Development News for Riverton, Wyoming

Riverton City Council Approves Animal Control Ordinance Updates

The Riverton City Council passed Ordinance 26-004 on second reading, which amends the municipal code related to animal control. The ordinance revises definitions and regulations concerning aggressive animals, running at large, and nuisance animals, aiming to improve enforcement and promote responsible pet ownership. During the public hearing, a resident raised a concern about the definition of 'aggressive animal,' suggesting a clarification to differentiate behavior on versus off the owner's property. The Chief of Police recommended revisiting the definition in the future to accommodate potential use of police canines. The council ultimately adopted the ordinance on second reading.

Riverton Council Approves New Sewer Vacuum Truck Purchase, Supports Police Staffing Grants

The Riverton City Council approved the purchase of a new sewer industrial vacuum truck and authorized the submission of grant applications for police department staffing. The new vacuum truck, a critical piece of equipment for maintaining city infrastructure, was approved for purchase from Jack's Truck Center for $669,987. The council also supported the police department's pursuit of two grants: the Rural Law Enforcement Violent Crime Reduction Initiative for community service officers and evidence storage, and the COPS Hiring Program grant to hire two additional sworn officers. Discussions surrounding the COPS grant focused on the long-term financial commitment required after the grant funding ends.

Riverton City Council Approves 2026 Community Contracts and Finalizes Budget Allocations

The Riverton City Council reviewed and approved various budget items for the upcoming fiscal year. This included approving the consent agenda with several financial recommendations, such as claims to be paid, payroll and liabilities for specific dates, and recommendations from the finance committee. A notable discussion involved the Wind River Visitors Council budget, specifically a $20,000 line item for discretionary use, which was ultimately separated for individual voting. The council also debated and finalized allocations for community service contracts, totaling $240,000, with significant portions dedicated to Recreation ($100,000), Mercy House ($40,000), Wind River Transportation Authority ($25,000), and Juvenile Justice Services ($20,000), among others. The discussion highlighted the difficult choices in balancing essential services and community needs within a limited budget.

Riverton Approves 10-Year Ground Lease with Verizon Wireless

The Riverton City Council discussed and ultimately approved the lease agreement with Verizon Wireless for a ground lease adjacent to Airport Road. Verizon expressed interest in re-leasing the property after their previous lease expired, agreeing to the city's terms of an annual rent of $12,000 with a 3% annual escalator. While Verizon initially preferred a longer term of 15-20 years, they accepted the council's previously approved maximum potential term of 10 years (an initial 5-year lease with one 5-year renewal option). The council agreed that the 10-year term was preferable to a longer one for future flexibility.