City of Torrington )
County of Goshen )
State of Wyoming )
The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in the City Council Chambers at 436 East 22nd Ave. at 5:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Doby, Council Members Deahl, Kelly, Viktorin and Warren. Also Present: Clerk/Treasurer Strecker, Attorney Eddington, Director of Public Works Harkins, Chief of Police Johnson, Project Manager Weis, Museum Director Chaires and Deputy City Clerk Anaya.
Mayor Doby called the meeting to order.
Councilman Warren led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Doby led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. Mayor Doby stated that given these windy days, the City of Torrington is asking that residents not place larger limbs in dumpsters as those limbs are very hard on the garbage trucks and on the baler. He urged the public to please place any large limbs near but not into the dumpsters. Mayor Doby indicated that if any resident has large limbs on their street or in their alley that are impeding the street or alley and need assistance with pick up or disposal to please contact Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Ed Hawley at (307) 532-6370; 2. Mayor Doby commented that mental health issues in Wyoming, Goshen County and Torrington are substantial. He stated that we all need to make ourselves more aware of mental health issues and where help can be obtained, and work to lessen the stigma that is often associated with those who suffer from mental health issues. Mayor Doby indicated that there is an article in the 02-28-25 edition of the Telegram written by Jessica Oaks titled Statewide Mental Health Text Support that is worth reading. He commented that the article outlines the new Wyoming text line program that offers free text based mental health support to those in need. Mayor Doby stated that the free mental health support can be accessed by texting WYO to 741741 or by visiting www.cathedralhome.org/741; and 3. On behalf of the City of Torrington, Mayor Doby extended his deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Art Thompson who recently passed away. He extended thoughts and prayers to the friends of Mr. Thompson and to those whose lives were impacted for the better by Mr. Thompson.
Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 02-18-25 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Project Manager Weis presented for approval the Construction Manager-At-Risk (CMAR) attachment prepared by Goshen County Construction, LLC for the Homesteaders Museum Construction Project. He stated that in May of 2024 the City entered into a pre-construction agreement with Goshen County Construction to act as the City’s CMAR. Project Manager Weis indicated that the pre-construction phase was the initial contract and commented that the attachment being presented for approval is to complete the building. Museum Director Chaires gave a quick recap as to how this project came to be. She stated that nine years ago, James Kelly of Casper, Wyoming, contacted her about his desire to donate his artifacts and a sum of money to the Homesteaders Museum. Museum Director Chaires indicated that Mr. Kelly passed away six years ago and commented that the sum of money has since then been received. She stated that Mr. Kelly’s hopes with the money that he donated was for the City to construct a building that can be utilized as a multipurpose space that will have a designated space for his artifacts. Ken Farrier with Goshen County Construction addressed the Mayor and Council. He indicated that the project total after bidding including the pre-construction fee came out to be $1,046,709.00. Mr. Farrier commented that since that amount was not within budget, the project was value engineered to the point where it could be afforded. He stated that costs were cut and minor changes were made to get the project total cost down to $926,805.00. Mr. Farrier indicated that the pre-construction phase included architectural, engineering, state plan review fees and the bidding process to meet state statutes. He commented that that has all been done and stated that the project is ready for construction. Mr. Farrier indicated that he and staff are requesting approval to waive the performance bond amount of $10,854.00 due to the nature of where the money came from for the project. He commented that since the money for the project is not public money, the Council has the authority to waive that performance bond amount. Mr. Farrier stated that if that amount is waived, the total cost of the project will be reduced by $10,854.00. He indicated that waiving the performance bond will give the museum money later on to buy furnishings or anything else that may be needed for the building. Councilman Viktorin inquired what the balance of the Kelly Trust Fund is. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker responded that the amount currently in the fund is $938,975.00. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the attachment to the initial contract with Goshen County Construction, LLC in the amount of $926,805.00 for the Homesteaders Museum Construction Project as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Warren seconded to approve the waiving of the performance bond in the amount of $10,854.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval a Business Lease Agreement between the City of Torrington and Eastern Wyoming College (EWC). She stated that the property being leased is known as the Museum Annex and is located at 350 West 21st Avenue. Dr. Steve Howard with EWC addressed the Mayor and Council. He indicated that the space will be used to train their students on running a museum and creating exhibits. Dr. Howard commented that they have funding up until July of 2026 through the Wyoming Innovative Partnership (WIP) Program. He stated that they are also working on setting up an annual fund to keep that process going after the WIP funding runs out. Dr. Howard indicated that the use of the building will not be limited to archeology. He commented that they will also incorporate history, geology and other items that are tourist interested things that are educational. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the Business Lease Agreement between the City of Torrington and Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Director of Public Works (DPW) Harkins presented for approval Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Inberg-Miller Engineers (IME) in the not-to-exceed amount of $453,250.00. He stated that the amendment will provide for the design, preparation of plans and specifications, DEQ permitting, bidding services, and construction inspection for a new baler facility at the landfill. DPW Harkins indicated that IME completed a feasibility study in February of 2024 under Amendment No. 2 to determine the potential location and cost of the new facility. He commented that the estimated cost from that study was $5,489,532.00 which included the engineering and permitting costs. DPW Harkins stated that the City recently revised its sanitation ordinances to include a rate increase that would pay for the new facility. He indicated that those rates went into effect as of 01-01-25. DPW Harkins commented that the proposed project schedule is as follows: 1. March/April 2025 – Start design and permitting with DEQ; 2. September 2026 – Final plans ready for advertising; 3. November 2026 – Award construction contract; 4. Spring 2027 – Begin construction; and 5. December 2027 – Construction completed. He stated that funding for the amendment will be established in the Sanitation Budget. DPW Harkins indicated that staff will be meeting with two USDA representatives on 03-06-25 to see what types of loans/grants they may be able to provide the City for the funding of this project. Ryan Vazquez and Gary Steele, representatives of IME, spoke in support of the approval of the amendment. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Inberg-Miller Engineers (IME) as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Chief of Police Johnson presented the bid results for One New SUV Law Enforcement Vehicle. He stated that a bid opening was held on 02-26-25, and indicated that the bids received included the base vehicle price, the trade value for two 2018 Dodge Chargers and pricing for warranty options. Chief of Police Johnson commented that staff recommends accepting the lowest priced option and purchasing the 2025 Ford Explorer from Fremont Motors of Lander, Wyoming with the offered 96 months/100,000 mile powertrain warranty for $3,270.00 for a total contract price of $23,365.00. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to award the bid to Fremont Motors of Lander, Wyoming in the amount of $20,095.00 with the offered 96 months/100,000 mile powertrain warranty for $3,270.00 for a total contract price of $23,365.00 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented a Financial Report as of 12-31-24. She stated that the total restricted and cash on hand was $20,284,170.29, then after adding unearned revenue, subtracting unexpended appropriations and restricted cash, the total net cash reserve was $10,113,024.38. The accounts receivable/utility billing amount past due was $44,062.18, the amount at collections was $74,028.89 and $4,164.34 was turned over to the City Attorney. Net revenue for all funds was $616,700.43, which in comparison to the previous fiscal year has increased overall. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to accept the Financial Report as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
The bills from 02-19-25 to 03-04-25 were presented for payment. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Warren seconded to approve the bills for payment as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby asked for public comments, questions or concerns.
Fire Chief Correa briefly updated the Mayor and Council on the calls that the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) responded to in the last couple of weeks.
Councilman Deahl stated that the Torrington Trailblazer wrestling team finished 3rd at State and had two State Champions. He congratulated them.
Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to adjourn to executive session to discuss potential litigation. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to return the Mayor and Council to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
The following bills were approved for payment: 80603 WY DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION 2020 Dodge Charger 8000.00;80604 AVI PC Well #16 Connection Project 498.60;80605 CITY OF TORRINGTON payroll withholding 374.00;80606 CITY OF TORRINGTON C/O PINNACLE BANK health reserve non-insured PR employee premium/MT positions 11228.25;80607 DAVID A. DENT Golf Pro Payable 79.40; 80608 GOSHEN CO CONSTRUCTION LLC Well #16 Connection Project 123991.15;80609 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;80610 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2520.00;80611 MEDICAL AIR SERVICES ASSOCIATION medical air transport insurance 1596.00;80612 MERITAIN HEALTH INC. premium-ins/life admin 48616.43;80613 MONTANA CSSD SDU payroll withholding 210.16;80614 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 227.00;80615 PLATTE CO payroll withholding 199.98;80616 REGIONAL CARE INC. select flex admin 126.00;80617 SARGENT DRILLING CO FY2025 Well #5 Submersible Pump & Meter Replacement Project-retainage 3649.35;80618 SOUTH TORRINGTON WATER & SEWER DISTRICT museum-water/sewer 74.74;80619 STANDARD INSURANCE CO premium-long term disability 2318.13;80620 STATE OF WY-DEPT OF WORKFORCE unemployment 4877.58;80621 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE premium 102572.60;80622 UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE medicare premium/contract 141.00;80623 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS Torr Vol EMT Pension 37.50;80624 WY DEPT OF REVENUE sales tax 21835.34;80625 2133 KRISRON B108 LLC deposit refund 45.86;80626 ACCUSCREEN MOBILE DRUG TESTING SERVICES fmsca clearinghouse queries 155.00;80627 ALTEC INDUSTRIES INC. power inverter 1852.95;80628 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES combination vise, signs,expandable file pockets,knife,gloves,binder dividers,compressed air duster,tv,tv wall mount, magnetic tape strip roll,dust mop head,dust mop kit,razor blade scraper,lanyard keychain,waterproof phone pouch,carburetor adjustment tool 2386.74;80629 AMY MARIE MUILENBURG deposit refund 50.11;80630 ANDERSON CARPET SALES INC. flooring,adhesive,trowels 638.98;80631 APPLIED CONCEPTS INC. power cable w/ cigarette plug 124.00;80632 AT&T MOBILITY modem for ambulance 40.04;80633 AVFUEL CORPORATION jet fuel 16045.95;80634 BAILYE GOULART notary renewal reimb 60.00;80635 BARNES LAW LLC Court Appointed Attorney 300.00;80636 BIG WOOD TREE SERVICE LLC tree removals, stump grinding 6930.00;80637 BLOEDORN LUMBER CO-TORRINGTON return,diamond blade,paint marker,hose nozzle,scratch awl,orbital sander disc,screws,closet flange,silicone,drywall primer,tray liner, roller covers,paint roller grid,drywall sander pole,drywall screen,hem-firs,diamond metal lath,latex caulk,floor tile adhesive,wall mount hose hanger,bulk bolts,paint,paint brushes,muriatic acid,paint pail, pail liners,extension cord,double pole wall thermostat,square notch trowel,thinset mortar 1007.56; 80638 BOMGAARS SUPPLY INC. v-belt,heaters,jump starter,charger,cabinet,battery filler,buckets,trash can,floor squeegee,push broom,filters,bushings,couplings,tee,nipples,elbows,bolts,hose nozzle,air hose reel,air hose,coupler,water treatment,wick,tire gauge,cordless chainsaw,foam,mouse traps,rat bait, batteries,chainsaw chain,trimmer/blower,crimper kit,connectors,hitch pins,mini bulb,storage totes, cable ties,tape,fill cap,extension wire,toggle switch,manifold kit,led bulb,saw blade,drill bits,key stock, spinner,cut off wheels,led light,shut-off valve,grinder 2880.29;80639 BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES INC. fuses,street lights,terminal meter bases,transformer spades,conduit,group metering meters,termination kits,stem connectors,saddletop pins 11404.96;80640 BOUND TREE MEDICAL EMS pants 247.96;80641 BROWN CO fuel element,filters,o-rings,chainsaw chain 322.31;80642 CENTURYLINK 911 data lines,water telemetry line,LCCC remote HVAC line 1090.63;80643 CHRIS NEHLS deposit refund 56.60;80644 CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING OF TORRINGTON dispenser rentals,water 136.90;80645 DANA KEPNER CO INC. water meters 9819.03;80646 DEBRA CURRY Judge's robe repair reimb 45.00;80647 DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES workers compensation 7627.31;80648 DINGES PARTNERS