City of Torrington )
County of Goshen )
State of Wyoming )
The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 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 Harkins, Chief of Police Johnson, Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes and Deputy City Clerk Anaya.
Mayor Doby called the meeting to order.
Councilman Deahl led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Doby led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. Reminder that the Choice Gas Program is currently underway and that the selection period for the program will only be valid through 04-24-24; 2. Reminder that the City of Torrington received a check in the amount of $14,434.00 from Wyoming Community Gas (WCG) as a result of the support from the community in the selection of WCG as their natural gas supplier. Mayor Doby stated that the contribution funds that the City receives on behalf of WCG are used for several community projects such as a scholarship to Eastern Wyoming College; 3. Reminder that the annual spring clean-up is scheduled for 05-04-24 through 05-11-24; 4. Reminder that a sewer lining project commenced on 04-03-24. Mayor Doby indicated that Insituform, the contractor, will be working in multiple areas throughout the City, and will be notifying residents prior to work at each segment. He commented that the contractor is asking residents to refrain from using their washing machines, dishwasher, toilet, etc. during the work. Mayor Doby stated that each segment will take approximately 3-4 hours from start to finish, and indicated that the project is expected to be complete by the end of April; 5. Mayor Doby urged the citizens of Torrington to continue to enjoy the golf course, the walking path, and the many parks and sports fields owned and maintained by the City of Torrington; 6. Reminder to the public to be cautious and mindful of the presence of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists on the streets as warmer weather approaches; and 7. Request to the public to refrain from using their cell phones while driving.
Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 04-02-24 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Heidi Wayland and Jessica Rohrer with Wyoming Child and Family Development gave an update and presentation regarding the developmental disabilities local match.
Mayor Doby read a proclamation declaring 04-26-24 as Arbor Day in the City of Torrington. It urged all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes stated that a tree planting ceremony in honor of Arbor Day is scheduled to take place on 04-30-24 at 1:45 p.m. at the Sports Complex. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the proclamation as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 3.04.210 OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICICPAL CODE, 2024 REVISIONS, RELATING TO SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS AND FEES. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1286 as presented on third reading. Motion carried unanimously.
Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 2.04.010 OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICICPAL CODE, 2024 REVISIONS, RELATING TO REGULAR MEETINGS. Mayor Doby stated that the only thing that was amended was the start time of regular meetings from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. He indicated that workplace practices are not what they used to be and commented that employers now a days are extremely accommodating to their employees. Mayor Doby stated that the County Commissioners meet at 9:00 a.m. and indicated that he is not asking anyone to consider changing the meeting time to an hour that would fall during business hours. He commented that the City has staff that arrive anywhere between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., that spend their lunch hour on the premises and then work all the way through until the meeting is adjourned on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. Mayor Doby stated that that makes for a very long day for staff and indicated that his reason for wanting to change the start time of meetings to 5:30 p.m. is because he has staff’s best interest at heart. He commented that the 04-02-24 meeting lasted until nearly 9:45 p.m. Mayor Doby stated that it has been verified with KGOS/KERM and the Telegram that an earlier start time will not hinder their ability to provide coverage for the meetings. Councilman Patterson indicated that he is in support of minimizing the number of additional hours that salaried employees put in after hours as a result of these meetings. He commented that he was recently surprised to learn that a close relative of his listens to the meetings online and stated that he would assume that others do as well. Councilman Patterson stated that 5:30 p.m. is after normal working hours, therefore public access to the meeting will not be an issue. He indicated that he is very in favor of changing the start time primarily for the benefit of the staff, but also because they can continue to meet their obligations as a Council to the public by doing so. Councilman Deahl spoke in favor of the amendment by commenting that the community is very generous with time. He stated that the Fire Department has younger members that are active and that they are granted leave time to respond to calls. Councilman Deahl indicated that the community is very good about civic responsibility as well. Councilman Kelly spoke in opposition of the amendment by stating that public meetings should be held when the public can attend. Councilman Viktorin spoke in opposition of the amendment by indicating that when he decided to get involved in public service, serving on the City Council was the most attractive option to him because the vast majority of the meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. He commented that he does not hear from constituents that this is a primary concern of theirs. Councilman Viktorin stated that the public can access the meeting via the radio and live stream, but they cannot participate in that regard. He indicated that he does not think it is a huge necessity for the start time of the meetings to be changed. Councilman Viktorin commented that the 7:00 p.m. start time allows the public the greatest opportunity to participate. He suggested that executive sessions be held prior to the regular meetings so that staff is not bogged down with having to stay late. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the ordinance on first reading as presented. Voting aye Deahl, Doby and Patterson, nay Kelly and Viktorin, motion carried.
