Officer sworn in at council meeting

Tyler Martineau
Posted 5/19/22

The Torrington City Council recognized Officer Andrea Sippel as she was sworn into the Torrington Police Department during the regular council meeting on Tuesday.

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Officer sworn in at council meeting

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TORRINGTON – The Torrington City Council recognized Officer Andrea Sippel as she was sworn into the Torrington Police Department during the regular council meeting on Tuesday. 

Councilman Ted Kinney was absent from the meeting. 

Torrington Police Chief Matt Johnson said Sippel came to the department from Wheatland where she worked for five years and also spent time in the military. 

Johnson said they like to make a “production” every time an officer is sworn in because it is an important event. Sippel was sworn in with her family in attendance along with other officers of the Torrington Police Department. 

In other business, the council discussed an ordinance on first reading relating to design standards. The 23-page ordinance is for the FEMA flood plain as updated maps have been provided to the city. The ordinance will signify Torrington’s participation in the flood plain program, according to Building and Grounds Superintendent Dennis Estes.

Emergency Preparedness Specialist Kim Johnson with the governor’s office gave the council background of the program and the importance of flood plain maps for residents planning to build in potentially hazardous areas. 

Torrington has been a continuous member in the flood insurance program since 1976, Johnson said and added community’s participation in adopting the standards of the program allows for federally backed flood insurance to be sold within the entire city regardless of potential impact from a flood.

The ordinance was passed on first reading. 

CEO of Goshen Economic Development Brayden Connour addressed the council about four special event permits for a series of summer music events on June 15, June 29, July 13 and July 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Connour said the events are meant to replace Third Thursdays and will include live music and vendors in the public parking lot on East 21st Avenue. The whole parking lot will be closed during the first night and the following events may only require a partial closure. 

Part of 21st Avenue and part of East A Street will be closed off for vendors. Since there will be beer offered within the boundaries, catering permits will also be required. 

In response to a question of noise competition with the theater, Connour said they have already had discussions and agreed to keep the music under 80 decibels. The stage will also be on the east side of the bathrooms to help block some of the noise as well. 

Along with the approval of the special event permits, the council ratified two special event permits for a Mother’s Day Main Street Sale on May 6 and 7 as well as a special event permit and for the fee to be waived to Dana Wemberly with Lifeway Church for a Vacation Bible School community event on June 25 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on East G Street. 

The council also approved an agreement for transfer entitlements to Yellowstone Regional Airport and the mayor’s appointment of John Otten to the Airport Board. 

In other action items, the council discussed the 2023 fiscal year budget on first reading. Clerk Treasurer Lynette Strecker said there were three work sessions devoted to discussing the budget and another one is planned on May 26. Some of the topics to be discussed at the work session will include wage information and health, property and casualty and liability insurance renewals. 

Councilman Dr. Rick Patterson noted it was one of the hardest budgets he has worked on. The council approved the budget on first reading with a 3-1 vote. Councilman Dennis Kelly was the lone no vote. 

During the mayor’s informational items, Mayor Randy Adams reminded residents to be careful during serious weather events and to have a plan in place. Adams also warned residents from putting trash in the grass dumpsters. 

“Trash makes it impossible for us to recycle it and forces us to take it to the landfill,” Adams said. “Cameras are available at grass sites and the city of Torrington will prosecute those who intentionally misuse the dumpsters.” 

Adams announced the Elk Eco-cycle Recycling Center is now open and is currently taking cardboard, separated paper products and aluminum cans. The site, locate at 310 Curtis Avenue, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. 

Adams also announced the filing period for Mayor, city council, county commissioner, sheriff, county attorney and other positions opened on May 12 and will continue until 4 p.m. on May 27. 

The next council meeting is June 7 at 7 p.m.