Articles written by Mark Westenskow


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  • Notes from Town Square: Trees will be replaced

    Mark Westenskow, Director of Public Works|May 10, 2017

    You may be aware that the trees near the Depot are being removed. Here is some information on how and why this decision was made. In late 2013, the city of Rock Springs approached the city of Green River about the alignment of one of their proposed sixth-penny projects, a second water main from the Joint Powers Water Board plant in Green River to Rock Springs. Both cities buy water from the same treatment plant, located in Green River, but Rock Springs has to pump their water a lot further. Because the water treatment plant is physically locate...

  • Notes from Town Square: Q and A about privatization

    Mark Westenskow, Director of Public Works|Apr 12, 2017

    In response to the recent utility rate analysis that recommends raising the residential garbage rate by $10-$12 per month, several calls have been published in the media for the City of Green River to privatize its garbage system. On the surface this certainly seems to be a reasonable option to consider as the City struggles to address rising costs within its changing garbage system. But would privatization really address the underlying issues that are driving the rising costs? This article will attempt to outline some of the issues driving...

  • Notes from Town Square: Decisions help control costs

    Mark Westenskow, Public Works Director|Dec 21, 2016

    With the upcoming closure of the Green River City Landfill and the construction of the Transfer Station, many people are asking questions about how and why we are pursuing these actions, and what the city’s garbage system will look like in the future. We at the Public Works Department wanted to take this opportunity to let people know a little bit of the background on how the system has evolved in the last few years, and how the decisions that have been made related to the city’s garbage system have been intended to limit cost increases and...

  • Notes from Town Square: Supporting redevelopment

    Mark Westenskow, City Engineer and Utilities Manager|Sep 16, 2015

    The term economic development may convey different meanings to different people. Some may envision stores, restaurants, and office buildings. Others may see new residential neighborhoods or apartment complexes. For the City of Green River Engineering Division, economic development relies on the infrastructure that undergirds and supports our community. The city’s engineering division is charged with improving the infrastructure – water, sewer, storm, and streets – that make it possible to live, work and play in our beautiful city. We have...