Mia Harris

The work session focused on providing an opportunity for the City Council to receive feedback regarding proposed amendments to the Riverton Municipal Code sections concerning alcoholic beverage licensing. Key discussion points centered on Ordinance number 260001, which proposes amendments to definitions regarding commercial kitchens and clarifying conditions for individuals under the age of 21 entering licensed establishments. Input was solicited from liquor license holders regarding the feasibility and implications of proposed changes, particularly concerning the definition of a commercial kitchen, conditions for minors' presence, and revenue requirements (like the 60/40 food/beverage split). Concerns were raised about the difficulty of verifying parental or guardianship status for minors and the implications of new regulations on various license types (retail vs. bar and grill). Staff noted that the current code is more restrictive than state statute regarding minors in on-premise consumption establishments, and further direction is sought to clarify exceptions.

The work session agenda included standard opening procedures such as the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation, followed by a quorum declaration. The primary substantive item for discussion was the Riverton Municipal Code Title 5 concerning Underage Persons in Bars.

The Regular Council Meeting agenda included several key considerations. The consent agenda covered multiple minutes from prior work sessions and meetings, Finance Committee recommendations, the Municipal Court Report for January 2026, and the bylaws for the Riverton Activities Center Committee. Key business items involved consideration of a resolution to adjust appointment terms for the Riverton Rendezvous Balloon Committee and two readings of Ordinances No. 26-001 and No. 26-002, both concerning underage persons in bars, which were tabled pending further input from a scheduled work session. A public hearing was scheduled for the first reading of Ordinance No. 26-003 regarding a rezone petition for Berlin's First Addition. Additional considerations included the selection of a consultant for the West Main Street Waterline Project and discussion on Verizon Tower Ground Lease Expirations and the Brownfields and Land Revitalization Program Consultant Selection.

The meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office for a new Patrol Officer and an update from the Youth Council. Council members provided roundtable reports on various local matters, including legislative meetings and community appreciation. The City Administrator reported on upcoming committee meetings, receipt of Financial Disclosure Statements, airport enplanements, and recognized employees for service. Key actions included approving the agenda, appointing Council Member Bailey as Council President and Council Member Borders as Vice President, and approving the 2026 Council Meeting Calendar. The council also approved Mayor Hancock's proposed committee assignments for Council members and approved appointments for community boards and committees, including the Municipal Judge, Alternate Judge, and City Attorney. Resolutions adopted included designating official depositories (Resolution No. 1535), designating the legal newspaper for 2026 (Resolution No. 1536), adjusting fees for the PAWS for Life Animal Shelter (Resolution No. 1537), and adopting the Fremont County/Municipal/Tribal Emergency Operations Plan (Resolution No. 1538). A public hearing was held and approved the transfer of a Retail Liquor License. Ordinance No. 25-009 regarding a liquor license violation points system was adopted after several amendments. First readings and discussions were held for Ordinance No. 26-001 and Ordinance No. 26-002 concerning underage persons in liquor establishments. Finally, the council unanimously approved the bid for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Ultraviolet and Clarifier Replacement Project.

The Work Session Meeting focused primarily on discussion regarding proposed Ordinance No. 26-001, which aims to amend Title 5 of the Riverton Municipal Code concerning the conditions under which persons under the age of twenty-one may enter or remain in licensed establishments. Public comment addressed enforcement consistency, the definition and operation of a commercial kitchen, seating restrictions, and the practical impact of revenue-based criteria. The Council discussed the clarity of the proposed amendments, particularly the 10:00 p.m. time limitation, and generally agreed to bring suggested revisions forward for consideration at the next regular meeting.