[{"_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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6472073,"mediaKeyId","5777100-bc77840bb72b51b3ddc26a55015989ef","parentId",5777100,"title","Teton County commissioners approve demolition of Hansen Courthouse to clear site for Justice Center","audioSeconds",1710,"startMs",1019000,"endMs",2729000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5777100-bc77840bb72b51b3ddc26a55015989ef&start=1019&end=2729","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5777100-bc77840bb72b51b3ddc26a55015989ef/thumbnail_1019000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6472073/Teton-County/Wyoming/Teton-County-commissioners-approve-demolition-of-Hansen-Courthouse-to-clear-site-for-Justice-Center","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472073-1b6f3ee209232f82ae89b013b2992710/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563110&Signature=PaoPrjNLl2IHF4BXKQJUs936WhUh4OTjS~nmXZzmFzjzRbmHjVOt9CAHrEceEvDOe7BdvSe3L0jpXZXTu5rXSaFh3LirQiBXC1p1p2XzplIMuw2jgt3BY35Awr0hvIUtSQavPMR4DLajEIQ8x~3brTOs9uHp4XcEepcPkDE3gnM73f42RltbUVW2hEWzexf0WOJSdTC-ZUQ3QWwf4J7QMO-b8chcU6dl~ssOhjd3Uo1rTx8TXd--HrKn~51stjjWdOq3UnHFR94UCjBGzndnhexdTBRws-jf3rwH1DDM22n5uEmD9mUHGBRMBFUEl-0fh1oyZ8h6hw0A1Z6mLz3NVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Teton County","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","Teton County commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to demolish the Clifford P. Hansen Courthouse as part of the Teton County Justice Center project, authorizing county staff to proceed with demolition planning, scheduling and occupant relocation coordination.

County General Services Director Mark Irwin told the board the decision is a near‑term schedule driver for the Justice Center project and that ‘‘either it remains or it's removed,’’ adding that removing the Hansen Courthouse would simplify construction access, resolve a sewer conflict and avoid future maintenance costs.

Irwin said engineering and cost evaluations completed since the board’s late‑August briefing showed demolition would improve site circulation and secure inmate transport, and would avoid a six‑month-plus sewer reroute along Willow Street. He estimated demolition costs around $350,000 and gross cost avoidance in the range of roughly $450,000 to $950,000 after accounting for avoided snow‑drift mitigation and deferred maintenance; he said he did not have an appraisal but rough market estimates for the building were around $5 million.

Why it mattered

County staff emphasized the decision now is necessary to keep the Justice Center construction on schedule and to avoid escalating costs. Irwin said the team has provided short‑term relocation options for key courthouse tenants, and has worked with the town of Jackson on interim space for municipal court and with victim services on temporary and long‑term accommodations.

Victim services director Tracy Trefren told the board the program has grown from two people in 2005 to three full‑time staff today and that the office regularly has multiple clients and needs private meeting space and continuous confidential access. ‘‘Most of the time when a victim comes into Teton County Victim Services it is not a good day,’’ Trefren said, urging the county to ensure secure, confidential workspace during construction and in the Justice Center.

What staff recommended and what the board decided

Irwin said removal would allow construction staging, fewer security and IT retrofits to a temporary courtroom, and post‑construction efficiencies. He recommended demolition as the preferred option but said his team was prepared to proceed either way. Commissioners expressed discomfort about displacing functions but said the longer‑term site benefits outweighed the short‑term disruption.

Commissioner comments and naming

Several commissioners stressed the need to formalize agreements with the town about municipal court space and to clarify who will pay moving and interim costs. Commissioner discussion included whether to preserve the Clifford P. Hansen name; commissioners suggested dedicating a courtroom in the new Justice Center to retain the name and asked staff to coordinate with the Hansen family or other stakeholders on naming.

Formal action

Commissioner Karlman moved to approve demolition of the Clifford P. Hansen Courthouse as part of the Justice Center site plan, authorizing staff to proceed with planning, scheduling and occupant relocation coordination; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Macker and carried unanimously (4–0, Commissioner Gardner absent).

What the county said about short‑ and long‑term accommodations

Irwin and other staff described short‑term relocation plans that include building a permanent wall and reconfiguration in the county General Services Building basement to house victim services during construction, at an estimated cost ‘‘around $100,000 or less’’ for the initial modifications. Irwin said the Justice Center design includes dedicated space that can be secured after hours so victim services staff can admit clients without exposing the remainder of the building.

