City of Torrington )
County of Goshen )
State of Wyoming )
The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 in the City Council Chambers at 436 East 22nd Ave. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Adams, Council Members Hill, Kinney, Law and Mattis. Also Present: Clerk/Treasurer Strecker, Attorney Eddington, Director of Public Works Harkins, Building Official Estes and Deputy City Clerk Anaya.
Mayor Adams called the meeting to order.
Tom Milstead led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Adams commented on the progress of various projects throughout the City:
• The Frontage Road Reconstruction and Water Line Replacement Project is substantially complete with the exception of final cleanup procedures and seeding where needed. Seeding will either take place prior to the end of the year, weather permitting, or will be delayed until the Spring of 2020.
• The construction of the new O’Reilly Auto Parts store is complete. O’Reilly’s Corporation will be on site after the first of December to stock shelves and work out the final details. The store will then open for business soon thereafter.
Mayor Adams announced that due to the success of the Terror Train Escape Room at the Homesteaders Museum on Halloween weekend, upcoming escape dates are now being offered. The escape room will be available by appointment only on November 29, 2019, November 30, 2019 and on December 1, 2019 for groups of four to ten people. Admission will be $10.00 per person.
Mayor Adams stated that the City of Torrington received a report from the Homeland Security Assessment involving physical plan operations that were evaluated over the last few months. The details of the report will show how safe and secure the City is and how secure its operations are in comparison to about 450 other communities of its size and scope across the country. Mayor Adams indicated that Homeland Security has also commenced a cyber security assessment of the City. The assessment will evaluate the City’s joint network with the County and the SCADA control and monitoring system at the Water/Wastewater Department. It is anticipated that the cyber security evaluation period will last anywhere from one to two months to complete.
Mayor Adams commented that the City of Torrington has been participating in the Kiwanis Club Thanksgiving Box Challenge. The purpose of the challenge is to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need throughout Goshen County. To date the City has donated enough food items to fill 85 boxes. Mayor Adams commended all of the individuals who have participated in the challenge thus far.
Mayor Adams announced that the annual Christmas Parade will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019. He indicated that a series of events for an All is Bright Christmas Celebration will be held downtown throughout the day prior to the parade and will conclude with the celebration of the lighting of the community Christmas tree. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on 27th Avenue and proceed south on Main Street, and will culminate on the lawn just south of the Goshen County Courthouse where the first annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place.
Mayor Adams stated that in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, all City of Torrington offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 28-29, 2019. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Councilman Law moved and Councilwoman Hill seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 11-05-19 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Kinney commended the City of Torrington and Electrical Supervisor Youtz for its accredited Apprenticeship Program. He commented that the program is a great opportunity for individuals to work with experienced professionals to master the specific skill sets of the trade.
Mayor Adams requested approval to amend the agenda as follows:
• Add Proclamation – Proclaiming November 30, 2019 as Small Business Saturday to the Action Items List.
• Add Ethan Fitch Catering Permit Request to the Action Items List.
Councilman Kinney moved and Councilman Mattis seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Adams noted the time had arrived for the Council to adjourn from regular session and convene as a Board of Adjustment.
Building Official Estes stated that Alex Lauck at 2717 East B Street requested a setback variance from the required 20’ to 9’ for a metal carport to cover a motorhome and a 176’ square footage increase for accessory structures from the allowed 928 square feet to 1,104 square feet. He explained that as a general rule, City staff does not allow a structure that is entered at a 90 degree angle from the alley to be set closer than 20’ from the alley, but that in this case Mr. Lauck’s property is at the end of a dead end alley, therefore, setting this structure at 9’ would not be problematic. Building Official Estes indicated that the Planning Commission approved the request at their 11-12-19 meeting, staff recommends approval and he has received no public comment. Mayor Adams opened the public hearing for consideration of the variance and square footage increase requests. He asked for public comments for or against the approval of the requests, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Mattis moved and Councilwoman Hill seconded to approve the variance request and square footage increase for accessory structures for the property located at 2717 East B Street as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Attorney Eddington read a proclamation declaring November 