TORRINGTON – The Torrington City Council met on March 5 at 5:30 p.m. for its regularly scheduled meeting. In attendance were mayor Herb Doby and council members Wayne Deahl, Dennis Kelly, Shane Viktorin and Rick Warren. Mayor Doby called the meeting to order, and Warren led the Pledge of Allegiance.

During his informational items, mayor Doby noted high winds have led many residents to place large tree limbs in trash cans and dumpsters, creating issues for city sanitation employees. He asked residents to either leave large limbs next to their trash cans or schedule a pickup with Ed Hawley, city streets and sanitation supervisor.

Mayor Doby also addressed a recent Telegram article about a new mental health service in Wyoming, where residents can text a crisis helpline for free at 741741. He noted Wyoming’s suicide rate is higher than the national average and emphasized the importance of increasing awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Finally, he acknowledged the passing of Art Thompson, stating Thompson was a valuable community member whose work with youth sports laid the foundation for Torrington’s current athletic programs.

Kelly moved to approve the consent agenda, which Deahl seconded. The agenda was approved. Viktorin then moved to approve the meeting’s agenda, with Kelly seconding. The motion passed. No comments were made during the public forum.

The first action item was a request to approve a bid for a construction project at the Homesteaders Museum. The museum recently received a large cash and memorabilia donation from a local resident, designated for a new building at the facility. Museum director Sarah Chaires informed the council the planned two-story building would include exhibit space on the lower level and research and storage space on the upper level. The pre-construction phase had been completed, and the council was asked to approve the bids, which were collected using a construction manager at risk process due to initial bids exceeding the donation amount. Ken Farrier of Goshen County Construction is overseeing the project and reported, through value engineering, they could meet all project requirements while staying within budget. The value engineering method was used to cut costs by individual bid. For instance, by removing the requirement for a computer-controlled HVAC system, a lower-complexity HVAC system was bid instead, significantly reducing costs. The council approved both the bids and a waiver of the Performance and payment bond, typically required for public works projects but waived due to the private funding nature of this project.

Next, the council reviewed a proposed lease agreement between the City and Eastern Wyoming College (EWC). EWC’s Archaeology and Anthropology program has seen great success, with nearly 60 students currently enrolled. Dr. Steven Howard, the program director and a professor of archaeology and anthropology, stated the program attracts students from across the country, enhancing the profile of both the college and the city. EWC requested to lease the vacant old chamber building at the southwest corner of the city park, across from the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department, to provide hands-on training in exhibit building and museum management. City staff recommended leasing the facility to the college for $200 per month, with some upfront costs required to restore the building to usable condition. Deahl moved to approve the proposed lease, Viktorin seconded, and the motion passed.

Jeff Harkins, director of public works, then presented an amendment to an agreement with Inberg-Miller Engineers for preparing specifications, announcing bids, and conducting construction inspections for the new baler facility at the landfill. The amendment increased the project cost by up to $453,250.

Gary Steele and Ryan Vazquez of Inberg-Miller Engineers addressed the council. Viktorin inquired whether the recommended baler could handle both current trash processing and future growth from the city and external customers. Harkins responded trash volume at the existing facility has remained steady, even with waste from Wheatland. The proposed baler has a similar capacity to the current one. Steele noted while the project was estimated at $5.5 million a year ago, inflation and labor costs could impact the final amount. Kelly moved to approve the amendment for engineering services, Deahl seconded, and the council unanimously approved the motion.

The council then reviewed a bid for a new SUV for the police department. The department had been approved at the last meeting to acquire a used vehicle from state troopers. The new vehicle purchase will continue the department’s fleet upgrades. Torrington Police Chief Matt Johnson stated multiple bids were received, but the best offer – considering both the sale price and trade-in value – came from Fremont Motors of Lander, Wyoming. Viktorin moved to accept the bid, Deahl seconded and the motion passed.

City clerk/treasurer Lynette Strecker presented a financial report for the first two quarters of the city’s fiscal year, ending December 31, 2024. The report aligned with previous years, with no budgeted line items significantly above or below 50% of estimated expenses and revenue.

Strecker noted city policy prohibits disconnecting electric services for nonpayment when temperatures are below freezing. However, nine residents had been notified of past-due balances could justify disconnection once temperatures rise. She also mentioned with several major projects and purchases occurring this fiscal year, the city’s cash reserves carried over to the next fiscal year will likely be smaller. The council then reviewed recent bills. Kelly moved to approve payment, Warren seconded and the motion passed.

During public comments, Torrington Fire Chief Luis Correa reported the fire department responded to six calls, including two significant mutual aid requests for large fires. Deahl also congratulated the Torrington wrestling team on its recent success.

The meeting then entered an executive session to discuss potential litigation.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for March 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers.