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The newest Wyoming city park project is headed into phase two of development, with a bid awarded last week to JL Theis LLC for the lighting and history walk portion of Railroad Park improvements. There were seven bids submitted.  This was for a total of $201,435, including an alternate package for a retaining wall.

The work will proceed as soon as possible, staff said,  and will go until freeze-up, but the entire project also includes a performance stage component that isn’t planned for construction until into next year.

The site is at the intersection of #30 and Viking Boulevard.

The city council then spent a majority of the meeting time,  on review of an Interim Use Permit for a “kennel” which is required of any property that houses more than three dogs.  The applicant in this case asks for up to six dogs, and has four on site now.

Neighbors to the five acre parcel, on Elmcrest Avenue spoke about concerns for safety, as the dogs are “large” German Shepherds.  They were worried about noise and express worry that the fencing is inhibiting wildlife movement.

The owner is complying with city code after-the-fact based on a complaint to city hall about excessive number of dogs. Neighbors questioned if the 11 conditions placed on the Interim Use Permit will be met.  Fred Weck, Wyoming Building Official, said ordinances allow the permit to be rescinded if conditions are not complied with.

The permit was approved 4-1 with Council member Linda Nanko Yeager opposed.  

Mayor Lisa Iverson explained the city has a legal obligation to allow the permit if it is determined that the applicant has cooperated with the city and the land use meets identified allowed uses for the district, which this does.  

Iverson stated, “My heart would love to say no, but I can’t (based on attorney advice.)  She added there are “lots of eyes on” this parcel and remarked that she is of the belief the applicant will do what’s right.

The current chainlink fencing will need to lose its security wire along the top, which violates code and there will be screening (vinyl strips) added to the chainlink material. 

The applicant explained the dwelling is not occupied right now, but the intent is to build a “forever home” on the parcel.

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