City Council

City of Torrington ) County of Goshen ) State of Wyoming ) The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, May 21, 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, Golf Pro Dent and Deputy City Clerk Anaya. Mayor Doby called the meeting to order. Councilman Kelly led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Doby led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. Thank you to Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes, Cemetery Sexton McCranie, Assistant Cemetery Sexton Hickman and their crews, some of which are inmates at the local prison, for all of the hard and good work they do in preparation for Memorial Day and in making Valley View Cemetery one of the best; 2. Announcement that the Torrington High School commencement ceremony took place on 05-19- 24. Mayor Doby congratulated all members of the class of 2024, their parents, families and friends; 3. Reminder to the public to be cautious and mindful of the presence of pedestrians, bicyclists, scooterists and motorcyclists on the streets as schools will soon be out of session; 4. Request to the public to refrain from using their cell phones while driving; 5. Announcement that the Dale Jones Municipal Pool will open on 06-01-24. Thank you to Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes, Facility Maintenance Supervisor Lira and Custodian Becker for all of their creative, intelligent and hard work in preparing the pool for opening. Thank you to all of those behind the scenes, including Pool Manager Brummell, for all of their help in accomplishing this goal; and 6. Mayor Doby urged the citizens of Torrington to continue to enjoy the golf course, sports fields, parks and walking paths owned and maintained by the City of Torrington. Councilman Deahl indicated that there is a typographical error on page three of the minutes. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 05-07-24 Council meeting as amended and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby requested approval to amend the agenda as follows: 1. Add Golf Course RV Park Fees to the Action Items List. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously. Amanda and Jeremy Cherrington addressed the Mayor and Council. Ms. Cherrington gave a brief history regarding the four hens that she considers as her Emotional Support Animals (ESA). She stated that she has had them for the past 11 months and indicated that she was unaware that they were not permitted in City limits. Ms. Cherrington commented that she and her husband wanted to address the Mayor and Council to initiate the proper steps that have to be taken in order to be able to have the hens returned to her home, if permissible. She thanked the Mayor and Council for their consideration and for letting her speak. Fire Chief Correa stated that the air compressor and fill station for SCBA for the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department is currently not in service. He indicated that they are no longer able to get parts to service this essential piece of equipment and commented that a replacement air compressor and fill station will need to be purchased. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to declare an emergency. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the purchase of a replacement air compressor and fill station for SCBA as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Golf Pro Dent requested approval to implement Golf Course RV Park Fees. He presented a preliminary set of rules that he would like to put into effect and stated that he would like to set the fee to $25.00 per night. Golf Pro Dent indicated that the rules that he developed are very similar to the rules that are posted at the Pioneer Park RV camping area. He commented that there are seven parking spaces all equipped with 50 amp electrical hookups and stated that lighting and gate improvements have also been completed. Mayor Doby indicated that Chief of Police Johnson had suggested that rather than using the word profanity in the rules using no disorderly conduct. Councilman Viktorin suggested adding the dispatch non-emergency phone number to the rules as an additional contact number. Councilman Kelly inquired about the rule that specifies that no alcoholic beverages without a permit are permitted. Golf Pro Dent replied that RVers would be allowed to buy alcoholic beverages at the Cottonwood Country Club and take that alcoholic beverage out on the golf course. Chief of Police Johnson clarified that the Country Club holds a liquor license that includes the entire golf course as the permitted area. Councilman Viktorin suggested modifying the alcoholic beverage rule to state no outside alcoholic beverages permitted. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the Golf Course RV Park rules and to set the fee to $25.00 per night as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Page | 1  Mayor Doby stated that Vyve Broadband, LLC requested a three year extension of the Cable TV Franchise, commencing 06-01-24 and terminating 05-31-27. He indicated that the temporary extension of the franchise approved by the City Council on 05-04-21 will expire on 05-31-24. Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes provided a brief history of the franchise. He commented that previous Mayors and Council members had discussions with Vyve because there were issues in the past. Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes stated that Vyve has been a very good partner since those issues were brought up. He indicated that they have put a lot of money into infrastructure in the last few years. Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes commented that he did provide a list of specific areas of concern to Vyve that he believes will be addressed very soon and stated that staff would be in favor of the extension request. Mayor Doby indicated that in talking to Electrical Supervisor Youtz, he is very pleased with the contractor that Vyve hires for pole work. Michael Smith, Vyve Wyoming Operations Manager, addressed the Mayor and Council. He commented that the areas of concern that Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes listed will be addressed as soon as possible. Councilman Viktorin inquired if Mr. Smith was aware that City ordinance requires the franchise extension request to be submitted no later than six months before the expiration date of the franchise. Mr. Smith replied that he was not aware of that stipulation, but that he would make note of it for future extension requests. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to extend Vyve’s Cable TV Franchise to 05-31-27 and to waive the six month extension request requirement as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Moriah Harkins with the Torrington Farmers Market requested approval of three special event permits for a series of Second Saturday Torrington Farmers Market events to be held on 08-10-24, 09- 14-24 and 10-12-24 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the City Lot Five parking lot. The applicant also requested to have the special event permit fees waived due to the request being a community event. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the community status of the events and to waive the special event permit fees as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the special event permits as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 2.04.010 OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2024 REVISIONS, RELATING TO REGULAR MEETINGS. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1287 as presented on third reading. Voting aye Deahl, Doby and Patterson, nay Kelly and Viktorin, motion carried. Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF TORRINGTON, WYOMING, REAL PROPERTY TO BE KNOWN AS THE “WIRELESS ADDITION.” Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1288 as presented on third reading. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 18.16.020 OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2024 REVISIONS, RELATING TO THE CITY OF TORRINGTON, WYOMING, AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP BY ESTABLISHING “I-1” ZONING FOR A TRACT OF LAND. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1289 as presented on third reading. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 13.20.016 OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2024 REVISIONS, RELATING TO AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING EXECUTION OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED TOTAL POWER REQUIREMENTS POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT BY THE CITY OF TORRINGTON, WYOMING WITH THE MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NEBRASKA. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the ordinance on second reading as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Chief of Police Johnson presented for approval two vehicle purchase requests. He stated that the Torrington Police Department is continuing to look for economically feasible options to address fleet concerns for the agency and is proposing the purchase of two used vehicles to serve as a command vehicle and as a patrol vehicle. The vehicles are as follows: 1. 2016 Dodge Durango with law enforcement package, law enforcement lighting and radio package. The cost is $22,500.00 for the vehicle purchase, $1,600.00 for paint work needed and $1,500.00 for a vehicle storage system; and 2. 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe with law enforcement package, law enforcement lighting and radio package. The cost is $11,000.00 for the vehicle purchase, $300.00 for an AC drawdown/recharge that is needed, $1,500.00 for a transport cage and $500.00 for decals/marking. Chief of Police Johnson indicated that the funding to purchase the two used vehicles is available in the current budget cycle. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the purchase of the two used vehicles subject to an affirmative vote out of executive session as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read Resolution No. 2024-3 authorizing the submission of five Wyoming Homeland Security grant applications for the purchase of essential equipment for the City of Torrington. Grant applications in the amount of $87,707.45 will be submitted to Wyoming Homeland Security for consideration of funding the purchase of the following essential equipment: 1. Fuel and service trailer for generators - $39,518.85; 2. Dual-band mobile radio for Emergency Management Coordinator - $5,102.79; 3. Mobile generator and light trailer - $18,602.55; 4. Variable messaging display trailer - Page | 2 $14,962.50; and 5. Torrington Police gunshot simulator - $9,520.76. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve Resolution No. 2024-3 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read Resolution No. 2024-4 authorizing the submission of an application to the State Loan and Investment Board for a loan through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) to assist in funding the FY25 East D Street Improvements Project. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that there was a small change made to the resolution. She indicated that after visiting with Grants & Loans Manager Elizabeth Blackwell, the City cannot repay the loan through the general fund. