[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6269484,"mediaKeyId","3042703-e0081b18811b46eb534bed857e338fd5","parentId",3042703,"title","Local entrepreneur with disability asks council for startup funding guidance; councilors offer referrals","audioSeconds",944,"startMs",1767000,"endMs",2711000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3042703-e0081b18811b46eb534bed857e338fd5&start=1767&end=2711","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3042703-e0081b18811b46eb534bed857e338fd5/thumbnail_1767000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6269484/Casper/Natrona/Wyoming/Local-entrepreneur-with-disability-asks-council-for-startup-funding-guidance-councilors-offer-referrals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269484-a8782c832cd69a7989071dfb2bfa364a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448344&Signature=Ohvr--PCb16-QMj5j14TGo3SV6u7xEbXIp5fa8cgbMu6qufYMqbAFsdNTdFtRtZSWJ~CVGC21JrUF8aw2Y95MaG4Esl2lnKYa0FoAsok64wa~1dLYJqpYGNdXGWHVyuOv-KaeHDCnOr9aaWzSO8sytnoPMVtl-QC8ITi4GNqt034nIq-zEFh3uS9Lz3ozyfcLc8RlVP4838jhQptWWSMepK~y530DMl6XxvvHBR5aQ~gvEmprJGEVXPN46kY0IeqDbZSuY2bRjARrhisGXvNQsLbiQfLqoqBGqhnAIBbrD7EKB~l~ge9x-znVdzihRWdLMPNNVqJizl6GK7FVIf1Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-17T21:05:12.867Z","article","Tamar De Leon, a 26‑year‑old resident who said she has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and builds prosthetics, used public comment time to ask the Casper City Council for guidance on startup funding and local resources to launch a prosthetics business in Casper.

\"I'm doing my LLC license... I was wondering if there would be any type of private or set-aside funding for starting up businesses because I'm not trying to get into debt,\" De Leon said, adding she had invested personal funds and was seeking advice on grants or other seed opportunities.

Council response: Councilors and staff thanked De Leon for sharing her lived experience and offered specific local resources. Councilor Pollock offered to gather contact information and connect her with organizations that can help with business creation. Councilor Gamroth pointed to a local Casper College startup program and Visit Casper impact grants as possible avenues. Councilor Gamroth and others recommended dialing Wyoming 2‑1‑1 to be connected to legal resources, disability services and business development programs; several councilors offered to email additional contacts and follow up.

Why it matters: De Leon’s request highlights barriers entrepreneurs with disabilities face — in transportation, access to workspace and capital — and how local networks and small business programs can assist in early-stage development.

Next steps: Councilors requested De Leon leave contact information with staff so they can follow up with grant and startup program contacts. The city suggested connections to the Council of People with Disabilities and local business development resources.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Casper | April 15th, 2025 | City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Tamar De Leon, a disabled resident building prosthetics, asked the council for guidance on startup funding and resources. Councilors and staff directed her to local resources including Wyoming 211, Casper College startup programs and Visit Casper impact grants, and offered to follow up with contacts.","taxTitle","Casper, Natrona, Wyoming","taxId",3791,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6269488,"Downtown group asks Casper council to expand open-container area and season; council to discuss at upcoming work session",836,1557000,2393000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3042703-e0081b18811b46eb534bed857e338fd5&start=1557&end=2393","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3042703-e0081b18811b46eb534bed857e338fd5/thumbnail_1557000.jpg","/articles/6269488/Casper/Natrona/Wyoming/Downtown-group-asks-Casper-council-to-expand-open-container-area-and-season-council-to-discuss-at-upcoming-work-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269488-41001ea0914eafa5a15cf57c99cd6526/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448344&Signature=B3pmP3MaDxxQiImFnsBV1xBfyPTdhAinIQSC11LisfKF9j8BvnYapAvWL7eldHIOqsSAIVVeC1rAQTGa2hAlXNc~U0siCgGH4X9X-i8mDASm0AFK1eW6OOVhyKQRh5QI1jVp~AfhVDiLuFOzE1RnhpkHe4j6vZ5vj6Vsb0d7BgKnWxfnIkvJSz-t99OsFNrlmsuyg1o7T7HpLS3wX6CNr6kdzIb8JUBgLx~Vux2vVgwV6hiZCWNcyNiRxnwctIsYv6QJSXirjHZzHQtbUZmyJQpngdzbia6E9-x99MQoK1oTnct7ATq~AAxhLmnpWcOobl8vigRlHKHA8KSgNY3Ogw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laura Hunter, executive director of R321 (Old Yellowstone District / Downtown Development Authority), asked the Casper City Council to consider expanding downtown’s open-container allowance for the 2025 season, adjusting the season dates to better align with events and allowing a broader set of licensed establishments to participate.

