Rock Springs council elects president, approves personnel hires and accepts parks plan; bills and claims pass with two abstentions

The Rock Springs City Council took routine and administrative actions at its Jan. 7, 2025 meeting, including electing a council president, approving personnel requests in the police department, accepting a parks needs assessment, and taking votes on bills and claims and salaries.

Election of council president Councillor Dimas was nominated and elected council president by acclamation. Councilor Zadhi nominated Dimas and the nomination was seconded by Councilor Hickerson; the council indicated “aye” and the motion carried unanimously.

Personnel and departmental items - The council approved the police department’s request to fill a vacant sergeant position. Motion moved by Councilor Hanson, seconded by Councilor Thompson; the motion carried unanimously. - The council approved filling a vacant animal control officer position at the animal control shelter. Motion moved by Councilor Demas, seconded by Councilor Pedri; the motion carried unanimously. Councilors and staff noted the shelter received nearly $30,000 in donations from March–December 2024 to fund spay/neuter work and that the shelter is processing roughly 200 dogs per month. Council discussion flagged longer-term facility needs to fully support a no-kill shelter.

Parks and recreation The council accepted the final BerryDunn needs assessment, resource analysis, and strategic plan for Parks and Recreation. Councilor Zadhi moved to approve and Councilor Hickerson seconded; the vote was unanimous.

Bids — Class A biosolids disposal area City staff opened and read four bids for the Class A Biosolids Disposal Area. Bidders and bid totals read into the record were: - H and M Field Services (Rock Springs): $99,287.50 - Wiley Construction (Rock Springs): $139,364.00 - Cyril Brothers Construction (Rock Springs): $118,232.00 - DeBernardi Construction (Rock Springs): $174,223.45 No award was made during the meeting; the bids were opened for the record.

Proclamations Mayor Max Mickelson read proclamations recognizing Jan. 9, 2025 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day for the City of Rock Springs and Jan. 15, 2025 as Intestinal Malrotation and Volvulus Awareness Day. Rock Springs Police Department leadership thanked the council during the proclamation; a resident whose daughter has experienced the condition spoke during the presentation.

Bills, claims and salaries - The council approved bills and claims for Jan. 7, 2025. The motion carried with Councilors Thompson and Petrie recorded as abstaining. - The council approved salaries for Dec. 23, 2024. The motion carried with Councilors Pedri and Thompson abstaining.

Other approvals - The council approved nine malt beverage permits for Rock Springs Grizzlies hockey games at the Family Recreation Center Ice Arena on specified dates Jan.–Mar. 2025; motion carried unanimously.

Resolutions and other actions - Resolution 2025-01: Council declared a vacancy in the office of city council member for Ward 4 and will accept letters of interest. City staff indicated a deadline of Jan. 21, 2025 for letters of interest; council will vote to fill the seat at a subsequent meeting. Motion to approve Resolution 2025-01 carried unanimously.

What the council did not do The council did not award the biosolids contract during the meeting; contract awards and further administrative steps were not discussed on the record.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (minutes, police civil service commission report, Sweetwater County travel/tourism audit, letters/notifications): approved unanimously. - Bills and claims (Jan. 7, 2025): approved; abstentions — Councilor Thompson, Councilor Petrie. - Salaries (Dec. 23, 2024): approved; abstentions — Councilor Pedri, Councilor Thompson. - Police sergeant vacancy: approved unanimously. - Animal control officer vacancy: approved unanimously. - BerryDunn Parks and Recreation final plan: approved unanimously. - Malt beverage permits (9 permits): approved unanimously. - Resolution 2025-01 (declaring Ward 4 vacancy): approved unanimously.

The meeting closed after council updates and adjournment.