Council narrows Public Works spending thresholds; SVRA plat and Vista Park updates set for Oct. 14

Councilman Bitter presented a proposed Public Works Spending Policy change at the Sept. 24 work session and the council agreed to lower delegated spending thresholds to $10,000, $20,000 and $30,000 (reduced from $15,000, $25,000 and $50,000). The policy title will change from "department head" to "Public Works Director," and any expenditure above $30,000 will require Council approval. A final draft will be presented for approval at the Oct. 14 council meeting.

On land-use business, Mayor Rok presented a Planning Commission memo recommending approval of the Star Valley Ranch Association's amended plat to combine lots 11, 12, 13 and 14 in Plat 17 for a playground area; the council will vote on the plat amendment at the Oct. 14 meeting. Rok said a related rezoning request will not come before the council until January because of the longer timeline required for rezoning.

Mayor Rok also reported there was no new information on the Vista Park grant proposal due to recent operational challenges; grant application work is ongoing. In other council matters, Councilman Toolson asked whether dog-license fees could support Lucky's animal shelter; Rok said the town cannot donate municipal funds but could publicize the shelter's needs. Toolson also noted a Nov. 4 realtor luncheon hosted by Sam Marquis at Three Canyons Restaurant. Rok said Mayor Simpson of Thayne had contacted county mayors about possibly pursuing another special-purpose tax next year, and she will be out of town next week with Councilman Ellis serving as mayor pro tem.