City Council does not pass moratorium on subdivisions

April Corwin, for the Gazette
Posted 2/2/23

During the Kemmerer City Council meeting Monday, Jan. 23, a proposal from the Kemmerer Zoning Board was presented on requesting a three-month moratorium on new subdivisions in the Kemmerer city limits. The moratorium suggested by the Kemmerer Zoning Board would address issues such as road grades, density and unbuildable slopes. The Zoning Board made this recommendation to give the city time to make a comprehensive plan to deal with issue they foresee with the building of new subdivisions.

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City Council does not pass moratorium on subdivisions

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During the Kemmerer City Council meeting Monday, Jan. 23, a proposal from the Kemmerer Zoning Board was presented on requesting a three-month moratorium on new subdivisions in the Kemmerer city limits. The moratorium suggested by the Kemmerer Zoning Board would address issues such as road grades, density and unbuildable slopes.  The Zoning Board made this recommendation to give the city time to make a comprehensive plan to deal with issue they foresee with the building of new subdivisions.

Several Kemmerer residents spoke out against the proposed moratorium.  Citizen Jerry Greenfield said, “Progress is something we don’t want to stop. It is a fact of life that there will be growth.  I don’t believe a moratorium is necessary in this case.” Kemmerer Realtor Jesica Lozier,  explained that there is a small number of houses on the market.  “If the city doesn’t act quickly and allow developments, there will not be enough housing for the growth that Kemmerer is expecting,” said Lozier.  Councilmembers Bill Price and Robert Bowen voiced concerns about the moratorium.  Bowen said, “The word moratorium is a big red flag for anyone who wants to come to this community.  I don’t think it’s the right way to go to fix the problem.”  Councilmember Dale Hicks made the motion to adopt a moratorium for new subdivisions.  No second was made and the proposal died.

Kelly Blue and Cindy Vetos from the Kemmerer Senior Center Board, approached the city council concerning the city gifting the land the center is built on to Kemmerer Senior Center. “We don’t own the land the Senior Center is on.  We are asking the city to resolve this and give us the rights to the land, said Kelly Blue.” 

The Center is having sewage problems in the front parking area. There is a break in the line and a pipe is collapsing in on itself.  The Kemmerer-Diamondville Joint Powers Board has explained to the center that the break in front of the building is the responsibility of the property owner.  The center owns the building but not the land.  The Senior Center Board is requesting that the city help inkind with the repair of the sewage line. 

The council voted to reappoint a city engineer for 2023.  Crank Co. Inc. was purchased by Jorgensen Associates and will now be the official engineer for the city. Mayor Bill Thek congratulated Tom Crank on his “sort of” retirement.  Crank Co. Inc. has been providing engineering and surveying services to Kemmerer and Southwest Wyoming for over 59 years.   Jorgensen Associate Engineer Brian Gray said, “We will adopt the same rates Crank Co. charged the city. We are tickled to continue to provide service to the City of Kemmerer and the citizens.”

In closing remarks, councilmembers praised the street department for the work in snow removal.  Price said, “I’m pleased with what is going on with the snow removal.”  Mayor Thek also thanked the street department for its work.