A proposal to allow a one time catering permit that included alcohol sales at a weekly summer celebration in Afton resulted in a lengthy discussion and a 3-2 vote at a May 12 town council meeting.

Concerns centered around a county sales approved license conflicting with businesses already licensed for liquor sales within the Afton community.

Friday Night Lights, coordinated with the Town of Afton by Star Valley Events,  is scheduled on four evenings, May 22 and 29 and again on June 5 and 12 in the east parking area behind the Afton main street businesses.

The weekly event will include food, music, local makers and dance.

A  decision on a catering permit that would include the alcohol sales was tabled in a  3-2 vote because the event coordinator and the business with the liquor license was not present at the meeting for further questions.

Afton Budget

The new Afton Budget, Ordinance 708, was approved on Second reading. The total general fund is approximately $4.636 million. Changes in the budget include a full-time position for plan reviews and municipal code enforcement and the part time tourism and events director will go from part time to full time to assist with the Main Street Alliance.

Afton Airport

The Afton Airport is proving to be one of the busier community air facilities in the state.  Increased traffic at the airport was part of the Afton Town Council May 12 discussions.  With the increased use comes concerns for noise.

Reports show 3,943 aircraft operations since Jan. 1 of this year. The count shows Afton as the fifth busiest airport for general aviation in Wyoming.

Responding to concerns  about noise, the Afton town council asked for signage at the airport calling on pilots to lesson the impact by using the proper altitudes for arrivals and departures.

As part of the airport review at the council meeting, it was noted LED lights are part of a maintenance replacement program a the airport.

Rick Sessions was approved by the Town Council as a replacement for Rod Jensen who retired from the board.

The town directed the airport board to coordinate new positions on the board with the council when replacements are selected.

Afton Police Report

Total traffic stops to-date are at 1,621, many associated with traffic enforcement, according to a police report provided for the council.

A speed trailer to monitor traffic in Afton is under consideration at a cost of $9,462.

Related to traffic enforcement, the council passed Ordinance 706 on second reading allowing for reduced charges if a driver completes a defensive driving course. The program will be coordinated with Afton Municipal Court Judge Garren Stauffer.

Star Valley Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees asked for use of the Afton Civic Center, Nov. 20 and 21 to coincide with the annual Holiday Craft Fair in the county’s nearby exhibit buildings. Festival organizers are asking for a reduction in charges, noting proceeds from the event go to the three food banks in Star Valley.

Zoning Change

A motion approving Ordinance 707, a proposed subdivision area east of the Star Valley Health and south of Ninth Avenue,  for a change from Agriculture to Residential status was approved on second reading.