Council approves Ridgerest 6 final plat, adopts USGS funding agreement and approves pawn‑code update on first reading

The Evanston City Council on Aug. 20 approved a package of land‑use and administrative items, including final plat approval for a four‑lot subdivision, an annual joint funding agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey for a local stream gauge, and a code amendment on pawnbroker finance terms on first reading.

Ridgerest 6 (Ordinance 2406) was approved on its third and final reading. Planning staff described the subdivision as a four‑lot plat adjacent to Crest First Edition and east of Atley Park. Staff reported a subdivision agreement is drafted and that Yellow Creek Ranch Company is obtaining a letter of credit equaling 150% of the cost of required improvements. City staff also said an 11% cash/land requirement for the major subdivision has been satisfied by transferring an easement for a water transmission line. The council moved, seconded and approved the ordinance by voice vote.

The council approved Resolution 2458 to execute a joint funding agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey for operation and maintenance of a stream gauge on the Bar River near the city’s recycle center. Public works staff explained the gauge provides flow and flood‑monitoring data the city uses for emergency planning and infrastructure decisions; the agreement was described as the standard annual arrangement and was approved by voice vote.

On first reading the council approved Ordinance 2407, sponsored by Council Member Lynch, to amend Chapter 11 of the municipal code relating to pawn shops. City Attorney Harris said the change was requested by Jeffrey Smith, owner‑operator of the city’s remaining pawn shop, to bring local code into alignment with Wyoming statutes governing pawn finance charges and maturities; the changes reflected statutory language and were adopted on first reading by voice vote. Staff noted the city’s pawn code dated to 1982 while the state pawn statute dates from 1983 with later amendments.

Public participation: Bradley John Mills spoke during public comment to thank the city for recent road work near his home and to raise ongoing First Amendment concerns he said he has encountered with other local bodies. Mills told the council he values the opportunity to read his letters in public forum and emphasized accurate reporting of facts.

Procedural note: City Attorney Harris answered an attendee’s question about whether a motion was required to adjourn, citing Roberts Rules of Order and confirming the chair may adjourn once the agenda and public participation are complete. The mayor adjourned the meeting to applause.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2406 (Ridgerest 6 final plat): adopted on third reading (voice vote); no roll‑call tally provided in transcript. - Ordinance 2407 (pawn code amendment): approved on first reading (voice vote); no roll‑call tally provided in transcript. - Resolution 2458 (USGS joint funding agreement): adopted (voice vote); no roll‑call tally provided in transcript.

Next steps: Items approved on first reading will return to the council for subsequent readings as required by local procedure; final plat conditions (letter of credit and signed subdivision agreement) remain outstanding per staff comments.