TORRINGTON – The Torrington City Council met on February 4 at 5:30 p.m. for its regularly scheduled meeting. In attendance were mayor Herb Doby and council members Wayne Deahl, Dennis Kelly, Shane Viktorin, and Rick Warren. Mayor Doby called the meeting to order and Kelly led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting opened with a recognition of the Rotary Club, which gifted $40,000 toward repairs needed in the children’s area of the Dale Jones Municipal Swimming Pool and an additional $10,000 for other pool equipment. Rotary president Michele Ogburn stated the purpose of the donation is to “make our community a better place for families and children.” Mayor Doby thanked the Rotary for its generous support and ongoing contributions to Torrington.

During his informational remarks, Doby stated city staff are preparing for the spring and summer seasons, including making plans for the golf course, cemetery, pool, parks and ball fields. He noted pool repairs have already begun and should be completed in time for a late spring opening. The project is estimated to cost approximately $350,000, but the city has received private support from both the Rotary Club and the Community Health Care Foundation.

The council approved the consent agenda following a motion from Kelly and a second from Deahl. The agenda was also approved, and no comments were made during the public forum.

The council then moved on to action items. First, Doug Mercer, representing the Scottsbluff Valley Street Rods, requested to reserve September 13, 2025, for the Classic Cars on Main Street event. He stated while the organization would submit a permit closer to the event, it was important to secure the date in advance to avoid conflicts, as the event is held annually on the same weekend. While details were not yet finalized, Mercer informed the council the group is considering sponsoring a concert on Friday, September 12, leading into the car show. Deahl made a motion to approve reserving September 13, 2025, for the event. Kelly seconded the motion, and it passed.

Next, the council reviewed proposed updates to the rental agreements for the Lincoln Community Complex Pony Express Room and the Lincoln Community Complex Conestoga Room. City clerk/treasurer Lynette Strecker stated when factoring in costs such as utilities and staff overtime for setup and teardown, the city was losing money on the rentals. She proposed a significant increase in the rental fee and a slight increase in the deposit, which renters receive back if no damage occurs to the facility or equipment. Additionally, the rental agreement for the Pony Express Room was amended to remove use of the kitchen, as it was rarely utilized and often disrupted daycare operations. The agreement for the Conestoga Room was modified to include a fee for the use of audio/visual equipment. Kelly made a motion to approve the amended agreement for the Pony Express Room, which Viktorin seconded. The motion passed. Viktorin then made a motion to approve the updated rental agreement for the Conestoga Room. Deahl seconded, and the motion passed.

The next two action items involved awarding contracts for chip seal and crack fill projects. City staff recommended awarding both projects to the lowest bidder. The chip seal project, scheduled for the city’s next fiscal year, includes applying chip and seal to 46,000 yards of road on East C, East F, East 19th, East 22nd, and East 29th Streets. Bituminous Paving, Inc. of Ortonville, Minnesota, submitted the lowest bid at $196,413.75. Deahl made a motion to award the project to Bituminous. Kelly seconded, and the motion passed. The second project, for crack fill on 79,000 linear feet of roadway along East A and East 22nd Avenue, is expected to be completed in April 2025. Highway Improvements, Inc. of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, submitted the lowest bid at $57,670.00. Viktorin made a motion to award the bid to Highway Improvements. Warren seconded, and the motion passed.

Following the construction awards, the council adopted Resolution 2025-3, amending the fiscal year 2025 budget. According to Wyoming State Statute, the city is not allowed to make purchases exceeding a department’s total budget. The city recently received unexpected funding from auction proceeds, insurance payouts and a grant. The resolution formally allocates this revenue to department budgets, allowing the funds to be spent. Viktorin made a motion to approve the resolution, Deahl seconded and the motion passed.

Finally, the council was asked to approve a contract for scheduling, accounting and billing procedures align with contracts approved at the previous council meeting for the purchase of wholesale power from the Salt Lake City Area division of the Western Area Power Administration. The council inquired about any changes in the contract, but there were no material modifications. The contract was approved unanimously.

The council then approved bills received since the prior meeting. Kelly moved to approve the bills, Warren seconded and the motion passed.

During public comment, city fire chief Luis Correa informed the council January had been a busy month, with 17 calls. He noted February 2 alone saw three calls. Correa reminded the council of the department’s upcoming annual raffle fundraiser and announced preparations were underway for a fire convention to be held in Torrington in June.

The next Torrington City Council meeting is scheduled for February 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers.