Dusty Piney, alerting Paradise discussed

by Cat Urbigkit

Sublette County Commissioners met in Pinedale for a full day of business on Tuesday, Nov. 1, starting with a discussion of county roads.

Commission Chair Betty Fear said she'd received another complaint about dust on South Piney Road. She said she'd told the complaining party to call Dan Budd, since Budd owns the property the road runs through. The county holds a written easement for the road, but that easement prohibits any improvements to the road without Budd's consent.

County Road Superintendent Butch Penton said his crews applied a non-corrosive dust control substance on the road a few months ago.

"If you've already put something on it, hey, let's do it again," Fear said, adding, "Make sure you let us know when you do it, because it may wind up in litigation."

Commissioner Bill Cramer said Budd is concerned that the dust control will speed up traffic on the road.

"Well, I'm sure it does," Penton said.

Penton said his crews have been out working to "straighten out the bad hill on Paradise Road." Commissioner John Linn noted the work so far has already been an improvement.

The commission decided to hold off on a decision for the southern alteration of Paradise Road until its Dec. 18 meeting. Linn noted that the Wyoming Department of Transportation has already designed the turning lane from Highway 351 to Paradise Road.

Linn also suggested that a turning lane should be constructed at the junction of Highway 351 at County Road 110, the East Green River Road.

The commission agreed to hold a hearing on altering the Pocket Creek Road to move the road away from Doc Jensen's yard and shop.

Pinedale Trash Transfer Station operator Garry Eiden Sr. asked the commission to consider adjusting his contract to account for increased fuel and labor costs.

Linn noted that fuel surcharges are now common place, but said he doesn't know how to address the labor costs, short of renegotiating the contract.

The commission was receptive to the idea of adjusting the contract, with Cramer suggesting Eiden come back to the commission with a cost comparison and a specific cost proposal.