Ben Hubbard

The City Council meeting included approval of the agenda and authorization for the Treasurer to pay bills and claims. Key discussions involved a waiver of disclosure concerning representation for Park Co. Sheriff, City of Cody, and City of Powell. The council also addressed Ordinance No. 19, 2025, regarding the de-annexation of real property. Following a discussion informed by an engineer's comments, the council voted to amend the de-annexation to include only Lot 51 and Market Road, excluding Lot 6. The session included an executive session, after which the council directed the City Attorney to prepare a response based on those discussions.

Key discussions during the session included the swearing-in of Officer Jason Holderness. The Council voted to support a 1 cent special sales tax initiative proposed by the Powell Senior Center Board to fund a new senior center facility, which would be city-owned and leased to the Center. Regarding the Animal Ordinance, the Council directed the City Attorney to repeal the current exotic animal permit ordinance and research other municipal approaches to exotic animal permitting. An ordinance to de-annex certain real property in Powell was approved on final reading. The Council also discussed and approved on first reading a series of new ordinances intended to repeal the old Chapter 10.24 regarding Bicycles and replace it with new regulations governing both bicycles and electric devices, including provisions for reckless riding and sidewalk use. Other items addressed included the approval of the Airport Layout Plan and permits for DEQ completion of sewer extensions, acceptance of the Moyer Grant for downtown banner replacement, and approval of the release of claims in the Venus Bontadelli vs. City of Powell case following an Executive Session. An exotic animal permit for Venus Bontadelli was also approved.

The agenda for the meeting included several items for discussion and action. Key topics involved a request for an extension of alcoholic beverage sales hours for New Year's Eve (Resolution 14, 2025). There were updates presented on the Airport Development Plan by the Powell Economic Partnership (PEP), as well as updates on the EPA Recreation for Rural Economies initiative and the Rails w/ Trails Project. In legal matters, the second reading of Ordinance No. 19, 2025, concerning the de-annexation of specific real property (First Development Park Lots 6 and 51), was scheduled. The agenda also reserved time for committee updates and an executive session to discuss matters pursuant to W.S. 16-4-405(a)(iii) and (a)(ix). The proceedings from the previous meeting on December 1, 2025, detailed discussions regarding the LGLP Board nomination and the tabling of Ordinance No. 19, 2025, on its second reading, pending further contact with the owner.

The key topics for this regular City Council meeting included committee updates, a legal matter concerning a conflict of interest and consent to representation by Copenhaver, Kitchen & Kolpitcke, LLC, and the second reading of Ordinance No. 19, 2025, which pertains to the de-annexation of certain real property in the City of Powell. The agenda also included a scheduled executive session to discuss matters under W.S. 16-4-405(a)(iii) and (a)(ix).

The meeting included a public hearing for a new restaurant liquor license for 307 Industries, LLC d/b/a Hayloft, and liquor license renewals for 307 Industries, LLC d/b/a Hayloft and the City of Powell. Also reviewed was the 2025 Annual Liquor License Holders Report. A budget amendment for FY 25/26 was discussed, specifically Resolution 13, 2025, to amend the 2025-2026 Budget. Updates were provided for the WAM Winter Conference 2026. Ordinance No. 19, 2025, concerning the de-annexation of certain real property, was on the agenda. Agreements for Drug Recognition Expert School with Laramie County Sheriff's Office and Lexipol Performance Management were addressed, along with a statement of work for CivicPlus MuniCode and MuniDocs.