Organizers form Old Timers Civic Center nonprofit and ask to join city consultant review

At the June 17 Rock Springs City Council meeting, community organizers announced formation of the Old Timers Civic Center public‑benefit nonprofit and asked the city to let their representatives participate in a planned consultant review of the Rock Springs Civic Center.

The request matters because organizers said they intend to raise private funds to pair with a mayoral matching offer and want to help set the consultant’s scope, interview contractors and ‘‘shadow’’ on‑site work; city staff said they are willing to share information but want to coordinate with the city’s contracting process and legal review.

Steve Allen, City of Rock Springs, who led the presentation, said the group had formed under state nonprofit law and had board officers in place. ‘‘Under Wyoming statute, title 17 chapter 19, we have now formed officially, the Old Timers Civic Center public benefit nonprofit legal organization,’’ Allen said, adding the group’s articles of incorporation name the civic center as the beneficiary if the nonprofit dissolves.

Allen said the mayor had challenged the group to raise $250,000 in each of the next two years, with the city matching $250,000 each year. ‘‘You challenged us, and we have stood up,’’ Allen said. He said the group will collect donations, name Mike Skortz as treasurer and Jack Weimer as secretary, and return to council when initial funds are raised.

City project staff identified as JJ said they were open to sharing information with the volunteer group but emphasized coordination with the consultant and contracting team: ‘‘I would not have an issue with sharing any of the information that comes in as it comes in. I don't know that I would want someone in tow, especially someone that's not a city employee, without talking to the eventual contractor,’’ JJ said.

Paula Wanakotte, speaking for a second community fundraising committee, described subcommittee plans for grants, public‑private partnerships, major gifts, gifts‑in‑kind and grassroots fundraising, and said potential major donors had already inquired. ‘‘We're looking at public private partnerships or sponsorships, major gifts, gifts in kind and grassroots fundraising efforts,’’ Wanakotte said.

No formal council vote or commitment to a contract change occurred during the petition segment. Council members and staff repeatedly said the city would need to review any role for non‑city personnel with the selected consultant and legal counsel before allowing volunteers on site or in contractor meetings. Organizers offered to provide liability insurance and meeting minutes and said they would provide contact information so staff could follow up.

Organizers and staff said they expect a consultant to begin work in July and that final details about staffing, scope and any city matches will await the consultant’s scope and council decisions. The group said it will return to council with fundraising totals and seek a budget line or appropriation after private funds are raised.

Organizers asked for and received agreement to continue coordination with city staff; staff requested written contact details and a route forward so the city can schedule consultant access and legal review.

The Old Timers Civic Center organizers said they will continue outreach, establish branding and web presence, and pursue fundraising and grant opportunities while city staff and legal counsel review what partnership activities are feasible under procurement and liability constraints.