GROUP LLC fire gloves 797.88;80649 EAKES INC. notary stamps 92.90;80650 EASTERN WY EYE CLINIC safety glasses 1045.55;80651 ELK ECO-CYCLE dumpster picked up monthly 30.00;80652 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab test 63.00;80653 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 111.00;80654 FASTENAL CO batteries,cleaner,bleach 123.78;80655 FERGUSON WATERWORKS #1116 pipe,tees,elbows,couplings, valves,unions,returns 834.26;80656 FR CLOTHING & SUPPLY fire resist long sleeve shirt 107.95;80657 FULL SOURCE insulated gloves 153.94;80658 G & L CONCRETE concrete 352.00;80659 GAVIN ORBUS deposit refund 14.22;80660 GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL drain pipe cleaner 155.95;80661 GO GOSHEN goshen bucks gift cards for employee birthdays 250.00;80662 GOSHEN DIESEL SERVICE repair bad exhaust gasket 471.00;80663 GRAINGER cut off wheels,reflective safety decals 220.28;80664 HAWKINS INC. sodium hydrox 50% diaphragm 7064.24;80665 HIGH PLAINS APARTMENTS credit refund 2.34;80666 HOPS TECH SHOP hdmi cable 15.98;80667 IDEAL LINEN/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTION paper towels,toilet bowl cleaner,trash bags,toilet paper 764.80;80668 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT LLC GfG fixed system replacement sensor 417.41;80669 JAMES A. EDDINGTON PC City Attorney extended hours 87.20; 80670 JOE JOHNSON EQUIPMENT LLC brake pedal spring,hydraulic cylinder,filter 987.44;80671 JOHN CUMMINGS deposit refund 91.47;80672 JOSEPH BAKURA deposit refund 25.81;80673 LIFEMED SAFETY INC. adult/child electrode pads 360.00;80674 LUJAN CLEANING SERVICE LLC cleaning,window cleaning 237.00;80675 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC. safety glasses 96.81;80676 MATTHEW HICKMAN cut 3"x3" pieces 80.00;80677 MAX ROBERT MASTERS contract service for water/sewer,electrical system corrections/updates 12500.00;80678 MCCROMETER INC. ultrasonic sensor 1483.91;80679 MERVIN MECKLENBURG Court Appointed Attorney 680.00;80680 METAL SHOP AND REPAIR LLC dumpster hinge clips,flat iron,square tubing 646.75;80681 MH GUYS LLC deposit refund 81.06;80682 MHC KENWORTH returns,filters,separator,air dryer cartridge,cartridge,blower mtr register 168.36;80683 MICHAEL A. RICHEY Airport Operator Contract 1666.67;80684 MICHAEL A. RICHEY air fuel 188.04;80685 MORRILL HARDWARE culverts/bands 10570.92;80686 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC. dispatch 911 service contract 15168.15;80687 MOUNTAIN WEST TECHNOLOGIES CORP TVFD internet service 101.00;80688 MS LORRI CAR WASH LLC car wash tokens 110.00;80689 NEW NORTH PLATTE IRRIGATION & DITCH 2025 water assessments 2400.00;80690 OLSON TIRE CO tires,valve stems,dismount/mount,tire balance 3906.81; 80691 O'REILLY AUTO ENTERPRISES LLC headlight bulbs,rain-x,def,motor oil,wiper fluid,wash brush, coolant cap,tire gauges,caps 204.21;80692 PITTMAN ELECTRIC LLC parks dept lighting 3000.00;80693 POMP'S TIRE SERVICE tires,samson rib imps,carlisle tubes 858.74;80694 QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC. neopost postage 624.87;80695 QUADIENT LEASING USA INC. lease contract-postage machine 407.91; 80696 QUILL LLC copy paper 79.78;80697 RDO EQUIPMENT CO fuel/service trailer,maintenance/repairs 40511.96;80698 REAL TIME LABOR GUIDE annual subscription/support & update 195.00;80699 REECE COOK dumpster repairs 420.00;80700 RIVER VIEW SAND AND GRAVEL LLC salt/sand 4311.63;80701 RUSS DEHAVEN credit refund 114.60;80702 SNOW CREST CHEMICALS LLC hot water closed loop monthly contract 145.00;80703 STUART C IRBY CO glove testing,100 amp cutouts 1072.62;80704 TD REAL ESTATE deposit refund 119.57;80705 TORRINGTON FIRE DEPT professional services 1250.00;80706 TORRINGTON SAGE APT deposit refund 26.24;80707 TRANE US INC. bas cell router charge 166.40;80708 VERIZON WIRELESS cell phones 528.21;80709 VIAERO WIRELESS cell phone,wireless hotspots 646.77; 80710 VYVE BROADBAND data lines,fiber internet 2014.42;80711 WESTERN UNITED ELECTRIC SUPPLY led roadway lights 1843.80;80712 WY CHILD & FAMILY DEVELOPMENT INC. local contribution/early intervention program 2000.00;80713 WY DEPT OF AGRICULTURE weights & measures license fee 40.00; 80714 WY DEPT OF REVENUE PSC assessment FY25 2nd installment 2250.12;80715 WY DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION license plate transfer 2.00;80716 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS retirement 86098.79; 80717 WY WATER QUALITY & POLLUTION CNTRL membership dues 210.00
Public Notice No. 9268 published in The Torrington Telegram on March 14, 2025.
