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Spring is definitely in the air! Here’s your Ranch news roundup for the week of April 7th, 2024:
Monday, April 8th we were treated to a partial solar eclipse! Alas, the weather did not cooperate as our skies were very overcast making visibility of this astrological event more than a little challenging. However, my husband managed to capture the following images and video. Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 9th was a busy day for the Town of Star Valley Ranch (TSVR) beginning with Coffee with the Mayor at 9am. A Town Council work session followed at 10am and the TSVR Municipal Court was also in session during the afternoon at 2pm. Here are a couple of notes from the work session and court:
The TSVR Public Works Department will begin removing the asphalt surface from Vista Drive at the beginning of May in preparation for the start of Water Improvement Project 2023 (WIP 2023) this summer.
The Town water truck is currently out-of-service for maintenance. And, the Public Works department is beginning to grade roads around town as conditions permit.
The Council discussed service levels for the Town and will begin drafting some initial policies for the latter.
The bulk of cases on the Municipal Court’s Tuesday docket involved operation of short-term rental properties without valid TSVR permits.
At 7pm on Tuesday evening, the Town Council held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The meeting was well-attended by residents. You can find the complete Council meeting packet here. The Council had a number of ordinances on the agenda to include the third reading of the update to Title III, Chapter 32 (Ordinance 2024-02) and the first reading of the Town’s 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Appropriations (Budget Ordinance 2024-05). It was not smooth sailing on either of the latter with the Council narrowly approving Ordinance 2024-02 with a vote of 3 yeas, 1 nay, and 1 abstention and approving Budget Ordinance 2024-05 by a vote of 3 yeas and 2 nays. Watch the video recording of this month’s regular Town Council meeting here if you’re interested in the play-by-play that led to these split votes. In the meantime, here is a quick recap of Ordinance 2024-02 in case you weren’t able to give it a look-see over the past three months of readings:
Ordinance 2024-02 was an update to the existing code to add language defining the duties and responsibilities of the Council and to also codify in ordinance the positions of Town Administrator, Town Clerk, and Town Treasurer. The ordinance further added language defining parameters for virtual council meeting participation; the latter is what led to the divided vote.
On Wednesday, April 10th at 5pm the TSVR Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board met at Town Hall. You can find the meeting agenda here; draft minutes should be forthcoming soon. In addition to a couple of permit approvals, the Board also conducted a review of Ordinance 2024-04 (establishing design standards and guidelines for single-family home construction). A number of improvements to the ordinance were recommended by the Board (some based on public comment received at the Town Council meeting the evening before). Ordinance 2024-04 will be presented for its third reading in May.
Here are a couple of other news items for the week:
Regarding replacement of the Middle Branch Bridge, it is my understanding the bidding process will get underway during the timeframe of mid-May to early June.
The TSVR Trail Crew reported variable spring conditions on the Cedar Creek Trail this week as well as moose activity. You can keep up with all the latest trail conditions and Trail Crew happenings by visiting their Facebook page. Thanks Trail Crew!
Here are calendar dates for next week:
Tuesday, April 16th at 6pm, the Star Valley Ranch Association (SVRA) Board of Directors (BoD) will hold a workshop at Cedar Creek Center.
Thursday, April 18th, at 7pm the SVRA will hold their monthly BoD meeting at Cedar Creek Center.
Final thoughts—despite what appears to be another round of wet snowy weather in the forecast for next week, I’m all in for spring ya’ll! Why you may ask? It’s because the Tree Swallows are back! They made their first appearance of the season at my house this past Tuesday, April 10th. The arrival of these lovely birds is a sure sign winter is in the rearview—really she is! Have a great week everyone!
That’s all for today—Thank you for reading! Please invite your neighbors, family, and friends to check out Close to Home 307. Your support and feedback is very much appreciated! Email me anytime at: close2home307@gmail.com
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