The last Johnson County Comprehensive Land Use Plan was adopted in 2005.  Much has changed in Johnson County since then, leading County Commissioners to contract a new comprehensive plan.   

Some people are wondering if it’s worth the $100,000+ price tag, others suspect this is a backdoor way of introducing county zoning.

JC County Commission Chairman Bill Novotny discusses the scope and purpose of this new plan and how it will be a valuable resource for local government.   

Public Comment (none) 0:00
Approve Agenda
Approve Vouchers
Approve Previous Meeting Minutes

Finance Report 2:00
Sexton Report 16:00

Old Business (none) 43:50
New Business (none) 

Adjourn 45:00

Regular Session 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call

Kaycee Community Orchard Update 0:40
New Parent Liaison Introduction 3:00
Public Comment (none) 6:25
Additions/Accept Agenda 6:30

General Reports 6:55
Principal Report, Kaycee 7:10
Superintendent Reports 25:15
Director Reports 29:45
District Level Reports 33:10
Rec Board Reports 33:50
BOCES Report 35:00
BOHES Report

Consent Agenda 35:15
Minutes
Warrants
Employment
Certified/Licensed Staff Contract Renewal

Action Items 36:10
Policy Revision - second reading 37:50
Policy Revision - first reading 39:30
CPES Valve Replacement 48:50
DADA Compliance Study & Recommendation 49:45
CCMS Sealant Repair Project 57:05
Kaycee Audio Enhancement Project 1:05:00
Mil Levy Intents 1:11:00
4-Day School Week Recommendation 1:13:00
Item Sale/Disposal less than $500 1:24:45
Items Sale/Disposal more than $500

Other Business 1:35:55
From the Board
May Work Session
May Board Meeting
Communication Plans Update

Executive Session 1:37:45
1: 3 7 : 4 5 A. Personnel & Legal W.S. 16-4-405-(a)(ii)(iii)

Adjourn

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes, March 19, 2024

New Business
Special Use Permit Request, 222 Bozeman Ave 1:30
JC Public Health, National Public Health Week 3:15
Animal Care Provider Contract 5:15
Johnson County Arts & Humanities Council Art & Music Festival July 27 Requests 6:05
Johnson County Recreation District 9:45
Buffalo Wells Project 10:50
BHS Bonfire Request Spring Fling Week April 21 14:20

Reports
City Attorney, Dennis Kirven (none)15:45
Building Inspector/Planning Director, Terry Asay 15:55
Police Chief, Sean Bissett 16:40
Public Works Director, Kevin Silbernagel (none) 19:15

Oral/Written Comments (none) 2:15

Announcements 20:25
City/County mtg April 16 @ 7 am
City Council mtg April 16 @ 5 pm
City Budget mtgs April 8, 15, 22 and May 6 & 13 @ 1 pm
Planning & Zoning Board mtg April 24 @ 1 pm
City-wide Water Meter Replacement Project begins April
Sunset Ave Reconstruction Project mtg April,
JC Library@ 5 pm

Approval of Bills

Adjourn 21:40

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval March 19, 2024 Minutes

General County Business
Bighorn National Forest Update, Thad Berrett 0:50
Approve Dept. of Corrections Contract 25:30
Remarks on active shooter training, Sheriff Odenbach
Catering Permits 32:50
Update: Buffalo Beginner Gardener Course 37:15
Approval of 1% Committee Recommendations 42:40
Approval of Comprehensive Land Use Contract & Update to Planning Status 57:10
National Public Health Week 1:10:10
Request to Adjust PT Position to FT Position, JC Library withdrawn
Museum Memorandum of Understanding 1:12:50
Appointment of Special Prosecutor 1:17:05

Vouchers 1:20:40

Public Comment (none) 1:22:10

Adjourn 1:22:40

Discussion Items
Enterprise Funds - Rate Structure and Fee Schedule 0:00
Future Specific Purpose Tax 13:20
Capital Improvements Plan Updates 20:40
Buffalo Bulletin Water Notice/Wells Project  24:10
JC Recreation District Grant Application 33:50
Major Capital Construction Projects Updates 37:20

Department Head Items 
Clerk 54:35
Police Chief 55:40
Building Inspector & Planning Director 58:15

Board Liaison 
Myra Camino 1:03:20 
Mayor Schrader 1:06:15

Next Dept. Head Meeting
- Tues May 7, 2024 @ 7:00 am

Close

Fulfilling her campaign pledge to host a town hall event every year in every county across the state, Wyoming House Representative Harriet Hageman visited Buffalo on Tuesday 26 March.   

