City Council

City of Torrington ) County of Goshen ) State of Wyoming ) The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 in the City Council Chambers at 436 East 22nd Ave. at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Doby, Council Members Deahl, Kelly, Patterson and Viktorin. Also Present: Clerk/Treasurer Strecker, Attorney Eddington, Director of Public Works Harkins, Chief of Police Johnson, Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes and Deputy City Clerk Anaya. Mayor Doby called the meeting to order. Councilman Patterson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Doby led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. Weather updates. Thank you to Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley and his staff for their snow removal efforts. Thank you to Facility Maintenance Supervisor Lira and his staff for their snow removal work on parking lots and sidewalks. Thank you to all private snow removal contractors for their efforts and thank you to all property owners for keeping their sidewalks clear of snow and ice; 2. Announcement that the City of Torrington is now accepting applications for seasonal employment. If interested, please call (307) 532-5666 or visit www.torringtonwy.gov for more information; and 3. Reminder that the City of Torrington offers a TextMyGov service that allows citizens to receive City alerts and notifications on their cell phones and make inquiries to City staff by text. To get started text “Hi” to (307) 338-2802. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 02-06-24 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. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for Essential Fuel, LLC DBA Essential Fuels for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for Old Grey Fox, Inc. DBA Mint Bar for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for Caroline Garcia DBA La Familia Prado for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for Chugwater Brewing Company, Inc. DBA J & B Liquor for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license. Eric Alden spoke in support of the renewal of the license. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for Pamela J. Delgado-Garcia DBA Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for Maverik, Inc. DBA Maverik Store #293 for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for The Cigarette Store, LLC DBA Smoker Friendly-Gasamat for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for SS&G, Inc. DBA Holiday Inn Express for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public Page | 1 comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for The Open Barrel Brewing Company, LLC DBA The Open Barrel Brewing Company for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license. Clayton Kilgore spoke in support of the renewal of the license. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for Torrington Hotel, LLC DBA Torrington Cobblestone Hotel for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31- 25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license. Amanda Haynes spoke in support of the renewal of the license. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for T.J.L., LLC DBA Broncho Bar for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for San Pedro JC, LLC DBA San Pedro Taqueria for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for Kroenmark, LLC DBA Ltd Edition for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Retail Liquor License renewal for EVENCIO, LLC DBA Thrifty’s Gas & Liquor for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the renewal of the Retail Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Limited Club Liquor License renewal for Elks BPO 1726 DBA Elks 1726 for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the renewal of the Limited Club Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Limited Club Liquor License renewal for Torrington Lodge #664 Loyal Order of Moose DBA Torrington Moose Lodge 664 for the license term 04- 01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the renewal of the Limited Club Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Limited Club Liquor License renewal for Travis Snow Post 5 DBA American Legion Club for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the renewal of the Limited Club Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Limited Club Liquor License renewal for City of Torrington DBA Country Club for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the renewal of the Limited Club Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Restaurant Liquor License renewal for Tiffany Leslie DBA Broncho Grillhouse for the license term 04-01-24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the renewal of the Restaurant Liquor License as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing regarding the Microbrewery Permit renewal for The Open Barrel Brewing Company, LLC DBA The Open Barrel Brewing Company for the license term 04-01- 24 through 03-31-25. He asked for public comments for or against the renewal of the license, none were Page | 2 heard. The public hearing was closed. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the renewal of the Microbrewery Permit as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Members of the Torrington/Lingle FFA Chapter Connor Booth, James Hall and Jacob Durant, and Ag Instructor Sabrina Juma addressed the Mayor and Council regarding National FFA Week. