GOSHEN COUNTY – The Goshen County Commissioners convened for its first May meeting on Tuesday, May 2 at the Goshen County Courthouse. Chairman Michael McNamee was present with fellow commissioners Aaron Walsh and Justin Burkart. 

During the departmental reports, the Goshen County Road and Bridge gave their report to the commissioners. Bob Taylor, the Goshen County surveyor, discussed the county’s asphalt paved roads. 

“We have approximately 125 miles of paved asphalt roads in Goshen County,” Taylor said. “Where we live, in our climate, it is recommended that an asphalt paved road is chip sealed approximately once every 10 years. We don’t have the money to do that, but what we would like to do is get some type of a plan put together.”

Taylor explained he would like to create a specific plan that would include a scheduled project outline. The needs of each road, including when they were last paved and the amount of travel they see, would be evaluated to determine their priorities. They would also determine what level of repair each road needs. This would help them keep up with the maintenance of the roads within the county. 

The commissioners approved a final plat for two lots just south of the Pony Soldier Campground for the Oliver Subdivision.

County Planner Mike Tietjen told the commissioners they are currently working on drafting solar regulations. At this time, they plan on having an open meeting around May 10 during the daytime. This will provide the public with a chance to comment on the regulations and provide their input on the regulations. The final date and time of the meeting will be announced soon.

During his report, Darin Yates, the Goshen County coroner and EMS director, discussed the new legislation regarding EMS districts in Wyoming. 

“In 2022, we did 1,401 [emergency] calls,” Yates said. “That was a record year for us; it was the busiest year ever.” 

Yates said they have been pushing hard for the creation of 43 EMS districts. These districts would be similar to fire districts and would create a funding revenue for EMS. 

“It would benefit every EMS agency in Goshen County,” Yates told the commissioners. “EMS is at a critical point, not only in the state but nationwide. Volunteers are just not where they used to be.” 

Many of the smaller EMS units are shutting down, like Yoder and Fort Laramie. Yates said the extra revenue could potentially help them hire full-time EMTs and give more incentives to attract new people into the profession.

The commissioners discussed the idea of the districts and agreed they would like to have an EMS committee formed to look more into the subject and determine all of the pros and cons. They would also like to see the full effect on the smaller EMS districts. 

The commissioners announced there are currently three board openings, two for the Joint Powers Board and one for the Library Board. The deadline for applications will be May 31. Interested applicants may submit a letter of interest, qualifications and contact information to the County Clerk’s Office at PO Box 160 or 2125 East A Street Room 120 in Torrington. 

During the public comment section of the meeting, Mark Deibert and Robert Lewis spoke to the commissioners.

Deibert, a member of the Rocky Mountain Energy Services team providing aid with preparing the application for the Goshen Solar Project, was present to provide the commissioners with more information about the project, the companies involved, the benefits of solar panels versus wind turbines and the potential tax revenue the county will see from this project. 

The commissioners listened to Deibert’s presentation and asked questions. More information on the project can be found in a previous article printed in the Torrington Telegram’s Wednesday, May 3 edition. 

Lewis spoke to the commissioners about the Lewis Feedlot. There has been an ongoing debate and complaints between Lewis and his neighbor Ron Stuckert. Stuckert was present at the last commissioners meeting saying the feedlot was in violation of several regulations, including, but not limited to, the number of cattle, permits, wastewater removal and proximity to residence. 

Lewis said they have been contacted by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) about complaints, afterwards representatives from the DEQ came to the feedlot to do an inspection. 

“I gave you (the commissioners) the report from the inspection,” Lewis said. “They said the pens were not overcrowded, there was less than 2,500 head. There was no standing water even though their inspection came during a storm event. Water was channeled to the stormwater containment area as it was designed.”

After reading through the rest of the report, Lewis said the DEQ inspectors were able to verify the operation was well managed for both the environment and the health of the animals. 

In response to McNamee’s questioning, Lewis said there are currently no cattle held in a barbed wire fence construction for containment. They do have a pen that is closer to the neighbor’s home, but they are allowed to have animals in it for up to 90 days. Lewis said they respect that rule. At this time, they do not have all plans for expansion, however, according to DEQ rules they could increase the number of cattle without issue. He also said the draining of the wastewater pool into the trees is a method of removal approved by the DEQ. 

“The DEQ has the responsibility of protecting the environment, that is why the rules are set up,” Lewis continued. “We respect those requirements. It is in our best interest both for environmental purposes and for the health of the animals and their performance. We want to operate within the guidelines and keep our customers happy.”

During the chairman’s comments section of the meeting, McNamee announced they have decided to cancel the May 16 meeting. With the budgeting hearing coming up, the commissioners are going to take this time to focus on preparing this year’s fiscal budget. 

The next meeting of the Goshen County Commissioners will take place Tuesday, June 6 at 9 a.m. in the Goshen County Courthouse at 2125 East A Street.