Melissa Jones, Crook County Clerk

Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

The following bills were presented to the Board:

Claimant-Description-Amount Allowed:

Total Wages and Cell Phone Stipend-$279,658.53;AFLAC-Insurance-$2,671.64;Clerk of the District Court-Garnishment-$226.00;Crook County Payroll Tax Account-Withholding & Social Security-$84,289.26;Great-West Trust Company, LLC-Deferred Compensation-$3,480.00;NCPERS Wyoming-Life Insurance-$144.00;New York Life Insurance Company-Life Insurance-$379.78;WY Department of Workforce Services-Worker’s Compensation-$6,232.31;Wyoming Retirement System-Retirement-$64,660.17;Wyoming Educator’s Benefit Trust-Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance-$80,790.58;911 Supply-Uniform Shirts-$113.54;A & B Business Inc-Copies -$468.61;A & B Welding Supply Co., Inc.-Canvas Cover -$216.85;Alisa Hansen -Dessert - FAB Meeting-$80.00;Alsco-Shop & Courthouse Supplies-$354.52;April D. Gill-Cell Phone Reimbursement-$45.00;Arete Design Group-Professional Services -$377.23;AT&T Mobility-Cell Phone-$967.39;Big Horn Tires Inc.-Battery, Tires, Parts & Labor-$3640.01;Black Hills Chemical Co.-Courthouse Supplies-$702.82;Black Hills Energy-Electricity -$174.42;Blakeman Propane Inc -Propane; Search & Rescue Cylinders-$2936.48;BN Doors, LLC-Weatherstrip & Garage Door -$963.00;Bomgaars-Mops, Bulbs, Work Bench, Helmet & Saw-$1472.91;Brannan Trucking Inc -Contract Hauling -$6900.00;CBH Co-op-Fuel-$20892.97;CDS Supplies -Supplies -$326.02;Centurylink-E911 Telephone-$1400.20;City of Gillette-Water-$7.50;City of Sundance-Water-$1582.01;Clearwater X-Spurts Inc-Filters & Softener Yearly Service-$400.00;Climate Solutions Inc -Labor - Valve-$285.90;Clinical Lab of the Black Hills -Autopsy -$2009.00;CML Security-Software Update-$54556.00;CNA Surety-Employee Blanket Bond-$374.00;Collins Communications-Fire Alarm Monitoring & Radio Testing -$411.50;Communication Technologies Inc -Labor - Recorder-$375.00;Computer Projects of IL, Inc -Software -$198.00;Contractors Supply Inc -Parts-$655.59;Croell Inc-Road Base-$6486.48;Crook County Medical Services Dist.-Employee Physicals, Prisoner Meals & Foods-$3538.18;Crook County Treasurer-Postage-$14.96;Custom Auto & Truck-Service, Parts, Repairs -$1767.68;Decker’s Market-Supplies-$81.74;Dive Rescue International-Training Materials -$250.00;Dru Consulting LLC-Consulting Services -$1000.00;Elsa Bush -Sewing -$40.00;Ensemble Solutions Group-Yearly Maint Fees-$1200.00;Fence Tech Services LLC-Contract Hauling-$5443.24;Floyds Truck Center - Rapid City-Parts-$41.48;Floyds Truck Center WY-Parts-$55.86;Fred Devish-Mileage-$359.72;Gene’s Lock Shop-Keys-$84.30;Glaxosmithkline-Vaccines -$4253.47;Grimm’s Pump & Industrial Supply -Parts & Labor -$431.22;Grossenburg Implement Inc -Part-$398.86;Hali Ike -Witness Fees & Mileage-$138.67;Horning Horning & McGrath LLC-Court Appointed Attorney-$684.00;Hub Int’l Mountain States LTD-Endorsement-$408.00;Hulett Booster Club-Post Prom Donation-$100.00;Humphrey Law LLC -Court Appointed Attorney-$241.80;Integritas Forum LLC-Fuel-$4.99;Jayna Watson CP&Z Consultant-Zoning Consultant-$2750.00;Jeffrey Hodge-Cell Phone Reimbursement-$45.00;Jeremiah Maddison -Witness Fees & Mileage-$78.64;Jerry Hildman-Meals - FAB Meeting -$1000.00;Judicial Dialog Systems-Annual Software Maint & Support-$3805.00;Julie Crawford -Mileage-$363.14;JW Services LLC-Contract Hauling & Haul Coal -$14779.30;Karen’s Delivery Co-Box -$25.00;Kelly B. Dennis-Mileage-$80.40;Kimball Midwest-Parts-$232.26;KLH Consulting Inc-Computer Services & Camera System-$19847.50;Knecht Home Center of Spearfish LLC-Countertop & Rental -$609.00;Lakeview Wash & Storage -Car Washes-$162.92;Lazy A Contracting LLC-Dumpster & Off Loading -$407.00;Leo Riley & Co-Audit -$20000.00;LSI Truck Sales & Custom Body Shop-2016 Kenworth-$54000.00;Mary Sell, CPA-Prepare 1099s-$100.00;Max Robert Masters-GIS Consulting & Mapping Contract-$3,400.00;Melissa L Jones -Mileage & Supplies -$365.71;MG Oil Company -Supplies -$1459.58;Moorcroft Post Prom -Post Prom Donation-$100.00;Morgan Ellsbury-Truck Lease-$1,100.00;North Ridge Fire Equipment-Equipment -$1554.62;North Star Lighting -Labor-$2700.00;Northern Engine & Supply -Repair-$910.23;Paradise Foods-Fuel-$136.98;Powder River Energy Corp.-Electricity -$6526.73;Powerplan BF-Motor-$2475.28;Quality Agg & Construction, Inc-J Base -$66612.25;Quik Signs-Signs-$796.81;Quill Corporation -Office Supplies-$146.65;Range Telephone Cooperative Inc -Telephone-$6900.51;Raquel Croell-County Website Maintenance-$500.00;RG Trucking -Contract Hauling -$5643.11;Robert’s Machine & Repair -Parts & Labor -$611.19;Rolling Metal Sinclair-Fuel-$72.34;Saddle Tree Ranch Trucking LLC-Contract Hauling-$8565.17;Sara Fleenor-Mileage-$48.51;Sherwin-Williams Co-Paint -$476.36;Sundance Extinguisher LLC-Annual Extinguisher Inspection-$510.00;Sundance Hardware & Sporting Goods-Parts & Supplies-$774.37;Sundance Post Prom -Post Prom Donation-$100.00;Sundance State Bank -Direct Deposit Fees-$10.32;Sundance Times-Ads & Legal Publications-$1910.39;Svoboda Trucking-Contract Hauling-$17460.13;Sylvestri Customization-Monthly Website Maint, Graphic Design & Social Media-$600.00;The Home Depot Pro-Parts-$351.77;The Supply Cache Inc-Tactical Pants-$1821.75;Timberline Services Inc -Contract Hauling & Broke up Gazebo Concrete-$19513.33;Top Office Products, Inc.-Copies & Service-$1466.77;Town of Hulett-Water-$70.30;Town of Moorcroft-Water-$68.68;Tracy Motor Company-Parts & Supplies-$7270.59;Tri-Mor K9-K9 Training Logs -$125.00;Verizon Connect Fleet USA LLC-Tracking System-$129.35;Veto Enterprises Inc -New Vehicle Equipment -$11106.00;Vilas -Jail Meds-$100.96;Virginia Burke-Mileage, Meal & Reimbursement-$1011.29;Visa-Adobe, Supplies, Vaccine, Postage, Travel Expenses, Parts, Registration Fees, Cable, Internet, Straight Talk-$11723.77;Visionary Broadband -Internet Service-$1993.42;Volunteers of America Northern Rockies -Matrix Model-$1636.16;WACO-Annual Dues-$400.00;Wendy Depina-Mileage-$41.54;Western Stationers-Office Supplies-$135.42;Whalen Consult LLC-Consulting Services -$1178.02;Wildland Warehouse -Parts-$5649.19;Williams Trucking LLC-Contract Hauling -$4500.00;Wilson Power & Tree Service LLC-Tree Removal -$3300.00;Windstream-Telephone -$136.48;WY Department of Workforce Services-Worker’s Compensation-$772.72;WY Retirement System-Firemen’s Retirement-$468.75;WY T2 Center -Training-$100.00;WYDOT-Financial Services-Project Expenditures-$268.31;Wyoming County Commissioners Association -Conference Registration -$100.00;Wyoming Machinery Company-Parts & Labor-$4791.81;Wyoming State Forestry Division -Parts-$199.94;Total-$983,627.11;

