City of Torrington )
County of Goshen )
State of Wyoming )
The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 in the City Council Chambers at 436 East 22nd Ave. at 5:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Doby, Council Members Deahl, Kelly, Patterson and Viktorin. Also Present: Clerk/Treasurer Strecker, Attorney Eddington, Director of Public Works Harkins, Chief of Police Johnson, Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes, Deputy City Treasurer Nichols and Deputy City Clerk Anaya.
Mayor Doby called the meeting to order.
Councilman Patterson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Doby led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. Constitution Week (09-17-24 through 09-23-24) update; 2. General Election (11-05-24) update. Early voting is set to begin on 10-08-24; and 3. Mayor Doby stated that on the ballot this year is the option to continue the Goshen County Sales and Use Tax. He indicated that the City of Torrington uses this optional 1% sales tax mainly for the general fund for items such as capital improvements, maintenance, internet technology, equipment service, airport, cemetery, fire department, police department and as match money in applications for state/federal grants and private foundation grants. Mayor Doby commented that this is not an additional tax, it is simply a continuation of the 1% tax. He stated that the tax rate will stay the same. Mayor Doby indicated that food purchases are exempt from the tax and commented that a good portion of agricultural related purchases are tax exempt as well. He stated that this is not a permanent tax and indicated that it is renewed every four years by the voters. Mayor Doby commented that this tax is also paid by non-residents and visitors on purchases made in Goshen County. He stated that this optional sales tax has been in effect for 20 years and indicated that it was first passed by the Goshen County electorate on 11-02-04. Mayor Doby commented that it was last voted on in the General Election in 2020 and it passed 72% for and 28% against. He stated that this optional tax greatly benefits the City of Torrington, Goshen County, Fort Laramie, LaGrange, Lingle and Yoder. Mayor Doby indicated that this 1% sales tax on the election ballot this year has nothing to do with Go Goshen or Economic Development’s ¼ cent sales tax that was on the General Election ballot in November of 2022. He commented that the two taxes are separate and not at all related with each other. Mayor Doby stated that the 1% sales tax renewal is only payable to Goshen County, the City of Torrington, and the towns of Fort Laramie, LaGrange, Lingle and Yoder. He urged the public to please become informed and to exercise their right to vote.
Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 09-17-24 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby requested approval to amend the agenda as follows:
1. Add Community Healthcare Foundation Grant Application to the Action Items List.
Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes stated that the Dale Jones Municipal Pool is in dire need of extensive resurfacing repairs. He indicated that this is an emergency because of the short time frame in which this type of repair can be conducted. Mayor Doby inquired if the Council has the authority to pass a declaration of emergency to bypass the standard bidding procedures. Attorney Eddington replied that Wyoming Statute 15-1-113 (a) states, “All contracts for any type of public improvement, excluding contracts for professional services or where the primary purpose is emergency work or maintenance, for any city or town or joint powers board wherein at least one (1) member is a municipality shall be advertised for bid.” He commented that this type of repair qualifies under both maintenance and emergency work. Attorney Eddington stated that the City of Torrington has always taken the conservative approach and asked the governing body to declare the emergency and make it clear to its constituents why the Council proceeded as they did. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to declare an emergency for the purpose of considering repairs to the Dale Jones Municipal Pool. Motion carried unanimously.
Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes presented for approval a contract between the City of Torrington and Advanced Pools and Spas, Inc. He stated that the pool is 53 years old and indicated that the surface has been patched and painted several times. Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes commented that this last season the pool staff saw more injuries to the occupants as a result of the surface condition inside the pool vessel, so extensive resurfacing repairs are needed. He stated that staff recommends entering into a contract with Advanced Pools and Spas, Inc. of Golden, Colorado in the amount of $333,300.00 and reserve $33,330.00 (10%) for contingency for a project total of $366,630.00. Mayor Doby indicated that a Work Session was held on 09-25-24 to discuss the issues with the pool and to determine a path forward to funding the needed repairs. He commented that with the cooperation of various department heads, budget cuts were identified and the City was able to come up with the necessary funding. Mayor Doby thanked all of the department heads for getting on board with this project, for coming up with ideas about it and for making sacrifices to the budget to support this project. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the contract between the City of Torrington and Advanced Pools and Spas, Inc. as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Deputy City Treasurer Nichols presented for approval an Oregon Trail Community Foundation Grant Application for the Dale Jones Municipal Pool Repair Project in the amount of $130,100.00. She stated that this grant came out of the Work Session that was held on 09-25-24. Deputy City Treasurer Nichols indicated that Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel gave the lead on the grant, and commented that it was put together and submitted on 09-30-24. She stated that the grant application had a submittal deadline of 10-01-24. Deputy City Treasurer Nichols indicated that she has spoken to the foundation director and commented that the director relayed that if the foundation decides to fund the City’s project and not fund it fully, there is a possibility that it can be funded partially. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the submission of the grant application to the Oregon Trail Community Foundation in the amount of $130,100.00 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Deputy City Treasurer Nichols presented for approval a Community Healthcare Foundation Grant Application for the Dale Jones Municipal Pool Repair Project in the amount of $40,000.00. She stated that this grant came to staff in a very fortuitous manner. Deputy City Treasurer Nichols indicated that the director of the Oregon Trail Community Foundation had suggested that the City talk to the director of the Community Healthcare Foundation, but that she did not remember the individual’s name. She commented that in the meantime, Chief of Police Johnson ran into one of the foundation’s board members who supplied a copy of the grant application. Deputy City Treasurer Nichols stated that a lot of the information that was used to complete the Oregon Trail Community Foundation Grant Application was used in this application, so the grant was easy to write because all of the information was readily available. She indicated that the completed grant application was submitted on 09-30-24. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the submission of the grant application to the Community Healthcare Foundation in the amount of $40,000.00 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Moriah Harkins with the Torrington Farmers Market requested an amendment to the special event permit that was previously approved for the Second Saturday Torrington Farmers Market event scheduled to be held on 10-12-24. Mayor Doby indicated that the applicant is requesting approval to modify the event’s time from the originally approved hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. He commented that the applicant is also requesting approval to close only half of the City Lot Five parking lot to minimize the impact on parking availability. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the amendment to the special event permit as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Shawn Keith and Baxter Greenwald with Torrington High School requested approval of a special event permit for a Homecoming Parade to be held on 10-10-24 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Main Street. Mayor Doby indicated that the applicant is requesting that the special event permit fee be waived. Councilman Viktorin encouraged Ms. Greenwald to contact any businesses that were closed while they were out gathering signatures for the required notification form and to at the very least make sure that they are aware that the event will be taking place. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the special event permit and to waive the special event permit fee as presented, and not to impose any of the projected costs on the applicants. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented the results for the Request for Proposal of Financial Services – Lease Purchase FY25. She stated that the proposal is going to reimburse the City for two purchases: 1. New 2024 Peterbilt Model 520 with Southwest Body; and 2. New 2024 Caterpillar 816 Landfill Compactor. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker indicated that staff recommends awarding the request for financial services to Points West Bank of Torrington, Wyoming at 4.80% for a total cost to the City of $1,103,870.00. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to award the request for financial services to Points West Bank of Torrington, Wyoming at 4.80% for a total cost to the City of $1,103,870.00 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
The bills from 09-18-24 to 10-01-24 were presented for payment. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the bills for payment as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby asked for public comments, questions or concerns.
Fire Chief Correa briefly updated the Mayor and Council on the calls that the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department responded to in the last couple of weeks. He also gave a brief update on the upcoming Fire Prevention Week and Homecoming Parade/Bonfire events.
Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
The following bills were approved for payment: 79594 AFLAC payroll withholding 1069.26;79595 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 1026.75;79596 CITY OF TORRINGTON C/O PINNACLE BANK health reserve non-insured PR employee premium/MT positions 11228.25;79597 DAVID A. DENT Golf Pro Payable 3039.95;79598 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;79599 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2240.00;79600 MERITAIN HEALTH INC. premium-ins/life admin 47656.54;79601 MONTANA CSSD SDU payroll withholding 205.55;79602 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 257.00;79603 PLATTE CO payroll withholding 199.98;79604 REGIONAL CARE INC. select flex admin 108.00;79605 STANDARD INSURANCE CO premium-long term disability 2318.28;79606 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE premium,select flex contributions 106116.70;79607 VERIZON WIRELESS TVFD cell phones 97.19;79608 WY DEPT OF REVENUE sales tax 31275.05;79609 ACCUSCREEN MOBILE DRUG TESTING SERVICES rapid screen drug tests 60.00;79610 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES classification folders,fleetguard coolants,gel pens,degreaser,wave multi-tool,super tool,magnetic tape strip,lubricant,coffee,binder,batteries,stapler,self-inking rubber stamps,power inverter,battery charger 1234.34;79611 ANDERSON CARPET SALES INC. flooring 3935.94;79612 AT&T MOBILITY modem for ambulance 40.04;79613 BELL PARK TOWERS credit refund 33.23;79614 BLOEDORN LUMBER CO-TORRINGTON adjustment-rug doctor machine rental,returns,connectors,hem fir,screws,bits,blank cover, nipple,coupling,adapters,bushings,locknuts,eared stubout elbow w/ nailing plates,crimp rings,plugs, elbows,tees,pex tubing,broom,crimping tool,strap tie,nail stop,pipe hanger,j-hook,blue pex tubing, fasteners,diablo multi material,pressure gauge,intake valve,red rosin,painters tape,carbide blade,female hose end,drywall,spiral saw bare tool,drywall jack rental,rug doctor machine rental,hardware cloth 1506.58;79615 BOMGAARS SUPPLY INC. work boots,cut off wheels,ball mount,adapter sleeve,insect killer,plug,cotter pin,live catch trap,chuck,plug,blow gun kit,bolts,welding gloves,wheels,brass hose shut-off,filters,pencil gauge,screwdriver set,led bulb,trunk shovel,oil,mig wire,hinge,brush,contact tip,weed killer 972.51;79616 BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES INC. street lights,connectors,brackets,washers,arrestor, cutout,meter seals,return,ground gloves,duplex wire 8888.27;79617 BROWN CO ratchet,starter,fuel line,fuel tank,oil,chain,ignition switch 657.24;79618 CAPITAL ONE TRADE CREDIT top handle chains,chain saw 119.96;79619 CENTURYLINK data lines,hvac remote line,water telemetry line 1088.15;79620 CIVICPLUS LLC municode full service codification/annual fee 5584.17;79621 CO GOLF & TURF INC. solenoid 69.10;79622 CONNECTING POINT TVFD copier all-inclusive service contract 75.00;79623 DANA KEPNER CO INC. meters 4348.71;79624 DBC IRRIGATION SUPPLY sprinkler system parts 421.88;79625 DEATH INVESTIGATION TRAINING ACADEMY investigating blood patterns training 500.00;79626 DISPLAY SALES CO custom pole banners 2444.96;79627 DOOLEY ENTERPRISES INC. ammunition 4011.17;79628 DURR UNIVERSAL filters 3054.31;79629 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 692.00;79630 ENNIS FLINT INC. thermoplastic/crosswalk project 5492.60;79631 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 37.00; 79632 ETHAN L. WILHOIT deposit refund 33.82;79633 FASTENAL CO cable ties,marking paint,bleach 