City Council

City of Torrington ) County of Goshen ) State of Wyoming ) The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 in the City Council Chambers at 436 East 22nd Ave. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Adams, Council Members Kelly, Kinney, Patterson and Steinbock. Also Present: Clerk/Treasurer Strecker, Attorney Eddington, Director of Public Works Harkins, Chief of Police Johnson, Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes, Meter Foreman Wilhelm, Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley and Deputy City Treasurer Nichols. Mayor Adams called the meeting to order. Councilwoman Steinbock led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Adams led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. Weather updates; 2. Request to the public to be cautious while navigating slick streets during winter months; 3. COVID-19/Influenza/Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) updates and recommendations; 4. COVID-19 vaccine clinic update; 5. Reminder to the public to be cautious and mindful of the presence of children on the streets. Request to the public to refrain from using their cell phones while driving; 6. Rotary Club/Goshen County Recreation Board/City of Torrington additional crosswalk project update; 7. Reminder to the public that the Elk Eco Cycle Recycling Center is open and is accepting cardboard, separated paper products and aluminum cans. The site is located at 310 Curtis Avenue and is open Monday through Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; 8. 12-07-22 Pearl Harbor Day/Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Naming Ceremony update. The new post name is Paul A. Johnston/Harold Bandemer Post 2918; 9. Compliments to Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley and his staff for clearing the streets during the most recent winter/snow storm. Compliments to other City staff members who cleared sidewalks and parking lots during the most recent winter/snow storm. Recognition that their efforts and sacrifice to continue to keep the community safe are greatly appreciated; 10. Mayor Adams stated that this would be his last City Council meeting as Mayor. He indicated that it has been a great honor to serve the community for the past 23 years, both as a Councilman and most recently as the Mayor. Mayor Adams commented that during his time in service it was always his goal to be open and transparent and do everything possible to improve the community; and 11. Reminder to the public that Herb Doby was elected as Mayor, and Wayne Deahl and Shane Viktorin were elected as Councilmen. The newly elected officials will be sworn in at the 01-03-23 Council meeting. Mayor Adams wished them well. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Kinney seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 12-06-22 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Adams requested approval to amend the agenda as follows: 1. Add Award Bid – FY23 Sewer Line Replacements to the Action Items List. 2. Remove Policy Handbook New Policy – Break and Meal Period Policy from the Action Items List. Councilwoman Steinbock moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 18.16.020 OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2022 REVISIONS, RELATING TO THE CITY OF TORRINGTON, WYOMING, AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP BY ESTABLISHING “C-1” ZONING FOR A TRACT OF LAND. Councilman Kinney moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1270 as presented on third reading. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 3.04.050. OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2022 REVISIONS, RELATING TO SANITATION FEES. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilwoman Steinbock seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1271 as presented on third reading. Motion carried unanimously. Meter Foreman Wilhelm presented the bid results for New Itron Electric Meters. He stated that staff recommends awarding the bid to Hotline Electrical Sales & Service, LLC of Parker, Colorado in the amount of $69,247.82. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kinney seconded to award the bid to Hotline Electrical Sales & Service, LLC of Parker, Colorado in the amount of $69,247.82 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented the bid results for (2) Two New ¾ Ton Crew Cab Pickups. She stated that staff recommends awarding the bid to Laramie Peak Motors of Wheatland, Wyoming in the amount of $101,228.00. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that a bid opening was held on 12-15-22 and indicated that four bids were submitted but only three bids were in conformance with the bidding requirements. She stated that one of the four bids that was submitted was disqualified because it did not include a bid guarantee. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that the estimated delivery time for the pickups is 365 calendar days. Councilman Kelly asked for a further explanation as to why the current pickup that is being utilized by the Metering Department needs to be replaced. Meter Foreman Wilhelm responded that the pickup currently being used by the department is 13 years old, has transmission Page | 1 failure symptoms and has tool boxes on it that are rusted. Councilwoman Steinbock moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to award the bid to Laramie Peak Motors of Wheatland, Wyoming in the amount of $101,228.00 as presented. Voting aye Adams, Kinney, Patterson and Steinbock, nay Kelly, motion carried. Director of Public Works (DPW) Harkins presented the bid results for the FY23 Sewer Line Replacements Project. He stated that staff recommends awarding the