After 40 minutes making remarks on a broad range of issues from the border crisis, government spending and her own personal record and actions in Washington DC, Ms Hageman took questions from the audience. 

To find out more or to contact  Harriet Hageman click here

Too many people in our community have been touched by direct experience of a loss from suicide. 
Any form of grief can be challenging, but the emotions experienced after a suicide can be more intense and conflicting compared to other types of loss. Survivors might feel anger, guilt, confusion, and despair all at once. There’s often a strong sense of guilt, with survivors wondering if they could have done something to prevent the death causing a sense of responsibility or guilt.

This search for answers can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.

You may not feel you are a 'group' person but compassionate support and understanding can make a huge difference in providing support for family and friends left behind trying to make sense of a loss by suicide.

Lorraine Steppe and Bill Hawley host ‘Survivors of Suicide Loss’, a support group that meets monthly in Buffalo.  Listen and find out more about this safe and confidential space for those who have had any kind of experience of suicide. 

For more private & confidential information contact:
Lorraine Steppe and The Pines Counseling
307 684 5828 or lorraine@thepinescounseling.com

Survivors of Suicide Loss meeting 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.
It’s free, non-religious and confidential and open to all survivors of suicide loss.   
Call for location details.   

Other sources of support:
Alliance of Hope for suicide loss survivors
988 Suicide Support Lifeline

JCSD#1 Considers 4-Day School Week. June 2023
Download

JCSD#1 is evaluating the pros and cons of adopting a 4-day school week district-wide.   What would be the impact on student achievement?   It’s a very complicated analysis that affects budgeting, contractual arrangements, extra-curricular activities, and academic success.   

Mike Hanson, also Principal at New West High School, is leading the process.  Listen to what is under consideration, why, and how decision-making will proceed.

Regular Board Meeting

Approve Regular Meeting Minutes Feb 28th, '24 0:00
Chief of Staff Report 1:00
Leadership Reports 10:45
CEO Report 26:00
JCHC Financial Performance 38:00
Credentialing 57:30
Compliance Review Approval 58:30
Executive Session 1:05:30

Adjourn

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda 0:45
Approval  Minutes, March 5 2024 1:05

New Business
- Buffalo Charitable Foundation, Ray Holt Recognition 1:05

Reports
- City Attorney, Dennis Kirven 6:00
- Building Inspector/Planning Director 6:20
- Police Chief, Sean Bissett 12:20
- Public Works Director, Kevin Silbernagel 12:30

Oral/Written Comments 14:00

Announcements 14:07
Planning & Zoning Board Meeting March 26 @ 1pm
Dept Head Meeting April 2 @ 7am
City/County Meeting April 16 @ 7am
City Council Meeting April 2 @ 5pm
City Budget mtgs April 1, 8, 15, 22 and May 6 & 13 @ 1pm
City Offices closed afternoon Fri March 29 (Good Friday)
City-wide Water Meter Replacement Project begins in April

Approval of Bills 17:10

Adjourn 17:25

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of March 5, 2024 Minutes

General County Business
Resolution #718 budget amendment 1:00
Homeland security acceptance 4:40
Contract Approval: Comprehensive Land Use Plan 7:10
Petitioner’s Application Special Use Form Approval 14:00
County Commissioner’s Scholarship 21:10
City County Cleanup May 15-18 Announcement

Vouchers 24:00

Public Comment (none) 25:30

Adjourn 

Open 
Legislative Session Update 0:00
- Veteran’s Home Improvement funding
- Direct Distribution
- Housing SF11
- Property Tax
- Gun Bills

Richardson Park 11:45
Bomber Mountain Civic Center 36:00
City/County Spring Cleanup May 15-18 37:20
Roundtable Discussion 38:55

Next City/County April 16 2024 @ 7:00am

Adjourn 

Regular Session 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Silent Remembrance, Tiffany Songer 1:55
Early Childhood Literacy Position 2:05
Students With Disabilities, Melissa Brewer 11:45
ELL Program Update 35:15
Public Comment 49:10
Additions/Accept Agenda 49:15

General Reports
JCSD#1 Student Video 50:00
CCMS - Box Sled Challenge 53:20
Superintendent Reports 1:11:20
Director Reports 1:12:00
District Level Reports 1:18:30
Rec Board Report 1:31:50
BOCES Report 1:33:40
BOCHES Report 1:34:00

Consent Agenda 1:35:30
- Minutes 
- Warrants

Action Items
Policy Revision, 2nd Reading 1:36:00
Policy Revision, 1st Reading 1:36:40
District Annual Audit 1:43:00
New West 24-25 Proposed Calendar 1:43:55
Chromebook RFP 1:45:45
E-Rate Switch Project 1:49:30

