TORRINGTON – The Torrington City Council met on February 18 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 Deahl led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Doby opened the meeting with his mayor’s informational Items. He thanked the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department for hosting its annual awards dinner, where firefighters were recognized for achievements ranging from Rookie of the Year to 45 years of service. He also expressed gratitude to city staff, contractors and residents for their efforts in removing snow, emphasizing the importance of keeping sidewalks clear. Additionally, mayor Doby reminded attendees to check on relatives, friends and neighbors, as extreme cold poses additional risks for vulnerable populations.

The council approved the consent agenda following a motion from Viktorin and a second from Kelly. The agenda was also approved, with an amendment to postpone a financial report until the next meeting. No comments were made during the Public Forum.

The council then moved on to action items. The first three involved renewing liquor licenses for retail establishments, club limited licenses, restaurants, and a microbrewery. The renewed licenses will be effective from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. Torrington Police Chief Matt Johnson informed the council there were no concerns from law enforcement regarding the renewals and city staff had worked with each license holder and the State of Wyoming to ensure compliance with current regulations. Several business owners spoke in favor of the renewals and thanked the council for its continued support.

After a public hearing was held for each license type, the council voted on the renewals. Retail liquor licenses were approved for Essential Fuels, Mint Bar, La Familia Prado, Thirsty’s, Mavericks, Smoker Friendly-Gasamat, Holiday Inn Express, The Open Barrel Brewing Company, Torrington Cobblestone Hotel, Broncho Bar, San Pedro Taqueria, Ltd Edition and Thrifty’s. Limited club liquor licenses were approved for the Elk’s, Torrington Moose Lodge, American Legion Club and the City of Torrington Country Club. Restaurant liquor licenses were approved for Broncho Grillhouse and Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant. Finally, Open Barrel Brewing Company was approved to renew its microbrewery permit.

Next, mayor Doby requested approval for a proclamation declaring February 15-22 as National FFA Week. In the proclamation, he recognized the FFA as an organization which “promotes premier leadership, personal growth and career success among its members.” He also stated FFA prepares students to enter professional fields in the science, business and technology of agriculture. Viktorin made a motion to approve the proclamation, Kelly seconded the motion and the proclamation was approved.

The council then convened as a board of adjustment to approve a replat of the Cold Springs Business Park. Mid-State Tires recently relocated to the business park, but the existing lot did not allow enough room for the facility and parking. To accommodate Midstate Tires, Go Goshen modified the boundary lines in the lots to the south to provide additional space. Bob Taylor spoke on behalf of Go Goshen and presented the updated plat to the council. Deahl made a motion to accept the replat as presented, Kelly seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Next, Torrinton Police Chief, Matt Johnson requested $8,000 to purchase a 2020 Dodge Charger from the Wyoming Highway Patrol. The vehicle is already outfitted for law enforcement use, has been well maintained and is a significant improvement over the civilian vehicles currently serving as police cruisers. Not only is it pre-equipped for police use, but it is also four-wheel drive, whereas the current vehicles are rear-wheel drive and difficult to maneuver in inclement weather. Chief Johnson stated this is the fourth vehicle purchased from the Highway Patrol and the previous three have been used successfully. Viktorin made a motion to approve the purchase, Kelly seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

The council also reviewed an agreement for professional services with M.C. Shaff & Associates for construction administration and inspection on the East D Street Improvement Project. The project, which has been in the works for over a decade, will include replacing waterlines and the storm sewer on East D from Highway 26 to 30th Avenue. It will be funded through a mix of low-interest loans, grants, and City of Torrington gas tax revenue, with an estimated total cost of $7 million. The city has worked with M.C. Shaff on multiple projects in the past. Deahl made a motion to accept the agreement as presented, Viktorin seconded the motion and the motion passed.

The council then reviewed bills received since the prior meeting. Kelly moved to approve the bills, Deahl seconded and the motion passed.

During public comment, Torrington Volunteer Fire Department Chief  Luis Correa informed the council February had a slower start, with seven calls ranging from carbon monoxide detection to a car accident and one fire incident.

Viktorin also made a statement regarding the potential impact of a decrease in property tax revenue on the city. He noted reductions as high as 50% are currently being debated during the State General Session. Addressing concerns raised on social media and in conversations, Viktorin reassured the community the city remains committed to emergency services.

“I wish to reassure the people and businesses in the City of Torrington that defunding emergency services will never, and should never, be a topic for consideration,” Viktorin stated. “Our community members can rest easy at night knowing that our first responders will arrive whenever you call, and our highly trained personnel will continue to be swift with their response times, arriving equipped with well-maintained vehicles, equipment and the full understanding that our community demands and appreciates their presence. Voices in the ether that fearmonger communities into believing that emergency services may be cut as a result of property tax relief should be rejected. Property tax relief or not, emergency services is priority number one.”

Mayor Doby then adjourned the meeting. The next city council meeting is scheduled for March 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers.