City of Torrington )
County of Goshen )
State of Wyoming )
The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 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, Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel and Deputy City Treasurer Dockins.
Mayor Doby called the meeting to order.
Councilman Viktorin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Doby led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. Weather update. Mayor Doby stated that given these past windy days and future 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 indicated that in the next couple of months, the City of Torrington will begin the process of hiring summer help. He commented that the City hires summer help as lifeguards and seasonal workers in the parks, cemetery, golf course and streets/sanitation departments. Mayor Doby stated that before the summer help arrives, the regular City employees are working to get the pool going, and the parks and ball fields prepared for the very busy spring and summer seasons; 3. Request to the public to slow down, to watch out for pedestrians and school busses, and to refrain from using their cell phones while driving; and 4. Reminder that children under the age of 16 must wear a protective helmet while operating electric bikes and electric scooters.
Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 02-17-26 Council meeting as published. Motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Warren seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Laurie Farkas, Kevin Jones, Richard Noyce and Jonathan Boudreaux with Black Hills Energy addressed the Mayor and Council. Mr. Jones stated that a few months ago, they were contacted by Emergency Management Coordinator Kenyon and made aware of the special donation need. He indicated that at that time they learned that the Dale Jones Municipal Pool had undergone extensive repairs, but that there was still an urgent need to fully replace the aging boiler system that is used to heat the pool. Ms. Farkas commented that they also learned at that time that the pool has served Torrington and Goshen County residents for more than five decades. She stated that it is heavily used for child swimming lessons, adult aquatic classes, swim team practices and even first responder training. Mr. Jones indicated that with Ms. Farkas’ support, they brought the City of Torrington’s story and donation request to the Black Hills Energy Foundation’s quarterly meeting, and commented that they are very pleased to present the City with a check for the total amount needed to replace the Dale Jones Municipal Pool boiler system.
Mayor Doby read a proclamation declaring March 2026 as American Red Cross Month. It stated that American Red Cross Month is celebrated in March by honoring our neighbors who make its humanitarian mission possible in the City of Torrington. It also indicated that those who serve with the American Red Cross of Wyoming light the way during emergencies, whether it is delivering shelter, food and comfort after disasters, by providing a safe, lifesaving blood supply for patients facing conditions like cancer treatments, childbirth complications and traumatic injuries, assisting military members, veterans and their families with 24/7 global support, or by empowering individuals with skills like first aid and CPR that save lives. Jane Iddings spoke in support of the proclamation. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the proclamation as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby presented for approval the following appointments: Industrial Park Committee – Scott Sides. Expiration of Term: 12-31-28; and NMPP/MEAN Board Members – Scott Sides, Indefinite. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Warren seconded to approve the appointments as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby read Resolution No. 2026-4 designating a director and alternate director to the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) Board of Directors. Electrical Supervisor Scott Sides and Mayor Herb Doby were appointed as director and alternate director respectively. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve Resolution No. 2026-4 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Doby presented for approval the 2026 Swimming Pool Rates. He stated that the rates will remain the same as last year with the exception of the Adult Lap Swim/Aerobics Punch Card (30 Punches) sub-category which is being proposed to be eliminated. Mayor Doby indicated that the sub-category is being proposed to be eliminated because there were only very few punch cards that were purchased in years past and also because it is more economical for an individual to purchase an Individual Season Pass which allows them the unlimited use of the pool and aerobics sessions rather than purchasing the punch card which would limit their use to only 30 lap swim or aerobics sessions. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the 2026 Swimming Pool Rates as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 5.26.040 OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2026 REVISIONS, RELATING TO ROOFING PERMIT FEES. Mayor Doby stated that while making the proposed amendment requested at the last Council meeting, it was discovered by staff that the word License in Section 5.26.040 B. needed to remain as License and not changed to Permit. He indicated that since Section 5.26.040 A. and B. are both referring to contractor’s license requirements, the two sections were combined into one. Mayor Doby commented that additionally, for clarification purposes, language was added to the ordinance to distinguish more clearly how residential and commercial building structures will be permitted. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that she and Deputy City Clerk Anaya suggested the proposed edits as a means to clarify the confusion that took place at the last Council meeting regarding the roofing permitting process, especially in regard to what fee is charged. Councilman Viktorin suggested modifying Section 5.26.040 A. to read, “A roofer shall have a General Roof Contractor’s License prior to contracting for the installation of any roof within the City.” He indicated that the proposed edit will clarify that a roofer will need to obtain a General Roof Contractor’s License prior to contracting for the installation of any roof, not just obtain a generic license. Councilman Viktorin also suggested adding the word current before International Residential Code and International Building Code in Section 5.26.040 C. to ensure that the most recent edition of the code is being utilized to permit building structures. Councilman Deahl suggested applying the same edit to Section 5.26.040 B. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that staff will confirm with Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes when he returns that the suggested amendments to the ordinance are applicable. