New airport terminal flies forward

Amber Wolfington
Posted 1/24/25

By Amber Wolfington

Contributing Writer

TORRINGTON – The Torrington City Council met on January 21 at 5:30 p.m. for its regularly scheduled meeting. In attendance were mayor Herb Doby …

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New airport terminal flies forward

Posted

By Amber Wolfington

Contributing Writer

TORRINGTON – The Torrington City Council met on January 21 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 Viktorin led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

During his informational remarks, Doby expressed the hope of the newly elected leaders, including President Trump, the upcoming session of the Wyoming Legislature, and council member Rick Warren, would “lead with wisdom, doing what is best for us” as the nation continues its “great American experiment in self-governance.” 

He also encouraged Torrington residents to check in on friends and neighbors, particularly the elderly, disabled, children, and pets, as the cold weather presents additional challenges for many.

The council approved the consent agenda following a motion from Kelly and a second from Deahl. Mayor Doby noted the first agenda item was now moot and requested approval of the revised agenda with the removal of item one. Viktorin made the motion, Kelly seconded it and the motion passed. No comments were made during the public forum.

The council then moved on to action items. First, Doby appointed Tessa Feagley of the Torrington Police Department to the safety committee, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Tammy Cearns, also of the police department. The safety committee, led by safety coordinator John Hood, includes city employees from various departments. Deahl moved to approve the appointment, Viktorin seconded the motion, and it was approved.

Next, the council considered an addendum to the contract with M.C. Schaff & Associates for engineering services at the Torrington Municipal Airport. The addendum expands the scope of work to include the design, bidding, and construction oversight of a new terminal at the airport. The engineering costs for the project are estimated at $135,000, while the total project cost is just over $800,000. The city has secured 90% reimbursement for these costs through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminals Program, with WYDOT committing an additional 6%. The city will initially cover the costs but will be reimbursed for all except approximately $37,000.

Mayor Doby emphasized the airport’s economic benefits make this state and federal investment a significant opportunity for the city. Public Works Director Jeff Harkins explained the existing terminal, nearly 70 years old and originally built as a garage, will be replaced with a modern facility. The new terminal will enhance the experience for pilots and other airport users. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2025 and conclude by the end of the year, with the airport remaining operational throughout. Viktorin moved to approve the addendum, Kelly seconded the motion, and it was approved.

The final action item involved an updated contract with the Western Area Power Administration – Salt Lake City Area, designating the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska as the exclusive entity for scheduling and purchasing electricity for the city. The updated contract, which formalizes current practices, was approved following a motion by Deahl and a second by Kelly.

The council then approved bills received since the prior meeting. Discussion included payments to the county for services related to the recent election and a new belt purchased for the baler. Kelly moved to approve the bills, Warren seconded, and the motion passed.

During public comment, Torrington Fire Chief Luis Correa reported five incidents over the past two weeks, including an aged carbon monoxide detector, an attic fire caused by faulty wiring, a cooking mishap at the Eastern Wyoming College dormitories, and a structure fire east of town which resulted in a total loss of the home but no injuries.

The next Torrington City Council meeting is scheduled for February 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers.