Dispatchers honored at meeting

Jensen Jennings
Posted 4/22/21

On Tuesday, April 20, the Torrington City Council met for their second meeting of the month

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Dispatchers honored at meeting

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TORRINGTON – On Tuesday, April 20, the Torrington City Council met for their second meeting of the month where they honored the hardworking women of the Torrington Police Department’s dispatch center.

The recognition and words of thanks came one week after National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. 

“[Dispatchers] are important to the City of Torrington and to Goshen County,” said Torrington Mayor Randy Adams. “To the three police departments, sheriff’s department, nine fire departments, five Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and to the 12,500 people they serve.”

When Adams finished thanking the dispatchers for all their hard work, Torrington Chief of Police Matt Johnson stood up and spoke about the appreciation he has for all the hard work the dispatchers do to keep the community safe.

“We hoped this could be a night where we could really celebrate you ladies,” Johnson said. “Unfortunately, today has been a day of a lot of sadness. It doesn’t feel like a time for celebration, but it does feel like a time to say thank you. You’re the voice in the darkness that takes care of them when they need help.”

After honoring the dispatchers, Adams presented his informational items. The first informational item of the night was regarding the water leak in one of the main water lines at the upper end of Ridge road.

“The leak began late evening on the 11th and was shut off, but not before the water had washed out a 70-foot by 15-foot hole, collapsing the street,” Adams said. “The City of Torrington Water Department was quickly able to secure a temporary patch and return water service to the affected residents by noon on Monday the 12th.”

The next item was an update on the COVID-19 situation in Goshen County. As of Tuesday, April 20, there are 17 new active cases in the county and another death attributed to COVID-19.

“Please continue to protect yourselves, family, co-workers and the public by wearing a mask whenever your personal space might be compromised,” Adams said. “We know they work if you wear them.”

Following the COVID update and the fiscal budget, Adams said the Safewise Corporation designated Torrington as the second safest city in Wyoming. The only city in the state deemed safer was Worland. 

Adams wanted to thank the citizens of Torrington and the Torrington Police Department for their hard work and highly trained officers who have a strong focus on community safety.

The next information item was an update about the liquor license that was not renewed at the February 16 council meeting. The attorneys representing the establishment have filed an appeal which will be heard in district court on Wednesday, April 28.

“That’s about all of what we can share with the public at this time,” Adams said.

After the information items, the council unanimously approved a special event permit for Brandi Hiser of Two Horse Hospitality. 

The event is scheduled for Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1. It will be held in front of Home on the Range to celebrate their third-year anniversary. Hiser will be offering drinks out of her mobile beverage service.

“We’re going to be serving fresh pressed lemonades and limeades,” Hiser said. “Each of their customers will be given a token and we’re there for the public as well if they’re passing by and would like a lemonade.”

After approving the special event, the council declared an emergency regarding the water main break on Ridge Road. The town is eligible for emergency Mineral Royalty Grant repair funding from the State Loan and Investment Board.

The reason an emergency needs to be declared, is so the city can apply for the Mineral Royalty Grant funding.

The next three action items were mayoral proclamations, all three were unanimously approved. The first was declaring April 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The second was declaring Friday, April 30 as Arbor Day. 

Matt John the Torrington Parks Department Head said the annual tree planting event will take place in the fall this year instead due to COVID-19. 

The final mayoral proclamation was declaring May 2 through May 8 as drinking water week.

After the proclamations, the council unanimously approved the second reading on the ordinance regarding telecommunication franchises. The only change from the first reading was the addition of the violation penalty clause.

The next item was the unanimous approval of the second reading on the ordinance relating to M-P mobile home parks, subdivisions and trailer park districts. The only things added to the ordinance were clarifying definitions.

Following the second reading regarding mobile park homes, was the 2021 swimming pool rates. Season passes this year will cost $160 for up to four family members and for a family of five and up it will be $180.

Single day admission for an individual is $3 per day. Lap swimming and aerobics have both been raised one dollar. One week swim lessons were increased $5.

“When we looked at it this year, we realized we had to raise the rates a little bit,” Adams said. “In nearly every case the rates went up a little.”

Adams also said they are working on creating a plan with service organizations to help the families who are having difficulties paying the rates for the swimming pool.

After the approval of the swimming pool rates, the council unanimously approved the purchase of three new vehicles for the Torrington Police Department. Two of the vehicles will be for patrols and the other vehicle is for admin use.

“We’re looking to replace our three oldest vehicles,” Johnson said. “Two will be outfitted for regular patrol and one will be an admin vehicle. We’re proposing to use the reimbursement we received from the CARES grant to offset the costs.”

The next meeting of the Torrington City Council will be Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. in the Torrington City Hall.