Votes at a glance: Laramie Council approves meters, license transfer, grants and procedural updates

Laramie — The Laramie City Council on Feb. 17 approved a batch of routine and programmatic items, including a contract to buy 600 smart water meters, a retail liquor‑license transfer, grant application support for mosquito control, recreation project priorities, and changes to boards/commissions procedures.

Meters: The council approved awarding a contract to Metron‑Farnier Inc. for up to $232,200 to purchase 600 three‑quarter‑inch smart water meters as part of an ongoing replacement program. Director Webb said the program is about 55% complete of roughly 9,500 meters; the meters support near‑real‑time readings, leak detection and temperature monitoring. The motion passed by roll call, 7–0 (2 absent).

Liquor license: Council approved transfer of retail liquor license No. 12 from AB Laramie LLC (formerly Applebee’s) to Big D Oil Company (Big D #27) at 2901 E. Grand Ave., contingent on completion of sale and required construction/permits. The city clerk explained the applicant plans to remove a car wash and create a separate alcohol room so minors can remain in the store. Vote: 7–0 (2 absent).

Grants and projects: The council authorized submission of a Wyoming Department of Agriculture Emergency Insect Management Program grant application for $45,940 (50/50 match) for mosquito control and approved recreation project priorities totaling $372,273.45 for Albany County mill levy consideration. Both motions passed unanimously by those present.

Boards and rules: On first reading the council introduced Ordinance No. 21‑17 to update municipal code language for boards and commissions to align terms and bylaws; that introduction passed (roll call recorded 6–0 with three members absent). The council also amended and adopted Resolution 2026‑17 revising rules of procedure (quarterly town‑hall scheduling, web‑attendance allowances and an 'emeritus' designation for long‑serving board members). The amendment and final resolution passed on roll calls recorded in the meeting minutes.

Postponed item: The council postponed action on a proposed lease/sublease financing arrangement for City Hall improvements to March 3 after extended public comment and council discussion. Municipal adviser Todd Bishop warned that missing the March 3 closing could require reconfirming the lender rate.

Votes and notable motions from the meeting (summary):

- Consent agenda approved (motion by O'Doherty): 7 yes, 0 no, 2 absent.
- Award contract for 600 water meters to Metron‑Farnier Inc., not to exceed $232,200 (Lockhart): 7–0, 2 absent.
- Transfer retail liquor license No. 12 to Big D Oil Company (Fried): 7–0, 2 absent.
- Postpone resolution 2026‑22 (lease financing) to March 3 (Newman): 7–0, 2 absent.
- Approve mosquito grant application (Fried): 7–0, 2 absent.
- Approve recreation project priorities ($372,273.45) (Fried): 7–0, 2 absent.
- Introduce Ordinance No. 21‑17 (Newman) — first reading: 6–0, 3 absent.
- Adopt amended Resolution 2026‑17 (rules of procedure): recorded roll call 6–0, 3 absent.

The council adjourned after non‑agenda public comments.