Mayor Morton Levinson's 'State of the Town'

In mid-February Mayor Hailey Morton Levinson delivered her 'State of the Town' address. She chronicled her tenth year on Town Council and second as Mayor. Morton Levinson highlighted the SPET election; continued work on water quality; the police department's work to improve its Spanish language skills and focus on mindfulness; new housing projects for community members; recommendations from the Equity Task Force; and work of the Ecosystem Administrator including bear resistant trashcans that will be required in a specific zone in Town as of April 1. The Mayor touched on positive feedback the Town has received from community members and visitors about everything from new sidewalks emergency response. She made a point to thank the Town's snowplow crews who have been working round the clock this snowy winter. The Mayor closed with a quote from former US Secretary of Health, Kathleen Sibelius who said, “The essence of good government is trust” and she shared, "I firmly believe this to be true and pledge to continue to build and solidify trust in the Town of Jackson by delivering good government to our community and visitors." CLICK HERE to watch the 'State of the Town.'

Staff Highlight: Chief Stephen P. Jellie

Chief Stephen P. Jellie was appointed Fire Chief of Jackson Hole Fire/EMS in November of 2022. Jellie came to Teton County from northern New York State where he was the City Manager and Fire Chief for the City of Ogdensburg. Jellie began his professional career as a civilian firefighter at Fort Drum, New York where he progressed through the ranks quickly, and was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief and then assigned to Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. In 2002, Chief Jellie was appointed to the US Secret Service as Team Leader for the Hazardous Agent Mitigation Medical Emergency Response unit to provide emergency service support to the President of the United States. This unit soon became part of the Department of Homeland Security and Jellie’s knowledge and experience assisted with the creation of emergency response frameworks and systems required by Congress after 9/11. Later, Chief Jellie served as Fire Chief for US Forces and locations in Afghanistan, and before retiring from federal service was the Regional Incident Management Team Leader and Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Jellie moved to Jackson with his wife and two young sons who are all excited to explore the Tetons. Welcome and thank you for your service Chief Jellie!

Council Action This Month

In February, Town Council took the following actions. Along with the County Commission, Council authorized Parks & Rec to begin a 45-day public comment period for proposed fees and discounts starting in 2024. Council approved liquor license renewal applications for the 23/24 license year, including a renewal for 'The Rose' under new ownership; approved a Subdivision Plat for Condominiums at 430 & 440 W. Kelly Avenue; approved a Development Plan for two four-story apartment buildings on South Park Loop Road; directed the Town Manager to draft a Scoping Staff Report about indoor smoking and vaping; and approved an amendment to this year’s budget. Council directed staff to amend the Town's code and present an Ordinance about construction management plans; approved and directed staff to draft an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit for the Snow King Gondola and adjacent property; approved an Amendment to the Town's Land Development Regulations related to minimum density in a specific zone; approved a Development Plan for a future 2-lot subdivision at 180 Aspen Drive; and directed the Town Attorney to draft a contract for employment with the Town Manger candidate for Council to consider.

GRATITUDE, Winter in Jackson Takes a Village!

THANK YOU RIDGELINE EXCAVATION! This past Friday night the Town's Public Works department got a call about flooding on Deloney Avenue. An avalanche on East Gros Ventre Butte created a pile of snow so big it was blocking Flat Creek, so the excess water began flowing toward the Loaf N' Jug gas station and Meadowbrook Townhomes. Surveying the scene, Town staff determined they did not have an excavator big enough to clear the snow from the creek, but luckily Ridgeline Excavation answered the late night call to help. Ridgeline sent an excavator and operator to help and by 2:00am there a trench had been created, which got the creek flowing again. In addition, earlier this winter, Terra Firma donated its time, energy, and equipment to sort, grind, and haul christmas trees, to ensure these trees are repurposed and recylced. With an extra snowy winter and a short-staffed streets crew, this was a huge help. THANK YOU TERRA FIRMA!

Animal Shelter's Pet of the Month

This cat named 'Squeeze' is a big hunk of kitty love. He does well around other cats and dogs, as long as he gets plenty of pets! Squeeze enjoys chatting, chilling, and getting lots of attention and, of course ...squeezes. With his big soulful eyes and freckled nose, Squeeze will march his way right into your heart and stay there for good. It seems impossible that Squeeze has not been snatched up yet. Please help us find his forever home!

Don't Forget About Bears Just Because It's Winter!

Starting April 1, 2023 neighbors in the 'Bear Conflict Zone' must store trash in bear-resistant cans or enclosures.

Click Here for detailed information and a map.

Start planning now so you are ready when bears emerge in the spring!