LETTER: SV councilor questions town hall deal

Editor:
On Wednesday, March 31, a special meeting of the Star Valley Common Council was held for the purpose of determining a location for our Town Hall. Since the council decision on this matter involved spending a considerable amount of taxpayer money, an explanation of how we arrived at this decision is in order. I realize people are busy and cannot always attend council meetings even though council decisions ultimately affect all our lives.

Since incorporation, Star Valley has been leasing a building from Ray Lyons for the purpose of conducting town government business. Recent bankruptcy has transferred ownership of that building to Kyle Parker which required a new lease to be negotiated with Star Valley. A new proposal with a 5 year lease and a 10% rate increase was presented to Star Valley. The town manager determined this
proposal as unacceptable. No counter offer was presented to Parker and negotiations broke down.

Parker later offered a one year lease which was also rejected. It is interesting to note that our council hurried to present a letter of intent to purchase the town hall from Lyons before bankruptcy occurred.

After bankruptcy, and a change of ownership, the council wanted no part of a lease or purchase. In fact, boxes were packed to move to the SRJ building before a council meeting was held on the issue. Several people have suggested that due to the friction caused from the bankruptcy, the council was used as a “tool” to prevent Star Valley from leasing or purchasing the town hall from Parker. You be the judge.

To say the least, it is difficult and frustrating as a councilman to make knee jerk decisions with very little information. Even though we were given several options to lease or purchase different locations around town, the council showed little or no interest. The agenda was focused around purchasing the old SRJ building as though that was our only option. My suggestion to elect a committee to investigate our options was ignored.

I questioned the provisions for water since the well was not located on the SRJ property. The council was given a 21 page report on compliance with potable water standards at the beginning of the meeting which, of course, allowed no time to review its contents. No information was given on the town’s responsibilities and rights concerning maintenance, operational costs, ownership etc. of the well. No information was available concerning the septic system which is also located off the SRJ property.

The council was not informed of the price of the SRJ property until the council meeting started. No appraisal was conducted. Because of the limited capacity of the SRJ building, it will only accommodate town staff operations. Council meetings will have to be conducted elsewhere. Parking is very limited.

Public input was not officially allowed until after voting to purchase the SRJ property was completed. Overall response from the public was against the purchase. Employees from Hellsgate Fire Department that previously leased the SRJ building commented that the water was not fit to drink and the electrical wiring was inadequate for accommodating computers.

These are a few of the questions and concerns that myself and the public had and the reason I voted no on the motion to purchase the SRJ property. The motion to purchase the old SRJ property passed 4 to 1.

Your tax dollars at work.

Gary Coon,
Star Valley Town Council