WHEATLAND – The Platte County Commissioners met for their first meeting in May and those present for the meeting were Steve Shockley, Commission Chairman; Kayla Mantle, Commissioner, who joined via Zoom video call; and Malcolm Ervin, County Clerk.

After approving last month’s meeting minutes and vouchers, the commissioners were presented with two quotes for the courthouse landscaping. The first was an estimate for grading and landscaping the Courthouse property, which totaled $77,523.65 and and the second estimate was for the installation of a retaining wall, which totaled $25,715.00. The commissioners voted to approve the bids from T and C Landscape Dirt Works for Courthouse landscaping. Among some of the items in the estimate were for boulders, rock cobble, soil for elevations, flowers and bushes, mower edge concrete curbing and Kentucky Bluegrass sod and regrading. A natural pondless waterfall was donated to the community as per Todd Rau.  

Ervin then presented a bid made by Laramie Peak Motors for a Ford Ranger in the amount of $36,988 for a new planner vehicle. The purchase was approved by the commissioners.

Aaron Clark, Fire Warden, presented the 2023 Wildland Fire Management Operating Plan. Fire Warden Clark recommended the Board approve the Wildland Fire Management Annual Operating Plan. The plan was approved by the board.

Clark also spoke about issues regarding the absence of street signs in private subdivisions. Laramie Peak Estates was mentioned as one of the areas that needs to seriously consider adding street signs so that the fire department can find the property in case of a fire or a health emergency. According to Clark, the absence of signs is not allowing first responders to respond to emergency situations in an adequate timeframe. As a solution, Fire Warden Clark requested that the Board consider adopting requirements that subdividers post street signs and that homeowners post addresses.

“Someone is going to lose their home to a fire or someone is going to die out there while we are trying to find them,” Clark said. “We can say it’s administrative, but perhaps we need to have fire departments go out to talk to the homeowners. We have to decide that we need this.”

“The 2023 Wildland Fire Management Operating Plan: This operating plan is prepared pursuant to the Wyoming Interagency Cooperative Fire Management Agreement USDA Forest Service 22-FI-11020000-002, USDI Bureau of Land Management BLM MOU WY-914-22-01, USDI National Park Service Z12-492200001, USDI Bureau of Indian Affairs 22C00443200 and the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 22- FF06R03000-27-S001. PURPOSE This is a Sub-Geographic Area Operating Plan (OP) meant to address issues affecting cooperation, interagency working relationships and protocols, financial arrangements, and joint activities across the State of Wyoming. The OP details operating procedures applicable across the State and those applicable to specific districts.

Procedures applicable to specific districts are included in Attachments A, B, C, D and E, District Specific Procedures, which are incorporated herein by this reference. Signatories to this OP agree to the procedures applicable across the State and to those applicable to their specific district. RECITALS National Response Framework activities will be accomplished utilizing established dispatch coordination concepts. Situation and damage assessment information will be transmitted through established fire suppression intelligence channels. Jurisdictional Entities are responsible for all planning documents i.e., land use, resource and fire management plans and decision support documents, for a unit’s wildland fire and fuels management program.

Protecting Entities implement the actions documented and directed by the appropriate planning documents and decision support documents for initial and extended attack on wildfire incidents. They provide supervision and support including operational oversight, direction and logistical support to Incident Management Teams.

Interagency Dispatch Centers: The entities agree to participate in the neighborhood dispatch system. The Entities give authority to the interagency dispatch center to provide the services requested in support of the appropriate center’s charter and operating plan. Interagency Dispatch Centers will work together to ensure a positive communication flow and closest available resources will be utilized within capability. For specifics, see Attachment B. Mobilization Process for State and County Resources: When resources are mobilized by local 911 dispatch centers for initial attack fires that threaten or are on federal lands, the responding county will notify the respective interagency dispatch center as soon as possible. In circumstances where all private land is involved, federal resource assistance may be requested through the respective interagency dispatch center. Resources that are mobilized using the dispatch ordering system for large fire support will notify the respective interagency dispatch center upon their arrival home.