157.86;79634 FR CLOTHING & SUPPLY fire resistant clothing 2730.77;79635 GOSHEN CO CONSTRUCTION LLC Electric Department Parking Garage Project 12825.65;79636 GOSHEN DIESEL SERVICE hood latch 33.00;79637 HAWKINS INC. sodium hydrox 50% diaphragm 3474.92;79638 HIGH POINTE ELECTRIC INC. Cemetery Booster Station Electric Upgrade Project 13635.05;79639 HOTLINE ELECTRICAL SALES & SERVICE LLC meters 29299.20;79640 INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTORS INC. filters, element 583.25;79641 LARRY & DEBORAH FRITZLER pump septic tank 253.00;79642 LAW ENFORCEMENT RISK MANAGEMENT GROUP blood pattern online training 150.00;79643 LEROY GOODRO urinal repairs 203.75;79644 LEVI'S LAWN CARE mowing/trimming 120.00;79645 LIFEMED SAFETY INC. battery for duet 91.74;79646 MARCELINO S LEIJA deposit refund 152.39;79647 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC. lens clean towelettes,safety glasses,safety vests 182.91;79648 MC SCHAFF & ASSOCIATES INC. Airport NAVID Replacement Project 16348.58;79649 MENARDS 3-shelf units 715.92;79650 METAL SHOP AND REPAIR LLC machine push plate,DOM tubes 754.50;79651 MICHAEL A. RICHEY Airport Operator Contract 1666.66;79652 MLT TRUCKING pallets/salt delivered 598.78;79653 MOOREHOUSE INC. black rock 300.00;79654 NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS payroll withholding 160.00;79655 NEWMAN SIGNS INC. traffic signs 857.02;79656 NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC. water pipe,bathroom fixtures 1180.63;79657 O'REILLY AUTO ENTERPRISES LLC copper lugs,booster cable,ring terminal,butt splice, battery cable,absorber,pva dry cloth,fuel/water separator,filters,gas can 188.87;79658 PANHANDLE GEOTECH & ENVIRO INC. density,concrete,compression testing 1565.00;79659 PETERBILT OF WYOMING temperature sensor,repairs to garbage truck 173.04;79660 RAILROAD MANAGEMENT CO III LLC land lease property tax 340.66;79661 RESPOND FIRST AID SYSTEMS OF WYOMING 1st aid kit supplies 660.42; 79662 ROI FIRE & BALLISTICS EQUIPMENT INC. defender helmets 1421.50;79663 SCHMIDT WEBER, JACKIE re-issue deposit refund check 149.02;79664 SCHNEIDER WILD FUR insulated leather gloves 288.00;79665 SOUTH TORRINGTON WATER & SEWER DISTRICT museum-water/sewer 219.35;79666 STARR TOOLS motorized wheel balancer,truck kit 8196.00;79667 STEVE DECKER weed killer 5199.65; 79668 STUART C IRBY CO stubbing bands 1350.00;79669 SUN RIDGE SYSTEMS INC. RIMS annual support services 11149.00;79670 TEAM CHEVROLET wiring,rubber fuel cap 92.00;79671 THE L L JOHNSON DIST CO adapter,screws,drive shaft,nuts,washers,oil,pipe nipples 647.33;79672 TODD ERSKINE reimb-uniform pants 47.32;79673 TOPKOTE INC. FY25 Chip Seal Project 201201.46;79674 TORRINGTON SOD FARMS kentucky blue grass 13.20;79675 UTILITIES SECTION rubber gloving workshop 500.00;79676 VERIZON WIRELESS cell phones 527.83;79677 VIAERO WIRELESS cell phone,wireless hotspots 647.11;79678 WAGNER RENTS planer rental 1809.50;79679 WAGNER'S FLORAL LLC flowers-Mark Memorial 121.04; 79680 WAMCO LAB INC. full chronic toxicity test,C02 atmosphere control ph creep 2100.00;79681 WESTERN UNITED ELECTRIC SUPPLY pole set kits 733.08;79682 WJR WY LLC Airport Project 91724.07; 79683 WY DEPT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES workers compensation 7532.39;79684 WY MACHINERY CO repairs 4953.33;79685 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS Torr Vol EMT Pension 37.50;79686 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS retirement 83933.85
Public Notice No. 9143 published in The Torrington Telegram on October 11, 2024.