30, 2019 as Small Business Saturday. It celebrates local small businesses and the contributions they make to the local economy and community, and it urges the residents of the community and communities across the country to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. Councilman Law moved and Councilman Kinney seconded to approve the proclamation as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Ethan Fitch with the Mint Bar requested approval of a catering permit for a Small Business Saturday Event to be held at 2042 Main Street (21st & Main) on November 30, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. He stated that he was contacted by the Goshen County Chamber of Commerce and was asked to setup a station at 21st & Main for the Small Business Saturday Event and cater beer, wine and hot drinks. Councilman Mattis moved and Councilwoman Hill seconded to approve the catering permit as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Brandi Hiser with Two Horse Hospitality requested approval of a catering permit for a Two Horse Tuesday Event to be held at 495 Main Street (Homesteaders Museum) on December 3, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mayor Adams stated that the night out at the museum will feature two appetizers, and one spirit and one wine two ways for $25.00. Councilman Law moved and Councilman Mattis seconded to approve the catering permit as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Brandi Hiser with Two Horse Hospitality requested approval of a catering permit for a Two Horse Tuesday Event to be held at 495 Main Street (Homesteaders Museum) on December 19, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Councilwoman Hill moved and Councilman Kinney seconded to approve the catering permit as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Sandy Hoehn with the Goshen County Chamber of Commerce and the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department requested approval of a special event permit for the 2019 “All is Bright” Christmas Parade of Lights to be held on December 6, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mayor Adams indicated that he recommends waiving the special event permit fee due to the request being a community event. Councilwoman Hill moved and Councilman Law seconded to approve the special event permit and to waive the special event permit fee as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
The bills from 11-06-19 to 11-19-19 were presented for payment. Councilman Law moved and Councilwoman Hill seconded to approve the bills for payment as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Adams asked for public comments, questions or concerns. Doug Mercer addressed the Mayor and Council. He inquired about the ratification process of the approval of catering permits via e-mail and in specific if the e-mail approval process meets the transparency requirements. Mayor Adams commented that he and the Council do not like the ratification process either, but that there are instances where license holders inadvertently miss the deadline for the Council meeting at which their specific permit needs to be presented for approval and that the ratification process is a formality. He indicated that he and the Council would rather attempt to accommodate individuals rather than interfere with business. Mr. Mercer commented that this may be an issue that needs to be addressed at the State level as communications have advanced and e-mails seem to be more frequently utilized. Attorney Eddington stated that the e-mail approval process does not meet the public meeting requirement of doing business in public but that ratification is something that has been used for these particular situations. Attorney Eddington commented that the standard is whether the conduct of the Mayor and City Council is arbitrary and capricious. If someone objected to the process, they would have to prove that it was arbitrary and capricious. He indicated that in these type of situations, with the event being over basically, it becomes moot. Attorney Eddington stated that he does, however, agree with Mr. Mercer in the sense that the issue needs to be addressed at the State level in order to allow the public to view Mayor and Council votes that are taking place via e-mail. Mr. Mercer then inquired about the bill payment to Pinnacle Bank with the description “cobblestone hotel-training.” Chief of Police Hurd responded that that particular line item was the lodging expense for James Olson, Director of Training with the City of Port St. Lucie, Florida Police Department who traveled to Torrington to train the Police Department.
Councilman Law stated that he is excited to see the work that is being completed on the old Moose Lodge building. He applauded the new owner of the building for going through the proper cleanup and restoration procedures and commented that it is extremely exhilarating to have another business in the works. Councilman Kinney indicated that it is nice to see the building get utilized instead of sitting empty.
Councilman Kinney moved and Councilman Mattis seconded that there being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council to adjourn at 7:32 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