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the ordinance on second reading as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel presented the bid results for a New 1 Ton Extended-Cab Pickup Chassis with Utility Box. He stated that staff recommends awarding the bid to Laramie Peak Motors of Wheatland, Wyoming in the amount of $74,630.00. Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel indicated that the low bid from Laramie Peak Motors meets the minimum specifications, except for the warranty and minor utility box details. Councilman Deahl inquired if Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel is satisfied with the 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty instead of the 5-year warranty. Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel responded yes and commented that a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty, for the most part, is the standard nowadays. Councilman Kelly stated that with the decrease in funding that the City will be receiving from the State and from the County for property taxes, he does not believe that this purchase would be advantageous to the City. He indicated that it will not enhance the operation of the department and commented that the department already does a good job in that respect. Councilman Kelly commented that this purchase is an unnecessary thing at this time and stated that it is a want, not a need. Councilman Kelly moved to not award the bid. The motion died for lack of a second. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to award the bid to Laramie Peak Motors of Wheatland, Wyoming in the amount of $74,630.00 as presented. Councilman Viktorin stated that the City’s Water/Wastewater Utility Department is paying for this purchase. He indicated that the utility is bound by State law to either break even or make a slight profit. Councilman Viktorin commented that as such, the vehicle that this purchase would be replacing will be entered into the General Fund service to a department that cannot afford its own vehicle purchase. He stated that while there is a reduction in property taxes, the General Fund which is served by property taxes, will likely get a deal here in acquiring a vehicle that it otherwise likely could not have afforded. Councilman Viktorin indicated that that is why he respectfully disagrees with Councilman Kelly’s comments. Councilman Deahl commented that furthermore, the department is operating out of the current budget and stated that $75,000.00 was budgeted by the department for this purchase. Voting aye Deahl, Doby, Viktorin and Warren, nay Kelly. Motion carried.
Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel presented the bid results for One New Backhoe. He stated that staff recommends awarding the bid to RDO of Cheyenne, Wyoming in the amount of $156,515.00. Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel indicated that the low bid from RDO conforms to the minimum specifications and commented that the bid amount is less than the budgeted amount of $180,000.00. Councilman Viktorin inquired if the current backhoe will be transferred to another department. Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel responded that the department currently has two backhoes. He stated that the newer one of the two will be dropped down to a backup and indicated that the older one will be transferred to either the Streets/Sanitation Department or to the Golf Department. Mayor Doby commented that it has been the policy of the City that when one department gets a replacement, the current vehicle/equipment is offered to all of the other City departments. He stated that the City has a good policy of doing the best thing possible with vehicles/equipment that are outdated for a certain purpose to repurpose them and let them be utilized by another department in need. Mayor Doby indicated that ultimately what has been done lately is if another department does not want the item being offered, then it will be sent to auction. He commented that he believes the Mayor and Council are being good stewards of the tax payer money by abiding by that process. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to award the bid to RDO of Cheyenne, Wyoming in the amount of $156,515.00 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Chief of Police Johnson presented for approval a vehicle purchase request in the amount of $6,000.00. He stated that in December of 2025, the transmission went out on the 2016 Ford Explorer that has been assigned to Officer Mills for several years. Chief of Police Johnson indicated that this vehicle was previously damaged in a hail storm in 2023 and commented that the City received a total loss settlement on the vehicle with retained value of approximately $3,000.00. He stated that the estimate for the transmission repair with a rebuilt transmission came in at $5,700.00. Chief of Police Johnson indicated that the value of that vehicle does not merit that type of investment. He commented that the Town of Fort Laramie has a used 2018 Dodge Charger that was originally purchased from the Wyoming Highway Patrol and stated that it is a fully outfitted law enforcement vehicle. Chief of Police Johnson indicated that the Town of Fort Laramie has agreed to sell the City the vehicle for $6,000.00. He commented that this vehicle replacement was not budgeted for this year as they did not anticipate the breakdown of the 2016 Ford Explorer. Chief of Police Johnson stated that he believes that they will be able to fund this purchase within the department’s budgetary constraints by utilizing currently unexpended funds from other line items in his budget. He indicated that the vehicle will require approximately $1,000.00 of decals and other miscellaneous items to prepare it for service in the department’s fleet. Councilman Viktorin inquired if Chief of Police Johnson is also seeking approval to issue the check for the purchase to the Town of Fort Laramie immediately. Chief of Police Johnson confirmed yes. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Warren seconded to approve the purchase of the used 2018 Dodge Charger police package vehicle from the Town of Fort Laramie in the amount of $6,000.00 and to authorize the issuing of the payment for the vehicle forthwith as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
The bills from 02-18-26 to 03-03-26 were presented for payment. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Deahl 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. He stated as a reminder that the department is selling raffle tickets for their annual gun a month fundraiser. Fire Chief Correa also gave an update regarding Torrington High School State Wrestling Champions Ty Albaugh and Catherine Hendricks being escorted around town by the TVFD. Mayor Doby congratulated the two young individuals and Torrington High School for the championship wins.
