Byron council approves Master Streets Plan RFP, several contracts and appointments; homeowner sewer line estimate prompts follow-up

The Byron Town Council on Dec. 9 approved a Request for Proposal for the CD26506 Master Streets Plan, accepted several personnel and procurement actions and agreed to pursue State Revolving Fund (SRF) assistance for lead service-line replacement, officials said.

Mayor Allan Clark called the meeting to order at Byron Town Hall. Planning and Zoning Committee member Dan Bodtke presented the Master Streets Plan RFP and said an informational meeting for residents is scheduled in January to explain upcoming street and land surveys. "Those extensions are for future planning purposes," Bodtke said, and the council unanimously approved the RFP.

The council also addressed a private sewer-line problem raised by Maria and Arthur Aagard. Mayor Clark said an engineer's inspection and camera run produced an estimated replacement cost of about $175,000 and noted that because the line is on private property, replacement responsibility would fall to the homeowner. Council members agreed to arrange a follow-up meeting with the Aagards and other affected property owners to explore options.

Clerk/Treasurer Kristin Sanders informed the council she plans to leave at the end of 2025 to care for her young children; the council moved to accept her resignation. The council approved appointments to the Planning and Zoning Committee, contracting with Richard and Jamie Hawley to oversee recreation activities at $200 per activity (expected 4–5 activities per year), and accepted a bid from Grizzly Plumbing for a new Town Hall American Standard modulating furnace.

The council unanimously approved a Municipal Court Bond Schedule drafted by Judge Lewis, Deputy Angell and Councilmember Mikey Brightly, and authorized the sale of surplus equipment (an old fogger). It also agreed to contribute $1,000 from the general fund to the Lovell Fire Department for holiday gift baskets.

Zoning Administrator Richard Hawley led a discussion of the town's abandoned-vehicle ordinance (6.05.020), including whether the existing definition of "antique vehicle" (older than 25 years) and storage rules should be tightened. The council discussed how town code interacts with state salvage-yard licensing; no ordinance change was proposed or voted on at the meeting. On housing code matters, councilmembers debated whether a new shop-home on South Cloud Peak allows the owner to rent the original dwelling to a family member; no action was taken.

The council received an email from HDR about SRF funding to remove lead service lines; Mayor Clark said applying could allow the town to replace lines at little or no cost, and the council expressed interest in pursuing the opportunity but took no formal vote.

When public communications concluded, Linda Neville reported on the Byron Museum's new desk and volunteer interest, and Gil Cordova presented an emergency responder bag and requested the January newsletter list a volunteer first responder.

Votes at a glance - Approve agenda as amended: motion by Brandon Hessenthaler; second Shae Abraham; outcome: unanimous. - Approve CD26506 Master Streets Plan RFP: motion by Karma Sanders; second Brandon Hessenthaler; outcome: unanimous. - Approve Municipal Court Bond Schedule: motion by Shae Abraham; second Brandon Hessenthaler; outcome: unanimous. - Accept resignation of Clerk/Treasurer Kristin Sanders: motion by Shae Abraham; second Mikey Brightly; outcome: unanimous. - Contract Recreation Dept. activities with Richard & Jamie Hawley ($200/activity; 4–5 activities/year): motion by Karma Sanders; second Mikey Brightly; outcome: unanimous. - Authorize sale of surplus fogger: motion by Karma Sanders; second Brandon Hessenthaler; outcome: unanimous. - Accept Grizzly Plumbing bid for Town Hall furnace (American Standard modulating): motion by Karma Sanders; second Brandon Hessenthaler; outcome: unanimous. - Contribute $1,000 to Lovell Fire Department (code 10-41-360): motion by Shae Abraham; second Mikey Brightly; outcome: unanimous. - Appoint Planning & Zoning members (Frank Cina, Jerry Gregson — 1-year; Kristen Olsen, Richard Walker — 2-year; Dan Bodtke in 3-year slot): motion by Shae Abraham; second Brandon Hessenthaler; outcome: unanimous.

What’s next: An informational meeting on the Master Streets Plan is planned for January; council members will hold a follow-up meeting with the Aagards and other affected homeowners to explore options for the private sewer line. Kristin Sanders' resignation will take effect at the end of 2025 and council will address succession and staffing as required.

(Reporting in this summary is based solely on the council's Dec. 9 meeting minutes and statements made at that meeting.)