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that since the general fund cannot be used, staff is proposing to repay the loan through the sewer fund. Mayor Doby inquired if Ms. Blackwell did in fact approve using user sewer rates to repay the loan. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker replied that Ms. Blackwell advised that some entities have used that method of repayment in the past. Director of Public Works (DPW) Harkins stated that this resolution covers the clean water SRF portion of the East D Street Project. He indicated that the project consists of replacing 50+ year old undersized waterlines and storm sewers, and reconstructing street, curb, gutter and sidewalk on East D Street from US Highway 26 to 30th Avenue. DPW Harkins commented that the loan application will be submitted in the amount of $2,500,000.00. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve Resolution No. 2024-4 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read Resolution No. 2024-5 authorizing the submission of an application to the State Loan and Investment Board for a loan through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) to assist in funding the FY25 East D Street Improvements Project. Director of Public Works (DPW) Harkins stated that this resolution covers the drinking water SRF portion of the East D Street Project. He indicated that the loan application will be submitted in the amount of $2,700,000.00 and commented that if the City is awarded the loan, it is also eligible for a 25% forgiveness of a portion of the principal. DPW Harkins stated that he forgot to mention this previously, but if the loan discussed with Resolution No. 2024-4 is awarded to the City, it too will be eligible for 25% forgiveness. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve Resolution No. 2024-5 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATION OF MONEY BY THE CITY OF TORRINGTON, WYOMING, TO MEET ITS GENERAL FUND REQUIREMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS, TO MEET ITS ENTERPRISE FUND REQUIREMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS, FOR THE 2025 FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2024 AND FIXING THE SUM TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that there are still several items that need to be finalized. Items still pending include: Wages, Insurance (Health and Property/Casualty) and Cash Balances/Cash Carry Over Review(s). She indicated that the budget is at a point where it is balanced and commented that the appropriations for the FY25 Budget so far total $40,541,145.00. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that the numbers will be changing as the budget is a process and a living, working document until its final approval. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the FY25 Budget on first reading as presented. Voting aye Deahl, Doby, Patterson and Viktorin, nay Kelly, motion carried. The bills from 05-08-24 to 05-21-24 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 responded to in the last couple of weeks. Chief of Police Johnson extended a personal thank you to EMC Kenyon for his work on the Homeland Security grants. He stated that the Torrington Police Department has benefited tremendously from his work and indicated that they are very grateful for his help. Chief of Police Johnson announced that the Torrington Police Department will be hosting a DARE camp for all Goshen County students entering the sixth grade August 12-16, 2024. Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley requested to the public to please refrain from putting garbage in the grass bins as it renders the grass unusable for the making of compost. Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley reminded the public that dumpsters are for municipal waste, not for construction and demolition (C & D) materials. He stated that the excessive C & D material that has been inserted into the dumpsters has damaged the garbage trucks. Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley urged the public to please take all C & D materials to the baler or landfill to dispose of. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to adjourn to executive session to discuss a potential donation. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to return the Mayor and Council to regular session. Motion carried unanimously. Page | 3  Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to authorize Attorney Eddington to prepare a purchase/sale agreement for the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 9:39 p.m. The following bills were approved for payment: 78606 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC. dispatch 911 service contract 5015.72;78607 MOUNTAIN WEST TECHNOLOGIES CORP TVFD internet service 101.00;78608 MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NE wholesale power 390907.13;78609 WYRULEC CO Landfill Electric 278.36;78610 UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE medicare premium/contract 141.00; 78611 ACCUSCREEN MOBILE DRUG TESTING SERVICES rapid screen drug tests 250.00;78612 ALTEC INDUSTRIES INC. annual PM inspections,dilelectric 3952.84;78613 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES writing pads,fastener file folders,pool reagents/testing,farewell party decorations,holster belt clip replacements 259.01;78614 AT&T MOBILITY cardiac monitor transmission fees 16.73;78615 NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION annual membership dues 175.00;78616 BACKFLOW PREVENTION SUPPLY INC. reduced pressure assembly 340.12;78617 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 152.66;78618 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 1530.49;78619 BLACKBURN MANUFACTURING CO electrical marking flags 97.63;78620 BROWN CO spark plugs,filters,pickup bob,v-belt,idlers,blades 589.34;78621 CITY OF TORRINGTON