City of Torrington )
County of Goshen )
State of Wyoming )
The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 in the City Council Chambers at 436 East 22nd Ave. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Doby, Council Members Deahl, Kelly, Patterson and Viktorin. Also Present: Clerk/Treasurer Strecker, Attorney Eddington, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Harkins, Chief of Police Johnson, Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes and Deputy City Treasurer Nichols.
Mayor Doby called the meeting to order.
Councilman Patterson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A remembrance ceremony was held in honor of Lieutenant Harley Mark.
Mayor Doby led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. Mayor Doby invited the citizens of Torrington to continue to enjoy the golf course, parks and sports fields that the City offers; 2. Reminder to all residents and property owners to continue to keep ahead of the growth of lawns and weeds in order to proactively avoid a visit from Code Enforcement Officers; 3. Reminder to the public to please continue to acquaint themselves with recent traffic and pedestrian control changes. In specific with the new four-way stop on West E Street and 28th Avenue at the entrance and exit to the Torrington Middle School and the 17 newly marked pedestrian crosswalks; 4. Reminder to the public to take extra caution with the increased bus, pedestrian and bicycle traffic; 5. Request to the public to refrain from using their cell phones while driving; and 6. Announcement that Torrington is under an air quality advisory until 09-06-23 1:00 p.m.
Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 08-15-23 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Abe Correa, Legion Baseball President, addressed the Mayor and Council in public forum. He thanked the Mayor and Council, Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes and the Parks Department for the continued support and effort that is given towards maintaining and improving the Bullock and Jirdon Fields for their use. Mr. Correa stated that the partnership that has been established between the two entities works well and indicated that Legion Baseball sincerely values the partnership.
Diana May requested approval of an open container permit for a Retirement Party that was held on 09-03-23 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Jirdon Park. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to ratify the catering permit that was approved on 08-25-23. Motion carried unanimously.
Chief of Police Johnson presented for ratification a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) and the City of Torrington that was signed on 08-30-23. He stated that the purpose of the MOU is to fulfill an accreditation requirement for the EWC Vet Tech Program and to provide opportunities for EWC Vet Tech Program students to give veterinary care to animals in the care of Waggin’ Tails Shelter. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to ratify the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) and the City of Torrington that was signed on 08-30-23. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Lingle and the City of Torrington. She stated that the Town of Lingle and the City of Torrington intend to enter into a relationship and agreement whereby the City of Torrington will send a City employee to Lingle with the City of Torrington’s equipment to spray for mosquitos. Mayor Doby indicated that Mayor Unverzagt of Lingle reached out to him to inquire about the possibility of the City of Torrington providing the mosquito spraying services. He commented that Mayor Unverzagt relayed to him that the Town of Lingle does not have any employees that are licensed to spray and Goshen County Weed and Pest is unable to do so, therefore the City of Torrington is their only viable option. Mayor Doby stated that the Town of Lingle is in dire need of outsourcing the services due to the increase in diagnosed West Nile cases in and around Goshen County. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Lingle and the City of Torrington as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Julie Miller-Harshberger with the 307 Sports Bar & Grill requested approval of a catering permit for a Ladies Night at the Theatre Event to be held on 09-15-23 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at 126 East 20th Avenue (Torrington Cinemas). Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the catering permit as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Nathan Kendall with the Elks Lodge 1726 requested approval of three open container permits for Fall Convention Events to be held on 09-14-23, 09-15-23 and 09-16-23 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Mayor Doby indicated that the permitted area will be confined to the outside space on the Elks Lodge property in front of the building facing East 20th Avenue as specified on the map included with the addendum for the event. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the open container permits as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Shawn Keith with Torrington High School requested approval of a special event permit for a Homecoming Parade to be held on 09-22-23 from 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Main Street. Mayor Doby indicated that the applicant is requesting that the special event permit fee be waived due to the fact that Goshen County School District 1 is a non-profit organization. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the special event permit and to waive the special event permit fee as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Director of Public Works (DPW)/City Engineer Harkins presented the bid results for the FY23 Golf Course Parking Lot Improvements (Phase II) Project. He stated that staff recommends awarding the bid to J-Built Homes, Inc. of Torrington, Wyoming in the amount of $142,742.45 with no contingency. DPW/City Engineer Harkins indicated that the finished project will be scaled back in the amount of $22,742.45 to stay within budget. He commented that a bid opening was held on 08-30-23 and stated that two bids were submitted in conformance with the bidding requirements. DPW/City Engineer Harkins indicated that funding for the project was established in the FY24 Budget in the amount of $120,000.00. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to award the bid to J-Built Homes, Inc. of Torrington, Wyoming in the amount of $120,000.00 with no contingency as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval a Partnership Agreement between the City of Torrington and Go Goshen. She briefly summarized the agreement as it had previously been discussed in depth at a Work Session held by the City Council on 08-17-23. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that the only change made to the agreement since the Work Session is the addition of the 21st & Main section. She indicated that the sale of that property did not go through or was cancelled, therefore that section of the agreement was added back in. Councilman Viktorin inquired how long this particular agreement has been in place. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker responded that the agreement has been in place for at least eight years. Councilman Kelly questioned why the board is comprised of 23 members. Brayden Connour, CEO of Go Goshen, replied that that is what is written in their bylaws therefore that is what is followed. Councilman Deahl inquired if the 21st & Main property will still be for sale eventually. Mr. Connour responded that that has not been determined. He commented that that will be discussed over the course of the next year. Councilman Viktorin questioned what the target market plan for the Torrington East Side Industrial Park is. Mr. Connour replied that the plan is what was discussed during the last Industrial Park Committee meeting. Councilman Viktorin asked if that plan is currently being worked on or if it was finalized. Mr. Connour responded that the plan is finalized. He stated that the park has pieces of due diligence that need to be completed first and then the plan can be set into motion. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the Partnership Agreement between the City of Torrington and Go Goshen as presented. Voting aye Deahl, Doby, Kelly and Patterson, nay Viktorin, motion carried.
Attorney Eddington presented for approval a Notice of Intent to be a Party in the Goshen Solar Project. He briefly summarized the notice as the Goshen Solar Project was discussed in depth at a Work Session held by the City Council on 08-17-23. Attorney Eddington stated as a reminder that the notice needs to be filed by 09-27-23 and indicated that if approved, the notice will be submitted promptly and staff will visit with Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s Economist to figure out what the next steps in the process are going to be. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the Notice of Intent to be a Party in the Goshen Solar Project as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented a Financial Report for FY 2023 ending 06-30-23. The total restricted and cash on hand was $19,619,102.23. The accounts receivable/utility billing amount past due was $23,484.18, the amount at collections was $73,410.03 and $11,051.67 was turned over to the City Attorney. The estimated cash beginning balance for the FY 2024 budget was $16,568,633.68 and the actual cash available for FY 2024 is $16,408,413.50. Net revenue for all funds was $2,140,348.04, which in comparison to the previous fiscal year has increased overall. The long-term debt and capital leases total debt outstanding was $2,861,096.04 and sales tax has increased altogether. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to accept the Financial Report for FY 2023 ending 06-30-23 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