The following bills were approved for payment: 65656 Void;67168 MCI A VERIZON CO long distance/911 call backs 11.73;67169 MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NE wholesale power 414204.16; 67170 TOUCHTONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. long distance 80.89;67171 WYRULEC CO Landfill Electric 336.59;67172 CIRCUIT COURT OF GOSHEN CO payroll withholding 429.73;67173 CITY OF TORRINGTON payroll withholding 40.09;67174 DENT, DAVID A. Golf Pro Payable 687.11;67175 FAMILY SUPPORT REGISTRY payroll withholding 235.97;67176 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 1541.00; 67177 MERIDIAN TRUST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION payroll withholding 2223.00;67178 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 369.37;67179 WY CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT payroll withholding 202.45;67180 WY CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT payroll withholding 262.61;67181 ANDERSON, DAVID final bill-deposit return 173.87;67182 SEVERTSON, STACIA A. final bill-deposit return 11.30;67183 TAMI GRAYBILL final bill-deposit return 67.02;67184 TIFFANY WELLER final bill-credit return 9.62;67185 NICOLE M. DRALLE final bill-deposit return 134.50;67186 CARLA LUJAN final bill-deposit return 171.41;67187 CHRISTA & TRAVIS HAUSER final bill-deposit return 212.65;67188 WIND RIVER LANDSCAPE CO meter deposit refund less fees 2162.00;67189 MICHAEL J. CHAVANU deposit refund 200.00;67190 ALBERT G. PRADO final bill-deposit return 84.74;67191 RANDAL S. WATSON final bill-deposit return 143.18;67192 ADVERTAINMENT PRODUCTIONS LLC digital theatre ads 456.00;67193 ALLWATER SUPPLY LLC spare parts kits,injection valves 1234.90;67194 AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOC membership renewal 334.00;67195 AT&T MOBILITY cardiac monitor transmission fees 33.46;67196 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 3668.95;67197 CANON FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. copier contracts 839.00;67198 CASELLE INC. contract support & maint 1990.00;67199 CASPER COLLEGE caselle training 120.00;67200 CITY OF TORRINGTON postage reimb,travel expense-meal,recording fees 83.34;67201 CITY OF TORRINGTON 2020 Golf Cart Licenses 2625.00;67202 CITY OF TORRINGTON c/o Platte Valley Bank E K ST Lid bond payment/CD 18632.50;67203 DALE'S TIRE & RETREADING tires 3363.04;67204 DIETZLER CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION meter deposit refund less fees 1973.50;67205 DIVERSIFIED SERVICES INC. cleaning services 425.00;67206 EMERGENCY MEDICAL PRODUCTS INC. ambulance supplies 252.14;67207 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 614.00;67208 PRO QUALITY PEST CONTROL rodent control 130.00;67209 GALLS LLC uniform-pants/shirts 280.50;67210 GOSHEN CO ECONOMIC 1/4 cent sales tax, monthly contribution 25602.21;67211 GOSHEN CO PUBLIC HEALTH 2019/2020 flu season shots 1040.00; 67212 GOSHEN CO WY SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CENTER annual contribution 9000.00;67213 GOSHEN VET CLINIC vaccinations/chem panel 140.00;67214 Void;67215 HEARTLAND EMBROIDERY & PRINTWEAR LLC shirts/screen print 399.84;67216 HORIZON WEST INC. repair tractor damages 4846.49;67217 IDEAL LINEN SUPPLY mats,scrapers,sam dust/energy fees,coveralls,garments,sam garment fees,sam linen, pants/shirts,mops,towels,rags,urinal screens,toilet tissue 1310.08;67218 INTERNATIONAL ASSOC OF membership dues 525.00;67219 J - BUILT HOMES INC. West 15th Avenue Walking Path 19992.40;67220 JAMES A EDDINGTON PC City Attorney 6666.00;67221 K & K COMMUNICATIONS paging service-elec meters 12.00;67222 MAILROOM FINANCE INC. neopost postage 774.40;67223 MATTHEW BENDER & CO INC. WY Court Rules 2019 Supplements 167.10;67224 MATLOCK, KELLY reimb-dish soap 12.98;67225 MCMURRY READY MIX CO rock 250.75;67226 MERITAIN HEALTH INC. premium-ins/life admin 31019.44; 67227 OLSON TIRE CO tire repairs 375.69;67228 ONE CALL OF WY tickets for CDC code TRG 70.50;67229 PANHANDLE COOP retirement party supplies,propane bottles,qwiklift,oil drum deposit,tire tube,mount/ dismount,propane tank rental 1206.77;67230 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 120.00;67231 PATRICK, JOHN B. Municipal Court Judge 1000.00;67232 CITY OF TORRINGTON c/o PINNACLE BANK health reserve non-insured employer premium 10300.62;67233 MCKEE, KAREN R. & MARTIN B. color print-shirts 81.92; 67234 PINNACLE BANK stamps,travel expenses-fuel/lodging/meals,retirement gift,training/membership fees,camcorder/stabilizer,folders,filing cabinet/mirror,education course packages,batteries,bracket, furnace filters,international lighting,shirts,remote control,coffee pot,lodging for trainer,dog food 3908.34;67235 PROFESSIONAL DISPATCH MANAGEMENT training 7000.00;67236 QUILL CORPORATION quillspoint plus enrollment,wall calendars,toilet cleaner,usb drives,wipes,pens,sanitizer,stapler,safety glasses 534.35;67237 REGIONAL CARE INC. select flex admin 93.50;67238 RIVER VIEW SAND & GRAVEL LLC sand 285.20;67239 TEAM CHEVROLET transmission control 166.26;67240 EASTERN WY EYE CLINIC safety glasses 550.00;67241 SUEZ WTS USA INC. monthly chemical management 7748.79;67242 SOUTHWESTERN EQUIPMENT CO filter cartridge 276.81;67243 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE select flex contributions,premium 91047.59;67244 TORRINGTON OFFICE SUPPLY used canon copier-City portion 2000.00;67245 TRANSWEST FORD LLC inspection/repair,fuel vapour hose 880.55;67246 U S POSTMASTER credit for postage 850.00;67247 GRAINGER reflective marking stakes 269.58;67248 WEGLIN JR., EDWARD H. mow/trim 110.00;67249 WESTERN COOPERATIVE CO oil,ball valve,unleaded gas,dyed diesel 19603.41;67250 TORRINGTON TELEGRAM legals 2244.00;67251 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP copier leases 387.00;67252 SPECTRUM ENGINEERING RESOURCES Cold Springs substation-construction management/inspection 1544.25
Public Notice No. 7249 published in the Torrington Telegram November 29, 2019.
