TORRINGTON – The Torrington City Council convened for its first November meeting on Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers. 

In attendance were Mayor Herb Doby and council members Wayne Deahl, Dennis Kelly, Dr. Richard Patterson, and Shane Viktorin. Mayor Doby called the meeting to order, and Viktorin led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Doby presented informational items. He noted that the election season had come to an end and thanked those who had become informed on the issues on the ballot and voted in the recent general election. We should not become complacent, he stressed, in appreciating the work that goes into creating a civilized life, including clean water, safe streets, and recreational facilities.

Following the informational items, the consent agenda was approved with a motion from Viktorin and a second from Kelly. The meeting agenda was approved with a motion from Patterson and a second from Deahl. No comments were made during the time allotted for the public forum.

The first action item was a proclamation to declare November as National Epilepsy Month in Torrington. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the electrical functions in the brain, often causing seizures. One in 26 people will suffer from epilepsy in their lifetime, accounting for more than 65 million people worldwide. The proclamation included a call to wear purple on the third Wednesday in November in support of those who live with epilepsy. The proclamation was read by Mayor Doby. Deahl made a motion to approve the proclamation, Patterson seconded the motion, and the proclamation was approved.

The second item was a proclamation to declare November 17-23 as National Apprenticeship Week in Torrington. 

Dana Youtz, electrical supervisor for the city, described the apprenticeship program. He said the program is certified by the department of labor and currently has two fourth-year electrical apprentices, Ben Cantu and Adan Velasquez-Mier, both graduates of the Western Nebraska Community College powerline school. Youtz stated that the apprentices have been assets to the electric shop, citing their strong work ethic and the skills they have brought with them, including Class A CDLs. 

Mayor Doby read the proclamation, which stated that apprenticeship programs create “opportunities by allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and preparing a pathway to good, quality jobs and well-paying careers in the City of Torrington, Wyoming, and across the nation.”

Next, the council held a first reading of a new ordinance that would annex city-owned property currently located in the county into the City of Torrington. The property is located south of the East Side Industrial Park and north of the river and includes the lagoons, the wastewater treatment plant, and the baler facility. The property has been owned by the city for many years, but the advantages of annexing it now include having more control over the property and clarity regarding law enforcement jurisdiction. There was minimal discussion before Kelly made a motion to approve the ordinance on first reading. Deahl seconded the motion, and it passed.

The council then considered a recommendation from the health insurance committee to maintain the status quo regarding health insurance premiums and reserves. City staff stated that the current reserves, at $1.65 million, were in line with projections. Council members asked if such a large reserve had ever been used, and staff explained that it had been tapped in years with multiple large claims. Viktorin made a motion to accept the proposal from the health insurance committee. Deahl seconded the motion, and it passed.

The council then approved the bills from October 16, 2024, through November 5, 2024, following a motion from Kelly and a second from Patterson. The public comment period was opened. Torringtong Volunteer Fire Department  Chief Correa had submitted a report noting that the fire department had responded to five calls since the previous meeting. The council also discussed the Torrington Trunk or Treat event, which serves as a safe alternative for trick-or-treating and has grown smaller since its inception. Deahl thanked city staff for their work in adding stop signs and flashing lights to the intersection near the Senior Center.

The council then adjourned. The next City Council Meeting, which will feature the second reading of the annexation ordinance and the first reading of the amended sanitation ordinance, is scheduled for November 19.