Other Business
From the Board 1:51:30
April Work Session 1:51:40
April Board Meeting 1:52:20

Executive Session 1:52:40

Open 0:00
Approve Agenda 1:20
Approve Minutes 1:40

Treasurer’s Report 3:00
Buffalo Director’s Report 8:00
Kaycee Director’s Report 14:00

Old Business
New Building 15:00
Billing Company Process 31:15
Transfers 32:30

New Business
Budget 24-25 Discussion 1:05:10
1st Health Network 1:16:00
CD’s Maturing 1:19:00
Transfer - JCHC 1:25:00
Kaycee Budget 1:29:45
Buffalo EMS Contract Proposal 1:33:40

Public Comment (none) 1:37:00

Vouchers 1:38:00

Adjourn

Next meeting April 8, 2024 @ 4:00 pm.  JC Planning Office, Buffalo WY

As the 67th Wyoming Legislative Session draws to a close, HD40 Representative Barry Crago reviews the previous week.   It’s been a struggle for the Joint Conference Committee of Senate and House to reconcile a staggering $1.1bn discrepancy between the two chambers proposed budgets.   

Property Tax relief has been at the forefront of Representative Crago’s mind with his bill to cap possible annual increases still on the table. His is one of the remaining proposals in tact.   Does it stand a chance of being enacted? And what of the various other proposals to provide relief right away?    

Find out the details with Barry Crago as legislators prepare to wrap up this short but important session. 

As legislators worked to close up the 2024 Budget Session, Senator Dave Kinskey was at the center of Senate representation on the Joint Conference Committee, charged to reconcile the $1.1bn difference between the two chamber’s budgets.  Amidst reports of negotiations having stalled, President Ogden Driskill abruptly changed direction, collapsing the Senate’s representation and replacing the committee with new members. 

Kinskey shares insights into these developments and reaffirms his dedication to the core tenets of Conservatism. He stresses that true Conservatism is not about penny-pinching for frugality’s sake; it's fundamentally about lending support to those in genuine need.

In this critical session, where the primary objective for legislators is to deliver significant property tax relief, which of the remaining bills earn his support?

The session has been challenging, filled with tension and tumult,  as a seasoned legislator, Kinskey calls upon his fellow elected officials to rise above the fray and set aside drama, or temptation to make a headline, and focus solely on the task at hand.

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes, Feb 24,’24 0:40

New Business 1:25
- Request for a variance to City Code 10-1.10 Burning Prohibited
- Sunset Ave Reconstruction Bid Results 3:20
- Big 85 Properties Request SPU 4 S Main 8:25

Reports
- City Attorney, Dennis Kirven 10:50
- Building Inspector, Terry Asay 10:55
- Police Chief, Sean Bissett 11:00
- Public Works Director, Kevin Silbernagel 14:00

Oral/Written Comments (none) 14:40

Announcements 14:50
City/County mtg - Mar 19 @ 7 a.m.
City Council mtg - Mar 19@5 p.m.
Planning & Zoning Board mtg - Mar 26 @ 1p.m.
Daylight Savings Time Begins Mar 10

Approval of Bills 15:25

Adjourn 15:55

Call to Order 0:00
Pledge of Allegiance

Governor’s Appointment of Emergency Management Coordinator 1:00

Governor Gordon’s Remarks 4:30

Approval of Feb 20, ‘24 Minutes 26:10

General County Business
Liquor License Renewal ‘The Stampede’ 26:50
Comprehensive Land Use Plan Contract Selection 28:50
Website Contract Approval 43:20
Vouchers 47:20

Public Comment 48:00
- Jim Waller 

Adjourn 50:00

Open 0:00
- Upcoming Budget Session 0:15
- Animal Care Provider Contract 4:40
- Major Capital Construction Projects Update 18:10

Dept. Head Items 41:10
- Fire Chief 41:20
- Police Chief 42:15
Planning Director / Building Inspector 45:20

Board Liaison & Council Updates
- Mayor Schrader 47:20
- Councilwoman Camino 52:35

Announcements 54:40
- Next Dept Head Meeting April 2, 2024 @ 7:00 am

In Cheyenne, the clock is not just ticking—it's racing. Legislators are hunkered down, facing the monumental challenge of bridging a staggering $1 billion gap between the Senate and House budget proposals. In an unexpected twist, Senate President Driskill has made surprise appointments to its delegation on the Joint Conference Committee. How will this affect the negotiation dynamics? Are they the key to fostering collaboration, or will they add fuel to the fire of discord? Amidst this high-stakes bargaining, will the voices of the people be heard?