Bob moved to allow all bills as presented. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

The following monthly collections were collected:

County Clerk $14,668.00

County Sheriff $31,907.63

Clerk of District Court $3,220.50

Circuit Court $10,502.13

Public Health (January) $23,789.78

Facilities $330.00

Bob moved to sign a Proclamation declaring March 12, 2024, Volunteer Recognition Day. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Morgan Ellsbury was present to discuss Licenses Upon County Roads, after discussion:

Bob moved to approve Utility Licenses Upon County Roads with RT Communications on Bertha Road No. 12, D Road No. 68 and Robinson Road No. 87. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Bob moved to approve Licenses for use of County Road or Property of with Range Telephone on Redwater Road No. 115, Rifle Pit Road No. 108, Government Valley Road No. 249, Farrall Road No. 144 and Queens Road No. 250. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Bob moved to approve Licenses for use of County Road or Property of with Gallatin Wireless Internet LLC dba Celerity Internet on Mona Road No. 222. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Dan Thomas, County Assessor, Joseph Baron, County Attorney, Julie Crawford, Clerk of District Court, Jeff Hodge, County Sheriff and Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer were present to go over items of interest within their departments.

Dan Thomas, County Assessor: We had 48 deeds of property transfer filed last month. All Agricultural and property splits and transfers are completed for the 2024 tax year. The Public map viewer is being updated this week with the new changes. The field crew is all done with new construction reviews for the 2024 tax year. I was in attendance at WCAA winter meetings in Casper where we discussed property tax bills and administration. We also learned that we will be going to have another EagleView flyover aerial done this year. I was in attendance at several legislative sessions to testify about property tax relief and get clarification on some of the verbiage. There are a few property tax relief bills still alive HB45, HB3, HB4.

Joe Baron, County Attorney: Criminal Cases in the past month: New Cases: 30 Closed Cases: 31 Current Case Load: 66 In Court: 35 times Juvenile/Diversion Cases: 40 Over the past year Kathy mostly, and I reviewed hundreds of cases to assist the WHP and Sheriff’s Office disposing of evidence that was no longer needed for prosecution. In addition to my criminal caseload: Advise various law enforcement agencies, County Officers and Department Heads; Reviewed bonds; Worked with Planning Department on the enforcement of Subdivision Rules, exemption and subdivision applications; Reviewed Petitions to vacate portions of County Road No.38 and 51 and prepare an estimated expense letter for each road; Corresponded with Forest Service staff and Road and Bridge concerning the Forest Service Road Maintenance Agreement; Updated revised Title 25 procedure; Worked on SBOE Appeals on behalf of Assessor; Filed Opioid Fund Grant reports for additional funding and expenses. Attended IT training, and department head meeting on upcoming IT needs for budgeting. Reviewed and commented on various legislation. Dave worked on state grant funding requests for Victim Witness Coordinator 85% funded by state and federal funds. Cut Juvenile Services Officer to part-time and changed to just handle Diversion cases. Wendy will still be full-time for the county since she will still be working part-time with public health. That staff position will then be 50% funded by the state. This office will receive about $192,400 this year for various staff positions from state and federal funds rather than county funds. The archiving project has gone well and improved efficiencies in the office retrieving documents.

Melissa Jones, County Clerk: recorded 475 documents and made 304 titles. Traveled to Cheyenne for election equipment training and legislative meetings, attended the Compensation Committee meeting and updated the handbook with updates from the Committee, attended the Department Head meeting, attended the Open House on the Assessments to host the Teams meet, completed the Phishing Training and Duo authentication, met with WEBT on the insurance renewal, received 2 road vacation applications, worked on County sign in for PMS for DFC payments, following legislation there are bills on both Law Retirement increases and Public Employee Retirement increases.

Julie Altaffer, Clerk of District Court: Total Receipts: $11,027.71 with $4,660.50 to the County 9 new case filings

38 record searches 22 new passports and assisted 12 customers with renewal passports 1 civil appeal in process. The qualification of jurors for April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025, is ongoing. Of the 300 letters we sent out, we are down to 55 potential jurors that have not responded. Second notices have gone out in an attempt to get them all processed prior to taking the next step at getting a response. We went through several E-Filing training sessions via teams, and we went live with E-Filing on February 27th. We then had one new case filing last week. I traveled to Cheyenne for the Clerk of District Court’s Winter Meeting, and I attended the department heads meeting.

Jeff Hodge, County Sheriff: Traveled to Washington D.C. as president of WASCOP for National Sheriff’s meetings, discussed department’s vehicle inventory, WyoLink upgrade coming, tracking legislation, discussions on e911 fees, attended the County Caucus and commented on proposed resolutions.

Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer: Total receipts were $2,286,565.56 and disbursements to the county boards, towns and schools were $1,755,042.39. In February we did a total of 5,968 transactions of those 5,572 were motor vehicle registrations. We were very busy with motor vehicle renewals at the counter, online and thru the mail. Completed the PILT-Forest Reserve audit report for the Wyoming Department of Audit. Attended the department head meeting and Employee Compensation Committee meeting. Invested $3,325,000 in a 6-month CD at Sundance State Bank @ 4.75% interest.

County Commissioners: Fred: Travel to Cheyenne for legislative meetings, attended Forest Service public comment meeting, completed phishing training, took calls on zoning, Douglas Rd & D Rd, had conversations with Morgan about roads, attended fire E of Moorcroft. Bob: completed phishing training, attended Forest Service public comment meeting, had conversations on roads and zoning, conversations with Morgan, Larry & Jasmyne, was on the Extension interview committee. Kelly: Took lots of calls on roads, traveled county roads as requested, attended Predatory Board meeting, on site at the New Haven fire.

Kelly moved to appoint Bob as the Commissioner member to the Crook County Juvenile Services Advisory Board. Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer submitted the following monthly report of receipts and disbursements for month end February 2024:

Receipts: Property Tax $383,083.49

Sales Tax $209,904.50

Misc Receipts $689,745.46

County Auto $1,003,832.11

Total $2,286,565.56

Disbursements Towns $168,109.76

County Boards/Districts $75,552.19

State & Local School $1,080,775.81

DOT/DOR/Rebate $430,604.63

Redemption $ -

Total $1,755,042.39

Investments Sundance State Bank

Wyo-Star $435,632.45 $1,595.50 (January interest)

Wyoming Class $3,231,379.31 $14,682.17 (January interest)

Dan Thomas, County Assessor, presented the following tax roll corrections: M0013600 and C90431801001. Bob moved to approve the corrections as presented. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Alex Jessen, Chairman, Tammy Jundt and Bonnie Stahla, Members Compensation Committee, gave a monthly report. Also present were Jeff Hodge, Dan Thomas, Julie Altaffer, Dave Redding and Dave Barker

After discussion, Kelly moved to approve the updated Compensation Committee Handbook as presented. Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Dave Redding and Dave Barker were present to present a petition to Vacate a Portion of County Road No. 38, known as the Hulett-Prairie Creek County Road. Also present were Morgan Ellsbury and Joe Baron

After discussion Kelly moved to accept the petition and appoint Morgan Ellsbury as viewer. Fred vacated the chair and seconded, Kelly voted aye, Fred vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.

Morgan Ellsbury, Road and Bridge Superintendent gave a monthly report.

Kelly moved to approve the Cooperative Forest Road Agreement between the County of Crook and the USDA, Forest Service Region 2, Black Hills National Forest and for the Clerk to use the chairman’s signature stamp on the attachments. Fred vacated the chair and seconded, Kelly voted aye, Fred vacated the chair and voted aye, motion carried.

Adjourned for lunch at 12:06 o’clock p.m.

1:00 o’clock p.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis and County Clerk Melissa Jones. Member Bob Latham was absent.

Jasmyne Bryant, Events Coordinator, Fair/Facilities, Bonnie Stahla, Library Director, Carol Stutzman, Nurse Manager and Katie Allen, Prevention Specialist, Public Health, gave monthly reports.