Director of Public Works (DPW) Harkins presented for approval an agreement with Avfuel Corporation for supplying both Jet-A and 100LL fuel to the Torrington Municipal Airport. He stated that Avfuel is one of the largest aviation fuel distributors in this region, which should alleviate the delivery issues that were experienced with Phillips 66. DPW Harkins indicated that the Avfuel agreement was presented to the Airport Board on 04-09-24 and commented that the board voted unanimously in favor of the approval of the agreement. He stated that Avfuel offers an excess aviation liability insurance policy in the amount of $50,000,000.00. DPW Harkins indicated that as a part of the agreement, the City must obtain and maintain a primary liability insurance policy. He commented that the City had previously secured the required insurance during its contractual obligation with Phillips 66 and has maintained it ever since. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the agreement with Avfuel Corporation as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to take the following items from the table: 1. Petition for Annexation into the City of Torrington. The Legal Description is: part of the NW1/2SE1/4 of Section 4, T24N, R61W; 2. Ordinance 1st Reading – Annexing the Wireless Addition; and 3. Ordinance 1st Reading – Establishing I-1 Zoning for Lots 1 and 2, Wireless Addition. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby noted the time had arrived for the Mayor and Council to adjourn from regular session and convene as a Board of Adjustment.
Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes stated that the Petition for Annexation into the City of Torrington and the Annexation Report for part of the NW1/2SE1/4 of Section 4, T24N, R61W submitted by Green Eagle Communications and Union Telephone was discussed and presented in depth at the 03-19-24 Council meeting before the item was tabled. He indicated that he not only sent the proposed annexation report by certified mail to all affected landowners, he verbally spoke to all of them as well. Mayor Doby asked for public comments for or against the proposed annexation, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the Petition for Annexation into the City of Torrington and to accept the Annexation Report for part of the NW1/2SE1/4 of Section 4, T24N, R61W as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby returned the Mayor and Council to regular session.
Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF TORRINGTON, WYOMING, REAL PROPERTY TO BE KNOWN AS THE “WIRELESS ADDITION.” Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the ordinance on first reading as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 18.16.020 OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2024 REVISIONS, RELATING TO THE CITY OF TORRINGTON, WYOMING, AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP BY ESTABLISHING “I-1” ZONING FOR A TRACT OF LAND. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the ordinance on first reading as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
The bills from 04-03-24 to 04-16-24 were presented for payment. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the bill for Z & W Mill for payment as presented. Councilman Viktorin declared a conflict and abstained from voting. Motion carried. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the remaining bills for payment as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby asked for public comments, questions or concerns.
The Torrington Police Department telecommunications officers were recognized by Chief of Police Johnson for their work as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications week. The dedicated individuals honored were: Bailye Goulart, Brenda Miller, Hillary McNees, Heather Kraus, Ronald Palfy, Tammy Cearns and Teri Shinost.
Fire Chief Correa briefly updated the Mayor and Council on 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. The non-emergency phone number is (307) 532-7001.
Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes stated that they are seeing a lot of dog waste on the sports fields, walking paths and in the parks. He urged the public to please pick up after their dogs. Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes indicated that there are waste containers available at these locations for the public to utilize. He also urged the public to report this type of activity to the City via the TextMyGov service.
Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes stated that he is looking for volunteers that would be willing to take care of and maintain planters along Main Street or in the mini parks. If interested, please call (307) 532-5666 for further information.
Councilman Deahl reminded the public that municipal elections are coming up. He urged the public to be aware of their civic responsibility and engagement.
Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
The following bills were approved for payment: 78341 AFLAC payroll withholding 1255.50;78342 CENTURYLINK TVFD phone,data line 221.20;78343 CITY OF TORRINGTON payroll withholding 278.75; 78344 DENT, DAVID A. Golf Pro Payable 402.30;78345 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;78346 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2320.00;78347 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC. dispatch 911 service contract 5015.72;78348 MOUNTAIN WEST TECHNOLOGIES CORP TVFD internet service 101.00;78349 MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NE wholesale power 405399.66; 78350 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 257.00;78351 PLATTE CO payroll withholding 199.98;78352 WY BANK & TRUST lease purchase payment 26495.88;78353 ACCUSCREEN MOBILE DRUG TESTING SERVICES rapid screen drug tests 240.00;78354 ACTION COMMUNICATIONS INC. cb radio,antenna, accessories,programming 884.60;78355 ADAMS, LINDA SUE deposit refund 28.24;78356 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES returns,binding cover,pocket file folders,weed eater trimmer head,base set,nylon string,base plugs,landscape rake,baseball dig out tool,cord reel 669.13;78357 APPLIED CONCEPTS INC. certification/update of radar units 5545.00;78358 AVFUEL CORPORATION demurrage 191.25;78359 BROWN CO chain saw chains 60.98;78360 CASELLE INC. contract support & maint 2075.00;78361 CENTURY LUMBER CENTER survey stakes,elbow,ball valve,nipple,fasteners,steel fence sleeve,solid steel angle,primer,paint,shelf brackets,rosette blocks,markers,pesticide respirators,brushes,rust remover, gloves,impact sockets,masking tape,sawzall blades,tie wires,spray paint,all thread plate,grout,expansion joint 646.07;78362 CITY OF TORRINGTON c/o FIRST STATE BANK optional sales tax 100971.60;78363 CITY OF TORRINGTON c/o PINNACLE BANK health reserve non-insured PR employee premium/MT positions 9882.75;78364 CITY SERVICE VALCON Phillips 66 terminal maint fee 30.00;78365 CNA SURETY bond 510.00;78366 COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ambulance supplies 36.05;78367 COMPUTERSHARE TRUST CO CWMEPS bond/interest payment 17667.59;78368 CONNECTING POINT TVFD copier all-inclusive service contract 75.00;78369 CONNECTING POINT copier all-inclusive service contracts 460.61;78370 DECKER, STEVE weed killer 4788.00;78371 DIVERSIFIED SERVICES INC. cleaning services 360.00;78372 ELK ECO-CYCLE dumpster pick up 30.00;78373 EMERGENCY MEDICAL PRODUCTS INC. rusch ultra nasal airway,combitube 228.03;78374 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 1108.00;78375 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 222.00;78376 ESTES, DENNIS lodging/mileage reimb 321.38;78377 FASTENAL CO ic wb flo pink,marking paint,batteries 147.47;78378 FREESCHA, FRANCES deposit refund 169.56; 78379 FRITZLER, LARRY & DEBORAH pump septic tank 253.00;78380 GOSHEN CO ECONOMIC ¼ cent sales tax,monthly contribution 27743.37;78381 GOSHEN CO TREASURER caselle server upgrade,IT MOU support 82142.22;78382 GOSHEN CO VICTIM'S ASSIST annual contribution 1000.00;78383 GOSHEN DIESEL SERVICE diagnose/repair 895.00;78384 GRAINGER locknuts,line transmitter,flush valve cover 1344.33;78385 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP copier leases 356.00;78386 HAWKINS INC. pool chemicals 6446.22;78387 IDEAL LINEN/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTION mats,scrapers,sam dust/energy fees,garments,sam garment fees,sam linen,coveralls,mops,towels 668.45;78388 ITRON INC. mobile radio maint,software maint,ima driveby endpoints subscription 6451.93;78389 JAMES A. EDDINGTON PC City Attorney 9187.50;78390 KATH BROADCASTING CO LLC tower rent,City Council meetings 475.00; 78391 KEYHOLE OUTDOOR LIVING lounge chairs 3196.00;78392 KNOW HOW LLC hose fittings,hyd hoses,battery charger,agc-3 fuse,slide terminals,oil,filters,belt-deck,batteries,core deposits/returns, radiator cap,antifreeze,concentrate,serpentine belt,exact