City Council

City of Torrington ) County of Goshen ) State of Wyoming ) The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 in the City Council Chambers at 436 East 22nd Ave. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Adams, Council Members Kelly, Patterson and Steinbock. Councilman Kinney was absent but excused. Also Present: Clerk/Treasurer Strecker, Attorney Eddington, Director of Public Works Harkins, Chief of Police Johnson, Golf Pro Dent and Deputy City Treasurer Haas. Mayor Adams called the meeting to order. Councilman Patterson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Adams led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. Reminder to citizens that sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours of a snowfall; 2. COVID-19 updates and recommendations; 3. COVID-19 vaccine updates; 4. Progress on projects within the City; 5. Update on the delivery status of the new aerial structure fire truck (ladder truck); 6. Request to citizens to continue to shop local; and 7. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wishes on behalf of the City of Torrington. Mayor Adams presented Service Awards to Electrical Supervisor Dana Youtz (40 Years of Service), Shop Foreman Thomas Werkele (35 Years of Service) and Purchasing Agent Kelly Matlock (35 Years of Service). Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 12-07-21 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously. Councilwoman Steinbock moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Golf Pro Dent presented the 2022 Golf Tournament Schedule for approval. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilwoman Steinbock seconded to approve the 2022 schedule as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Chief of Police Johnson presented for approval a Business Lease Agreement between the City of Torrington and Youth Alternatives. He stated that the Youth Alternatives Program that was in Goshen County several years ago fell apart due to lack of funding, therefore eliminating any and all resources for the juvenile justice system in the County. Chief of Police Johnson indicated that in recent efforts the program has been re-established due to partnerships with WYO Help and several other agencies. He commented that enough funding has been acquired to hire a full-time position to coordinate the program. Chief of Police Johnson stated that the goal of the lease agreement is to enable Youth Alternatives through WYO Help to utilize the space within the Lincoln Community Complex Center that was previously occupied by the University of Wyoming Outreach Program. He indicated that the space within the complex will allow for a community spot to access the courts, to access the different prosecuting attorneys and a location that is centrally located for all of the schools. Councilwoman Steinbock moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the Business Lease Agreement between the City of Torrington and Youth Alternatives as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Director of Public Works (DPW) Harkins presented for approval Amendment No. 10 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Inberg-Miller Engineers (IME) for the Baler/Transfer Facility. He stated that the purpose of the amendment is for IME to secure a renewal permit for the City’s Baler/Transfer Facility. DPW Harkins indicated that the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) notified the City on 11-18-21 of the need to renew the operating permit for the Baler/Transfer Facility which is set to expire on 04-10-23. He commented that the renewal application will need to be submitted at least 12 months in advance of the expiration of the current permit. DPW Harkins stated that the new permit will be a lifetime permit and will not be subject to expiration every 8 years like the current permit. He indicated that IME is fully capable of performing the work required as they were the consultant that prepared the previous renewal permit and are completely familiar with the Baler Facility and the City’s operations. The amendment is in the amount of $10,000.00. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilwoman Steinbock seconded to approve Amendment No. 10 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Inberg-Miller Engineers (IME) as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read Resolution No. 2021-11 authorizing the submission of a Hazard Mitigation Grant application for an Outdoor Warning Siren Project located in the Cold Springs Business Park. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that an application in the amount of $20,770.65 will be submitted to the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. She indicated that funding for the project will be split between the Hazard Mitigation Grant ($15,577.99 or 75%) and City matching funds ($5,192.66 or 25%). Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that the City of Torrington plans to match the grant from the following sources: 1. In-kind match from material and labor ($3,024.65); and 2. Cash match from the City General Fund ($2,168.01). Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve Resolution No. 2021-11 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Page | 1  Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval an amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the Tobacco Free Workplace Policy. She stated that the policy was revised to incorporate the new ordinance that was adopted in November. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker indicated that the policy prohibits tobacco use in City facilities as well as vehicles and equipment. