Agenda
Town of Cokeville Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2025
7:00p.m.
Attending: Mayor Colby Peck, Council – Charles Dayton, Wayne Harmon, Theresa Lewis, Brad Nate, Chief Eric Whitehead, Officer Davis Stocking, Public Works Director Mike Duran, Bentley Johnson, Clerk Jody Harmon,
Also Attending - Betty Thompson, BranDee Prows, Barbara Sorensen, Brenda Lazcanotegui, Elbert Lee Harmon, Amanda and Cameron Bird, Doug & Janet Prows, Lyle Forrest, Dennis and Teri Nate, Cole & Stace Cark, Scott Dayton, Neil Hymas, Joy Hutchinson, Greg Nate, Demont Grandy, Glenna Walker, Jan and Darren Moody, Carrie Groll, Whytney Stocking, Amy Peck, Trevor Teichert, Susan Fiscus, Joe Dayton, Ellis Toomer, Stephanie Nate
(a) Mayor Peck called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.
(b) The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilwoman Lewis
(c) Motion by Councilman Harmon to approve the agenda seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. Motion Carried
(d) Motion to approve the minutes from January 14, 2025, town council meeting with corrections by Councilwoman Lewis seconded by Councilman Nate. Motion Carried
(e) Motion to approve the Accounts payable, Business Licenses and Payroll by Councilman Harmon seconded Councilman Dayton. Motion Carried
The bills are as follows:
All West Communications $816.24 AT&T Mobility $311.08
Bowers Law Office $7,858.21 Business Solutions Group $935.00
Capitol Business Systems Group $149.94 Caselle $536.00
Chemtech-Ford $105.00 Executech $49.39
First Bankcard $3,652.65 Hastings Ace Hardware $57.98
IDAWY Solid Waste District $71.50 Lexipol $599.40
Lincoln County $842.00 One Call of Wyoming $25.00
Rela Dyne $2,034.33 Rocky MTN Power $6,041.10
Staples $64.29 Stotz $147.64
Todd Brown $1,400.00 Town of Afton $27.00
Valley Wide Co op $6,613.15 Dept. of Workforce Service $546.59
WY Educators Benefit $8,633.81 Payroll $18,495.02
Retirement $4,062.42 EFTPS $6,232.41
Business Licenses are as follows:
Cardalls Builder Group Construction 1 year
Carol Ferrin Selling handmade items 1 year.
Pilot Travel Center 1 year
Run Bear Lake Trifecta Marathon 1 day.
Jill Dayton Valentine Pop up Shop 1 day
Scott Scherbel Surveyor 1 year
Pam Grandy- Candy Vending machine, garden produce, lamb 1 year
Valley Auto Supply 1 year
SP Boyer Masonry, contracting 1 year.
Mindy Williamson Exercise 1 year
Janetta Teichert Native Floral 1 year
Vonda Teichert Under the Pines
Zak Grimm Grimm Plumbing 1 year
Cokeville Hospital District 1 year
Steve Sharp Transportation 1 year
(f) Awards and Public Recognition –
Mayor Peck – Congratulations to Bentley Johnson with the Public works for acing
his Level 1 Water Test. He is now licensed.
Mayor also wanted to Congratulate the Cheerleaders for their success at the State Competition. He also congratulated Stace Clark for being named coach of the year, 3 years in a row.
(g) New business
Neil Hymas addressed the Council concerning going to his farm and nearly got rear ended then also almost got rear ended coming back to town. He requested that the city write a letter to WYDOT to do a study on safety. Neil identified some safety concerns, 1 getting off highway, 2 many deer getting hit, he would like to put a 45 mph about 1000’ past his turn off. He would like an electric sign warning of a deer crossing. Mayor Peck answered that he has been in contact with WYDOT, and he has been asked to write a letter of encouragement. Mayor Peck will write a letter. Mayor Peck commented that Rocky Mountain Power owns the light poles on Highway 30 and will maintain them.