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the proclamation for National FFA Week. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby read the proclamation declaring February 17-24, 2024 as National FFA Week. It stated that FFA and agricultural education provide a strong foundation for the youth of America and the future of food, fiber and natural resources systems, and indicated that FFA promotes premier leadership, personal growth and career success among its members. It also stated that the FFA motto – “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve” – gives direction and purpose to the students who take an active role in succeeding in agricultural education. Mayor Doby read a proclamation declaring 03-12-24 as National Service Recognition Day. It stated that AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Senior participants address the most pressing challenges facing communities, from educating students for the jobs of the 21st century, to fighting the opioid epidemic, to responding to natural disasters, to supporting veterans and military families. It also encouraged residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in the community, to thank those who serve and to find ways to give back to their communities. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the proclamation as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND ENACTING CHAPTER 5.28 OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2024 REVISIONS, RELATING TO PERMITS – UTILITY WORK WITHIN CITY RIGHTS OF WAY. Chief of Police Johnson stated that Section 5.28.090 is intended to cover an individual who is representing a business, firm, partnership, corporation, LLC or other entity. He indicated that the City cannot hold any of those non-individual entities liable for a criminal offense. Chief of Police Johnson commented that the section will need to be revised to include representatives or responsible parties of entities to make it as clear as possible. He stated that he and Attorney Eddington will make the necessary edits and have them ready to be presented for the third reading of the ordinance on 03-05-24. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the ordinance on second reading as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker requested approval of a $5.00 increase to the Pioneer Park RV Camping Fee(s) from $20.00 per night to $25.00 per night. She stated that the increase to $25.00 per night is comparable with what other RV parks in the area are charging. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the Pioneer Park RV Camping Fee(s) increase as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented a Financial Report as of 12-31-23. She stated that the total restricted and cash on hand was $20,649,280.27, then after adding unearned revenue, subtracting unexpended appropriations and restricted cash, the total net cash reserve was $9,694,089.68. The accounts receivable/utility billing amount past due was $34,378.71, the amount at collections was $79,002.61 and $9,694.60 was turned over to the City Attorney. Net revenue for all funds was $517,217.06, which in comparison to the previous fiscal year has decreased overall. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to accept the Financial Report as presented. Motion carried unanimously. The bills from 02-07-24 to 02-20-24 were presented for payment. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the bills for payment as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby asked for public comments, questions or concerns. Fire Chief Petsch briefly updated the Mayor and Council on the calls that the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department responded to in the last couple of weeks. He also informed the Mayor and Council that Luis Correa was elected to be the new Fire Chief at the February Business Meeting, and stated that he will take over at the April Business Meeting. Councilman Patterson stated that there was a horrific situation that happened in Sheridan, Wyoming last week that resulted in the loss of a police officer. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the City’s and the County’s first responders, law enforcement and correctional officers who go to work everyday and who will hopefully keep themselves safe. Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. The following bills were approved for payment: 77956 AFLAC payroll withholding 1283.22;77957 CITY OF TORRINGTON payroll withholding 314.00;77958 DENT, DAVID A. Golf Pro Payable 299.62;77959 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;77960 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2320.00;77961 MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NE wholesale power 863333.23; 77962 NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS payroll withholding 160.00;77963 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 257.00;77964 PLATTE CO payroll withholding 199.98;77965 VERIZON WIRELESS TVFD cell phones 97.12; 77966 chemistry panel/wellness screening 73.00;77967 ACCUSCREEN MOBILE DRUG TESTING SERVICES rapid screen drug tests,cdl annual queries 664.00;77968 ALLDATA subscription renewal 1500.00;77969 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES led construction string