Standards: Firefighter Qualifications: 1. Qualifications for local resources utilized for fire suppression within that respective county will meet local standards. 2. Except for County-to-County resources, all resources ordered through an interagency dispatch center will meet NWCG 310-1 standards. Certification for positions is in accordance with the Wyoming Redcard Manual. Federal Agencies will ensure the following minimum required elements are included in the agreement: 1. Local fire department personnel responding to incidents on Federal lands must: a. Be 18 years of age or older b. Have and use the required personal protective equipment (PPE) found in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (“Red Book” Ch.13); c. Have a basic level of wildland fire training. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) course S-190, S-130 and L-180 are recommended, both courses can be modified to fit local needs. 2. pre-identified incident communication protocols will be established and followed (e.g., frequencies plans, points of contact and interoperable radio hardware). 3. The Incident Command System (ICS) will be used to manage all incidents.  

The minimum elements are critical to ensure safe and effective response to wildfires. While on a Federal incident, local fire department leadership is responsible to only deploy personnel that are in compliance with these minimum elements. PREPAREDNESS Protection Areas and Boundaries: If applicable, each entity will provide a Protection Area Map to be included in district specific attachments. Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD): WSFD shall assume cost of its non-aviation related resources such as overhead, Smokebusters (WHCC), engines, or personnel for a maximum of 24 hours following the initial dispatch to the fire. This shall not be construed as automatic 24-hour dispatch. Any deviation or variation will be at the discretion of the WSFD Fire Duty Officer or their designee. An exception to the 24- hour reciprocal period is the Wyoming State Helitack, provisions are as follows: 1. WSFD may assume the cost of the aircraft daily availability at the discretion of the WSFD Duty Officer unless noted otherwise on a cost share agreement. 2. To promote safe and aggressive initial attack, fires on all jurisdiction that pose an imminent threat to State and/or Private lands: WSFD shall assume all associated costs of the Wyoming State Helitack for a full operational period to be determined by the WSFD Fire Duty Officer. Federal/other out of state personnel assigned to the Helitack may still be billed to the incident during this time. 3. Fires on Federal lands or those fires that pose no imminent threat to State and/or Private land, WSFD may seek reimbursement for costs associated with the Wyoming State Helitack. 4. Rates for the Helicopter and supporting costs shall be distributed upon execution of the contract. Agreements/MOUs for Fire Suppression Responsibilities: Agreements/MOUs between entities establishing fire suppression responsibilities will be recognized by this Annual Operating Plan. Entities providing this protection may represent the interest of the jurisdictional entity whose lands are being protected. Unless specified otherwise, the lands protected under Agreement/MOU will be afforded the same conditions/terms as the protecting entity’s lands (i.e., mutual aid periods, etc.). All signatories to this Annual Operating Plan will be notified, in writing, of changes or modifications to fire suppression responsibilities by the entity providing protection at the time of an approved Agreement/MOU.

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Joint Projects and Project Plans: On fires that threaten, or involve, the Wildland Urban Interface, the County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan should be referred to for suppression priorities and other information that could prove beneficial to the suppression efforts. Fire Prevention/Education/Mitigation: The Entities agree to cooperate in the development and implementation of fire prevention/education/mitigation programs. Entities will collaborate on ways to prevent unwanted wildfires. This program will have an overarching goal of lessening the risk of wildfire impacts to the public and private land and structures especially in the WUI. Fire Restrictions: Fire Restrictions and/or Closures will be communicated and coordinated between the Entities to include initiating, implementing and lifting. Prescribed Fire (Planned Ignitions) and Fuels Management: 1. Fuels management and prescribed fire projects will be coordinated with the Entities to this agreement. 2. Wildland fires(s) resulting from escaped prescribed fires at the direction or under the supervision of one of the Entities to this agreement shall be the responsibility of that Entity. All suppression costs exclusive of reciprocal periods shall be borne by the responsible Entity. The responsible agency on federal lands shall be the jurisdictional agency. An Entity may take appropriate suppression action when lands under its protection responsibility are involved in or threatened by the fire. Such suppression action may be taken on its own initiative or at the request of the responsible Entity. An Entity may take appropriate suppression action, at the request of the responsible Entity, when lands under its protection are not involved in or threatened by the fire. The responsible Entity shall reimburse the other Entity for all suppression costs incurred in accordance with this clause. 3. Escaped prescribed fires ignited by individual(s) not party to this agreement will be considered as wildland fires requiring suppression action under the terms and conditions of this agreement. 4. Entities agree to share and reimburse, according to the rates established in the Wyoming Wildland Fire Resource Mobilization Guide for resources used on prescribed fire projects, based on availability, qualifications and need. For Forest Service prescribed fire projects, a separate agreement will be executed.

