Thursday, February 5, 2026 |
Photo – Proposed land donation – Courtesy City of Rawlins
The Rawlins City Council voted not to accept donated industrial land.
During Tuesday evening’s Rawlins City Council meeting, elected officials declined to accept five undeveloped parcels west of the Rawlins Municipal Airport. As reported by Bigfoot99, Sinclair Land and Development, LLC, a Wyoming‑based property holdings company, offered a quitclaim deed to the City for five industrial lots on Bonanza and Piper streets. A quitclaim deed transfers ownership of a property without guaranteeing that the title is clear, valid, or free of liens. In this case, the parcels carry $780.48 in unpaid 2025 property taxes.
Speaking at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, City Attorney Pinita Maberry‑Nave said representatives from Sinclair Land and Development approached her about donating the five parcels. Attorney Maberry‑Nave said staff were hesitant to accept the offer unless the city had a clear use for the land.
The plan, which city staff devised, involved relocating the city’s asphalt manufacturing plant from the center of town to the industrial properties. Attorney Maberry‑Nave said the parcels have no liens, show no signs of contamination, and have clearly defined easements, adding that in her view, the deal would benefit the city.
Public Works Director Cody Dill addressed questions about future access to Bonanza and Piper streets should the city build a new asphalt plant on the donated lots. Dill assured the Council that the surrounding areas can be reached from other roads.
Councilman Derek Elliot said the City already owns several properties it intends to sell and questioned the rationale for relocating the asphalt plant closer to a residential neighborhood.
Mayor Jacquelin Wells clarified that the city would not be purchasing the land; it would be a gift.
Public Works Director Dill acknowledged that the donated parcels are close to homes on Glasgow Boulevard, but said the area already contains two other asphalt plants. Relocating the city’s plant to the site would consolidate all asphalt operations in a single location.
If the donation is accepted, Councilman Terry Patterson asked if the existing asphalt plant would be moved to the newly acquired land. Dill responded that he would like to build an entirely new facility, adding that relocating the plant from its current site would improve the City’s appearance. However, with an estimated cost of $4 to $5 million, the public works director acknowledged the project is still in the early planning phase.
Councilwoman Tonya Lewman asked what the existing property would be used for if the asphalt plant is moved. Dill said he hasn’t identified an alternative use, saying anything would be better than the piles of gravel and aging asphalt facility that exists there now. Councilwoman Lewman noted that the city could sell the property.
Councilman Elliot asked if the aging plant could produce enough mix to keep road maintenance operations going until a new facility is built. Public Works Director Dill replied that he will use the old plant until it is no longer functional. After that, he will bring in a small portable plant to bridge the gap.
Councilman Bruce Seialff asked how soon the property would need to be fenced off and where the money to do so would come from. Dill said a fence won’t be needed right away. Instead, the public works director said he plans to remove all debris from the property, conduct a survey, and develop a path forward.
Vice Mayor Darril Garner said he lives near the existing asphalt plant. He described a time when the wind blew dust and a foul smell into his home. Vice Mayor Garner said the proposed location would place the facility in even greater proximity to a residential neighborhood.
Vice Mayor Garner asked Dill how he would prevent the wind from blowing dust into the neighborhood, noting that failing to address the issue would violate the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act of 1973. The public works director said the idea is still in the concept phase with a lot of planning left to do. However, Dill said he will address the Vice Mayor’s concerns through dust‑control measures and by constructing a newer‑style asphalt plant.
Vice Mayor Garner asked if the City needs additional industrial‑zoned property. The vice mayor said that unless there is a demonstrated need for such land, he would prefer to see the parcels go to a private developer.
Otherwise, Vice Mayor Garner said he would oppose the donation, adding that the city should be purchasing its asphalt from private companies instead of manufacturing road mix itself. Public Works Director Cody Dill said fresh asphalt isn’t always available from private vendors and noted that the city is saving money by producing the road mix in house.
Before calling for a vote, Mayor Jacquelin Wells thanked Henry Hewitt and John MacPherson of Sinclair Land and Development for offering the parcels to the city. Mayor Wells said in her opinion, the properties will benefit the community.
Despite the mayor’s optimism, the motion to accept the five parcels of land failed on a vote of three in favor, three against, and one abstention. Mayor Wells and Councilmen Patterson and Seilaff voted for the proposal. Vice Mayor Garner, Councilman Steve Sanger, and Councilman Elliott voted against it, and Councilwoman Lewman abstained.
Following the vote, City Attorney Pinita Maberry‑Nave asked if the Council had voted against the plan to build a new asphalt batch plant or the donation itself. Councilman Sanger said the motion was about the property, and that was what the Council voted on.
Councilman Derek Elliott said he voted against both the donation and the proposed asphalt plant. With the motion failing, the city will not accept the five industrial parcels from Sinclair Land and Development.