Councilman Deahl thanked the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department for hosting the awards banquet.
Councilman Viktorin stated that it is his observation that the Wastewater Pre-Treatment Facility seems to be coming along very quickly. Director of Public Works (DPW) Harkins indicated that anyone who has driven by will notice that the new metal building is up. He commented that there is still some work pending inside of that building. DPW Harkins stated that there is a meeting scheduled for 03-10-26 to discuss the start up schedule regarding the headworks building.
Mayor Doby asked for a status update regarding the East D Street Project. Director of Public Works (DPW) Harkins stated that the construction company started back up again on 03-02-26. He indicated that they are currently positioned at 24th Avenue and commented that they will be proceeding north to 30th Avenue. DPW Harkins stated that the project should be complete within three and a half months.
Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m.
The following bills were approved for payment: 83343 CITY OF TORRINGTON payroll withholding 464.00;83344 CITY OF TORRINGTON C/O PINNACLE BANK health reserve non-insured PR employee premium/MT positions 11564.50;83345 DAVID A. DENT Golf Pro Payable 482.01;83346 GREAT WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2885.00;83347 MERITAIN HEALTH INC. premium-ins/life admin 50425.15;83348 MONTANA CSSD SDU payroll withholding 210.16;83349 MONTANA CSSD SDU payroll withholding 686.11;83350 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 227.00;83351 PLATTE CO payroll withholding 199.98;83352 RCI GROUP II LLC select flex admin 132.00;83353 STANDARD INSURANCE CO premium-long term disability 2435.34;83354 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE premium 107645.18;83355 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS Torr Vol EMT Pension 37.50;83356 ADVANCE COMFORT SOLUTIONS INC. evaluated toxalert system 630.00;83357 ALLDATA yearly subscription renewal 1500.00; 83358 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES battery,centrifugal fan,cards,toner cartridges,photo clip string lights, water cooler,pallet truck tires,seat belt cutter/window hammer,lock replacement kit,storage bags, concrete floor cleaner,starter,paper shredder,first aid kits,excel cheat sheet,spigot study guide,drum wrench,chair mat,coin envelopes,dry erase markers,led tail lights,cardstock paper,trailer tongue coupler,filter elements,speedometer 1894.73;83359 AMIE RIGGS deposit refund 14.40;83360 AT&T MOBILITY modem for ambulance 40.54;83361 BENCHMARK OF TORRINGTON PC professional services-powerline easement 3395.50;83362 BLOEDORN LUMBER CO-TORRINGTON return,bullet plug,nipples, elbows,coupling,anchoring adhesive,threaded anchors,tarp strap,clamps,pvc tubing,screws,fasteners 396.28;83363 BOB RUWART MOTORS resistor radiator fan 87.16;83364 BOMGAARS SUPPLY INC. ratchet straps,staples,tacker,insert bit,antifreeze,windshield fluid,thermometer,goggles,socket set,fan clip,work boots,shop towels,wd40,pb blaster pro,clevis hooks,rope thimble,cable,chain clamp vise grip,safety pin, wrench set,plier set,hammer,screwdriver,prp torch,pens,ratchet binders,binder chains,paint thinner, tool bags,tote bag,knee pads,grease gun,evaporative h12 series wick,storage totes,fasteners 1491.93; 83365 BOUND TREE MEDICAL extrication collar 257.70;83366 BROWN CO filters,oil,elements,light/guard 836.56;83367 CAYLOR & GENZ EARTHMOVERS INC. crushed asphalt 35000.00;83368 CENTURY LUMBER CENTER pliers,screwdriver set,fasteners,hoses,safety glasses,driver bit set,wood binders,led bulb,elbow, paste,bushing,adapters,ubolts,chip brush,roller cover,padlock,paint,level,tapcon,hex driver,screws,whizz pan 523.80;83369 CENTURYLINK 911 data lines 884.43;83370 CENTURYLINK water telemetry line,LCCC remote HVAC line 205.57;83371 CORE & MAIN LP itron meters,butterfly valve/pool 53425.55;83372 DAVID L. ANDERSON deposit refund 94.37;83373 DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES workers compensation 8462.58;83374 DOOLEY OIL oil 1366.20;83375 EAKES INC. foam