Smoke Management: Within their authorities, the Parties to this Agreement agree to cooperate in smoke management efforts. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division, Smoke Management Program has access to the Wyoming State Forestry Division Wildfire Reporting Program and will assist in the coordination of smoke management within the state in support of the Wyoming Air Quality Standards & Regulations Chapter 10, Section 4, Smoke Management Requirements. OPERATIONS Fire Notifications and Reporting: All Wildland Incidents and initial attack action will be reported through the appropriate Interagency Dispatch Center before engaging and upon arrival to the incident. The Interagency Dispatch will then notify the protecting entity of the wildland incident within or near their boundaries. Initial Attack: If one or more Entities to this agreement arrive on initial attack, the first Entity on the scene will assume command or what is mutually agreed upon between those entities first arriving at the incident. Once protection responsibilities are established, the protecting Entity will either assume command or request a supporting Entity to do so. Independent Action on Lands Protected by Another Entity: Nothing herein shall prohibit any Entity, on its own initiative, with notification and coordination with the protecting Entity and without requesting reimbursement from going upon lands known to be protected by another Entity to engage in suppression of wildland fires, when such fires are a threat to lands within that Entity’s protection responsibility. Special Management Considerations: Heavy Equipment Use Heavy equipment use provisions will be defined in County attachments as guidelines differ across the State. Use of Aerial Retardant on Federal Lands Pursuant to agency policy, each federal management unit has identified areas where aerial retardant may not be applied, unless a decision by the Incident Commander determines that human life or safety is threatened and retardant will mitigate that threat. These areas are identified on a map for each unit and may include areas within 300 feet of waterways (streams and lakes); where threatened, endangered, or sensitive species habitat occurs that could be impacted by retardant; and/or where cultural resources exist that have been identified for exclusion from retardant. If retardant is applied in these areas, the agency administrator must be notified for reporting requirements to be met. Special Lands Designations On Wilderness lands (Congressional Designated, Wilderness Study Areas and Recommended/Proposed/Potential Wilderness) and Areas of Critical Concerns (BLM) special tactics must be used. No motorized equipment may be used without proper approval including chain saws, portable pumps and helicopter landings. Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) will be utilized in order to minimize adverse impacts of management actions. Fire management resources will be advised of this and briefed on MIST. Sage Grouse – General Habitat, Priority Habitat and Sagebrush Focal Areas are identified as high value areas to protect from disturbances from wildfires. Aggressive actions and coordination will be taken on all wildfire incidents with these identified areas. Decision Process: Escaped Fires or Fires Threatening Other Jurisdictions Field personnel involved in fire suppression action will contact the other protecting Entities as soon as possible after a fire escapes or threatens to escape initial attack near intermingled ownership (defined as different ownership within 1 mile of the fire or it is anticipated that other ownerships may be involved) and a Unit Administrator Group (see Glossary) will be assembled by the initial attack Entity to represent the jurisdictional Entities involved with that fire. For a list of the designated representatives for creating a unit administrator group, see Directory E-1. 1. Guidelines for assembling the Unit Administrator Group: a. A wildland fire that escapes initial attack or threatens other jurisdiction. b. The fire is to be determined at a Type III or higher complexity level. c. Containment is not anticipated before the next burning period. 2. The Unit Administrator Group’s functions is: a. To participate in development and approval of wildfire decision documents for managing a fire incident. b. To recommend to the appropriate Line Officer(s) the level at which the incident should be managed. c. To prepare a Delegation of Authority for Line Officer(s) signature. d. To act as the representative for the respective Entity. e. To develop incident management objectives and agree on management actions5