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilwoman Steinbock seconded to approve the amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the Tobacco Free Workplace Policy as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval an amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the Safety Glasses Policy. She stated that the policy was modified to include additional detail describing the procedure and informing employees that the current limit for the benefit amount will be kept on file in the Clerk/Treasurer’s office. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to amend the Safety Glasses Policy by removing the references to the specific businesses Vision Source and Eastern Wyoming Eye Clinic from the policy and keeping only the local providers as designated by the City verbiage. Motion carried unanimously. Councilwoman Steinbock moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the Safety Glasses Policy as amended. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval an amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the Internet Information Protection & Control Standards Policy. She stated that Jesse Bowen with Goshen County IT requested changes to the policy. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker indicated that most of the revisions made to the policy are housekeeping changes with some clarification on which employees receive e-mail accounts. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilwoman Steinbock seconded to approve the amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the Internet Information Protection & Control Standards Policy as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval an amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the Promotions, Demotions & Transfers Policy. She stated that the policy was revised to add language describing the effective date of the promotion, demotion or transfer. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker indicated that some language was also removed from the policy because it was either not necessary or it conflicted with other policies. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilwoman Steinbock seconded to approve the amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the Promotions, Demotions & Transfers Policy as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval an amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the On-Call Policy. She stated that the changes that were made to the policy include deleting old language, changing the 1 hour minimum to a 2 hour minimum for personnel called out to assist the on-call person and clarifying the departments that are applicable to the policy. Councilwoman Steinbock moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the On-Call Policy as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval an amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the Compensation & Performance Evaluation Policy. She stated that changes were made to longevity pay by replacing it with merit pay stipend for employees at the top step of their pay level. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker indicated that there are 9 employees eligible for longevity pay under the current policy and 4 other employees that are at the top step of their pay level who do not qualify for longevity pay. She commented that those 4 employees would not get any compensation for their good performance this year under the current policy. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that next year, it is estimated that 10 more employees will reach the top of their pay level. She indicated that in addition to the merit pay stipend change which eliminates the 15 years of service “longevity” requirement, the policy was also modified to state that the stipend amount will be distributed evenly over 26 pay periods in a calendar year rather than paying in one lump sum. Councilman Patterson suggested the editorial change of replacing the word would with shall in the sentence that reads, “All COLA increases would go into effect beginning the first pay period in July of the new fiscal year.” Councilwoman Steinbock moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the Compensation & Performance Evaluation Policy as amended. Motion carried unanimously. The bills from 12-08-21 to 12-21-21 were presented for payment. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilwoman Steinbock seconded to approve the bills for payment as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Adams asked for public comments, questions or concerns. None were heard. Councilwoman Steinbock moved and Councilman Patterson seconded that there being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council to adjourn at 8:03 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. The following bills were approved for payment: 72459 TOUCHTONE COMMUNICATIONS long distance 108.53;72460 WYRULEC CO Landfill Electric 334.95;72461 PEAK WELLNESS deposit refund 3.06; 72462 SHINDLEDECKER, OLIVER W. deposit refund 22.52;72463 ANAYA, MIGUEL rental fee refund 75.00; 72464 21ST CENTURY EQUIPMENT LLC parts/boot 34.75;72465 49ER COMMMUNICATIONS INC. charger, mounting bracket,hardwire charging kit 395.73;72466 ARROW ELECTRIC OF TORRINGTON switch,switch cover 264.00;72467 A1 SUPER SIGN INC. install black vinyl decals 200.00;72468 AFLAC payroll withholding 349.68;72469 AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOC membership renewal 355.00;72470 AT&T Page | 2 MOBILITY cardiac monitor transmission fee 33.66;72471 BARNES LAW LLC special prosecution 150.00; 72472 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 5281.02;72473 CAPITAL ONE TRADE CREDIT mower seats 284.48;72474 THE BREAD DOCTOR birthday gift cards 310.50;72475 BROWN CO bar for chain saw 49.99; 72476 