City of Torrington )
County of Goshen )
State of Wyoming )
The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 21, 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, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Harkins, Chief of Police Johnson, Golf Pro Dent and Deputy City Clerk Anaya.
Mayor Doby called the meeting to order.
Councilman Deahl led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Doby recognized the Torrington Trailblazers for their recent championship win. He stated that the Trailblazers defeated Big Horn 28-26 on 11-10-23 at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyoming to win the Wyoming 2A State Championship. Mayor Doby indicated that it was the first championship win in the school’s history since 1990. Torrington Head Coach Russell Steinmetz addressed the Mayor and Council. He commented that he is extremely proud of the team and their accomplishments.
Mayor Doby led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. Mayor Doby stated that in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, all City of Torrington offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 23-24, 2023. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving; 2. Mayor Doby urged all residents to shop locally to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday (11-25-23) and throughout the year; 3. Announcement that the annual Christmas Parade will be held on 12-01-23. The parade area will close at 5:00 p.m. and the parade will begin at 6:00 p.m.; and 4. Reminder to the public to take extra caution and to refrain from using their cell phones while driving.
Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 11-07-23 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby requested approval to amend the agenda as follows:
1. Remove Review and Consideration of Updated Lease Agreement with SE Municipal Wyoming, LLC from the Action Items List.
2. Add Consideration of Police Department Vehicle Purchase to the Action Items List.
Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
Sara Yung with the Open Barrel Brewing Company requested approval of a catering permit for a Goshen County Economic Development Annual Meeting that was held at 2042 Main Street (21st & Main) on 11-16-23 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to ratify the catering permit that was approved via e-mail on 11-15-23. Motion carried unanimously.
Ethan Fitch with the Mint Bar requested approval of a catering permit for a Goshen County Public Library Fundraiser Event to be held on 12-02-23 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 2001 East A Street. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the catering permit as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Leann Mattis with Go Goshen requested approval of a special event permit for the 2023 Christmas Parade to be held on 12-01-23 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mayor Doby indicated that the applicant is requesting approval to close the public street on Main Street between 19th Avenue and 25th Avenue and to have the special event permit fee waived. Chief of Police Johnson clarified that only 19th Avenue to 25th Avenue will be closed with barricades but the parade will travel down Main Street from 27th Avenue to 19th Avenue. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the special event permit and to waive the special event permit fee as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk/Treasurer Strecker read by title AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND ENACTING SECTION 5.12.045 OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2023 REVISIONS, RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE PERMITS IN THE CITY OF TORRINGTON. Chief of Police Johnson stated that the proposed ordinance is the result of a Work Session that was held by the City Council on 09-20-23. He indicated that at that Work Session there were a couple of pushes to one, provide better clarity as to what is being done as a City relating to those permits and two, to give the Mayor and Council the freedom of not having to be involved in each and every single one of the requests that come through. Chief of Police Johnson commented that a large number of requests are being submitted and stated that it is perhaps not the best utilization of Mayor and Council time to work in that regard. He indicated that City code did not have virtually anything in place that specified information regarding alcoholic beverage permits. Chief of Police Johnson commented that it was loosely based off of state statute and stated that open container permits were being approved by following a process that was laid out on an old administrative letter. He indicated that staff felt that it was important to create an entire new section within the City code that laid out a lot of clarity for each type of alcoholic beverage permit available, what they each require and what the approval process is. Chief of Police Johnson commented that the fee for the permits was increased from $30.00 to $50.00 and stated that a late fee clause was incorporated into the fee schedule. He indicated that any permit that is submitted less than 10 business days from the date on which the proposed event will be held, will be subject to a late fee of $50.00. Councilman Kelly inquired if the temporary food license requirement set fort by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture Consumer Health Services for catering permits needed to be included in the subsection for that particular type of permit. Chief of Police Johnson replied that he will consult with Attorney Eddington about that specific inquiry and make the necessary edits to be presented for the second reading of the ordinance on 12-05-23 if need be. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the ordinance on first reading as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk/Treasurer Strecker read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 5.12.020 OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2023 REVISIONS, RELATING TO LIQUOR LICENSE/PERMIT FEES. Chief of Police Johnson stated that Sections 5.12.020 I. through L. were updated to reflect the increase in permit fees from $30.00 to $50.00 as proposed with the newly created ordinance that was previously approved on first reading. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the ordinance on first reading as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk/Treasurer Strecker read a proclamation declaring 11-25-23 as Small Business Saturday. It celebrates local small businesses and the contributions they make to the local economy and community, and it urges the residents of the community and communities across the country to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the proclamation as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Chief of Police Johnson presented for approval a vehicle purchase request. He stated that he is seeking approval to make the purchase of another used Wyoming Highway Patrol police vehicle. Chief of Police Johnson indicated that the used vehicle is a 2019 Dodge Charger police package vehicle that has 120,000 miles. He commented that the vehicle has a very high level and high quality of police equipment that will come with the purchase. Chief of Police Johnson stated that the vehicle is also outfitted for a trooper vehicle so it has a transport cage in the back. He indicated that the funding to purchase the used vehicle is available from the settlement that the City received from the insurance company for the civilian 2018 Dodge Charger that was totaled due to hail damage. Chief of Police Johnson commented that he would like to make this purchase and get the vehicle outfitted for the department’s specifications of use. He stated that he would then like to look at the current fleet of civilian Dodge Chargers, select the one that is having the most maintenance problems and eliminate that vehicle from the fleet. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the purchase of the used 2019 Dodge Charger police package vehicle from the Wyoming Highway Patrol as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Golf Pro Dent presented the 2024 Golf Rates and Fees for approval. Modifications presented for approval were: Single - $595.00, Couple/Married - $810.00, Family - $895.00, Senior (62 Years and Older) - $520.00, Senior Couples (Both Must be 62 Years of Age or Older and Married) - $760.00, Daily Fee 9 Holes - $25.00, Daily Fee 18 Holes - $35.00, Tournaments Guest Weekdays - $25.00, Tournaments Guest Weekends - $25.00, Trail Fees Daily Fee - $20.00, Golf Cart Rental 18 Holes (Per Rider) - $15.00, 1 Year City Cart Lease Couple - $625.00, Couple Range Pass - $270.00, Family Range Pass - $310.00, Single Adult Annual Range Pass - $220.00, Bucket Balls Large (60) - $7.00, Bucket Balls Small (30) - $5.00 and Punch Card (12 Rounds of Golf for the Price of 10) - $350.00.
Golf Pro Dent presented the 2024 Golf Tournament Schedule for approval.
Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the 2024 Golf Rates and Fees, and the 2024 Golf Tournament Schedule as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk/Treasurer Strecker read Resolution No. 2023-12. She stated that the resolution will amend the FY24 Budget for unanticipated revenue received and for expenditures in excess of the budgeted amount. The amended amount will account for the following: General Fund – PD-Reimbursement for Officer Coverage ($1,287.73), PD-Insurance Proceeds for Hail Claims ($33,478.00); and Sewer Fund – Insurance Proceeds for Vac Truck ($509,662.25), New Vac Truck taken from Reserve ($32,480.00). Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve Resolution No. 2023-12 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
The bills from 11-08-23 to 11-21-23 were presented for payment. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the bills for payment as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby asked for public comments, questions or concerns.
The Council wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Doby stated that Fire Chief Petsch provided him with a written report. He indicated that the report gave a brief update regarding the calls that the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department responded to in the last couple of weeks. Mayor Doby reminded residents who will be holding controlled burns to call the dispatch non-emergency line ahead of time to provide relevant information about the burn such as the location of the burn, when the burn will begin and when the burn will end.
Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m.
The following bills were approved for payment: 77370 MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NE wholesale power 382606.62;77371 VERIZON WIRELESS TVFD cell phones 97.08;77372 WYRULEC CO Landfill Electric 280.88;77373 ACCUSCREEN MOBILE DRUG TESTING SERVICES rapid screen drug test 75.00;77374 AED EVERYWHERE INC. adult defib electrodes,lithium batteries-City ½ 395.75;77375 AFLAC payroll withholding 993.30;77376 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES ge lighting pin base,speaker wire,led vehicle lights 125.79;77377 AT&T MOBILITY cardiac monitor transmission fees 33.46;77378 AVI PC Well #16 Connection Project 2454.97;77379 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 2585.25;77380 BOMGAARS SUPPLY INC. brooms,drill bit sets,bolts,hyd fluid,antifreeze,hose kit,ceiling heater,gloves,work boots, wick,shop light,glass fuse assortment,wheels,brush,led light bulbs,duct tape,buckets,cleaner,pipe cap, apron chaps,dust pan/brush set 927.70;77381 BOOTH, TINA deposit refund 80.38;77382 BUTLER'S SALVAGE & TOWING towing fees 286.93;77383 CITY OF TORRINGTON c/o PINNACLE BANK health reserve non-insured PR employee premium/MT positions 8895.50;77384 CITY SERVICE VALCON Phillips 66 terminal maint fee 30.00;77385 CNA SURETY bond 100.00;77386 CONNECTING POINT TVFD copier all-inclusive service contract 75.00;77387 CONTINENTAL WESTERN GROUP auto/commercial property insurance 38006.00;77388 COTTONWOOD COUNTRY CLUB shed-50% rental fee 355.00;77389 DEINES IRRIGATION INC. transformer 1787.00;77390 DENT, DAVID A. Golf Pro Payable 323.98;77391 DESTRYS SECRET GARDEN plant/floral arrangement-Martinez funeral 71.00;77392 DH PACE CO INC. padlock/core, grandmaster keys 466.28;77393 DOOLEY ENTERPRISES INC. ammunition 5251.25;77394 DOOLEY OIL oil 715.54;77395 EAKES INC. trail passes 106.89;77396 ELK ECO-CYCLE dumpster pick up 30.00;77397 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab test 197.00;77398 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 444.00;77399 FAIR, MACKENZIE D. deposit refund 55.91;77400 FRONT RANGE FIRE APPARATUS repair transfer case 10770.58;77401 GALLS LLC lawpro star insignia,lifesaving commendation bar 126.42;77402 GOSHEN CO CONSTRUCTION LLC Baler Building Addition Project 77017.19;77403 GOSHEN CO CONSTRUCTION LLC Maintenance Garage Construction Project 153639.90;77404 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;77405 GOSHEN CO ECONOMIC monthly contribution 2500.00;77406 GRAINGER spray bottle 34.73;77407 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP copier leases 356.00;77408 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2063.00;77409 JAMES A. EDDINGTON PC City Attorney 9187.50;77410 JOMAX CONSTRUCTION refund hydrant meter deposit less fees 1983.00;77411 KINNI, NATALIE deposit refund 122.22;77412 KOIS BROTHERS EQUIPMENT CO Sewer Vactor Truck 542141.46; 77413 LIFEMED SAFETY INC. heartsync adult/child electrode pads 324.00;77414 LOFINK, BRITTANIE deposit refund 105.25;77415 MAILLOUX, WILLIAM & BAGGETT LISA deposit refund 92.05;77416 MATTHEW BENDER & CO INC. WY Court Rules 2023 supplements 276.31;77417 MEDICAL AIR SERVICES ASSOCIATION medical air transport insurance 1615.00;77418 MERITAIN HEALTH INC. premium-ins/life admin 49900.85;77419 MIRACLE RECREATION playground equipment 10869.60;77420 MUNIWORTH INNOVATIONS INC. annual waterworth software subscription 20000.00;77421 NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS payroll withholding 160.00;77422 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 257.00;77423 ODERMAN, JOSH meal reimb 24.65;77424 ONE CALL OF WY tickets for CDC code TRG 131.25;77425 PATRICK, JOHN B. Municipal Court Judge 2000.00;77426 PINE ROCK REALTY deposit refund 175.81;77427 PINNACLE BANK re-validation,training/exam charges,travel expenses-meals/fuel/lodging,postage,refund,membership fee,yearly pass for record searching,taser instructor scope,Halloween candy,dish soap,museum cataloging program,floral arrangement for Martinez funeral,batteries,cold weather clothing,aleve,copy paper,napkins,stock supplies,Christmas lights,ro vfd fan,fire resistant gloves 7023.72;77428 POMP'S TIRE SERVICE tires,recap on tires 3779.78;77429 POWELL, CHRIS mileage reimb 188.64;77430 PUSH UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION refund hydrant meter deposit less fees 1511.00;77431 QUILL LLC membership renewal,toner cartridges,calendars,foaming hand soap 1374.85;77432 RADWELL INTERNATIONAL LLC centrifugal fan 500.00;77433 REGIONAL CARE INC. select flex admin 90.00;77434 REIFSCHNEIDER, DAWSON deposit refund 95.65;77435 RICE LAKE WEST INC. FY2020 Wastewater Pre-Treatment Facility Project 230850.00;77436 RICE LAKE WEST INC. retainage 12150.00;77437 RICHEY, MICHAEL Airport Operator Contract 1666.66;77438 S & W HEALTHCARE CORPORATION electrodes 149.73;77439 SANDUSKY, MIKE reimb-work boots 174.99;77440 SEWER EQUIPMENT CO OF AMERICA suction tube w/ latch handle 280.61;77441 STUART C IRBY CO stinger wire 488.00;77442 SUN RIDGE SYSTEMS INC. RIMS annual support services 10600.00;77443 TD REAL ESTATE deposit refund 94.22; 77444 TELEFLEX LLC 25mm needles 562.50;77445 TIMBERLINE ELECTRIC & CONTROL CORP permeate flush process no flush seq 2457.50;77446 TIP TOP TREE SERVICE tree/stumps removal 4700.00;77447 TITAN MACHINERY guard set assembly 231.66;77448 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE premium, select flex contributions 110854.20;77449 TRIHYDRO CORP FY2020 Wastewater Pre-Treatment Project amendment 16625.35;77450 TRILLIONAIRE REALTY deposit refund 79.16;77451 U S POSTMASTER credit for postage 1250.00;77452 VEOLIA WTS USA INC. monthly chemical management 7769.04;77453 VYVE BROADBAND fiber internet service 443.23;77454 WEGLIN JR., ED mow/trim 120.00;77455 WESTERN UNITED ELECTRIC SUPPLY pole set kits,contractor 3 pole def purpose,footers for pedestals 1319.40; 77456 WY DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION WY motor fuel license renewal 50.00;77457 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS Torr Vol EMT Pension 37.50;77458 YOUTZ, DANA mileage reimb 386.69;77459 ZELL HEATING & COOLING LLC service call 1068.76
Public Notice No. 8829 published in the Torrington Telegram on December 1, 2023.