\"The open container allowance creates a lively, welcoming downtown atmosphere, encourages people to stay longer, explore more, and engage with local businesses,\" Hunter said, adding she would provide a map and paperwork to staff showing proposed boundary and season changes and a suggested extension for Art Walk nights.

Hunter also asked the council to reconsider the city’s interpretation that only off‑site alcohol licensees may provide to‑go drinks in the open-container zone, saying bars and restaurants in the zone are currently excluded under the city's reading of state law and municipal policy. Hunter said local law enforcement reported minimal problems during prior open-container seasons.

Council response: Councilors acknowledged receipt of Hunter’s materials and noted an open-container debrief is on the council’s pre-meeting grid for next week. Council members said staff and the chief of police may be asked to brief the council at that work session.

Why this matters: Changes to open-container boundaries, season dates or who may participate would affect downtown businesses, event organizers and public-safety planning. Hunter asked for modest expansion to better connect cultural destinations and to permit consistent dates for spring and fall events.

Next steps: Hunter left a map and supporting documents with staff. Councilors expect the topic to be discussed in the upcoming open-container debrief at the council work session, when staff and the police department can provide data and recommendations.","Laura Hunter, executive director of R321/Old Yellowstone District, asked the council to expand open-container boundaries and season dates and to allow additional licensees to participate. Councilors acknowledged the request and said the item will feed into a scheduled open-container debrief in an upcoming work session.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6269493,"Resident reports repeated sewer-line punctures from fiber contractors; council asks staff for work-session recommendations",4161,592000,4753000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3042703-e0081b18811b46eb534bed857e338fd5&start=592&end=4753","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3042703-e0081b18811b46eb534bed857e338fd5/thumbnail_592000.jpg","/articles/6269493/Casper/Natrona/Wyoming/Resident-reports-repeated-sewer-line-punctures-from-fiber-contractors-council-asks-staff-for-work-session-recommendations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269493-f93c98d5b7588fa4eb8eed65cb4949e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448344&Signature=Ntxe1Lzk7~bIowVW0inT2GIbpJ4UR8d5t5y2nfK3CT9Em6TRg0ZafRWJDI43OjChANvCo3sB3cT7aPzkb1OrvHeDvgQo-WvBfCvtt7iqVIJ4K5o9pJchFGFOXT4TZOl83y7D0viZySPtN3V44y2~4vGl1ixm84g3hbFatVeaLs62VdhWqAW4VZIX2DyMJ1OHxYZt093rH3OZHFM8WodSESddCPSplSTAcNl9jw0uXAOgcCsQqWrMjDVVraX5KZvVxECK5D02x~WiYi-yF0TrX15mIgbfW2pa5mALGj~dMV-6i7R28Qlqj0GkerLSDeBOm-yjanEKdW-oYCTCOBjASQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lisa Ingebretsen told the Casper City Council during public comment that contractors installing fiber in north Casper had repeatedly perforated private sewer lines and that homeowners were being left to discover and pay for repairs.

\"They know they've hit the sewer line, but they're waiting for people to have to go get a sewer camera inspection and go through the hassle,\" Ingebretsen said, adding one contractor she spoke with had found the issue at a dozen houses and out-of-pocket repair costs ranged from about $169 to $400 for camera inspection and more for repairs.

Councilors pressed for clarification and discussed where homeowners should seek resolution. Several council members suggested the issue might be addressed through the city's franchise or license agreements with telecom providers. City Manager Nate Pier said staff would review the city's agreements, evaluate how citizen complaints are handled, and bring recommendations — including the option of a council work session — back to the council.

Why it matters: If contractors working in public rights-of-way strike private sewer laterals and do not promptly notify the city or repair damage, homeowners may bear repair costs and delays; council and staff review could change permit or franchise language and notification or repair requirements.

What the council did: Councilors asked staff to examine existing agreements and enforcement processes. The City Manager said he would bring recommendations and that staff could prepare a work-session briefing for council consideration.