Federal and municipal court impacts

County staff and the county’s federal court contact described multiple interim options for occasional federal magistrate hearings (for example at Moose or other federal facilities) and said magistrates have been willing to adapt. Town officials had submitted a letter asking the county to work with victim services on a relocation plan and to reserve permanent space for victim services and municipal court in the Justice Center; Irwin read that letter into the record.

Next steps and follow‑up

Staff were authorized to proceed with demolition planning and occupant relocation coordination to keep the Justice Center schedule. Commissioners asked staff to return with more precise cost estimates for temporary accommodations, any relocation assistance funds, and proposed memoranda of understanding with the town regarding municipal court and victim services.

Ending

The motion to demolish carried unanimously. Commissioners asked staff to pursue agreements with partner agencies on interim space and to return with cost details and a plan to preserve the Hansen name in the Justice Center design.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Teton County - Regular Mtg","oneSentenceSummary","Teton County commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to demolish the Clifford P. Hansen Courthouse as part of the Teton County Justice Center project, authorizing staff to proceed with demolition planning, scheduling and occupant relocation coordination.","taxTitle","Teton County, Wyoming","taxId",63785,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472059,"County approves two land‑use actions: development plan amendment and daycare CUP",165,4578000,4743000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5777100-bc77840bb72b51b3ddc26a55015989ef&start=4578&end=4743","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5777100-bc77840bb72b51b3ddc26a55015989ef/thumbnail_4578000.jpg","/articles/6472059/Teton-County/Wyoming/County-approves-two-landuse-actions-development-plan-amendment-and-daycare-CUP","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472059-0cccb4e9bbc3fae724291f2df351c79b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563110&Signature=LsSVJPVYwv2UNnWIBOOJcCiq6S7LSywy4BNx8aFJaXeinyL5jpy9WGilI5XNPQc~5XoWRb4phvJ-wVLgmvllO8h88jCxOw93ZyRD2Csxq8azNpRWZg8pgIgJmhibJocmKi9hXvy3W8JbLB700rJzcxN9UAUvlcLIuXaqqCZNUGqv9NoRj32GUcYpl8hN2MKC3dNhpanQ~lKwIZXIZi4jAnPX7TMw~KsFmMfG4w72Czp1zc3Xq8HL83ndsKGaypLVMEwRXyyD2xk50ZvqVVEtigen4sYstsQFpmzXniXOHXOErMzFlgqM2wFImzocuMCf76BqnF5cVqmYbACcr15Cpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Teton County commissioners on Tuesday approved two planning‑related items: a development plan amendment (DEV2025‑002) and a conditional use permit (CUP2025‑0001).

Development plan amendment (DEV2025‑002)

Deputy County Attorney Keith Dingery summarized the board’s earlier August 19 action and the current findings for DEV2025‑002, an amendment to a development plan for Lot 1 Grand Targhee Resort South that changes the primary use of permitted cabins from commercial lodging units to residential units with the ability to rent short term. The board voted to approve the findings of fact, conclusions of law and the order granting approval (motion moved by Commissioner Prophes, seconded by Commissioner Karlmann; vote 5–0 at the August hearing; action recorded and approved in the current meeting as presented).

Conditional use permit (CUP2025‑0001)

The board also approved findings of fact, conclusions of law and the order for CUP2025‑0001, a conditional use permit for a day‑care/education use at Lot 24, South Park Service Center (3580 South Park Drive). Planning staff noted the item had been recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on Aug. 11 and the board’s Sept. 2 hearing also approved it with conditions; commissioners moved and seconded approval of the findings and order and the motion carried unanimously.

Why it mattered

The development plan amendment clarifies allowed uses on the Grand Targhee Resort South parcel and formalizes the conversion from commercial lodging to residential units with short‑term rental allowed under the approved plan; the day‑care CUP permits an essential community service at a South Park property subject to conditions.

