Rawlins City Council approves pedestrian underpass cost share, orders Lawrence junkyard metal cleared and signs shelter MOUs

The Rawlins City Council approved multiple motions on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, including committing the city to a share of construction costs for the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) pedestrian underpass and awarding a contract to buy scrap metal from the Lawrence property to clear the site as part of a Brownfield effort.

The council voted 6-1 to approve a new estimated construction cost exhibit (Exhibit B‑1, dated 08/19/2025) for the WYDOT Rollins (Rawlins) pedestrian underpass project B221008 on Higley Boulevard, committing up to $410,000 from general fund reserves while staff said the city’s expected share is about $306,073. Council member Derek Elliott cast the lone vote against that motion.

The council also unanimously approved (7-0) awarding the metal-purchase bid for the Lawrence property (aka Lawrence junkyard, between Cedar and Spruce streets) to Steed Metals, Rock Springs, at $41 per ton. Council members and staff said the metal sale will remove scrap metal — including portions of metal perimeter fencing — to advance the Brownfield cleanup phase; staff said crews will follow up with metal detection to locate any concealed scrap.

Other approvals included a pair of memoranda of understanding (MOUs): one renewing impound and shelter services with the Town of Saratoga at the Rollins Rochelle Animal Shelter (7-0) and one with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office for similar services (7-0). The council approved a 24-hour catering permit for Christie’s Inc., d/b/a Michael’s Big City Bar & Grill, to cater a Fleetwood Mac tribute event at the Sinclair Historical Theater on Sept. 19 (7-0).

The council also voted 6-1 to approve a landfill-fee waiver to assist with demolition of a dangerous building at 219 West Hugus Street; council member Derek Elliott voted nay. The exact waiver amount was inconsistent in the meeting record and is not specified in this report.

Separately, the council authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with KRW Associates and approved executive-session minutes from Aug. 19, 2025. The body held an executive session under Wyoming statute 16-4-405(a)(ix) and (ii) to consider confidential personnel matters.

Votes at a glance • Approve Sept. 16, 2025 agenda — Motion by Councilwoman Tanya Lumen; passed 7-0. • Approve consent agenda — Motion by Council Member Singer; passed 6-0 with 1 abstention (Council Member Derek Elliott). • Declare vacancy: Timothy Pacheco, Urban Systems seat — passed 7-0. • 24-hour catering permit for Christie’s Inc./Michael’s Big City Bar & Grill (Liquor license #91) for 9/19/2025 — passed 7-0. • Landfill fee waiver for demolition at 219 West Hugus Street — passed 6-1 (1 nay: Derek Elliott). Amount: not specified (inconsistent in record). • Award metal-purchase bid (Lawrence property) to Steed Metals, Rock Springs — $41/ton; passed 7-0. • Approve MOU: City of Rawlins and Town of Saratoga — impound/shelter services at Rollins Rochelle Animal Shelter; passed 7-0. • Approve MOU: City of Rawlins and Carbon County Sheriff’s Office — impound/shelter services; passed 7-0. • Approve Exhibit B‑1 (08/19/2025) — city share for WYDOT pedestrian underpass (city commitment up to $410,000; referenced city share ~$306,073); passed 6-1 (1 nay: Derek Elliott). • Enter/exit executive session under WY Stat. 16-4-405(a)(ix) & (ii) — passed; executive session minutes approved 7-0. • Authorize mayor to enter agreement with KRW Associates — passed (voice vote).

Why it matters: The underpass commitment and Lawrence-property clearance are the most consequential items for city infrastructure and a Brownfield cleanup timetable. Approving the city share lets WYDOT re-bid the underpass in October 2025; clearing metal from the Lawrence site is tied to subsequent remediation steps. The MOUs clarify which agencies will handle animal impounds and sheltering going forward, consolidating regional arrangements.

Details, clarifications and next steps: City staff said Exhibit B‑1 is intended to provide up to $410,000 as a cushion while the city’s immediate share for the next letting is roughly $306,073; final contract amounts will be set by the October bid results. For the Lawrence property, staff confirmed the awarded bidder will remove scrap metal, including metal fence segments, and that crews will use metal detectors afterward to find buried pieces. On the landfill-fee waiver, meeting materials and comments contained conflicting dollar figures; the owner indicated willingness to proceed with demolition and staff asked the council to reauthorize a prior waiver. The council did not provide a detailed funding breakdown on that item during the meeting.

Speakers quoted in council actions: Mayor Jacqueline Wilson; Councilwoman Tanya Lumen; Council Member Derek Elliott; Council Member Singer; Council Member Steve Sanger; City Attorney (Mayberry/Mulberry as identified in the record); Lieutenant Hooper; city staff identified as “Cody” (City staff member).