hand soaps 762.86;83376 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 617.00;83377 ESO SOLUTIONS INC. er-fire historical data access 280.03;83378 FASTENAL CO batteries,bleach 39.26;83379 FISHER SCIENTIFIC CO LLC multi-gas pump sen cart 1144.20;83380 FLOYD'S TRUCK CENTER INC. door hinges 156.78;83381 GAGE MILNER deposit refund 49.07;83382 GARY D. HUNTER engine repairs 4819.58;83383 GOSHEN CO CONSTRUCTION LLC Well #16 Project 87810.76;83384 GW MECHANICAL INC. fix leak in ceiling,repair pin hole leak in water line 1869.14;83385 HAWKINS INC. sodium hydrox 50% diaphragm 1695.17;83386 HEALING CONNECTIONS MENTAL HLTH THERAPY individual sessions 1900.00;83387 HERB DOBY mileage reimb 130.50;83388 HIGH PLAINS APARTMENTS deposit refund 114.00;83389 HOTLINE ELECTRICAL SALES & SERVICE LLC meters/stock 4184.00;83390 INBERG-MILLER ENGINEERS LF New Cell Design & Permit Renewal 15157.97;83391 JKL RENTALS LLC credit refund 108.46;83392 KATH BROADCASTING CO LLC tower rent,Council meetings 475.00;83393 KILEY PATRICK deposit refund 52.80;83394 LEITHEADS INC. reclaim freon 35.00;83395 LUJAN CLEANING SERVICE LLC cleaning,window cleaning 237.00;83396 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC. repairs to baler,plasma cutter split 2395.22;83397 MATTHEW HICKMAN mileage reimb 174.00;83398 MAX ROBERT MASTERS contract service for sewer,updates,training on site visit 13000.00;83399 MES SERVICE CO LLC air packs,bunker gear-City ½ 22965.86;83400 MHC KENWORTH returns,filters,cartridge,lube 200.11;83401 MIDWEST PLUMBING replace hot water heater 1384.43;83402 MOOREHOUSE INC. replace/screw down flashing 1400.00;83403 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC. dispatch 911 service contract 5329.53;83404 MOUNTAIN WEST TECHNOLOGIES CORP TVFD internet service 101.00;83405 NAVEX GLOBAL INC. navex one hosted-2 course subscription 3047.61; 83406 NEW HOPE COUNSELING individual sessions 1000.00;83407 NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC. ci/pl ferncos 104.40;83408 POMP'S TIRE SERVICE tires for flatbed 320.98;83409 POWERPLAN tooth pin for gator 135.65;83410 PRO QUALITY PEST CONTROL rodent control 90.00;83411 PYE BARKER FIRE AND SAFETY 5 year internal pipe assessment 1335.00;83412 QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC. neopost postage 681.77;83413 QUADIENT LEASING USA INC. lease contract-postage machine 407.91;83414 REGENCY MIDWEST VENTURES LIMITED PARTNER lodging/training 216.00;83415 RYAN HACKBARTH deposit refund 64.07;83416 SARGENT DRILLING CO efficiency tests 1050.00;83417 SCOTT A. DAVIS deposit refund 138.56;83418 SNAP-ON CREDIT LLC full year subscription 577.80;83419 SOUTH TORRINGTON WATER & SEWER DISTRICT museum-water/sewer 124.44;83420 STEVE DECKER herbicides 225.00;83421 STRYKER SALES LLC smart battery pack 463.74;83422 STUART C IRBY CO 100 amp cutouts 1050.00;83423 THE L L JOHNSON DIST CO bedknife 136.20;83424 TIMBERLINE ELECTRIC & CONTROL CORP phone/ power annual renewal 286.00;83425 T-MOBILE cell phones 122.46;83426 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE select flex contributions 5120.76;83427 TORRINGTON FIRE DEPT professional services 1250.00;83428 TORRINGTON TELEGRAM ad,legals 4811.12;83429 USABLUEBOOK spray paint,avocado float switch 210.64;83430 VERIZON WIRELESS cell phones 688.21;83431 VIAERO WIRELESS cell phone, wireless hotspots 632.06;83432 VOA deposit refund 21.88;83433 VYVE BROADBAND fiber internet,data lines 2164.18;83434 WAYNE DEAHL mileage reimb 150.08;83435 WHITNEY GEORGE deposit refund 170.61;83436 WY AIRPORT SERVICES LLC air fuel 211.01;83437 WY AIRPORT SERVICES LLC Airport Operator Contract 1987.50;83438 WY ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES WAM Winter Workshop registrations 540.00;83439 WY DEPT OF REVENUE sales tax,credit 19177.91;83440 WY DEPT OF REVENUE 2nd half of PSC assessment for electric utility 2421.53;83441 WY HEALTH FAIRS chemistry panel 45.00;83442 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS retirement 89793.40;83443 TOWN OF FORT LARAMIE 2018 Dodge Charger 6000.00
Public Notice No. 9571 published in The Torrington Telegram on March 13, 2026.