Formal actions

The board approved the findings of fact, conclusions of law and orders for both DEV2025‑002 and CUP2025‑0001 by unanimous vote.","The board approved findings of fact and orders for a development plan amendment (DEV2025‑002) to change cabins from commercial lodging to residential with short‑term rental allowed at Grand Targhee Resort South, and approved a conditional use permit (CUP2025‑0001) for a day‑care/education use at Lot 24 South Park Service Center.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472063,"County OKs solar RFP funding, library heat‑pump installation and launches 45‑day comment on Fire‑EMS fees",659,291000,950000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5777100-bc77840bb72b51b3ddc26a55015989ef&start=291&end=950","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5777100-bc77840bb72b51b3ddc26a55015989ef/thumbnail_291000.jpg","/articles/6472063/Teton-County/Wyoming/County-OKs-solar-RFP-funding-library-heatpump-installation-and-launches-45day-comment-on-FireEMS-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472063-b2b44d7731a99a57ceb04c3877a1bc59/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563110&Signature=AAjGdly4aVwNnWSie6CDCWesXmn2N8Qq5k9uw3CX7PZtFmRho5I4R-EN-m2kUdTLUZI1JV3rICxLKJrahsp-ECFwysLV6UmzjpyrEgGg96Rpa68fbqocTRJjY2BAGDmwevKQigteXUCYBfy3Yn54UQLDZYUL456TLXGw2hjm2AK27hmfJlp~AAuNjK6X6wGsXuKuUKbezqkxcHC8-Vw7IlNyIhviX8qJTBWWXRcp5Wr6GFpN8mLWKzo4Noevc5q91HGVworxbA7wG-KYQQaE~X7p5go~mT3fC9-73cPzvCIUK2Ne8vCjlbub65xszumcQBBzAePiRDq5IflD8vYtTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Teton County commissioners on Tuesday approved several energy and fee items: the board authorized up to $2,100 in energy mitigation funds to develop the request for proposals (RFP) specifications for a rooftop solar array at the county recreation center, approved up to $15,610 in energy mitigation funds to replace a failing gas hot water heater at the Teton County Library with an electric heat‑pump model, and directed the county clerk to begin a 45‑day public comment period on the Jackson Hole Fire‑EMS master fee schedule resolution.

Rec center solar RFP

Max Moran, Parks and Pathways project manager, presented a proposed contract with Creative Energies to prepare RFP scope and specifications for a rooftop solar installation at the Teton County Recreation Center. Eric Kimball, Teton County sustainability coordinator, said the county’s energy mitigation program (EMP) — which collects fees tied to inefficient residential construction to fund energy efficiency projects — had a net gain of $449,000 last year and that funds are sufficient to cover the rec center project.

The board approved the RFP development funding in an amount not to exceed $2,100; the motion was moved by Commissioner Carlman, seconded by Commissioner Macker and carried unanimously.

Library heat pump hot water heater

Kimball described the library project as a replacement of a failing gas hot water heater with an electric heat‑pump model, which he said is about four times more efficient than the gas unit and is estimated to save roughly $900 per year in energy costs. The heat‑pump option required additional electrical work; the requested EMP funding was $15,610 to cover equipment, installation and contingency.

Commissioners asked about expected lifespan and space requirements; Kimball said the unit’s expected lifespan on the manufacturer sticker is about 15 years and that the boiler room is approximately 10 by 20 feet and adequate for circulation. The board approved the expenditure in an amount not to exceed $15,610 (motion by Commissioner Karman, second by Commissioner Macker; unanimous).

Fire‑EMS master fee schedule public comment

Jackson Hole Fire‑EMS presented a consolidated master fee schedule intended to make department fees easier for the public to find and to align some fees with the Town of Jackson (for example, a false/nuisance alarm response fee tied to the town’s CPI adjustments). Fire Marshal Grama Layton said the schedule consolidates several fee sources and that the department will advertise the 45‑day public comment period; the board directed the county clerk to advertise the fee schedule resolution and begin the comment period. The motion to begin the 45‑day comment period was moved by Commissioner Prope, seconded by Commissioner Macker and carried unanimously.

Why it mattered

County staff said EMP funds exist specifically to underwrite public‑building energy improvements and that the rec center and library projects align with that program’s goals. The fee schedule consolidation for Fire‑EMS is meant to improve transparency and allow public review before the board considers final adoption.

Next steps

Staff will return as projects advance: the solar RFP scope/specifications will be finalized and put out to bid if funding and project parameters remain consistent; the library heater project will proceed with installation using EMP funds; the county will accept public comment for 45 days on the Fire‑EMS fee schedule and staff expect to return for a public hearing and possible adoption at a future meeting.","The Teton County commission approved expenditure of energy mitigation funds for a solar RFP for the recreation center and for a heat‑pump hot water heater at the Teton County Library, and voted to open a 45‑day public comment period on a new Jackson Hole Fire‑EMS master fee schedule.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_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":73,"_74":73},6472068,"Teton County delays decision on Hog Island zoning amendment after hours of testimony",0,4898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5777100-bc77840bb72b51b3ddc26a55015989ef&start=4898&end=4898","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5777100-bc77840bb72b51b3ddc26a55015989ef/thumbnail_4898000.jpg","/articles/6472068/Teton-County/Wyoming/Teton-County-delays-decision-on-Hog-Island-zoning-amendment-after-hours-of-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472068-d324498b444185de7c31883f254143ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563110&Signature=dubPHG1kMx8kgPeX5grFfDyCofo6JCl0~OgZDDw9H8wHtGyoNJoQ6DJuvqDtCDlDzRv8hZA9p00nO0Ri14mK-~KeCbsCsHi7e45lHn~zVJ8jnWa27tfqS~pqxKhKQ3oF-wcrRFKWIZq6kY8WoiSgolPsfARIuicNQW341fkdy651IEAvCUx8RscT-kGbcio~SKVtN-b3tDcZKyk0qudAqayPKHrqcdJcG0bDSRIyz8CqsrKVIFyqRwmY~eZQyQJDzQ4BLDTp9OjnNfa9AJ6W25h1hGiHhVmbhzOKhNLLIV6RXrwj9DR~6FvOh7rKsGSTjbUs17RBaVUgv5UV4ldLtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Teton County commissioners on Tuesday continued consideration of an amendment to the workforce home business (WHB) zoning rules — a proposal from Ridgeline Excavation to allow certain contractor and heavy equipment uses as primary uses near Highway 89 in the Hog Island area — to the board’s Oct. 7 meeting after extended public comment and staff and applicant presentations.