As for Property Tax relief, the journey has been anything but smooth. His bill, SF121, may have been sidelined, but its spirit lives on in SF54. Senator Kinskey explains the mechanics of this new proposal, who will benefit?  Will it alleviate the financial strain on homeowners who are most in need?  How are legislators balancing the implications of tax relief whilst retaining funding of essential services and programs across Wyoming?  Will the benefits outweigh the costs, or will it lead to significant trade-offs?

Contact Senator Kinskey
(e) dave.kinskey@wyoleg.gov
(t) 307 751-6428 

Follow the 67th Wyoming Legislative Session 
67th Wyoming Legislature

At the end of the second week of this year’s legislative session, HD40 Representative Barry Crago reports on the week’s House debates and action.  It’s been a busy and contentious week.    

There is a $900m discrepancy between House and Senate budgets.   Why are the two budgets so far apart?  How can the two chambers reconcile their differences? 

Property Tax Relief remains a major focus.   Representative Steve Harshman has proposed an innovative solution to ease the burden on homeowners by using sales tax to generate revenue in place of property taxes.  It’s an innovative idea that raises many questions.  The debate on the bill led to an especially heated debate in the House and a very close vote which narrowly pushed it forward to the next step.   What is the proposal and how does it work?  Does Representative Crago support this initiative and where does this leave the other property tax initiatives on the table?  Can homeowners remain positive about meaningful action?

For more details on Representative Crago’s property tax bill click here

Contact Representative Barry Crago
(e) barry.crago@wyoleg.gov
(t) 307 267 9789 

Follow the 67th Wyoming Legislative Session 
67th Wyoming Legislature

As this year’s legislative session opened in Cheyenne, Superintendent Charles Auzqui, alongside representatives from JCSD#1, ventured into the heart of state politics, seeking to bridge the gap between local educational needs.  This was not just a ceremonial visit but a strategic one to collaborate with key legislators and policy-makers at the state level.

Supt. Auzqui reports back, addressing pressing issues that directly impact the education sector: the allocation of funds, the balance of parental rights, and the contentious topic of firearms in educational settings

Was it worth the investment of time, effort, and resources? How can that translate into tangible benefits for the district?

Contact Supt. Charles Auzqui
601 W. Lott
Buffalo, WY 82834
Phone: 307.684.9571
Fax: 307.684.5182

Contact JCSD#1 Admin Office:

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes Feb 6, 2024 

Public Hearing 0:55
- Liquor License Transfer, Papa Binos

New Business
- Liquor License Transfer – Papa Binos 1:30    
- Resolution #1476 - 1% taxes allocation 1:55
- Animal Care Provider Agreement 2:55

Reports 10:45
City Attorney, Dennis Kirven (none)
Building Inspector, Terry Asay 10:55
Police Chief, Sean Bissett
 - Honoring Sgt Krinkee, Sheridan Law Enforcement 12:55
Public Works Director, Kevin Silbernagel (none) 15:20

Oral/Written Comments (none)                                              

Announcements
- Mayor’s Condolences and Support for Sheridan   
   Community 15:45
- Planning & Zoning Board mtg – Feb 27 @ 1 p.m.
- Dept Head mtg – Mar 5 @ 7 a.m.
- City/County mtg – Mar 19 @ 7 a.m.
- City Council mtg – Mar 5 & 19 @ 5 p.m.
- City offices closed Feb 19
- WAM Winter Conference – Feb 21-23 in Cheyenne
- 1% Application deadline – Feb 23 @ 5 p.m.

Approval of Bills

Adjourn 17:00

Call to Order 0:00
Moment of Silence for Officer Krinkee
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval Feb 6, 2024 Minutes

General County Business
Bid Opening Comprehensive Land Use Plan, County Planner Jim Waller 1:20
Crook County Land Use Issues 9:10
Website Redesign Approval 11:55
1% Committee Allocation, Treasurer Carla Faircloth 21:35
MOU with Johnson County School District 27:15
Automated External Defibrillators Grant Approval 31:55
Catering Permits 41:10
- Cowboy Saloon
- Amanda Taylor
Mountain Plains Heritage Park Request 43:00
Upper Clear Creek Road Chip & Seal Project Final Settlement 51:45
CMAQ Grant Approval 53:40
South By-Pass Improvement Project Certification 55:30
Chairman Novotny - Thanks and commendation to JC Law Enforcement 59:55
MOU with Sheridan County Law Enforcement 1:01:30

Vouchers 1:13:35
Public Comment (none) 1:14:50

Adjourn 1:15:20