Riverton council approves Riverview Road MOU, police tech purchase and PUD amendment; tables airport radio and parks policy

The Riverton City Council on Oct. 7 approved several measures advancing street, public‑safety and development projects while tabling two items for more information.

Council members voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with Fremont County to reconstruct Riverview Road, a roughly 1.06‑mile project with a total estimated construction cost of about $4.66 million. Under the MOU the county will cover 45% of the construction portion and the city will cover 55%, including replacement of city‑owned utilities and sidewalks. Public Works Director presented the split and project schedule before the council moved and approved the MOU.

The council also authorized a multi‑year purchase from Axon Enterprises Inc. for new police technology — including 33 body‑worn cameras, vehicle cameras, 21 conducted energy devices (CEDs), a drone, evidence‑management software and training — at a total bid price of $1,162,535.48. Chief Hurtado told the council the department’s current equipment is aging, manufacturer support is no longer available for legacy devices and the Axon package includes evidence‑management and live‑stream capabilities for dispatch. Staff said the city budgeted about $1.05 million for the project and will continue to pursue grant funding to offset the cost; council approved the purchase by voice vote.

On land‑use matters, the council adopted Resolution 15‑33 to amend the Eastern Shoshone Business Park planned unit development. The amendment reclassifies roughly 10 acres on the park’s northeast edge and permits limited security fencing for office, commercial and industrial lots; the council added language clarifying that any fence projection or security feature must not encroach onto adjacent properties.

Council members also concurred with a staff submission of a 2025 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant application for $184,742 to help the Riverton Police Department acquire its own computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) system. Staff said the county currently owns the license for the shared CAD software and the city’s systems lag multiple versions behind; city staff said a local CAD under municipal control would restore mapping, AVL and modern integrations that improve responder safety and response times.

Two items were tabled for further detail: a proposed agreement to host a Southwest Airlines radio on the airport fire‑station roof (staff had proposed a $25/month utility fee) and an amended event/use form to permit after‑hours park reservations. Council asked for additional information about Internet/data needs and market comparables for the airport lease. On parks, councilors debated curfew, youth safety and enforcement; language to add a $30 after‑hours permit fee was discussed and staff was directed to return with a clarified proposal.

Motions were made from the floor and approved by voice vote; the meeting concluded with standard adjournment.

Votes at a glance - Riverview Road MOU with Fremont County: moved by Councilman Mike Bailey, seconded by Councilman Eric Carr — outcome: approved. - Police‑technology purchase (Axon bid $1,162,535.48): moved by Councilwoman Carla Borders, seconded by Councilwoman Karen Johnson — outcome: approved. - SHSP grant submission (concurrence for $184,742): moved by Councilwoman Borders, seconded by Councilman Bailey — outcome: concurred. - Eastern Shoshone Business Park PUD amendment (Resolution 15‑33): moved by Councilman Kyle Larson, seconded by Councilman Mike Bailey — outcome: approved (amendment clarifying fence encroachment added). - Southwest Airlines radio lease (airport): motion to table moved by Councilwoman Karen Johnson, seconded by Councilwoman Rebecca Pearson Lewis — outcome: tabled for more information. - After‑hours parks application amendment: council discussed and directed staff to return with clarified language and fee details; item ultimately tabled.