Brian James Edwards

The meeting commenced with the approval of consent items, including minutes from February 3, 2026, payroll, vouchers totaling $1,285,937.61, and resolutions concerning a public roadway vacation and a letter of support for the American Legion. Discussion items included forwarding draft zoning maps and uses tables from development standards consultants to the TAG group and Planning & Zoning commission for review. The board introduced Michela Morrisey, the new Executive Director of the Powell Economic Partnership. Interviews were conducted for the Predator Management Board and the Park County Travel Council, with subsequent re-appointments and appointments made to both bodies. The Library Director presented the annual report, noting the upcoming opening of the new Powell library. An update was provided regarding negotiations for a reciprocal easement for County Lagoons Road. Anthony Jolovich requested an amended Special Use Permit (SUP) to allow temporary asphalt production at a gravel mine for a WYDOT project, deciding to proceed with the formal amendment application process after consulting with his attorney. The commissioners also addressed correspondence with Representative Rachel Rodriguez-Williams and the Park County Republican Party concerning legislative association membership dues and lobbying activities, ultimately approving a formal letter response to be distributed to regional legislators. Finally, as the Board of Equalization, the commissioners resolved to certify the question of providing relief to certain taxpayers assessed for Cody Canal Irrigation District water they cannot use to the District Court, as legal counsel could not determine the scope of the commissioners' authority in the matter.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. The consent agenda items approved included the minutes from February 3rd, 2026, payroll, vouchers, and earning/collection statements for the Clerk of District Court and Sheriff. A resolution concerning public roadway vacation and a letter of support for the American Legion Hughes Pittner Post 26 Piger were also addressed. A significant portion of the meeting involved the introduction of the new director for the PE Pal Economic Development Partnership, Michaela Morsey, and discussion regarding her priorities, including community engagement and educating members on the partnership's three divisions (economic development, chamber, and visitor center). Separately, Gregory Mton was interviewed for an open position on the Predator Management Board, discussing his background in wildlife, trapping, and community involvement, and suggesting an improvement area concerning public education about the board's activities. Another applicant, Tim Metsler, was interviewed for the Predator Management Board, expressing support for the current state management of wolves as predators. Discussions touched upon other predator species managed, funding sources for the Predator Board (state and brand inspection fees, not county funds), and the board's relationship with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and USDA Wildlife Services.

The Board of Commissioners meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions involved approving the consent agenda, which included stipulations to change future meeting dates and approve a Green Creek NRV park resolution. There was an extensive discussion regarding the process for board appointments, specifically ensuring incumbent board members have the option to interview or submit resumes, especially for new commissioners who may not be familiar with them. The board addressed public input regarding comments on the live stream feed, clarifying that comments must be submitted via email or in person, as the feed does not support live commentary. The meeting also included a report on a temporary email outage. A public hearing was held and subsequently closed for the transfer of a full retail liquor license from Kai LLC (doing business as The Whoppity Lodge) to Whoity Lodge Liquor License LLC. The transfer was approved pending receipt of final documentation confirming payment of outstanding excise tax by the previous entity. Additionally, a candidate for the Buffalo Bill Dam Board, Timothy Myers, was interviewed, during which he discussed his background as a retired patent attorney and engineer, and suggested improvements for the Buffalo Bill Visitor Center, such as updating exhibits, incorporating interactive elements like water features or immersive sound, and utilizing online video content to promote the center.

The board approved consent items including payroll, vouchers, a fundraising event for the library, and a Law Enforcement Center HVAC RFP. Discussions covered updates to development regulations and standards, as well as public comment sessions. Planning and zoning approvals were granted for the Faith Lutheran SS-205 Amended Plat and the Wasserman SS-212 Amended Plat, the latter including specific conditions regarding water availability. Additionally, the board entered into an executive session to discuss a confidential matter, followed by an official adoption of a proposal resulting from that discussion.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from December 16th, payroll, vouchers, and advertisements for travel council and predatory management boards, as well as financial disclosure statements. There was discussion regarding the advertisement for the Yellowstone representative position on the travel council. The primary discussion involved the 2026 officer elections for the Board of County Commissioners, resulting in the election of Commissioner Stewart as chair and Commissioner Teal as vice chair. Liaison reports covered numerous boards and committees, including the Fair Board (discussing entertainment like figure eight, demolition derby, and potential concert alternatives due to lack of profitability), the Park County Recreation Board (addressing audit concerns and potential name changes), Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center Board (noting a vacant position due to a passing), the Library Board (planning a walkthrough for substantial completion), the Museum Board (meeting bimonthly), Travel Council (seeking a new director), Health and Wellness Committee (reporting stable insurance funding), PEP (welcoming a new leader), Urban Systems (addressing long-standing funding for a Park Street entrance redo in conjunction with the irrigation district), and Yellowstone National Park (discussing the 911 contract and repoint appointment). Liaison reports also highlighted funding concerns for the Weed and Pest and Predator Boards, and updates on the Yo Regional Airport project aimed at lowering the ceiling for increased flight availability. Finally, there was a discussion concerning the appropriateness of county-funded dinners to thank uncompensated board volunteers.