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Council holds first readings for snow-gate funding, ethics ordinance and short-term-rental changes
Summary
Star Valley Ranch council reviewed three first readings Oct. 29: an appropriations amendment adding funding for snow gates, a draft code of ethics drawn from state statute but delayed for inclusion of an ethics-complaint review process, and short-term rental rule changes clarifying detached buildings cannot be used as STRs.
At its Oct. 29 work session the Star Valley Ranch Town Council held first readings on three ordinances: 2025-08 (an appropriations amendment), 2025-09 (a code of ethics), and 2025-10 (short-term rental, STR, regulations).
On 2025-08, Mayor Rok said the amendment would add funding for snow gates. Councilman Merrill asked whether water-rate changes should be handled by ordinance rather than a resolution; Mayor Rok explained that rates appear in ordinances so staff can adjust them in emergencies without the full three-reading process. The council agreed to present fee schedules earlier in the budget cycle to allow more public input.
On the proposed code of ethics (2025-09), Mayor Rok said the town attorney drafted language primarily from state statute. Councilman Ellis raised questions about how corporate-entity types (for example, C corporations versus S corporations) intersect with gift-acceptance limits and noted unclear language on amounts. Councilman Merrill emphasized the need for a clear process to handle ethics complaints and suggested an external review option such as an ethics review committee, an arbitrator, or an administrative law judge. The council delayed formal consideration of the ethics ordinance until a review process could be incorporated.
On short-term rentals (2025-10), the council considered revisions prompted by a recent municipal-court dismissal of a citation for a rental in a detached garage. The proposed changes clarify that STRs may not operate in detached buildings on residential properties. Councilman Merrill expressed concern about penalizing responsible on-site operators who monitor their properties, as compared with absentee owners; the council discussed grandfathering options for existing operators. The transcript states permit renewals are due Dec. 31 and that ordinance changes would not take effect until mid-January 2026 if adopted. Barbara Watkins of the Travel and Tourism Board submitted suggested edits the council will review; the council proceeded with first reading but may table the second reading to consider further revisions.
None of the three items was adopted at the work session; they advanced as first readings or were deferred for additional drafting and review.