The bills from 08-16-23 to 09-05-23 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.
Marie Flanagan announced that Torrington Cinemas along with 30 other businesses in the community are going to be providing a free movie for students on the days that school is not in session.
Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes stated that all first responders in the County have responded to some pretty tramatic events in the past month. He thanked them all for their dedication and service, and wished them well.
Councilman Viktorin urged all City of Torrington customers to reference their utility bill to get the details regarding the upcoming fall clean-up event.
Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m.
The following bills were approved for payment: 76796 CARSON, TATE R. re-issue deposit refund check 29.26;76797 HIGH PLAINS APT re-issue deposit refund check 193.98;76798 HIGH PLAINS APT deposit refund 138.22;76799 AT&T MOBILITY cardiac monitor transmission fees 33.46;76800 CONTINENTAL WESTERN GROUP auto/commercial property insurance 38171.00;76801 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 1657.56;76802 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 94.84;76803 VIAERO WIRELESS cell phone,wireless hotspots 661.19;76804 QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC. neopost postage 678.90;76805 VERIZON WIRELESS TVFD cell phones 96.77;76806 R & R RESTORATION re-issue deposit refund check 67.12;76807 MERITAIN HEALTH INC. premium-ins/life admin 48892.09;76808 REGIONAL CARE INC. select flex admin 102.00;76809 AFLAC payroll withholding 778.98;76810 AT&T MOBILITY modem for ambulance 40.04;76811 NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS payroll withholding 176.00;76812 DENT, DAVID A. Golf Pro Payable 3106.64;76813 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2013.00;76814 CITY OF TORRINGTON c/o PINNACLE BANK health reserve non-insured PR employee premium/MT positions 9882.75;76815 SOUTH TORRINGTON WATER & SEWER DISTRICT museum-water/sewer 335.61;76816 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE premium 106975.28;76817 CENTURYLINK data line 38.92;76818 VERIZON WIRELESS cell phones 646.19;76819 WY DEPT OF REVENUE sales tax 22883.42;76820 BOXBERGER FARMS deposit refund 2190.96;76821 CARABAJAL, ALICE deposit refund 159.23;76822 CRAIG-WOOD, KENA reimb-proof of rabies vaccination 50.00;76823 SCHMIDT, JACKIE credit refund 2.96; 76824 PRECIOUS BIG EAGLE deposit refund 78.78;76825 YOUTZ, DANA mileage reimb 413.10;76826 HIGH PLAINS APT deposit refund 60.65;76827 TD REAL ESTATE deposit refund 161.53;76828 ACCUSCREEN MOBILE DRUG TESTING SERVICES rapid screen drug test 30.00;76829 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES staplers,trimmer heads,double hose shank,nozzle,external hard drive,transfer pump,ice bags, rz masks,highlighters,batteries,international plumbing code book,shock absorbers,abs socket organizer 1293.46;76830 ATCO INTERNATIONAL suppress deodorizer for dumpsters 233.60;76831 AVI PC Well #16 Connection Project 540.90;76832 B & B REPORTING INC. background check 44.95;76833 BACKFLOW PREVENTION SUPPLY INC. backflow repair parts 186.63;76834 BLOEDORN LUMBER CO-TORRINGTON u-haul boxes,dog ear pickets,screws,seal liquid,ez-traps,pruning saw,clamps,marking paint,adhesive, battery,elbows,fly swatters,adapters,couplings,ss quick link,nozzle,air chuck,air valve pack 855.17;76835 BOMGAARS SUPPLY INC. chainsaw chain,adapters,threaded rods,drill bit,bolts,hand trowels,solar salt, wet/dry vac,sledge hammers,fasteners,tie wire roll,cat litter,poly rope,duplex receptacle,fly spray,handy file,trimmer heads,fly-sticks,insect killer,cylence ultra,round up,bolt snap,grinding wheels,bushing, buckets,sevin dust,hyd fluid,ziploc bags,battery,shovel,weed killer 1408.80;76836 BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES INC. wire,clamps,machine bolts,insulators,pvc,elbows,auto wedge,fuses,connectors,fuse links,couplings,rigid conduit,bolt eyes,hot line tap bails,anchors,meter bases,cutouts,pins,clevis,safety switches,arrestors,photo cells 14708.73;76837 BROWN CO deck hange 23.67;76838 BROWN, KENNETH T. Court Appointed Attorney 50.00;76839 CASELLE INC. contract support & maint 2050.00;76840 SARGENT DRILLING CO FY2023 Submersible Pump & Motor Replacements-retainage 5095.40;76841 CITY SERVICE VALCON Phillips 66 terminal maint fee 30.00;76842 CO DOORWAYS INC. metal doors 1515.00; 76843 CONNECTING POINT copier all-inclusive service contracts/monthly charges,extra copies 524.38; 76844 CORE & MAIN LP curb stops 4022.00;76845 D A R E tobacco compliance-grant reimb 370.00; 76846 DECKER, STEVE weed spray,weed killer,white traffic paint 1056.90;76847 DESERT MOUNTAIN CORP roadsaver-dust control 12930.12;76848 DPC INDUSTRIES INC. sodium hypo 3992.18;76849 ELECTRO-TEST & MAINTENANCE INC. equipment service call-Cold Springs substation 2057.50;76850 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 1822.50;76851 FLOYD'S TRUCK CENTER INC. kits-surge tanks inlets,windshield washer