fit-hybrd,power steering fluid,fluid reservoir, torq wrench,truck stands,jack,battery cable lug,washer fluid,inflator,electronic cleaner,bolts,locknut, panel bonding,scotch-brite roloc,couplers,fuel pump,topside creeper 2636.53;78393 KUZMA SUCCESS REALTY deposit refund 300.33;78394 L N CURTIS & SONS flathead firefighter axe 303.94;78395 LEGACY COOPERATIVE urban systems lunch,eg gas,donuts/rolls-training,commercial propane 8162.14;78396 LONG II, DEREK J. tree spraying 3008.00;78397 LUJAN CLEANING SERVICE LLC cleaning,window cleaning 237.00;78398 LUTTRELL, CRAIG reimb golf license overpayment 50.00;78399 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC. lens cleaning towelettes 21.32;78400 MCDONALD, JESSICA deposit refund 106.72;78401 MCKEE, KAREN R. & MARTIN B. 2-sided sign 84.00;78402 MERITAIN HEALTH INC. premium-ins/life admin 49906.43; 78403 METAL SHOP AND REPAIR LLC bushing,round bar,fabricate pins for dump trucks,wsn cylinder acetylene contents 258.50;78404 MS LORRI CAR WASH LLC car wash tokens 110.00;78405 NE SAFETY AND FIRE EQUIPMENT remove/replace fire sprinkler heads,internal inspection 1947.00;78406 NEWMAN SIGNS INC. blank signs 147.49;78407 NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC. flare adaptors,ci/pl fernco 252.20; 78408 ONE CALL OF WY tickets for CDC code TRG 89.25;78409 PARKER POE professional services-PCA application 949.45;78410 PATRICK, JOHN B. Municipal Court Judge 2000.00;78411 PINE ROCK REALTY deposit refund 258.23;78412 PINNACLE BANK training fees,travel expenses-meals/fuel/lodging/parking, tax refund,subscription renewal,helmet shield,postage,computer cover,antenna,drinks,fluid extractor, gloves,brown paper bags,leather seat cover,lug nuts,batteries,swim lesson booklets,coffee pot,choke blocks,meter tachometer,safety glasses,crimper tool,thermal receipt paper,toro clutch,dog waste trash bags 6870.44;78413 PITTMAN ELECTRIC LLC electrical/lighting for new building 7400.00;78414 POWER PLAN resistor,diode 179.18;78415 POWERPLAN gas operator 186.74;78416 PRINT EXPRESS INC. metal name plates 68.95;78417 PRINT EXPRESS INC. ups,envelopes 1063.62;78418 PVS DX INC. sodium hypochlorite 3937.37;78419 QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC. neopost postage 759.03;78420 QUILL LLC waste toner,toner cartridges 524.46;78421 REGIONAL CARE INC. select flex admin 120.00;78422 RICE LAKE WEST INC. FY2020 Wastewater Pre-Treatment Facility Project 5653.77;78423 RICE LAKE WEST INC. retainage 3106.07;78424 RICHEY, MICHAEL A. air fuel 336.69;78425 RICHEY, MICHAEL A. Airport Operator Contract 1666.67;78426 SIMON ww sand/sports complex 107.49;78427 SMITH, KEITH A. deposit refund 30.08;78428 STOTZ EQUIPMENT support 129.33;78429 TEAM CHEVROLET rear wheel liner kit 165.75;78430 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE premium 102713.36;78431 TORRINGTON FIRE DEPT banquet expenses-City ½ 1350.00;78432 TRIHYDRO CORP WWTP Pre-Treatment Project amendment 14764.25;78433 U S POSTMASTER credit for postage 1250.00;78434 VALLEY MOTOR SUPPLY battery hold down,oil absorber,antifreeze,hyd accessories/grndr filter,suction gun,hose connector,hose,filters,brake clean,wiper blades 280.83;78435 VEOLIA WTS USA INC. monthly chemical management 7769.04;78436 VERIZON WIRELESS TVFD cell phones 97.07;78437 WAGNERS FLORAL LLC plants 138.00;78438 WAMCO LAB INC. full chronic toxicity test,C02 atmosphere cntrl ph creep,dilutions/ control 2200.00;78439 WARREN, JAMES LYNN serviced dishwasher,detergent,rinseaid,sanitizer 240.21; 78440 WESTCO shell tellus,dyed diesel,premium diesel 4871.53;78441 WESTERN UNITED ELECTRIC SUPPLY elbow loadbreaks w/ jacket seals 1227.20;78442 WHEATLAND GARAGE DOOR LLC baler building doors,work on baler garage door 2927.43;78443 WY ASSOC RURAL WATER annual conference registration fee 445.00;78444 WY HEALTH FAIRS chemistry panel/wellness screening 312.00;78445 WYRULEC CO Landfill Electric 351.51;78446 Z & W MILL seed oats 24.00
Public Notice No. 8963 published in the Torrington Telegram on April 26, 2024.