payroll withholding 278.75;78622 CITY OF TORRINGTON c/o PINNACLE BANK health reserve non-insured PR employee premium/MT positions 10897.50;78623 CLARKE, JOSEPH A. leak detection 50.00;78624 COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ambulance supplies 198.48;78625 COMPLETE WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES pagers & accessories 216.52;78626 CONTINENTAL WESTERN GROUP endorsement- adding new facility maint building 85.00;78627 CROELL REDI-MIX INC. oversize gravel 300.00;78628 DANA KEPNER CO INC. mcdonald insert stiffners 405.00;78629 DECKER, STEVE oil,weed spray,ranger pro,esparade E2 4434.50;78630 DEINES IRRIGATION INC. river pump repair parts 393.20;78631 DENT, DAVID A. Golf Pro Payable 2120.05;78632 DIVERSIFIED SERVICES INC. cleaning services 535.00;78633 EJS SUPPLY LLC roll out carts,side load containers 17653.60;78634 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 427.00;78635 ENGINEER SUPPLY LLC magnetic locators w/ cases 2476.00;78636 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 185.00;78637 FASTENAL CO coin batteries 9.14;78638 FELDT, IAN deposit refund 87.00; 78639 FERGUSON WATERWORKS couplings,adapter gaskets,branch LL 1101.15;78640 FRESH FOODS brats & hot dogs-farewell 61.90;78641 FRITZLER, LARRY & DEBORAH pump septic tanks 506.00;78642 GARCIA, DANIEL deposit refund 30.01;78643 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;78644 GOSHEN CO ECONOMIC monthly contribution 2500.00;78645 GRAINGER paper filter element,toilet rebuild kits,diaphragm assembly,covers,battery,breaker assembly 548.11;78646 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP copier leases 356.00;78647 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2220.00;78648 HAWKINS INC. sodium hydrox 50% diaphragm 3477.42;78649 HIGH POINTE ELECTRIC INC. plan review fee 1629.18;78650 INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL INC. EC-97 unif abatement code PDF 39.00;78651 J.J. KELLER & ASSOCIATES INC. safety training 2125.00;78652 JAMES A. EDDINGTON PC City Attorney 9187.50;78653 J-BUILT HOMES INC. Golf Course Parking Lot (Phase II) Project-release retainage 6000.00;78654 JIRDON fertilizer 4671.00;78655 JOE JOHNSON EQUIPMENT LLC sweeper brooms 995.02;78656 KENYON, CHUCK travel reimb 318.67;78657 KIWANIS CLUB OF GOSHEN CO WY Community Gas sponsor-fair pig wrestling 150.00;78658 LEGACY COOPERATIVE eg gas 7297.78;78659 LOFINK PANHANDLE LAWN CARE LLC weed control spraying 10335.00;78660 LUJAN CLEANING SERVICE LLC cleaning,window cleaning 273.75;78661 MAHAFFY, ALEXIA deposit refund 117.46;78662 MALLORY SAFETY AND SUPPLY LLC nitrile gloves 360.60;78663 MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS road base 324.48;78664 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC. medical oxygen,safety glasses,towelettes, gloves 307.11;78665 MECKLENBURG, MERVIN Court Appointed Attorney 200.00;78666 MEDICAL AIR SERVICES ASSOCIATION medical air transport insurance 1596.00;78667 MENARDS coffee maker 149.99; 78668 MERITAIN HEALTH INC. premium-ins/life admin 49521.40;78669 MIDWEST CONNECT red ink cartridge/postage machine 351.00;78670 MONTANA CSSD SDU payroll withholding 205.55;78671 NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS payroll withholding 176.00;78672 NE SAFETY AND FIRE EQUIPMENT extinguisher 85.00;78673 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 257.00;78674 NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC. water pipe,quart pipe lube 570.91;78675 OLSON TIRE CO tire repairs,prema rad patches,valve stems 132.73;78676 PALFY, RONALD reimb-notary application 60.00;78677 PATRICK, JOHN B. Municipal Court Judge 2000.00;78678 PINNACLE BANK travel expenses-meals/lodging,breaker bar,training fees, truck washes,pool license renewal,storage trays,yearly subscriptions,batteries,refund,whistles,portfolio folders,shipping labels,pens,stock supplies,handgun boxes,dog waste dispenser key,controller door keys, flags,lighting w/ simple set,report book,daily log book,brake part,bakers rack,pool log notebooks 4812.69;78679 PLATTE CO payroll withholding 199.98;78680 PORT-A-POTS BY TDS INC. stationary units 248.94;78681 POUDRE VALLEY MEDICAL GROUP LLC task force physical 787.00;78682 REBER, TAGISH deposit refund 87.36;78683 REGIONAL CARE INC. select flex admin 114.00;78684 RELENTLESS LLC criminal interdiction training 1398.00;78685 RICHEY, MICHAEL A. Airport Operator Contract 1666.67; 78686 RICHTER, RAELYNN M. deposit refund 101.52;78687 ROI FIRE & BALLISTICS EQUIPMENT INC. fire fighters helmets 1186.00;78688 SIMMONS, COLBY deposit refund 75.87;78689 SIMPLOT GROWER SOLUTIONS pasture mix great plains 237.50;78690 SKAGGS COMPANIES INC. undervest shirts 222.85; 78691 STOTZ EQUIPMENT voltage regulator 692.46;78692 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE select Page | 4 flex contributions/premium 105400.21;78693 TRANE U.S. INC. replace hp-8 discharge air sensor 2394.00;78694 TRI-STATE GARAGE DOORS repairs/replace torsion springs 1636.88;78695 TROXEL, TOM reimb-training/licenses 140.00;78696 U S POSTMASTER credit for postage 1250.00;78697 UNVERZAGT, KARL reimb-proof of rabies vaccination 50.00;78698 VEOLIA WTS USA INC. monthly chemical management 7769.04;78699 VERIZON WIRELESS TVFD cell phones 97.11;78700 WISKUS, HANNAH M. deposit refund 101.01;78701 WOEHLECKE, RYAN reimb-training registration fee 40.00;78702 WY ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES registration fees 810.00;78703 WY HEALTH FAIRS chemistry panels/ wellness screenings 347.00;78704 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS Torr Vol EMT Pension 37.50;78705 WY SECRETARY OF STATE notary filing fee 60.00;78706 WY SECURITY SYSTEMS INC. alarm monitoring 555.00;78707 YOUTZ, DANA reimb-mileage/meal,phone case 517.23 Page | 5