Andrea Wood, representing Devils Tower KOA, was present to discuss the fireworks at Devils Tower and the County’s involvement. Also present were Charlie Harrison, Joe Baron, Roger Connett, Julie Crawford, Alex Jessen and Jeff Hodge.

The County will work to create a restricted budget line to accept firework donations and to use said donations to pay for fireworks.

Cheryl Hageman, WEBT, was present via Teams to review the WEBT renewal for County Health/Dental/Vision insurance. Also present were Roger Connett and Julie Crawford.

Roger Connett, RER, was present to give updates on items of interest.

Tom Overstreet, KLH, was present via Teams, for the monthly IT update. Also present were Jeff Hodge and Julie Crawford.

The meeting adjourned at 3:09 o’clock p.m.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

8:30 o’clock a.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Member Bob Latham and County Clerk Melissa Jones.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited to the Flag.

Morgan Ellsbury, Road and Bridge Superintendent and Larry Schommer, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, continued their monthly reports.

Tim Lyons, Planning Director, and Caleb Peters, Wastewater Specialist, gave a monthly report.

Bob moved to have Jayna Watson, AICP RLA, County Planning Consultant, proceed with drafting an RFP to hire someone to update the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Kelly seconded, after discussion, all ayes, motion carried.

Kevin Rehbein was present to present Amended Covenants for the Ferguson Subdivision.

After discussion, Kelly moved to approve the covenants as presented. Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Charlie Harrison, County Fire Warden gave a monthly report.

Bob moved to approve the Supplemental Fire Project Agreement between County of Crook and USDA Forest Service, Black Hills National Forest. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Charlie informed the board that in the month of February, 3 of the 4 fires in Crook County were man caused, and that Crook County has had more fires thus far this year than all of last year.

After discussion, Kelly moved to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-9

FIRE DANGER RESTRICTIONS

WHEREAS, severe to extreme fire situation exists throughout Crook County, created by a heavy fuel load and dry conditions, that could create situations that over-extend the firefighting capability of local government; and,

WHEREAS, Wyoming Statute 35-9-301 through 304 and Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners Rules and Regulations Chapter 9 Governing Fire Danger Closures provides that upon the recommendation of the County Fire Warden, the Board of Crook County Commissioners may close the unincorporated area of the county with certain exceptions, to any form of use by the public or limit such use which shall include the prohibition of any type of open fire for such periods of time as the Board may deem necessary and proper; and

WHEREAS, the County Fire Warden, Charlie Harrison, has recommended that open burning restrictions be imposed throughout the county after a reasonable time of notice; and

WHEREAS Wyoming Statutes 35-10-201 through 208 allow for the regulation of fireworks; and

WHEREAS, any violation of this resolution may be in violation of W.S. 35-9-304 punishable by up to 30 days in jail and up to a $100.00 fine or both together with possible restitution for the cost of fire suppression and damages to others caused by the violation of this resolution; and

WHEREAS, this open burning restriction and ban on the use of fireworks shall begin immediately until rescinded by the Board unless temporarily lifted or imposed by the County Fire Warden.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HEREBY RESOLVES on this date to immediately impose Stage 1 Burn Restrictions as follows:

Stage 1 Restrictions:

(i) Discharge of fireworks, exploding target devices and all outdoor fires are prohibited in unimproved areas.

(ii) Only campfires at residences or campsites, within a fire ring centered within a minimum of a 15ft. cleared radius of burnable materials are permitted.

(iii) Trash or refuse fires between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., inside containers provided with spark arresters and located within a cleared radius of a minimum of 15ft. of burnable materials are permitted.

(iv) Charcoal fires within enclosed grills are permitted.

(v) Use of acetylene cutting torches, electric arc welders, or metal grinding in a cleared radius of 15ft. burnable materials are permitted.

(vi) The use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stove and open fire branding activities in a cleared radius of 15ft of burnable materials are permitted.

2. All other open burning or outdoor fires are prohibited except as set forth above or authorized by a permit granted by the County Fire Warden. Applications for a Burn Permit are available from the County Fire Warden. If the County Fire Warden denies the Application, the matter may be appealed to the Board of County Commissioners at their next regular monthly meeting by contacting the County Clerk. The County Fire Warden shall have the authority to determine the terms and conditions of the permit including requirements for proof of liability insurance with a minimum $5 million-dollar general liability policy and a personal agreement to accept total financial responsibility for the cost of firefighting and any damages caused by the fire.

