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Byron council reappoints planning administrator, tightens hydrant access and approves IT upgrades
Summary
At its Feb. 11 meeting, the Byron Town Council unanimously reappointed Planning and Zoning Administrator Richard Hawley, authorized IT equipment and software upgrades, removed hydrant keys and assigned hydrant management to a public-works employee, and approved several staff certifications and stipends.
The Byron Town Council unanimously reappointed Richard Hawley as the town’s Planning and Zoning Administrator and approved a series of administrative measures and equipment purchases during its regular meeting on Feb. 11, 2025, at Byron Town Hall.
The reappointment came on a motion by Councilwoman Karma Sanders and a second by Councilman Brandon Hessenthaler. The council also unanimously approved the meeting agenda, previous minutes and the bills before the body began its new-business discussion.
Council members discussed several operational issues raised by staff and residents. Mayor Allan Clark said water meters recently replaced by public-works employee Jacob Gruell have not always been reliable and asked Jacob to prepare a proposal identifying meter types, meter-pit issues and estimated costs for consideration at a later meeting. The council considered options to address meter freezing and debated whether new meters or meter-pit repairs would be the better long-term fix.
Council approved an IT recommendation summarized by Clerk/Treasurer Kristin Sanders after an assessment by Mike Haskell. On a motion by Karma Sanders and a second by Brandon Hessenthaler, the council accepted a proposal from CyberlinkASP to purchase new equipment and updated software to replace aging office systems.
The council also approved small-equipment purchases and personnel items. Councilman Shae Abraham moved to buy gloves, a kennel and a pole for the Animal Warden; the motion passed unanimously. Councilwoman Karma Sanders moved to remove keys and hoses from the town’s fire hydrants and to have Jacob Gruell manage any authorized hydrant use; Councilman Mikey Brightly seconded and the motion passed unanimously after Mayor Clark noted some residents had used hydrant water without notifying Town Hall and had not been charged.
To preserve eligibility for local government transportation funding, the council authorized office staff to attend the Local Public Agency (LPA) certification conference in April in Casper, Wyo., if staff members are available. The council also voted to pay for Assistant Clerk/Treasurer Tomy Pluhar and Assistant Clerk/Treasurer Lexi Sanders to become notaries and approved a cell-phone stipend for both employees.
Assistant Clerk/Treasurer Lexi Sanders presented a confidential report on delinquent utility accounts and read the town code related to unpaid water bills; the council discussed shutoff timelines and agreed to revisit the matter at a future meeting. Kristin Sanders relayed a public-works report from Gruell, who asked the council to consider replacing the sewer line at the Byron Bar; the council discussed obtaining a camera inspection to locate the problem.
Mayor Clark said JUB (formerly Sage Engineering) was chosen by the TAP Grant Committee to manage a main-street lighting project. He also noted construction on the Horizon Tower cell site at the east end of town. Kristin Sanders said she will follow up with the Wyoming Department of Transportation about a potential street master plan proposal and a survey that could help the Planning and Zoning Committee.
The meeting concluded with a motion by Councilman Mikey Brightly to adjourn at 8:48 p.m.; Brandon Hessenthaler seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