Cameron Bird – Addressed the council and expressed his concern regarding the ORD 25-03 which states to Establish May 16 as a Day of Remembrance in the Town of Cokeville. He commented that an Ordinance is a law, and this Ordinance could possibly be a Proclamation. Councilman Harmon commented that he is against this ordinance and feels it doesn’t need to be recognized. Cameron agreed. Cameron has spoken to several survivors. He doesn’t want this added in to law. Councilwoman Lewis commented that she agrees that this should not be made as an ordinance. Cameron went on to say he felt like people should have been asked if they wanted the ordinance. Every person he talked to was not in favor of this ordinance. Please leave it be. Mayor Peck commented on the emails and people who talked to him, none of them were in support of it. Therefore, Mayor Peck can’t support this. Mayor Peck thinks the survivors should have been asked about this. Cameron expressed the survey results, he feels this is not a citizen’s priority.
(h) Public comment / communications
Christy Brooks commented that Brandon, a survivor, is against this ordinance.
Elbert Harmon commented he was a fireman at the time, and he is against ordinance.
Demont Grandy commented that this ordinance should not be tabled. It should be killed.
Scott Dayton commented that this puts a target on the Cokeville kids back. He is against it as well.
Lyle Forrest was the first fire fighter in the room when the bomb went off. He described what happened as a first responder. He is totally against it.
Betty Thompson read news paper articles regarding the Cokeville Bombing. She is totally against it.
Councilman Dayton commented that his dad is not healthy enough to pursue building a statue or visitors center.
Glenna Walker made the comment that if the day of a remembrance was established then she would leave town that day. She is against it.
Councilman Dayton commented that this was brought up by a survivor who wanted the day of remembrance.
Glenna Walker said that people do not want to celebrate this day.
Councilman Nate stated that there are people who want a day of
remembrance. He commented that there are similar days of remembrance,
such as Columbine (April 20), Pulse Nightclub (June 12), Parkland
(February 14), Sandy Hook (December 14), Las Vegas (October 1), and
Virginia Tech (April 16). He would like to send a survey out to gauge
public interest and gather responses for or against a day of
remembrance.
Amanda Bird asked why it has to be an ordinance? Why can’t it be a proclamation? She also commented that if you run for council then you should be present at the meetings.
Elbert Harmon asked who was for it and where are they?
Greg Nate commented about going back to the school after the bombing. He remembers every detail of the bombing. He is against it.
Doug Prows talked about going into that building after the bombing as a fireman. He had children in the bombing. As a fireman he doesn’t want to be honored or the day to be remembered.
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Resolutions / Ordinances
Motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 25-01 by Councilwoman Lewis, seconded by Councilman Harmon. Motion Carried
Ordinance 25-01
TITLE VI
POLICE REGULATIONS
Chapter 5
Offenses Involving Minors
6-504. POSSESSION OF OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF INTOXICATING BEVERAGES.
Any person under the age of twenty-one (21) years who has any alcoholic or malt beverages in his
possession, or who is drunk or under the influence of intoxicating liquor on any street of highway or
in any public place is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Adopts Wyoming Statute 12-6-101, as amended, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporation as if set forth fully herein. Any and all future amendments to Wyoming Statute are adopted with no future notice.
6-506. SALE AND USEAGE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
(a) Definitions. As used in this Ordinance:
(1) “Tobacco products” means any substance containing tobacco leaf, including,
but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco or
dipping tobacco;
(2) “Vending machines” means any mechanical, electric or electronic self-service
device which, upon insertion of money, tokens, or any other form of payment,
dispenses tobacco products.
(b) Prohibited Sales or Delivery.
(1) No person shall sell, offer for sale, give away or deliver tobacco products to
any person under the age of eighteen (18) years.
(2) Any person violating subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of not more than One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00).
