September 2022 Newsletter

September 2022 Newsletter

Dear Community of Red Lodge,

Fall is such a pretty time of year here in Red Lodge, with the leaves beginning to change colors, often a bit calmer in many regards.  City Hall, however, has been a busy place!  

This past quarter has largely focused on the issues regarding the June flood.  The State’s repairs of Highway 212 here in town are continuing, with paving expected in the next couple weeks.  City Public Works is wrapping up with replacing the damaged or washed-out water lines in time for winter- no small feat given the extensive repairs and replacements- in addition to completing the already planned water main projects.  The Planning Department has been working to ensure that permitting repairs are in order to stay within State and Federal requirements.  The Administrative department is continuing to work with State and Federal agencies to keep track of expenses and funding options.  Law Enforcement continues to participate in reviewing City procedures for future emergency situations.  All of these tasks are typically done in collaboration with County and State officials to ensure issues are addressed in a timely, fiscally, and community-responsible manner.  The biggest questions still awaiting answers include what is the likelihood this can happen again and with what frequency, and what can be done to remove or eliminate the items that contributed to the damages.  This week, representatives from FEMA will be in town to further assess debris removal.  We are also waiting on hydrology reports and a revised flood plain map.  If you have a specific question or concern, please do not hesitate to contact the City, and we will do our best to address it.  We will also continue to keep you informed at Council meetings and through the Carbon County News and the City website, so please stay tuned!   

Two new committees have been created.  One is the Short-Term Rental Committee, created to advise and give insight to the Planning Board on the efforts to evaluate STR regulations, and assist and advise the City on any recommendations to improve upon existing STR regulations.  This Committee is scheduled to last around 4 months.  The Urban Renewal Board is forming, and will be a good resource for input on issues when projects begin at the North entrance.  Council is also discussing the option of the City resuming operation of the recycling center, with an eye on doing what we can to keep our waste costs down, now and in the future.  

If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or questions, we at City Hall appreciate your input, and do our best to address your concerns.  Council meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 6 pm, and Committees meet during those days to work on issues that are arising- you are always welcome to attend!  The agendas and minutes are posted online at www.cityofredlodge.net.  

Best regards,

Kristen Cogswell, Mayor