reservoir,air spring-cab air suspension 434.46;76852 FRITZLER, LARRY & DEBORAH pump septic tanks 406.00;76853 PRO QUALITY PEST CONTROL rodent control 90.00;76854 GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL disinfectant,concrete floor cleaner,water bottle refilling station 1348.05;76855 GREAT GARDENS INC. WCG tee box beautification/evergreen tree 100.00;76856 GW MECHANICAL INC. backflow repair 262.50;76857 USABLUEBOOK roots equivalent synthetic blower oil 238.40;76858 HEALING CONNECTIONS MENTAL HLTH THERAPY individual sessions 560.00;76859 IDEAL LINEN/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTION paper towels,toilet paper,toilet cleaner,hand soap,disinfectant,trash bags 727.80; 76860 JOE JOHNSON EQUIPMENT LLC pin-dirt shoe 88.88;76861 KATH BROADCASTING CO LLC tower rent,City Council meeting 475.00;76862 KAUFMAN GLASS LLC windshield/back window installation 770.00;76863 KELLY, DENNIS meal/mileage reimb 116.66;76864 K & K COMMUNICATIONS paging service-elec meters 12.00;76865 L I E A P - STATE OF WY refund overpayment 12.65;76866 LOFINK PANHANDLE LAWN CARE LLC weed control 1500.00;76867 LONG II, DEREK J. tree spraying 2331.00; 76868 M & M DISTRIBUTION LLC 2-part sealer kit/preformed thermoplastic 499.00;76869 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC. medical oxygen 111.00;76870 MASEK GOLF CAR CO universal joint 179.61;76871 METAL SHOP AND REPAIR LLC K cyl O2 contents,metal plate,rectangular tube 245.00;76872 MOUNTAIN STATES PIPE & SUPPLY CO INC. ERTs 6898.22;76873 MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES scba flow testing & repair-City ½ 1686.88;76874 NAVEX GLOBAL INC. corporate license-PolicyTech 3944.80;76875 NEWMAN SIGNS INC. sign brackets 157.37;76876 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 165.00;76877 THE L L JOHNSON DIST CO aquaritin 19,adapter kits,bolt-blade,rim,wheel 2135.81;76878 CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING OF TORRINGTON dispenser rentals,water 259.40;76879 PORT-A-POTS BY TDS INC. standard pots 60.46;76880 POSTEN, REECE BENJAMIN service call-repair ice machine 95.41;76881 QUADIENT LEASING USA INC. lease contract-postage machine 407.91;76882 R & R PRODUCTS INC. grinding discs 49.51;76883 RAILROAD MANAGEMENT CO land lease 1395.04;76884 G.A. MURDOCK INC. blue tubing 159.49;76885 RICHEY, MICHAEL Airport Operator Contract 1666.66;76886 RICHEY, MICHAEL air fuel 479.94;76887 ROSE BROTHERS INC. pulley 76.20;76888 SANITAS TECHNOLOGIES LLC software license renewal 395.00;76889 VALLEY MOTOR SUPPLY odor fogger,diesel exhaust fluid,filters,lube,brake clean,pressure grease,dissicant air dryer,wiper blades,mobil 1 SG,grease gun,fluid oil pump GL,def for rodder,mini gauge 1100.80;76890 TEAM CHEVROLET sensor kit 292.89;76891 SCOTTSBLUFF VALLEY STREET RODS Fall Car Show on Main Street-sponsorship 500.00;76892 SNOW CREST CHEMICALS LLC cooling water/tower treatments,tower ng 8904.80;76893 DBC IRRIGATION SUPPLY pvc tees,sprinkler heads 1174.88;76894 STANDARD INSURANCE CO premium-long term disability 2303.05;76895 QUILL LLC ink cartridges,tape,mints,sharpies,stapler 160.77;76896 STARR TOOLS hand soap,pro-link edge starter kit/diagnostic scanner 4522.50;76897 STUART C IRBY CO transformer bushing guards,breakers 1006.80;76898 TEXT MY GOV new interactive texting communication system software 7500.00;76899 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE select flex contribution 3113.90;76900 TORRINGTON FIRE DEPT professional services 800.00;76901 TORRINGTON OFFICE SUPPLY copy paper,toilet paper,clipboard, pencils,pencil lead,pens,planner,file folders,binder,legal pads,labels,correction tape,ink/toner cartridges, cover stock,fasteners,3-hole punch paper,urinal deodorizers,safety glasses,staples,dividers,index tabs, self-adhesive name tags,envelopes,notebooks,labels 1532.44;76902 TORRINGTON SOD FARMS kentucky blue grass 16.00;76903 TOUCHTONE COMMUNICATIONS long distance 231.00;76904 TRI STATE OIL RECLAIMERS INC. used oil 60.00;76905 CENTURYLINK data lines 2327.64;76906 GRAINGER flags,field striping paint,in-line duct fan,time switch,hand soap 571.49;76907 WAGGIN' TAILS SHELTER donation to animal shelter 150.00;76908 WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION membership renewal 115.00;76909 U S DEPT OF ENERGY O&M Torr Substation/per WAPA contract 4572.97;76910 WY DEPT OF REVENUE uniform assessment for FY24-first half 2409.82;76911 WY LOCAL GOVERNMENT LIABILITY POOL deductible 1000.00;76912 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS retirement 117941.27;76913 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS Torr Vol EMT Pension 37.50;76914 DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES workers compensation 11919.60;76915 ZELL HEATING & COOLING LLC service call-change filters/install high wind cap 166.00;76916 KENYON, CHUCK lodging reimb 167.00;76917 R & R RESTORATION deposit refund 250.81;76918 MALMSTROM, VICKIE deposit refund 60.83
Public Notice No. 8739 published in the Torrington Telegram on September 15, 2023.