(3) It is an affirmative response to a prosecution under subsection (a) of this
section:
(i) In the case of a sale, the person who sold the tobacco product was
presented with, and reasonably relied upon, an identification card
which identified the person buying or receiving the tobacco product as
being over eighteen (18) years of age; or
(ii) The tobacco product was given or delivered to the person under
eighteen (18) years of age by his parent or guardian and the tobacco
product was given or delivered to the person for use in the privacy of
his parent’s or guardian’s home or under the direct supervision of the
parent or guardian.
(c) Posted Notice Required: Location of Vending Machines.
(1) Any person who sells tobacco products shall post signs informing the public of the
age restrictions provided by this article at or near every display of tobacco product and
on or upon every vending machine which offers tobacco products for sale. Each sign
shall be plainly visible and shall contain a statement communicating that the sale of
tobacco products to persons under eighteen (18) years of age is prohibited by law.
(2) No person shall sell or offer tobacco products through a vending machine unless the
vending machine is located in:
(i) Businesses, factories, offices or other places not open to the general public;
(ii) Places to which persons under the age of eighteen (18) years of age are not
permitted access; or
(iii) Business premises where alcoholic or malt beverages are sold or dispensed
and where entry by persons under eighteen (18) years of age is prohibited.
(3) Any person violating subsection (1) or (2) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine or not more than One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00). Each day
of continued violation shall be deemed a separate offense.
(d) Purchase by Minors Prohibited.
(1) No person under the age of eighteen (18) years shall purchase tobacco products, or
misrepresent his identity or age, or use any false or altered identification for the
purpose of purchasing tobacco products.
(2) Any person violating subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of not more than One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00).
(e) Possession or Use by Minors Prohibited.
(1) It is unlawful for any person under the age of eighteen (18) years to possess
or use any tobacco products.
(2) Any person violating subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of not more than One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00).
(3) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under subsection (a) of this section
that the defendant possessed or used the tobacco product in the home of, or
under the direct supervision of, his parent or guardian.
Adopts Wyoming Statute 14-3-302, 14-3-304 and 14-3-305, as amended, is hereby adopted by reference and incorporation as if set forth fully herein. Any and all future amendments to Wyoming Statute are adopted with no future notice.
Motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 25-02 with additions, by Councilwoman Lewis seconded by Councilman Nate. 4 yes 1 no Motion Carried
ORDINANCE 25-02
TITLE VI
POLICE REGULATIONS
Chapter 3
Offenses Against Public Safety
6-305. USE OF FIREWORKS PROHIBITED. No person in the Town of Cokeville shall case, throw, ignite, discharge, or fire any combustible firecrackers or fireworks of any kind, except from June 1 to July 31 of each year, on the following Holidays Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Years Eve and New Years Day. and then only The hours permitted for Fireworks are between the hours of 12:00 pm (noon) and 11:00 pm, on July 4th , July 24th and New Years Eve 12:30 am.
Motion to bring Ordinance 25-03 to a vote to kill this ordinance by Councilman Harmon, seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. Motion Carries 4 yes 1 no
There are emails and letters from survivors and families expressing not to have this as an ordinance on file in the clerk’s office.
Town of Cokeville, Wyoming
Ordinance No. 25-03
An Ordinance to Establish May 16 as a Day of Remembrance in the Town of Cokeville
WHEREAS, on May 16, 1986, the Town of Cokeville experienced a profound event when former town marshal David Young and his wife, Doris Young, took 154 hostages, including 136 children and 18 adults, at Cokeville Elementary School. The perpetrators entered the school with multiple firearms and an improvised gasoline bomb, corralling students and faculty into a single classroom. After a two-and-a-half-hour standoff, the bomb detonated prematurely, leading to the deaths of both hostage-takers. Miraculously, all hostages survived, though 79 sustained injuries.
WHEREAS, this incident has left an indelible mark on our community, highlighting both the vulnerability and resilience of our town’s spirit.