needed. f. To initiate a written cost share agreement for Line Officer(s) approval with signatures prior to the end of the fire. (See Example in Wyoming Wildland Fire Resource Mobilization Guide) g. To agree to all expenditures whenever the suppression plan must be modified including mop-up, rehab and patrol after demobilization of the fire. 1) The Incident Commander/Unified Command will provide the Unit Administrator Group with an estimated fire cost daily. 2) The Incident Commander/Unified Command and the Unit Administrator Group will reach mutual agreement when the fire situation is such that the group can be demobilized. Delegation of Authority: It is recognized that initial attack and rapidly expanding incidents often involve multijurisdictions. Determining the appropriate jurisdiction and obtaining delegations of authority in an efficient and effective manner is often difficult and may be further hampered by the remoteness of incidents in relation to Entities having authority and jurisdictional responsibility. The Entities which are party to the Annual Operating Plan agree that initial attack delegation will be valid until a qualified incident commander from the entity having jurisdiction is on scene, or a revised or updated incident specific delegation of authority is signed. The Incident Commander being delegated authority should be confirmed through the dispatch log for that position from the Interagency Dispatch Center. Incidents that have been declared as exceeding initial attack and transition to extended attack should have an incident specific delegation of authority in place as soon as possible. Preservation of Evidence/Fire Cause Determination: Each Entity is responsible for investigating and taking appropriate law enforcement action for all fires on lands under their jurisdiction. The initial attack Incident Commander will take all responsible precautions to preserve evidence found. Entities shall render mutual assistance in investigation and law enforcement activities and in court prosecutions to the fullest extent possible. Each Entity shall be responsible for fire-related law enforcement activities on wildfires that originate on their respective lands. To the extent permitted by Federal and State law, the protecting Entity will provide investigation files relative to the fire to the Jurisdictional Entity for legal action and/or prosecution.

REIMBURSEMENT OF INTERAGENCY FIRE RESOURCES Cost Share Agreement: In situations where an incident encompasses land under the protection or jurisdictional responsibility of more than one Entity, a cost share agreement will be initiated prior to fire being declared controlled and negotiated on a case-by-case basis Where agreement cannot be reached regarding incident strategies, tactics or costs, the discussion will be elevated to the next level of Entity administrators representing each Entity. For incidents that go beyond the reciprocal period (mutual aid) it should be noted in the Cost Share Agreement that reciprocal (mutual aid) period will not apply; all costs will begin at the start of the incident, unless otherwise specified by an individual district attachment. (i.e., For the sake of this cost share agreement, all costs will be collected from the beginning of the incident and no mutual aid period will apply.) Private Lands: Costs associated with the suppression of wildland fire on private land or structure protection of private structures against an active threat from an ongoing wildland fire are the responsibility of the protecting entity that has jurisdiction for that private property. These costs may be considered for inclusion in the cost share agreement for a wildland fire incident. Federal Lands w/Private Structures: The structure protection of privately owned structures on federal lands against an active threat from an ongoing wildland fire are the responsibility of the protecting Entity that has jurisdiction for the private structures. Structure protection responsibilities of the protecting Entity include actions taken directly on the structure or the immediate area surrounding structure. The federal agencies will be responsible for cost associated with keeping the fire from reaching the structures. These costs may be considered for inclusion in the cost share agreement for a wildland fire incident. Entities that elect not to suppress an ignition with intent to manage the fire for resource benefits are responsible for the cost associated with that fire. This includes the cost of protecting private land, structures and infrastructure, as well as other State and Federal managed lands, unless negotiated with the other affected jurisdiction. For incidents that have an initial response objective of protection (suppression) and it is later determined that there is also an opportunity to effectively manage a portion of the incident for resource benefit objectives, Entities should follow the standard cost share principles and many need to develop additional cost share agreements based on changes in the situation and objectives.

The protecting Entity is responsible for developing structure protection plans and coordinating with the incident management team to implement the plan. This could include the -protecting Entity preparing the plan themselves or working with the incident management team to obtain resources to prepare and implement the plan. The local Entity is responsible for determining any actions to be applied directly to a structure such as wrapping; applying foam, fire gels or other retardants; sprinkler on roofs, etc. State Trust Lands w/Private Structures: The structure protection of privately owned structures on state trust lands against an active threat from an ongoing wildland fire are the responsibility of the protecting Entity that has jurisdiction for the private structures. Structure protection responsibilities of the protecting Entity include actions taken directly on the structure of the immediate area surrounding structure. Wyoming State Forestry Division will be responsible for costs associated with keeping the fire from reaching the structures. These costs may be considered for inclusion in the cost share agreement for a wildland fire incident. Training: The Entities party to this agreement will coordinate wildland fire training locally, within the county, state and the Geographic Area. Communication Systems: Communication frequencies to be used for initial attack are included in Attachment B-5. All Entities will utilize the current year Standard Air to Ground naming convention adopted by the National Interagency Incident Communication Division. All Entities to this agreement give permission for the use of their respective entities radio frequencies for emergency use only including WyoLink. Aviation Operations: 1. Aerial resources may be used with prior approval of the jurisdictional Entity unless otherwise specified under “Special Management Considerations” of this plan. 2. Aerial resources will be paid for by the requesting Entity if prior approval has not been obtained. 3. Air to air and air to ground frequencies with designated ground contacts need to be established by dispatch. 4. Aviation use will be requested through the appropriate interagency dispatch center.