3. The ban does not include the listed exceptions set forth in Wyoming Statute 35-10-204, the areas within the incorporated cities and towns within Crook County, or federal lands managed by the Forest Service, Devils Tower National Monument, and BLM. These entities may impose more or less restrictive regulations. The Board of County Commissioners strongly recommend that the above listed agencies ban the sale and discharge of fireworks in their jurisdictions. If permitted, there is no guarantee that County fire units will be able to respond for assistance.

4. The following persons are exempt from the restrictions, and closure orders:

(a) Any federal, state, or local officers engaged in fire, emergency, and law enforcement activities.

(b) Any member of rescue or firefighting force engaged in performance of an official duty.

(c) Exceptions to these restrictions and closures can be made in writing by the appropriate jurisdictional entity.

5. NOTICES The County Fire Warden shall immediately provide a copy of this Resolution to the Wyoming State Forester, County Sheriff, State Land Commissioners, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Keyhole State Park and other state and federal agencies.

6. PUBLIC NOTICES The County Fire Warden shall immediately post the fire ban signs throughout the county and notify the public through advertisement in each newspaper published in the County, by press release to the Radio and TV stations broadcasting within Crook County, by the Public Alert system, the WYDOT 511 system, County Web Site http://www.crookcounty.wy.gov Facebook and any other method that would economically notify the public.

7. If any portion of this resolution is ruled to be not effective by a court the remaining portion of this resolution shall remain in effect.

8. The County Fire Warden has the authority to temporarily lift and or reimpose this Burn Restriction and shall provide notice as set forth in paragraph 5 and 6 above until rescinded by the Board unless temporarily lifted or reimposed by the County Fire Warden during that term.

Motion made, seconded and carried in an open meeting on March 6, 2024.

Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member.

State of Wyoming }

County of Crook }

Signed or attested before me on March 6, 2024 by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member, Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.

Melissa Jones, Crook County Clerk

Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Adjourned for lunch at 12:18 o’clock p.m.

1:00 o’clock p.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Member Bob Latham and County Clerk Melissa Jones.

Troy Bifulco, VP of Information and Technology and Services, PRECorp, Bridget Helms, Office Manager, and Sarah Anderson, Program Coordinator, CCNRD, Alycia Conroy-Davis, Supervisor, Crook County Weed & Pest, and via Teams Jeanne Whalen, Whalen Consult, LLC and Dru Bower, Dru Consult, gave updates on items of interest.

Bob moved to sign two letters of support on Crook County Natural Resource District’s efforts in the Sand Creek and Red Canyon areas. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Eric Akola was present at the meeting to request a quarter of a mile of Old Sundance Road No. 93 be added to the maintained county road list. The board is maintaining that they are not currently adding any more roads to the maintained county road list.

Rally Licenses: On May 8, 2024, at 11:00 o’clock a.m. in the Commissioner’s Room at the Courthouse in Sundance, Wyoming, the Board of Crook County Commissioners will be accepting requests for Twenty-Four Hour Special Malt Beverage Permits and Twenty-Four-Hour Special Catering Permits for biker rally week. Applications may be obtained from the Crook County Clerk’s Office or on the county website https://www.crookcounty.wy.gov/elected_officials/clerk/liquor_licenses.php. The application and fees must be returned to the Crook County Clerk by or before April 30, 2024, at 5:00 o’clock p.m.

Commissioner Scholarships: On May 8, 2024, at 11:15 a.m. the Board of County Commissioners will award 3 scholarships of $1,000.00, to a graduate of a Crook County High School and 1 renewal scholarship of $1,000.00, to a current college student who has received a prior Commissioner scholarship. For an application please see the county website at https://www.crookcounty.wy.gov/elected_officials/commissioners/commissioner_scholarships.php. Due date is April 30, 2024.

The meeting adjourned at 2:08 o’clock p.m. to meet in regular session on April 2 & 3, 2024 at 8:30 o’clock a.m., in the Commissioner Room at the Courthouse in Sundance, Wyoming.

Fred M. Devish, Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman

Bob Latham, Member Attested: Melissa Jones, County Clerk

Publish: March 14, 2024