WHEREAS, the courage and unity displayed by the students, teachers, emergency responders, and citizens during and after the crisis exemplifies the strength and solidarity of the Cokeville community.
WHEREAS, recognizing this day annually will serve as a tribute to the resilience of our community and as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and compassion.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Cokeville, Wyoming, as follows:
Section 1. Designation of May 16 as a Day of Remembrance
The Town of Cokeville hereby establishes May 16 of each year as a Day of Remembrance to honor the events of May 16, 1986, and to recognize the courage and unity displayed by the community.
Section 2. Observance
On May 16 of each year, the community is encouraged to reflect upon the events of May 16, 1986, honor the bravery of those involved, and participate in activities that promote unity, safety, and the well-being of all residents.
Section 3. Implementation
The Town of Cokeville shall support activities and programs that commemorate this Day of Remembrance and promote community awareness, preparedness, and resilience.
Section 4. Effective Date
This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication as required by law.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Town Council of the Town of Cokeville, Wyoming, on this [Date] day of [Month], [Year].
Signatures:
Motion to approve Resolution 25-01 with the amendment to remove Section 3 wording and replace the repeal 24-2 by Councilman Nate, seconded by Councilman Dayton. 3 yes 2 no Motion carries
RESOLUTION NO. 25-01
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF ELECTRONIC MEANS BY TOWN COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR PARTICIPATION IN COUNCIL MEETINGS
WHEREAS, the Town Council of Cokeville, Wyoming, is committed to ensuring the efficient and effective conduct of its meetings while maintaining transparency and compliance with Wyoming state laws; and
WHEREAS, Wyoming Public Meetings Law (W.S. 16-4-401 through 16-4-408) governs the conduct of public meetings and allows for electronic participation under specific circumstances; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council recognizes the importance of providing council members with the ability to participate remotely in meetings when physical attendance is not feasible, provided such participation ensures the ability of all participants to hear and communicate effectively.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of Cokeville, Wyoming, as follows:
1. Authorization for Remote Participation
Town Council members are authorized to participate in council meetings remotely via electronic means, including but not limited to teleconferencing and videoconferencing, under the following conditions:
• A quorum of the Town Council must be established, either in person or electronically.
• All participants, including remote council members, must be able to hear, communicate, and participate in the meeting clearly and contemporaneously.
2. Compliance with Wyoming Public Meetings Law
Remote participation by council members shall comply with W.S. 16-4-403(d), ensuring that the public can hear, read, or otherwise discern the discussions of the meeting contemporaneously.
3. Repeal Resolution 24-02
4. Implementation Timeline
This authorization shall go into effect immediately upon the adoption of this resolution, using any available means of communication, including personal electronic devices such as cell phones or other technology already accessible to council members and staff, until more robust technology is purchased and operational.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption.
ADOPTED this 11 of February 2025, by the Town Council of Cokeville, Wyoming.
APPROVED:
Colby Peck, Mayor
Town of Cokeville, Wyoming
ATTEST:
Jody Harmon, Town Clerk
Motion to approve Resolution 25-02 with section 3 being removed for the town clerk and Town Attorney, and section 5 to read, go into effect today with budget approval implement at a later time. 3 yes, 2 no Motion carries.
RESOLUTION NO. 25-02
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE BROADCASTING AND PUBLIC ACCESS TO TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS THROUGH ELECTRONIC MEANS
WHEREAS, the Town Council of Cokeville, Wyoming, is committed to ensuring public transparency and accessibility to the proceedings of its meetings in compliance with Wyoming Public Meetings Law (W.S. 16-4-401 through 16-4-408); and
WHEREAS, W.S. 16-4-403(d) requires that public meetings be conducted in a manner that allows the public to hear, read, or otherwise discern meeting discussions contemporaneously; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council recognizes the importance of leveraging electronic means to broadcast meetings and provide the public with real-time access to its proceedings;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of Cokeville, Wyoming, as follows:
1. Public Broadcast of Meetings
Town Council meetings may be broadcast to the public through electronic means, including but not limited to live streaming, teleconferencing, or videoconferencing platforms, to ensure real-time access to meeting proceedings.