lights,dry erase white board,adjustable wrenches, lawn mower blade balancer,mount,rca converter,beacon lights 485.13;77970 ANDERSON, OWEN Page | 3 deposit refund 156.33;77971 AT&T MOBILITY cardiac monitor transmission fees 33.46;77972 AVFUEL CORPORATION aviation gas 22598.99;77973 BACKFLOW PREVENTION SUPPLY INC. calibration test kit, test set 169.24;77974 BEARCOM light brackets 53.00;77975 BENCHMARK OF TORRINGTON P.C. Torr E P Replat 2023 1741.00;77976 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 5556.53;77977 BROWN CO washer nut, handle 39.23;77978 CITY OF TORRINGTON car wash,titles,reimb-medication boxes,ribbon,postage 83.30;77979 CITY OF TORRINGTON c/o PINNACLE BANK health reserve non-insured PR employee premium/MT positions 9882.75;77980 CO STATE UNIVERSITY Rocky Mountain Meter School registration fee 449.00;77981 COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ambulance supplies 393.73;77982 COMPLETE WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES batteries 96.00;77983 CONTINENTAL WESTERN GROUP auto/commercial property insurance 36824.00;77984 COOK, REECE dumpster repairs 390.00;77985 DIVERSIFIED SERVICES INC. cleaning services 425.00;77986 EASY PICKER GOLF PRODUCTS INC. range balls 1259.00;77987 EJS SUPPLY LLC product spreader,light bars,tailgate latch kit 11952.74;77988 END-X SYSTEMS LLC four section spike system,training system 1325.00;77989 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 586.00; 77990 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 111.00;77991 ESSENTIAL FUEL LLC car wash 11.37;77992 FERGUSON ENTERPRISES LLC #3325 saf blue ind choice acrylic primer 389.20;77993 FULL SOURCE safety orange bomber jackets 105.57;77994 GOSHEN CO ECONOMIC monthly contribution 2500.00;77995 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP copier leases 356.00;77996 GW MECHANICAL INC. remove/ install water heater,repair leak in water re-circulation line 6012.11;77997 IDEAL LINEN/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTION mats,scrapers,sam dust/energy fees,garments,sam garment fees,sam linen,coveralls,mops, towels 690.50;77998 INBERG-MILLER ENGINEERS groundwater data/stat analysis-landfill new cell design/permit renewal 12887.46;77999 JAMES A. EDDINGTON PC City Attorney 9187.50;78000 JOHN, MATTHEW mileage reimb 194.30;78001 KAUFMAN GLASS LLC installation of windows 520.00;78002 KNOW HOW LLC headlight bulbs,drip pan,adapter,sockets,gaskets,headlights,wiper blades,signal light, filters,fuel/hanger pump assys,blower motor,hyd hose fittings,hyd hoses,spare locking pins,combo wrench,tire valves,fittings,cable ties,battery,core deposit,spark plugs,fuel sending unit,mass air flow sensor,degreaser 1488.49;78003 MAC EQUIPMENT INC. glass-ventrac door,price correction 559.06; 78004 MALLORY SAFETY AND SUPPLY LLC gloves,glass cleaner,chin strap,nuts,washers,bolts 237.48; 78005 MASTERS, MAX ROBERT sewer/water map updates,electrical system corrections/updates 12500.00;78006 MECKLENBURG, MERVIN Court Appointed Attorney 400.00;78007 MEDICAL AIR SERVICES ASSOCIATION medical air transport insurance 1577.00;78008 MERITAIN HEALTH INC. premium-ins/life admin 50556.19;78009 METAL SHOP AND REPAIR LLC t-bolts,flat iron,dom tubes 118.75;78010 MILSTEAD, THOMAS deposit refund 169.21;78011 MSA SAFETY SALES gas detector 1663.23;78012 OFFICE OF STATE LANDS & INVEST CWSRF loan payment 5996.59;78013 ONE CALL OF WY tickets for CDC code TRG 109.75;78014 PANHANDLE COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION rubbing alcohol, commercial propane,unleaded gas 8069.00;78015 PATRICK, JOHN B. Municipal Court Judge 2000.00; 78016 PINNACLE BANK travel expenses-fuel/meals/lodging,drug testing query,sales tax refunds, breakfast/lunch-snow crew,membership fee,stock supplies,combo padlocks,lodging-meter school, filters,power strip tower,coffee,wall file organizer,training fee,work boots 2904.92;78017 POWER PLAN rollers,lock nuts,levers,spring washers,dipsticks 912.08;78018 PRIMARY ARMS LLC training optics 395.53;78019 PYLE, GARDNER L. mileage reimb 216.41;78020 QUILL LLC receipt books 26.97;78021 REAL TIME LABOR GUIDE annual subscription/support & update 195.00;78022 REGIONAL CARE INC. select flex admin 120.00;78023 RESPOND FIRST AID SYSTEMS OF WY cabinet 299.99;78024 SARGENT DRILLING CO FY2024 Well #4 Submersible Pump & Motor Replacement 61770.00;78025 SCHAUB, PARYS H. deposit refund 134.08;78026 SKAGGS, EDWIN C. deposit refund 296.05;78027 SNAP-ON CREDIT LLC yearly subscription/diagnostic tool for vehicles 561.00;78028 TELEFLEX LLC power driver 308.50;78029 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE premium 104200.51;78030 TORRINGTON FIRE DEPT WY firefighter pensions 3375.00;78031 TRI-STATE GARAGE DOORS jamb seal,top seal,install seals 252.47; 78032 U S POSTMASTER credit for postage 1250.00;78033 VALLEY MOTOR SUPPLY batteries,core returns,filters,oil drain plugs,relay switches,bernz map pro,battery charger,lube,brake clean,e-clip 895.84;78034 VEOLIA WTS USA INC. monthly chemical management 7769.04;78035 WESTCO filters, dyed diesel,premium diesel 3534.71;78036 WY AIRPORT SERVICES LLC Airport Operator Contract 1666.67;78037 WY ASSOCIATION OF FIRE MARSHALS membership dues 35.00;78038 WY DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION license plate transfer 2.00;78039 WY DEPT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES workers compensation 11503.39 Page | 4