Votes at a glance: Riverton council approves server training, building-code update, 31 liquor renewals and several grants

Riverton — During its Feb. 18 meeting the Riverton City Council cleared a group of agenda items including two ordinances, liquor-license renewals and multiple funding agreements.

Key votes and outcomes

- Ordinance 25-002 (alcohol server certification): Adopted on second reading. The ordinance requires employees who serve alcohol at licensed establishments to complete a state-approved alcohol-server training program; new hires must complete training within three months, and proof of training will be required with annual license renewal. Administrative Services Director Mia Harris told the council that in-person training provided by the Fremont County prevention coalition is free; an online option carries a fee (staff cited $38). Outcome: approved (voice vote).

- Ordinance 25-003 (2024 International Code Council building-code adoption): The council held a public hearing and adopted the ordinance on first reading to bring Riverton's building and construction code into alignment with the state-adopted 2024 ICC codes, as required by Wyoming statute and the State Fire Marshal's delegation rules. The city's Construction Board of Appeals recommended adoption with the same local amendments that had applied to the 2021 codes. Outcome: first reading approved; council signaled amendments or further discussion could occur before final adoption.

- Liquor-license renewals: The council approved renewal applications for 31 licenses for the licensing term 04/01/2025 through 03/31/2026 (22 retail, 7 restaurant, 2 club). Staff reported one current licensee (More Burgers and Shakes) declined to renew. City revenue from fees for the term totaled $38,000; state certification is pending but staff recommended approval. Outcome: approved.

- Tourism Asset Development (TAD) awards: The council accepted the promotion committee's recommendations and approved awards totaling the available funding (with $7,000 reserved as a new-opportunity fund). Selected recipients and recommended awards included the Riverton Chamber of Commerce ($25,000), Depot Foundation (heritage trail signage, $9,500), Riverton Rendezvous Committee ($10,000), Fremont County Air Service Team ($7,500), Riverton Youth Soccer Association ($5,000), and others as listed in the council packet. Outcome: approved.

- Optional half-cent tax funding agreements and amendments: The council approved a minor amendment and six-month extension to the Brunton International LLC funding agreement to accommodate a changed vendor and mold production schedule (no additional city funds requested) and approved a $10,000 optional half-cent agreement with Riverton Mercy House for repairs and renovations at 921 E. Washington. The Mercy House agreement includes a requirement to employ one new full-time employee within 12 months and an 18-month spending/reporting deadline. Outcome: approved.

- Public Works contract: Council authorized a $15,000 contract with Public Works 1 for asset and data-tracking services (pavement assessment and sign inventory) covering about 90 centerline miles; the project will integrate with the city's existing iWorQ system and improve pavement-management planning. Outcome: approved.

- Fiscal-year 2025-26 budget calendar: Council approved the proposed budget calendar, with staff and statutory deadlines noted; council work session planned for May 13 and tentative final budget hearing in June. Outcome: approved.

Other business

- Finance committee recommendation: The council approved claims presented by the finance committee totaling $577,651.59 (breakdowns included vendor claims, Elan credit cards, manual checks and payroll liabilities) during the consent-agenda action early in the meeting.

What's next

Items requiring additional action or final readings: Ordinance 25-001 (alcohol hours) was amended during second reading; the council deferred final adoption to a future meeting for clarification of the amended language and any exception language (for example, existing Dec. 31 wording). Ordinance 25-003 (building codes) passed first reading and may return for subsequent readings consistent with the council's regular ordinance-adoption process.