bid to Bivens Construction of Torrington, Wyoming in the amount of $246,733.50 and reserve $53,266.50 (17.8%) for contingency for a project total of $300,000.00. DPW Harkins indicated that the project consists of the removal and replacement of 550 LF of 8” VCP with new 8” PVC sanitary sewer pipe, the removal and replacement of three manholes, the removal of five manholes, the installation of one new manhole, connecting 19 active sewer services and the removal and replacement of pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk and all incidentals associated with the project bid items. He commented that a bid opening was held on 11-16- 22 and stated that two bids were submitted that were in conformance with the bidding requirements. DPW Harkins indicated that the contractor has been given the option of when to start the project with a 45 calendar day completion timeline. He commented that the project must be substantially complete on or before 06-30-23. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilwoman Steinbock seconded to award the bid to Bivens Construction of Torrington, Wyoming in the amount of $246,733.50 and reserve $53,266.50 (17.8%) for contingency for a project total of $300,000.00 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read Resolution No. 2022-14. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that the resolution will amend the FY23 Budget for expenditures in excess of the budgeted amount. The amended amount will account for the following: General Fund – Clerk/Treasurer Wages ($13,860.00), Community Projects Wages ($3,027.00), Lincoln Center Wages ($4,324.00), PD Wages ($9,458.00), Vehicle Maintenance ($1,417.00), PD Travel Exp CIT Grant ($8,000.00), PD Equipment O&M CIT Grant ($5,285.70), PD Uniform Expense BV Grant ($914.69), PD Training and Education CIT Grant ($2,000.00), PD Overtime CIT Grant ($4,000.00), PD Vehicle & Equipment Insurance Proceeds ($1,885.82); Water Fund – Water Wages ($9,281.00), Water Metering Wages ($1,537.00); Electric Fund – Electric Distribution Wages ($7,421,00), Electric Purchasing Wages ($166.00), Electric Metering Wages ($1,116.00); Sanitation Fund – Sanitation Collection Wages ($6,141.00), Sanitation Disposal Wages ($5,756.00); Airport Fund – Wages ($931.00); Golf Fund – Wages ($4,092.00); and Ambulance Fund – Wages Full Time Employees ($37,966.12), Wages Part Time Employees ($41,100.00). Councilman Kinney moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve Resolution No. 2022-14 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval amendments to the policy handbook in regard to the Sick Leave Bank, Bereavement Leave, Sick Leave, Travel, Clothing/Uniform Fringe Benefit and Extended Duty Assignments Policies. She briefly summarized the changes made to each individual policy: 1. Changes were made to the sick leave bank policy to include a definition of catastrophic illness, the amount of accrued sick leave required to join the bank was reduced from 80 to 40 hours and a disclaimer for maternity leave was added; 2. Changes were made to the bereavement leave policy adding clarification on which leave time is eligible for bereavement leave and “consecutive” was removed from the first bullet point; 3. Changes were made to the sick leave policy to include verbiage related to the sick leave upon separation of employment. The eligible use of sick leave for illness or medical care/appointments of an immediate family member was also clarified; 4. Changes were made to the travel policy to add further detail on per-diem reimbursement to match the federal per-diem rate. Clarification was also added detailing the amount allowed for each meal not to exceed 50% of the daily per-diem rate; 5. Changes were made to the clothing/uniform fringe benefit policy clarifying clothing that is taxable as a fringe benefit. The definition of “suitable for everyday wear” was also added; and 6. Changes were made to the extended duty assignments policy to account for the Task Force Officer and updates were also made to include changes to the SRO contract with the Goshen County School District. Councilman Kinney moved and Councilwoman Steinbock seconded to approve the amendments to the policy handbook in regard to the Sick Leave Bank, Bereavement Leave, Sick Leave, Travel, Clothing/ Uniform Fringe Benefit and Extended Duty Assignments Policies as presented. Motion carried unanimously. The bills from 12-07-22 to 12-20-22 were presented for payment. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the bills for payment as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Adams asked for public comments, questions or concerns. Councilwoman Steinbock thanked all City of Torrington employees for their incredible wealth of knowledge, experience and skills that are utilized on a daily basis, her colleagues on the Council for their support and guidance during her tenure on the Council and Mayor Adams for his exceptional leadership. She congratulated newly elected officials Herb Doby, Wayne Deahl and Shane Viktorin and wished them well. Councilman Kelly thanked Mayor Adams, Councilman Kinney and Councilwoman Steinbock for their service to the City of Torrington. Page | 2  Councilman Kinney moved and Councilwoman Steinbock seconded that there being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council to adjourn at 7:48 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. The following bills were approved for payment: 75035 BLUE CROSS OF WY ambulance overpayment 464.03;75036 CALIGUIRI, KATHLEEN re-issue ambulance overpayment refund-lost check in mail 311.74;75037 MILLER, DONNA credit refund 199.46; 75038 CORTEZ, ERIKA deposit refund 39.00;75039 SCHWARTZKOPF, MATT deposit refund 15.49;75040 