Billing Procedures: A. Federal Agencies will not bill each other for fire suppression. See Section C for State and County billings. B. Out of State: 1. When non-federal resources respond to incidents outside the State of Wyoming, bill should be submitted to WSFD Headquarters. 2. When non-federal resources respond outside the State of Wyoming to incidents that are under USDA Forest Service Jurisdiction or where the USDA Forest Service is the Lead Agency for Payment, Wyoming State Forestry Division will audit, may reimburse, and forward all completed bills for services to the USDA Forest Service at the address listed below in Section C. 3. When non-federal resources respond outside the State of Wyoming to incidents that are under US DOI Jurisdiction or where the U.S. DOI is the Lead Agency for Payment, Wyoming State Forestry Division will audit, may reimburse, and forward all completed bills for services to the appropriate DOI Agency at the address listed below in Section C. 4. Payment Due Dates: All bills will have a payment due date 30 days after the date of issuance. If payment cannot be made before the 30 days expire, then a 30-day extension, with oral or written justification, may be requested. Voucher difference statements will accompany any payment made than is different that the amount billed. 5. Disputed Billings: Written notice that a bill is contested will be mailed to the billing agency within 30 days of issuance of the final bill, and will fully explain the area of dispute. Contested items will be resolved within the designated waiver period. 6. Fire Cost Meeting: The Entities that are party to the cost share agreement will gather their suppression costs and meet to discuss these costs. Contested items will be resolved by signature parties if consensus cannot be reached, these costs will be elevated to the next higher level of management for resolution. After costs for fire suppression have been agreed upon then a bill will be issued to the owing party. 7. All supporting Entities are subject to examination and audit for three years after final payment. 8. In order to receive EFT payments, Wyoming counties shall register in SAM, www.sam.gov, and follow the instructions online. C. In-State: 1. When State or County resources are used and the fire management activity is within the State of Wyoming, the State or County will bill either: WSFD or the protecting host unit. 2. When the State is the jurisdictional Agency, the Federal Agencies will submit their individual billings to the State and the State will reimburse each individual Agency.

When the County is the jurisdictional entity, the Federal Agencies may submit their individual billings to the County and the County will reimburse each individual Agency. 3. Payment for Wyoming State/County resources will be made direct to the appropriate State/County identified in the billing. The State will coordinate billing questions or disputes with the appropriate County. D. Billing Addresses: All bills for services provided to the Wyoming State Forestry Division or to counties will be submitted to addresses identified in the Appropriate Annual Operating Plans or as listed below: All bills for services provided to Wyoming State Forestry Division will be submitted to: Wyoming State Forestry Division Headquarters Office 5500 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82002 All bills for services provided to a County in Wyoming: Refer to the Wyoming Wildland Fire Resource Mobilization Guide on the following website for the County are you to bill: http://wsfd.wyo.gov/fire-management/fire-business All bills for services provided to the Bureau of Reclamation will be mailed to: Deputy Area Manager Bureau of Reclamation, Dakotas Area Office P.O. Box 1017 Bismarck, ND 58502 All bills for services provided to the Rocky Mountain Region – Forest Service will be mailed to: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region Attn: Incident Business – Regional Budget Office 1617 Cole Boulevard, Building 17 Lakewood, CO 80401-3305 All bills for services provided to the Intermountain Region – Forest Service will be mailed to: USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Region Attn: Incident Business – Regional Budget Office 324 25th Street Ogden, UT 84401 All bills for services provided out of state to the DOI Department of Interior/BLM will be mailed to: BLM Wyoming State office Attn: Fire Program Analyst P.O. Box 1828 5353 Yellowstone Road Cheyenne, WY 82009 All bills for services provided in state to the DOI Department of Interior/BLM will be mailed to appropriate BLM WY District: BLM High Plains District Attention: Fire Management Officer 2987 Prospector Drive Casper, WY 82604 BLM Wind River/Bighorn Basin District Attention: Fire Business Specialist 101 S. 23rd Street P.O. Box 119 Worland, WY 82401 BLM High Desert District Attention: Fire Business Specialist 280 Highway 191 North Rock Springs, WY 82901 All bills for services provided to the DOI Department of Interior/NPS Intermountain Region will be mailed to: NPS – Intermountain Region Attn: Fire Budget Analyst 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Lakewood, CO 80228

