2022 WCCA Board Retreat

2022 WCCA Board Retreat

May 4-6

Jackson, Wyoming

Wednesday, May 4

The Wort Hotel

A social hour and celebration with former WCCA staff members, Kelli Little and Bailey Brennan, was held, followed by dinner. President Jim Willox (Converse County) thanked them both for their work with the WCCA.

Thursday, May 5

National Museum of Wildlife Art

I. Welcome

President Jim Willox (Converse County) called the meeting to order at 8:30am and led with the pledge of allegiance; breakfast and lunch were provided. President Willox thanked sponsors and Business Partners for their support.

II. Commissioner and Staff Introductions

Board members present: WCCA President Jim Willox (Converse County), WCCA Vice President Bill Novotny (Johnson County), WCCA Treasurer Natalia Macker (Teton County), Heber Richardson (Albany County), Felix Carrizales (Big Horn County), Del Shelstad (Campbell County), Sue Jones (Carbon County), Fred Devish (Crook County), Travis Becker (Fremont County for Michael Jones), Tom Ryan (Hot Springs County), Gunnar Malm (Laramie County), Robert King (Lincoln County), Paul Bertoglio (Natrona County), Lee Livingston (Park County), Ian Jolovich (Platte County for Steve Shockley), Nick Siddle (Sheridan County), Joel Bousman (Sublette County), Jeff Smith (Sweetwater

County), Fred Frandson (Washakie County), and Ed Wagoner (Weston County).

Also present were WCCA staff Jerimiah Rieman (ED), Britney Butler (Executive Assistant), and Micah Christensen (Incoming Natural Resource Counsel). A handful of Business Partners were in attendance throughout the retreat.

ED Rieman mentioned the Teton County welcome bags that included a pair of Give’r gloves with the WCCA logo (made in Jackson). Additionally, each county was given a print of the art that was commissioned with artist, Bria Hammock. Each county was given a print of the piece titled, Under One Sky and the WCCA printed notecards of the piece titled, The Pack.

III. Approval of Minutes

Nick Siddle (Sheridan County) moved approval of the following minutes: 2021 Spring Board Meeting, May 19; 2021 Spring Meeting, May 20th-21; 2021 Fall Meeting at WACO, September 21-23; and the 2022 Legislative Conference, February 21-23. Fred Frandson (Washakie County) seconded; motion carried.

IV. Update from the Governor’s Office

President Willox introduced Renny McKay, Policy Director, Office of Governor Mark Gordon. Mr. MacKay provided an update on energy, the Wyoming economy, ARPA funding, the Governor’s Survive, Drive and Thrive strategy, Yellowstone’s 150th Anniversary, work with the Forest Service, wildlife management, SLIB, grant writing allocation tools, and FNRPA.

V. Session Recap and Interim Legislative Committee Updates

ED Rieman provided an overview of the 66th Legislative Budget Session. ED Rieman also mentioned Susan Bigelow, Bigelow Grant Writing Services, is on contract to work with counties.

VI. Strategic Plan Review and Discussion

President Willox mentioned the Executive Committee met recently to discuss the strategic plan and policies and noted the WCCA staff had a retreat in December in Saratoga. ED Rieman reviewed the documents that were provided and discussed the goals, updated vision, mission and strategic direction and the values and commitments. Gunnar Malm (Laramie County) moved approval of the strategic plan, to include removing the word elected in the mission. Fred Frandson (Washakie County) seconded; motion carried.

VII. WCCA Policies and Bylaws Review and Discussion

ED Rieman stated there was nothing to present and President Willox noted the last update included the addition of Veterans Affairs to the WCCA Transportation Committee.

VIII. Natural Resource Policy and Activities

ED Rieman stated there were no updates and that Micah Christensen will start with the office soon.

IX. Financial Report

Treasurer Macker (Teton County) provided a brief financial update. Topics included: quarterly reports, financial reviews, future assistance/commissioner involvement, deferred revenue reporting and FNRPA funding. ED Rieman noted the WCCA is working with a new accounting firm, 1st Accounting Solutions.

X. FY23 Budget Discussion

ED Rieman reviewed the documents provided to the Board. ED Rieman discussed the FY23 proposed county dues increase from $375,000 to $475,000. Lee Livingston (Park County) moved approval of the dues increase, with a note that the population formula will change each year with the most recent census. Bob King (Lincoln County) seconded; motion carried.

ED Rieman discussed the budget: staff salary, the business partner account balancer, and adjusting the deferred major maintenance annual budget transfer from $5,000 to $2,500. Fred Frandson (Washakie County) moved approval. Paul Bertoglio (Natrona County) seconded; motion carried.

ED Rieman discussed ballot initiatives with a recommendation of using up to $10,000 from savings to fund independent expenditures. Gunnar Malm (Laramie County) moved approval. Sue Jones (Carbon County) seconded; motion carried.

XI. Executive Session

The Board went into Executive session.

XII. Good of the Order

President Willox thanked the Board for their support and thanked staff for their work. President Willox asked attendees to meet in the lobby of The Wort if they’d like to tour the Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation Parks Building and the Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Fire Station. Evening events included a gathering at the Roadhouse Pub & Eatery and then the WCCA Board dined with Business Partners at various locations.

Thursday, May 6

The Wort Hotel

President Willox called the meeting to order at 9:00am; breakfast was provided.

President Willox thanked everyone for attending the previous day’s events. Business Partners spoke and provided brief overviews of their companies.

Board Roundtable

ED Rieman provided an overview of gaming, topics included: the commission, the liquor division, licenses, and regulatory authority. Cowboy Skill provided remarks.

ED Rieman also provided an overview of inter-governmental charges (e.g., WYDOT) and wildlife crossings and his discussion with Governor Gordon and stated he will email the Board more information.

Speakers

The following speakers presented to the Board: April Norton, Jackson/Teton County Affordable Housing Department, who discussed workforce/affordable housing solutions, Jim Daubert, First Concord, who discussed healthcare cost plans and solutions and Johnathan Shuffield, NACo, who discussed public lands policy issues.

President Willox adjourned the 2022 WCCA Board Retreat.