Manila council approves consent calendar, lot combination and short-term rental; hears road, dump station and water-meter updates

The Manila Town Council approved several routine items and heard a range of operational updates at its May 14 meeting.

Council actions: The council approved the consent calendar (payroll, budget worksheets, registers, revenue analysis and minutes) on a motion by Councilmember Debbie Brown, seconded by Councilmember Sarah Mraz; all were in favor. Planning & Zoning’s recommendation to approve a lot combination for Kevin Clegg was approved on a motion by Mraz and seconded by Brown; the council also approved a short-term rental for Austin Lyon (the 15th approved short-term rental spot) on a motion by Brown, seconded by Mraz. Councilmember Mraz moved to adjourn at 6:13 p.m.; Councilmember Brown seconded and the motion carried.

Garbage collection issue: Kevin Clegg told the council his Glades Way East property lacks street frontage where a can could be placed for pickup and that the Town does not service private lanes; as a result he is paying both the Town garbage fee and a private-service charge. The council noted ordinances do not permit waivers of utility fees and directed Public Works Director Gary Pallesen to review the Glades Way East/Sinclair area to identify an appropriate location within the Town right-of-way for a post to hold a can; staff will notify Clegg by email or letter of the proposed solution.

Dump station and zoning: Mayor Knight said the proposed RV dump station off Airport Road has been rezoned from A-20 to Commercial and needs a Conditional Use Permit from Planning & Zoning; a recent unauthorized truck incident led to a temporary encroachment permit and a paid $50 fee. The mayor will attend the Planning & Zoning meeting to seek CUP approval; if granted, design revisions and cost re-evaluation with MJM are possible.

Roads and water metering: Public Works reported near-completion of mill-asphalt (black base) work on east-side roads (excluding State Line Road) and discussed potential future surface emulsion products. Gary Pallesen said the town’s current available road maintenance budget is approximately $90,000 and may be exceeded; Mayor Knight directed staff to apply free millings from WYDOT to as many streets as possible, including Bourbon Street if material remains. The council also heard that a master meter has been installed on the town’s million-gallon storage tank to improve system tracking and that residents can access usage data through the Neptune system with staff assistance.

Why it matters: The votes settled routine administrative matters; operational updates reflect how staff will manage ongoing maintenance, utilities and planned projects that affect daily life in town.

What happens next: Public Works will follow up on the Glades Way East trash placement location and notify the resident; the dump station project will proceed to Planning & Zoning for a Conditional Use Permit if the application is complete; budget hearings are scheduled for June 18.