Here’s the skinny on Star Valley Ranch happenings the week of July 30th:
Thursday, August 3rd, at 11am the Star Valley Ranch Town Council held a work session to discuss a number of topics. You can see the agenda here. For those who may not have been able to attend this public meeting here are a few noteworthy items:
The Town of Star Valley Ranch (TSVR) Water Installation Project (WIP) 2021 is expected to complete next week.
A number of TSVR infrastructure projects are expected to be announced for bid next week to include: chip-sealing on Alpine Way, asphalt on Brambleberry Drive, and replacement of the Green Canyon water tank liner.
The town engineer provided an update on the Middle Branch bridge replacement project. The engineer is now waiting for the hydrologic study. Once received the plans will go to the Army Corps of Engineers for approval. The latter is a likely 60-90 day process. [If you do the calendar-math, you’ll see the construction phase of this project is now pushing well into the typical onset of Star Valley Ranch winter. Thus, the project “might” get completed before the end of the calendar year depending on Mother Nature. In the event the construction phase cannot initiate before end-of-year 2023, the fall-back position is to complete construction during the summer of 2024. Some early construction work such as tree and fire hydrant removal in the work-area can still likely be accomplished this fall.]
The Council had a lengthy discussion about Short-Term Rental (STR) properties in TSVR. Recent complaints received by both the TSVR Special Municipal Offer (SMO) and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) involve a STR property on Vista Drive where use of fireworks was an issue along with trespass on the Star Valley Ranch Association (SVRA) golf course. There is still much work to be done on the entire STR property topic, however, the following are some key take-aways from the work session discussion:
TSVR is actively working to bring its contracted STR monitoring and compliance service online (expected within the next month).
As a TSVR code enforcement officer, the TSVR SMO cannot enforce trespass on SVRA golf course properties by STR patrons as these areas are private property. There was discussion by the Council to include requirements for “no golf course trespassing” signage in either the TSVR STR ordinance or TSVR STR permit process.
As the town works to update its STR ordinance and bring its STR monitoring service online, residents can still utilize the complaint option process at the two major STR booking services—AirBnB and VRBO. Access the AirBnB complaint page here. Access the VRBO complaint page here.
The Council discussed a number of TSVR approved planning and zoning projects to include driveways and stop-work orders.
Once compiled, complete minutes from this work session will be available on this page of the TSVR website.
On Saturday, August 5th, the fourth event of the TSVR Farmers Market series took place from 8am to 11am at the First Response Center on Vista Drive. Fresh micro-greens, tomatoes, and blueberries complemented the now staple TSVR Farmers Market offerings of baked goods, coffees, jams, canned goods, wellness products, kettle corn, and more. A new addition to the August 5th TSVR Farmers Market was “Star A Ranch” whose proprietor offered fresh chicken and quail eggs as well as whole freezer-ready chickens for purchase. The upcoming August 12th Farmers Market will once again include vine-ripened tomatoes, salad greens and many other local offerings. Don’t miss it!
Final observations for this week:
It appears that speed bump signage has been improved on Vista Drive. The signs that warn of speed bumps ahead are much larger and more visible. Unfortunately, the speed bump signage on North Forest Drive could still use improvement. Current speed bump warning signage on North Forest is installed at the speed bump locations rather than in advance of the road obstacles.
As of Friday, August 4th, Town equipment has been pre-positioned on Alpenglow Drive. We anticipate this indicates road grading will occur next week as well as work to repair the run-off damage on this roadway and on Snow Forest Drive.
And, here are known Star Valley Ranch events for next week:
Monday, August 7th at 1pm, the TSVR Water Utility Board will conduct their monthly meeting at Town Hall.
Tuesday, August 8th at 9am, “Coffee with the Mayor” will be held at the TSVR Town Hall.
Tuesday, August 8th at 2pm, the TSVR Town Council will hold a work session at Town Hall.
Tuesday, August 8th at 7pm, the TSVR Town Council will hold its monthly Town Council Meeting at Town Hall.
Wednesday, August 9th at 3pm, The TSVR Town Council will conduct a joint meeting with the TSVR Planning & Zoning Board at Town Hall.
Saturday, August 12th, the fifth event of the TSVR Farmers Market series will be held from 8am to 11am across from Town Hall at the First Response Center.
Thanks for reading and if you have news to share please send it our way.
Finally, I’m every appreciative if you would consider sharing this news update and the Close to Home 307 website with your friends and neighbors! Thank you!