All bills for services provided to the DOI Department of Interior/BIA will be mailed to: Bureau of Indian Affairs – Rocky Mountain Region Branch of Fire & Forestry Attn: Budget Analyst 2021 4th Avenue North Billings, MT 59101 All bills for services provided to the DOI Department of Interior/FWS will be mailed to: US Fish & Wildlife Service Mountain Prairie Region 6 134 Union Blvd, Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80226 E. The non-federal Entities of Wyoming are cooperators, not contractors. Reference the Wyoming Wildland Fire Resource Mobilization Guide (Mini Mob Guide) for Wyoming Firefighters Pay Plan and Equipment Use Rates. Emergency Equipment Rental Agreements will only be executed for equipment not listed above. F. The Jurisdictional Entity is not obligated to reimburse the Supporting Entity for costs incurred during the Reciprocal (Mutual Aid) period unless otherwise specified in a cost share agreement. G. Fire Numbers: Entities will share their respective individual fire numbers for cross referencing purposes. H. Billing Estimates/Time Frames: On fires where costs are incurred pursuant to the terms of this agreement, the billing Entity shall submit a bill or estimate for reimbursement as soon as possible, but not later than 120 days after the fire is controlled. If the total cost is not known at the time of initial billing, a partial bill, so identified, may be submitted. A final bill, so identified, will be issued within 270 days after control of the fire. Billing deadlines set forth herein are intended merely to encourage prompt billing, and failure to meet billing deadlines shall not be construed as a release or waiver of claims for reimbursement against the other Entity. For obligation purposes, the Federal Entities will submit unpaid obligatory figures to the nonfederal Entities by May 15. The non-federal Entities will submit unpaid obligatory figures to the appropriate federal Entity by Sept. 15 for the previous federal fiscal year. After the final billing has been sent and additional costs are identified, a supplemental billing may be issued if agreeable to applicable Entities. I. Billing Content: A separate bill will be submitted for each fire. Bills or State Form WSFD41, Exhibit B Invoice Form for Wyoming Firefighters and Equipment (WSFD-41) will be summarized by major categories. Bills or WSFD-41 will include incident name, location, accounting code, jurisdictional unit, incident number, appropriate resource order number, inclusive dates, and will be supported by originals or copies of the following: Fire Time Reports, OF-288 Summary of travel charges Equipment Use Invoice and Daily Shift Tickets Credit card bill, list of purchases Cost Share Agreement, when applicable Copy of Resource Order For out of state resources used on state or private land incidents, their bills will be sent to the address below. Wyoming State Forestry Division will either make payment or forward the bill to the appropriate Entity for payment. Shielah Esterholdt Wyoming State Forestry Division 5500 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82002 Cost Recovery: The Authorized Representatives of affected Entities will attempt to reach mutual agreement, as soon as possible after a fire start, on the strategy that will be used to recover suppression costs and damages from the individuals liable for such costs and damages. Such strategy may alter interagency billing procedures, timing and content as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Any Entity may independently pursue civil actions against individuals to recover suppression costs and damages.