2. Public Notice and Access
The Town shall provide notice of all meetings, including instructions for accessing the meeting electronically, through official channels such as the Town website, local newspapers, or other designated platforms. Notice shall comply with W.S. 16-4-404.
3. Technical and Security Measures
Shall develop protocols for broadcasting and public access to ensure:
• The reliability and security of the chosen electronic platforms.
• Compliance with open meeting laws and public accessibility requirements.
4. Archiving and Recording
All electronically broadcast meetings shall be recorded and archived in accordance with Wyoming State law and Town policy, ensuring that the public has access to a record of the proceedings.
5. Implementation Timeline
This authorization shall go into effect today with budget approval implement at a later time.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption.
ADOPTED this 11 of February 2025, by the Town Council of Cokeville, Wyoming.
APPROVED:
Colby Peck, Mayor
Town of Cokeville, Wyoming
ATTEST:
Jody Harmon, Town Clerk
(j) Reports of officers, boards, and committees
Chief – Speed Change request – already done.
At this time Mayor Peck asked the council members to please look at the departments
that he had tried to assign in January meeting and for the council members to accept
the departments. The question was asked why, and Mayor Peck responded that it
is time to report on the departments and no one has accepted their assignments.
The following assignments were made:
Councilman Nate – Streets and building and grounds
Councilwoman Lewis – Parks and Recreation, Economic Development
Councilman Harmon – water and sewer, airport
Councilman Dayton – Planning and Zoning, Business relations
Mayor – Administration, Police, Public Works
Motion from Councilman Harmon for everyone to accept the departments as assigned seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. Motion Carried
Reports of Departments
Councilman Nate commended public works for their work.
Councilwoman Lewis would like to continue with the 4th of July celebration. She asked
the question, if the public liked how Santa was done in December of 2024. Positive
response from the public. The 24th of July celebration will be held July 19, with the
youth rodeo on the 18th.
Motion by Councilman Dayton to pursue a summer recreation intern, it would be an
unpaid position seconded by Councilwoman Lewis.
Councilman Harmon reported that the water and sewer is going well, and the airport is being plowed.
Councilman Dayton talked about updating the website. Motion to upgrade the Town of Cokeville Website by Councilman Dayton seconded by Councilwoman Lewis. Motion Carried
Councilman Dayton talked about using Americorp Vista to hire someone locally to work 20-30 hours a week. The Town does not pay the salary for this person, Americorp pays the salary. Councilwoman Lewis would be the point person, supervisor for this position. Mayor Peck would like deliverable goals on this project. Councilman Dayton made a motion to go ahead and fill out the paperwork to get approved for this project, seconded by Councilman Nate. Motion Carried
Councilman Dayton commented on making a Master plan for the Town. Mayor Peck commented that in past minutes, there was a report that the master plan had been completed. The Town has no master plan on file. Councilman Dayton will get the past master plan information to the council.
Mayor Peck asked for a motion to go into Executive Session.
Councilman Harmon made a motion to go into executive session at 8:45p.m. seconded by Councilman Dayton. Motion Carried
Councilwoman made a motion to reconvene at 9:15p.m. seconded by Councilman Dayton. Motion Carried
Councilman Harmon made a motion to give Chief Whitehead a raise in salary as discussed in the executive session, seconded by Councilman Dayton. Motion Carried Councilman Nate made a motion to give Officer Stocking a raise in salary as discussed in executive session seconded by Councilman Dayton. Motion Carried
Councilman Harmon made a motion to give Bentley Johnson a raise in salary as discussed in executive session seconded by Councilwoman Lewis.
(k) Motion to adjourn at 9:17 by Councilwoman Lewis seconded by Councilman Harmon.
Mayor Colby Peck
Clerk Jody Harmon