The applicant, Ridgeline Excavation owner Kirk Hogan, and his agent Alex Norton (OPS Strategies) said the amendment would create lawful, permitted locations for local contractors who provide snow removal, storm response and other infrastructure services. Norton and Hogan argued the business park zoning district is built out and that Hog Island already contains a cluster of yard‑type operations and nonconforming industrial uses.

Opponents and planning staff said the amendment would conflict with the comprehensive plan’s stated future character for Hog Island (stable, residential with accessory home businesses), would diminish predictability for neighbors who relied on recent regulations, and could threaten wildlife permeability, scenic resources and groundwater‑sensitive areas.

Why it mattered

Erin Monroe, associate long‑range planner, told the board the WHB zone was created in 2022 with standards intended to keep uses residential in character and accessory businesses limited (for example, employee count and material storage restrictions). Monroe said the amendment would introduce a narrow subset of ‘‘light and heavy industry’’ as primary uses limited to contractor businesses, limited to sites of up to 3 acres and only where a portion of the proposed 3‑acre site lies within 200 feet of the WY‑89 right of way.

Public comment

Speakers at the hearing included long‑time Hog Island residents and local nonprofit advocates. Elizabeth Eastman, whose family operates Eastman Excavation and Timber Works and has run an accessory contractor business under CUP for years, opposed the amendment as inequitable to owners who built under the 2012 comp plan and urged the board to preserve predictability. The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance submitted written comment opposing the proposal and urged denial, citing the area’s scenic overlay, proximity to a 2020 wildlife crossing and groundwater sensitivity.

Applicant rationale and proposed limits

Kirk Hogan said his company operates county snow contracts and emergency responses and has limited local options for legal primary contractor yards. The proposal would restrict allowed industrial activity to building and special trade contractors (paving, excavation, hauling, roofing, etc.), require an operations plan and screening, limit hours of operation (proposed 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.), require at least one primary or accessory residential unit on site, and require WYDOT sign‑off on truck traffic. The applicant proposed a 3‑acre cap on any approved contractor site and said the CUP process would allow the county to add site‑specific conditions to protect water quality, wildlife movement and neighboring residences.

Planning director recommendation and board action

Planning staff and the planning commission recommended denial, citing compromised predictability, inconsistency with the Hog Island sub‑area in the comp plan and the lack of an LDR structure that would clearly implement the change. Commissioners asked detailed questions about screening, how the 3‑acre site would be located on larger parcels, compatibility with wildlife movement and whether the comp plan itself would need amendment to permit this change.

The board voted to continue the matter to the regular meeting on Oct. 7 to allow additional time for analysis and public input. The motion to continue was moved by Commissioner Mac and seconded by Commissioner MacKer and carried unanimously.

Next steps

Staff and the applicant are expected to refine proposed LDR language, clarify how a 3‑acre site must be sited relative to WY‑89, and provide additional analysis on wildlife permeability, water quality protections and screening standards prior to the Oct. 7 continuation.","A proposed amendment to allow contractor yards and limited industrial primary uses in the Hog Island workforce home business zone was continued to Oct. 7 after extensive public comment and commissioner questions about community character, wildlife, water quality and consistency with the comprehensive plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Teton County commissioners approve demolition of Hansen Courthouse to clear site for Justice Center

County approves two land‑use actions: development plan amendment and daycare CUP

County OKs solar RFP funding, library heat‑pump installation and launches 45‑day comment on Fire‑EMS fees

Teton County delays decision on Hog Island zoning amendment after hours of testimony