GENERAL PROVISIONS Personnel Policy: Employees of the Entities to this Agreement shall be subject to the personnel rules, law and regulations of their respective Entity, unless they are employed temporarily by another Entity to this Agreement and the authority under which such temporary employment is authorized provides that such employees shall be subject to the employing Entity’s personnel laws and regulations. Modifications: Modifications within the scope of this Operating Plan shall be made by mutual consent of the Entities, by the issuance of a written modification request with a minimum of 20 day notice, signed and dated by all Entities, prior to any changes being performed. No Entity is obligated to fund any changes not properly approved in advance. Annual Review: This Annual Operating Plan is reviewed annually. Wyoming State Forestry Division will be the lead Entity responsible for preparing the plan. Duration of Agreement: This Annual Operating Plan remains in effect until superseded. This plan becomes effective on the date signed by each Entity. It may be terminated upon 20 days written notice to all Entities. Sovereign Immunity: The parties do not waive sovereign immunity by entering into this Agreement and specifically retain immunity and all defenses available to them pursuant to State and Federal law.”

Doug Dumont, County Planner, presented two building certificates from Christopher and Aubrey Atwood and Mark & Carol Bettridge and both were approved. Planner Dumont also presented a simple subdivision request made by Leander & Gayle Mausbach who requested to divide an approximately 6.71-acre parcel and again, the board approved the division of land.

The board of directors for the Y-O Ranch Improvement and Service District presented an approved resolution authorizing the collection a special assessment for the purpose of operations and maintenance of existing paved roads and the improvement of Coyote Drive. The board agree to approve Resolution No. 2023-06 approving the collection of charges for the Y-O Ranch Improvement and Service District.

“Concerning the YO Improvement District collection, the roads in the YO Ranch Estates subdivision are private roads and an Improvement District was established years ago for the purpose of improving the roads,” Ervin said. “The board of directors of the YO Ranch ISD previously paved Main Drive and Antelope Drive. The YO ISD Board requested to collect from homeowners within the ISD in order to maintain the paved roads. Their board is also collecting funds for the purpose of improving Coyote Drive.”

Discussion was then made as to the contentions going on with the current board  and homeowners along YO Ranch road and a scenario was brought forth that if one more board member would resign from the YO board, the Platte County Commmissioners would have to step in to either find another member or they would have to vote to dissolve the current board and at which point, allocations of all funds would be put into an account until it could be determined who would take over the projects for the Y-O Ranch Improvement and Service District.

Platte County Resolution No. 2023-06: A Resolution Approving The Collection of Charges for the

Y-O Ranch Improvement And Service District

WHEREAS, pursuant to Wyoming State Statutes (W.S.) §18-12-112(a)(xxi), each Improvement & Service District Board of Directors shall have the authority to establish and collect charges for the use of any improvement to cover the cost of operating and maintaining the improvement; and

WHEREAS, those charges must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners; and,

WHEREAS, on the 12^th day of March 2023, the Y-O Ranch Improvement & Service District Board of Directors (“Board”) declared, by resolution, their intent to establish a special assessment; and,

WHEREAS, the Platte County Clerk provided adequate notice to owners of the property to be assessed pursuant to W.S. §18-12-117(a); and,

WHEREAS, on the 25^th day of April 2023, the Board authorized, by resolution, a special assessment for the purpose of operations and maintenance of existing paved roads and upgrading Coyote Road; and,

WHEREAS, sufficient objections to the proposed charges were not made by owners or agents representing property subject to 30 percent (30%) or more of the projected dollar assessments; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Platte County Commissioners that pursuant to W.S. §18-12-112(a)(xxi), the request made by the Y-O Ranch Improvement & Service District Board of Directors to establish and collect charges as detailed in the attached Exhibit A are approved.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Platte County Assessor shall prepare a local assessment roll and deliver the same, duly certified, to the County Treasurer for collection, pursuant to W.S. §18-12-118(b).

An informational item brought to the board from Platte County Economic Development Director, Tracy de Ryk provided information that the former Burger King building was purchased and a business that was not yet revealed is planning to open operations in December. It was also stated that the former Drube Supply at 609 16th Street was sold to Ace Hardware. The existing Ace Hardware, located at 2304 Fertig Drive will be moving their inventory and begin operations at the 16th Street location. It was not disclosed as to the name of the new owner or what would become of the existing Ace Hardware building.

As a final item, the board received a proposed land exchange that would affect Albany County. Resolution No. 2023-07 was brought forth opposing the Britania Land Exchange and within the resolution, it was stated, “Be it further resolved that the Board of County Commissioners of Platte County, Wyoming, are opposed to, formally object to the proposed land exchange and support our neighbors in Albany County in their opposition to the Britania Land Exchange.”