Council approves Local Improvement District

KPD hires new officer

By Rana Jones, Gazette Reporter
Posted 1/28/25

Kemmerer City Council kicked off the new year with its first meeting on Jan. 13, welcoming new members to the council and marking the occasion by introducing Dallas Blasengym as the city’s …

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Council approves Local Improvement District

KPD hires new officer

Posted

Kemmerer City Council kicked off the new year with its first meeting on Jan. 13, welcoming new members to the council and marking the occasion by introducing Dallas Blasengym as the city’s newest police officer.

The meeting addressed various topics of interest, including the future of the Oyster Ridge Music Festival, downtown development, and housing expansion through a new Local Improvement District.

One of the meeting’s highlights was a presentation from the Oyster Ridge Music Festival (ORMF) board regarding plans for a stage at the Triangle. The board, along with the city and chamber of commerce, is evaluating options for a temporary or permanent stage. According to ORMF president Jake Lozier, the newly-formed committee is considering two stage rental proposals, ranging between $11,000 and $13,000. These proposals do not include costs for power, lighting or sound.

Another significant agenda item involved discussions on the development of two vacant lots on the Triangle. Presentations were made by Knoefler Enterprises and Jessica Lozier, who is representing the developer. Both proposals highlighted potential economic benefits for the community while maintaining the historical aesthetics of downtown.

The plans aim to address shortages in office and retail space, as well as residential and parking needs in the area. The city council voted to pursue negotiations on the sale of the property, appraised at approximately $55,000.

A major development discussed was the establishment of a Local Improvement District near Canyon Road, across from the Best Western. This district is designed to support housing and commercial growth through municipal bonding.

Funding for the area will come from assessments on individual lots within the district, with development and construction costs covered by the developer. Once complete, property assessments will sustain the district financially.

Councilmember Brantley Popp said, “This is a very big and exciting thing for the city. The city will not only be able to get more housing, which we desperately need, but the developers will be able to sell those properties at a reduced cost because of the backing of the municipal bond.”

He said this will give people more options for more affordable housing.

The project will include single-family homes, multi-family residences, and commercial spaces, providing much-needed housing and business opportunities without financial burden to the city or community members. The council voted unanimously to proceed with drafting a service agreement with developers.

“The city gets more housing and businesses and does not have to pay for anything,” Popp said.

He reiterated this would not come with any cost to community members or the city.

“You will not have to pay anything at all for the local improvement district,” he said. 

Additionally, the council addressed updates to the ice rink at Archie Neill Park. Kemmerer Director of Events Trista Gordon proposed a rental fee structure for equipment and space. The council approved a resolution setting the rental rate at $40 per month, while keeping other rates unchanged.