BROWN, KENNETH T. Court Appointed Attorney 80.00;72477 CNA SURETY WY blanket notary errors & omissions policy 100.00;72478 CNA SURETY bond 100.00;72479 CASELLE INC. contract support & maint 1990.00;72480 SARGENT DRILLING CO Well #16 Project 5535.00;72481 CENTURY LUMBER CENTER waferboards,hem firs,housewrap,staples,ground wire,soffit/siding/trim/fascia,insulation, recessed housing,old work box,return,set up boxes,fixture,rereceptacles,switches,gang box,panel, breakers,pipe,tees,couplings,cement,elbows,p trap,pvc Y,nail stoppers,clamp connectors,drywall screws,sheetrock,tubing,dura breads,j trims,tape,joint compounds,half clamp,crimp rings,brass test plugs,textured paneling,paint,hoses,adapters,shower faucet,roller covers,paint brush,liner,nipple,access panel,vent hood,valves,outlets,switch plates,trim,frp osc,loctite 5226.05;72482 CITYSERVICEVALCON LLC Phillips 66 terminal maint fee 16.00;72483 CITY OF TORRINGTON cupcakes/employee longevity appreciation,recording fees 105.00;72484 CITY OF TORRINGTON payroll withholding 13034.20;72485 CO STATE UNIVERSITY rocky mountain meter school registrations 1310.00;72486 COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ambulance supplies 50.06;72487 CONNECTING POINT copier all-inclusive service contracts 486.63;72488 CULLIGAN WATER OF TORRINGTON salt 46.20;72489 DALE'S TIRE & RETREADING tires 200.00;72490 DANA KEPNER CO INC. water meters 4169.04;72491 DATAWORKS PLUS LLC livescan plus ten print based system hardware/software crossmatch patrol 6900.00;72492 COTTONWOOD CATERING catering for City Christmas party 1512.00;72493 DENT, DAVID A. Golf Pro Payable 608.59;72494 NORTHERN EXPOSURE COMPUTER CENTER hdmi adapter 24.99;72495 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 152.50;72496 FAMILY SUPPORT REGISTRY payroll withholding 217.82;72497 FARWEST LINE SPECIALTIES LLC lineman's pocket reference 163.15;72498 FLAGS USA flags 299.00;72499 FLOYD'S TRUCK CENTER INC. air bags 408.44;72500 GLOBAL EQUIPMENT CO INC. msds center w/ binder & wire rack 67.95;72501 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;72502 GOSHEN CO ECONOMIC monthly contribution 2500.00;72503 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2675.00;72504 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP copier leases 175.00;72505 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP copier lease 62.00;72506 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP copier lease 119.00;72507 HARKINS, JEFFREY reimb-engineering license renewal 90.00;72508 HASKINS, DJ Cat Room/Waggin Tails- construction hours 4350.00;72509 HAWKINS INC. sodium hydrox 50% diaphragm 2816.16;72510 HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT INC. FY22 Crack Fill Project 71010.00;72511 HUB INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN STATES LIMITED auto/commercial property insurance 35761.75;72512 HUB INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN STATES LIMITED endorsement adding 2 vehicles & deleting 2 vehicles 211.00;72513 HUB INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN STATES LIMITED endorsement adding dump trailer and snow plow 604.00; 72514 ITRON INC. subscription for new mobile application 460.00;72515 JAMES A. EDDINGTON PC City Attorney,extended hours 9533.00;72516 KAUFMAN GLASS LLC windshield installations 560.00;72517 L N CURTIS & SONS shirts 320.00;72518 LIFEMED SAFETY INC. adult/child electrode pads 22.00;72519 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC. medical oxygen 53.95;72520 MCI A VERIZON CO long distance/911 call backs 43.54;72521 MECKLENBURG, MERVIN Court Appointed Attorney 300.00;72522 MEDICAL AIR SERVICES ASSOCIATION medical air transport insurance 1634.00;72523 MENARDS hd max,rigid strap 58.86;72524 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 359.37;72525 NICOLETT-FLATER ASSOCIATES pre-employment evaluation 225.00;72526 ONE CALL OF WY tickets for CDC code TRG 49.50;72527 PANHANDLE COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION napkins,propane 428.22;72528 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 120.00; 72529 PATRICK, JOHN B. Municipal Court Judge 2000.00;72530 PINNACLE BANK laptop mount,steel plugs,sales tax refunds,safety shirts/jackets,socket assy,standing desk,file folders,travel expenses-meals/ lodging/fuel,certificate renewal,postage,monthly planners,power adapter,tool box,Christmas lights, wrench repairs,bulletin board,gloves,repair kits,fan heater,training manuals 3453.96;72531 RECYCLE SYSTEMS LLC baler repair,ups 1281.21;72532 RICHEY, MICHAEL Airport Operator Contract 1666.66; 72533 RIDGECREST PRODUCTS INC. citation bars,service bars 106.00;72534 ROCKY MOUNTAIN INFORMATION NETWORK INC. annual rmin membership 100.00;72535 SAM'S CLUB/SYCHRONY BANK paper plates/towels,napkins,file folders 119.98;72536 QUILL LLC shipping tape,v30 nemesis,stamp 71.91;72537 SUEZ WTS USA INC. monthly chemical management 7769.04;72538 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE select flex contributions 2625.62;72539 U S POSTMASTER credit for postage 1050.00;72540 GRAINGER hp motor,v-belt pulley,tire sealant,car/truck wash formula,bulbs 717.11; 72541 WAMCO LAB INC. full chronic toxicity test 1900.00;72542 WESTERN PATHOLOGY CONSULTANTS annual fee 275.00;72543 WESTERN UNITED ELECTRIC SUPPLY polycarbonate optical lenses wall pack 2500.00;72544 WY ASSOC OF MUNICIPALITIES WAM winter workshop registrations 460.00;72545 WY ASSOCIATION-SHERIFFS & CHIEF POLICE membership dues 250.00;72546 WY DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION license plate transfers 4.00;72547 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS Torr Vol EMT Pension 37.50;72548 WYRULEC CO firefighter incentives 3002.58;72549 Z & W MILL dirt buckets for cremations 60.00 Page | 3