Citizen challenges trailer ordinance enforcement

A discussion about alleged uneven enforcement of the new town trailer parking ordinance dominated the opening minutes of the Lovell Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Jim and Deb Anderson attended the meeting and spoke during the public comments agenda item. Jim Anderson first showed the council photos of a truck he called “a major, major concern.” He said a “hazmat truck” with a tank that carries chemicals is often parked on West Seventh Street next to the school tennis courts, “almost every weekend.”

Anderson said the chemical the truck carries could be even more dangerous when the tank is empty because the fumes could explode if sparked. The Lovell Police Department is investigating the issue.

The Andersons then presented the council a list of trucks that are parked around town in violation of the trailer ordinance, with Deb Anderson noting, “What’s good for one should be good for all. … And that’s not happening. There are some trucks parked on a weekly basis.”

They noted an encounter the previous Saturday when a neighbor complained that their son, Philip, had parked a truck in front of the neighbor’s property, which led to a confrontation with an officer and the arrest of Philip for interference with a police officer.

“We wouldn’t even be here except for the incident where they took our son to Basin and his truck was impounded for parking on the street because the neighbor called it in,” Jim Anderson said. “It’s a city street, and he stopped to take a shower and a 30-minute break, which is required. The officer beat on the door.

“Yes, I was getting in his face, but I didn’t touch him,” Jim continued. “Why hasn’t (the neighbor) asked us to move the truck?”

Mayor Tom Newman said the best course of action would be to work with law enforcement on the issue. He did say that the ordinance on trailers being parked on town streets had been amended so that the parking prohibition kicks in later – October 1.

The council concluded the public comments portion of the agenda with a public hearing on a liquor license from Maverik Inc. to Maverik Group, LLC. There were no comments, and the council later voted to approve the transfer.

Annexation

Town administrator Jed Nebel said he has been working with contractor John Schneider about the possibility of annexing the first seven lots of the 5J Subdivision just east of the hospital, noting the possibility of annexing the lots as a transitional zone to allow a few animals due to the somewhat rural nature of the subdivision on the eastern edge of town.

The council voted to move ahead with the annexation process.

In other action the September 8 council meeting:

• Nebel gave an update on the Don Davis Subdivision, noting that he has informed Davis about a recommendation from DOWL Engineering to loop the proposed water system for the subdivision west of town and to consider annexation. Public Works Director Adrin Mayes said the looping is necessary for fire flow and fresh water.

• The council voted to approve three liquor catering permits for Silver Spur LLC, doing business as the Diamond J Bar: for an October 3 wedding at the community center, for an October 30 wedding at 310 Road 9 in Park County and for a rodeo benefit event on September 12 at the Lovell Rodeo Grounds.

• The council approved a budget amendment for the 2026-27 budget to correct a budgeting error regarding the police department salaries line item.

• Fall cleanup in town will be October 1 through November 25, according to a council vote.

• As required by state law, the council voted to appoint clerk/treasurer Colleen Tippetts as the employee with the authority to handle requests for public records. Nebel had been handling the duties, but it was noted that most of the requests come to Tippetts.

• Mayes said he has been talking with officials from other towns about mosquito control practices. He said some have an opt-out provision that allows a citizen to request that spraying not take place in front of their residence. He also said he has applied for grants to purchase backup generators for the sewer lagoons, community center and booster station.

• Nebel reported on the NEPA process set to begin soon for the Cottonwood Canyon Bike Trail System project. He said the process should be completed by next summer.

• Mayor Newman thanked those who made the music in the park search and rescue fundraiser a success on August 28. He said the event was attended by more than 400 people.