PARZIALE, JOSEPH deposit refund 177.97;75041 COON, TALLIE deposit refund 81.77;75042 STURGEON, COLBY reimb-proof of rabies vaccination 50.00;75043 ENFIELD, JON refund-hydrant meter deposit less usage 2169.00;75044 DISCOUNT COMMUNICATIONS belt clip-pager 47.00;75045 HIGH PLAINS APT deposit refund 158.26;75046 TD REAL ESTATE deposit refund 139.91;75047 49ER COMMMUNICATIONS INC. portable radios 1423.08;75048 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES pen refills,toner cartridge,glass beads, abrasive media,mesh,beads for cleaning/finishing 520.69;75049 AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOC membership renewal 365.00;75050 AT&T MOBILITY cardiac monitor transmission fee 33.46;75051 BIG WOOD TREE SERVICE LLC tree removal w/ stump grinding 800.00;75052 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 7254.36;75053 BROWN CO massey ferguson tractor 25751.00;75054 BROWN CO tir 20x10,deflector, hose 191.55;75055 CNA SURETY Wyoming blanket notary errors & omissions policy 100.00;75056 BUTLER'S SALVAGE & TOWING hauling snow/snow removal 3000.00;75057 CAPITAL ONE TRADE CREDIT propane cast-rotary crosswalk 465.48;75058 CENTURY LUMBER CENTER garage door remote,mop handle,filler strip,super glue,velcro,container,utility tub cart,drive pins,level 4 yellow loads,cedar, antifreeze,tote,hand salt shakers,screws,ratchet tie down straps,star drive bit,strike anchors,timer, nylon stem casters,heavy duty cable ties,wedge/door stop,chain,neck light,blades,blade knife,multi-tool, griddle cleaning kit,tailgater grill 1053.50;75059 YODER GRAIN FEEDLOT hauling snow/snow removal 1750.00;75060 COTTONWOOD COUNTRY CLUB 50% rental fee/country club 2022 shed lease agreement 275.00;75061 DECKER, STEVE street paint-rotary crosswalks,oil 3813.00;75062 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 245.00;75063 FASTENAL CO bleach,batteries,fasteners-rotary crosswalk 345.80;75064 FIVE STAR PRINT & PROMO 1095-c IRS employer forms,w-2/1099 forms,envelopes 546.26;75065 GOSHEN CO ECONOMIC monthly contribution 2500.00;75066 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP copier leases 356.00;75067 HAWKINS INC. sodium hydrox 50% diaphragm 3668.68;75068 IDEAL LINEN/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTION mats,scrapers,sam dust/energy fees,sam garment fees,sam linen, coveralls,mops,towels 1049.49;75069 JAMES A. EDDINGTON PC City Attorney 9187.50;75070 FRANK PARTS CO batteries,lamps,discs,hyd fluid,dye,rad/cap,hose,filters,motor tune-up,chuck hd,gauge,paint marker,cut-off wheel,rod end,brake fluid,paint,belts,exhaust valve,silicone gasket 1321.89;75071 LEITHEADS INC. used refrigerator 400.00;75072 LEO RILEY & CO in progress audit billing FY2022 15000.00;75073 MEDICAL AIR SERVICES ASSOCIATION medical air transport insurance 1615.00;75074 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC. audio accessory-speakers 278.40;75075 MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NE wholesale power 417259.49;75076 NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL annual membership renewal 495.00; 75077 NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC. brass ips stop & drain 156.68;75078 O'REILLY AUTO ENTERPRISES LLC battery,core charge/credit,filters,eng heater 257.53;75079 OLSON TIRE CO tire repairs, prema rad patches,tires,computer balance,dismount/mount,valve stem,disposal fee 1227.10;75080 ON THE HOOK LLC towing fees 1500.00;75081 PANHANDLE COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION propane tanks, forklift training,unleaded fuel,propane,clear diesel 616.00;75082 PANHANDLE LAWN CARE LLC fertilization/weed control 75.00;75083 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 111.00;75084 PATRICK, JOHN B. Municipal Court Judge 2000.00;75085 PINNACLE BANK membership fees,training,travel expenses- meals/fuel/lodging/toll fee,gift cards,decorations-Mayor’s retirement party,retirement gift,registration fee,Christmas party gifts,lined clothing,Christmas lights,tax refund,panel meters,rotary crosswalk project items 5287.92;75086 POMP'S TIRE SERVICE service call-loader tire,oring,dismount/mount 415.00;75087 QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC. neopost postage 782.00;75088 REGIONAL CARE INC. select flex admin 102.00;75089 RICHEY, MICHAEL Airport Operator Contract 1666.66;75090 RIVER VIEW SAND & GRAVEL LLC salt/sand 2147.51;75091 INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTORS rechargeable headlamp,nuts,washers, carburetor cleaner,wd-40 spray,degreaser,glass cleaner,bolts 395.68;75092 SAM'S CLUB/SYCHRONY BANK bubblewrap,air freshener,plates,coffee,hot chocolate 180.27;75093 QUILL LLC ink cartridges 578.96;75094 SUEZ WTS USA INC. monthly chemical management 7769.04;75095 TRI STATE OIL RECLAIMERS INC. used oil 45.00;75096 U S POSTMASTER credit for postage 1150.00;75097 VERIZON WIRELESS TVFD cell phones 79.53;75098 ANIXTER INC. deadbreak elbows 7128.00;75099 WESTCO diesel additive,dyed/premium diesel 19675.30;75100 WESTERN PATHOLOGY CONSULTANTS drug screen,urine collection 70.00;75101 RESPOND FIRST AID SYSTEMS OF WY 1st aid kit supplies 210.63;75102 WYRULEC CO Landfill Electric 435.78;75103 ZELL HEATING & COOLING LLC materials/shop heaters less retainage 12145.77;75104 AFLAC payroll withholding 453.48;75105 NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS payroll withholding 128.00;75106 CITY OF TORRINGTON payroll withholding 40.00;75107 DENT, DAVID A. Golf Pro Payable 16.97;75108 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;75109 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 1293.00;75110 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 359.37;75111 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE select flex contributions 2943.94 Page | 3