Next steps: City staff will review franchise and license agreements for telecom/right-of-way work, document existing complaint and repair processes, and return with recommended language or administrative changes. The council indicated it is willing to schedule a work session to consider the staff recommendations.","A resident reported multiple sewer-line punctures she attributes to a fiber/construction contractor (identified in public comment as Tilson). Councilors asked staff to review franchise/license agreements and the City Manager said staff will prepare recommendations and can present them at a future work session.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6269498,"Casper City Council adopts consent agenda, approves rezoning on first reading",2992,475000,3467000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3042703-e0081b18811b46eb534bed857e338fd5&start=475&end=3467","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3042703-e0081b18811b46eb534bed857e338fd5/thumbnail_475000.jpg","/articles/6269498/Casper/Natrona/Wyoming/Casper-City-Council-adopts-consent-agenda-approves-rezoning-on-first-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6269498-fd475320a48111b3228b494ea71c8506/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448344&Signature=VILczdJiIQCrMmCsD4aaVK7lCwMq-2oTQf7nSXi0pvmZfLOWvZAfVuEIDMHqLmDlDwiO4kjJzJq1Yr5rxS5PxMTlXHRB0-G~osbQ~5PGOKaTZHk9VUnqsr~5VoRPwA48kDCzhjNZEuvOspwgeD6HU5oeQ2kiMP~-lCHGjBP5Las8N6oRZRfj4wQ-~gONRHy02utH4HqpUPoLnWDNlL576yoHo7ZoUovi1CBxxE18cnDzeTUVCxePkI1F~2t~Hs7HsKT2bG9mNN5GDdu7xVvcqzkdaEOpKmUjkEL6wSItAg71ihLvs17ofSteRPqJsn~4C~OMBESIuXt3YK86xm4O9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Casper City Council on April 15 approved a multi-item consent agenda and approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone Lot 6 E 1/2, Block 154 in the Casper Addition from R-6 to R-5.

The consent agenda cleared contracts for seasonal landscaping and abatement services, professional services for a Robertson Road corridor study and a Safe Routes to School plan update, amendments to municipal parking management, vendor purchases, and several appointments and purchases. City Manager Nate Pier presented the bills-and-claims report that the council approved by minute action.

The approvals matter because they authorize city spending, vendor agreements and planning work that will affect public infrastructure, downtown parking and school-area walking and biking projects. The council approved the items as a group to expedite routine and time-sensitive authorizations.

Key actions taken

• Consent minute and action agenda approvals: The council approved minutes from multiple April meetings and approved the bills-and-claims report as audited by City Manager Nate Pier. (Motion to approve minutes moved by the Vice Mayor; bills-and-claims moved by Councilor Pollock and seconded by Councilor Haskins.)

• Establish public hearing date: The council established May 6, 2025, as the public hearing date for a separate zone-change request and related assessment matters.

• Ordinance (first reading) — zone change: The council approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone Lot 6 E 1/2, Block 154, Casper Addition, changing the parcel’s zoning from R-6 to R-5. The planning commission had recommended approval and council discussion included staff reports describing the property as a duplex consistent with surrounding R-5 zoning. (Motion moved by Councilor Pollock and seconded by Councilor Jensen.)

• Consent resolutions and contracts: The council adopted a set of consent resolutions authorizing multiple contracts and project actions, including but not limited to: a Robertson Road corridor study with HDR Engineering, professional mowing and abatement contracts with multiple local firms, an agreement with Stantec for a Safe Routes to School plan update, authorization for Goodstein Parking Lot Phase 2 construction, and amendment No. 2 to the municipal parking garage management contract with Republic Parking LLC.

• Consent minute actions and appointments: The council approved appointment of Carol King to the Opioid Oversight Committee and Sean Moore to the Casper Historic Preservation Commission; approved vehicle and equipment purchases for parks and fleet divisions; and rejected bids for a 2025 IT network procurement project as read on the consent agenda.

• Executive session motion: The council voted to adjourn into executive session for personnel, land and attorney-client privilege matters and to reconvene only to adjourn the regular meeting. The motion passed with the required supermajority.

All motions recorded in the regular meeting were adopted with all councilors voting in favor.

Looking ahead, the council noted upcoming work-session dates and scheduled public hearings related to the zoning and assessment items. City staff will move forward on the contracts and procurement actions authorized by tonight’s votes.","At its April 15 meeting the Casper City Council approved a broad consent agenda including contracts for landscaping, a Safe Routes to School plan update and parking management changes, and approved on first reading an ordinance rezoning a duplex property in Block 154. All votes recorded in the meeting passed unanimously.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local entrepreneur with disability asks council for startup funding guidance; councilors offer referrals

Downtown group asks Casper council to expand open-container area and season; council to discuss at upcoming work session

Resident reports repeated sewer-line punctures from fiber contractors; council asks staff for work-session recommendations

Casper City Council adopts consent agenda, approves rezoning on first reading