City Council

City of Torrington ) County of Goshen ) State of Wyoming ) The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 in the City Council Chambers at 436 East 22nd Ave. at 5:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Doby, Council Members Deahl, Patterson and Viktorin. Councilman Kelly was absent but excused. Also Present: Clerk/Treasurer Strecker, Attorney Eddington, Director of Public Works Harkins, Chief of Police Johnson, Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes, Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel, Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley and Deputy City Clerk Anaya. Mayor Doby called the meeting to order. Councilman Deahl led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Doby led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. 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; 2. Announcement that for more online information regarding City government, citizens can visit www.torringtonwy.gov. Mayor Doby stated that citizens can sign up for the TextMyGov service previously noted, and be linked to information regarding the municipal code, online bill pay, employment opportunities, utility service requests and emergency notifications on the City’s website; 3. Thank you to all property owners for maintaining their properties. Mayor Doby urged all property owners to continue to work toward maintaining their lawns and weeds in order to proactively avoid a visit from Code Enforcement Officers; 4. Mayor Doby urged the citizens of Torrington to continue to enjoy the pool, golf course, sports fields, parks and walking paths owned and maintained by the City of Torrington. Thank you to all of the superintendents and crews that keep all of these areas clean, beautiful and functional; 5. Thank you to the parents and the ball leagues who help greatly to keep the City’s sports fields up and running; 6. Reminder to the public to be cautious and mindful of the presence of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists on the streets as schools are out of session; and 7. Request to the public to refrain from using their cell phones while driving. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 06-04-24 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Amanda and Jeremy Cherrington addressed the Mayor and Council in public forum. Ms. Cherrington stated that she just wanted to provide the Mayor and Council with a copy of the updated Emotional Support Animal (ESA) prescription for her four hens. Rhonda Warziniack with Essential Fuel, LLC requested approval to install alcohol slushee machines in the licensed building located at 1500 East Valley Road. She stated that the machines will be mounted on a segment of the counter that is within the enclosed alcohol sales area of the store with employee access only; they will not be a self-serve type of product. Ms. Warziniack explained that the alcoholic beverage will be dispensed into the cup by an Essential Fuels employee and then the cup will be sealed with a sealing machine that they have purchased. Councilman Viktorin inquired if Essential Fuels has finalized the cup size options that will be offered. Ms. Warziniack responded that they will offer 12 ounce, 20 ounce and 32 ounce cup sizes as options. Mayor Doby asked Chief of Police Johnson if he had any concerns with the request. Chief of Police Johnson responded that what Essential Fuels is proposing for the sale of the alcohol slushee is compliant with what the state has outlined for this particular type of product. He stated that the sealing machine that was purchased by Essential Fuels appears to create a breakable seal incorporated in the container cap that would meet the minimum requirements of Wyoming Statute 12-5-601(a)(iii)(C). Chief of Police Johnson indicated that since the machine has not been delivered yet, staff would like to recommend the approval of the request contingent on final inspection by himself and/or Deputy City Clerk Anaya in order to ensure that the machine is sealing as it is advertised. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the installation of alcohol slushee machines in the licensed building located at 1500 East Valley Road contingent on final inspection by Chief of Police Johnson and/or Deputy City Clerk Anaya as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker reviewed some of the highlights for the FY25 Budget. The highlights reviewed were as follows: 1. The total budget increased by only 5.42% ($2,115,506.00) in FY25 compared to FY24; 2. The total operating budget increased by $948,091.00 (3.89%) compared to FY24; 3. The vehicle and equipment budget decreased by $412,366.00 in FY25; 4. Capital Projects increased by $1.58 million, from $13 million to $14.58 million, in FY25; 5. The General Fund’s total budget decreased in FY25 by $120,103.00 (1%) compared to FY24; 6. FY25 utility rates will be reviewed again in November of 2024; 7. A full cost of service study is expected to begin in FY25 to evaluate current and future operating expenses and revenues for the Electrical Fund; 8. Personnel costs increased by $446,729.00 or 4.79%; 9. Health insurance costs increased 2.09% in FY25; and 10. Total cash balances for all funds for Page | 1 the fiscal year ending 06-30-25 are projected to be at $9,544,155.00. Funds falling short of their target cash reserve balances are the Airport Fund, Golf Fund, Swimming Pool Fund, Ambulance Fund and the Cemetery Fund. An estimated $6,418,611.00 was taken from cash carryover to balance the budget. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that the difficult thing this year has been the property and liability insurance renewal. She indicated that the City’s insurance is still undecided at this point, so she estimated the worst-case-scenario and budgeted the highest estimated quote. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that all in all, she thinks that the FY25 Budget is in good shape and the City is fiscally sound. Mayor Doby opened the public hearing concerning the FY25 Budget. He asked for public comments for or against the FY25 Budget, none were heard. The public hearing was closed. 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. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1291 as presented on third reading. Motion carried unanimously. Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel presented the bid results for a New 1 Ton Extended-Cab Pickup Chassis with Utility Box. He stated that funding for the pickup was established in the FY24 Budget in the amount of $70,000.00. Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel indicated that staff recommends awarding the bid to Laramie Peak Motors of Wheatland, Wyoming in the amount of $72,923.00. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to award the bid to Laramie Peak Motors of Wheatland, Wyoming in the amount of $72,923.00 as presented. Mayor Doby read an e-mail that Councilman Kelly sent him regarding the bid award. The e-mail stated that Councilman Kelly does not believe that the purchase of the new pickup would be in the best interest of the City as the City needs a lot of things, but a new pickup is not one of them. Motion carried unanimously. Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley presented for approval a utility vehicle purchase request in the amount of $18,571.00. He stated that the Streets & Sanitation Department is seeking approval to purchase a 2024 John Deere Gator from 21st Century Equipment, LLC. Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley indicated that he would like to purchase the utility vehicle with the proceeds of the online auction. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that the department received $23,974.82 from the auction for their equipment. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the purchase of the 2024 John Deere Gator from 21st Century Equipment, LLC in the amount of $18,571.00 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read Resolution No. 2024-7. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that the resolution will amend the FY24 Budget for unanticipated revenue received and for expenditures in excess of the budgeted amount. The amended amount will account for the following: General Fund – Facility Maint-New Building ($5,000.00), PD-Auction Proceeds-Charger ($12,415.50), Streets-Auction Proceeds ($23,974.82), Vehicle Maint-Auction Proceeds ($2,047.00), Parks-Auction Proceeds ($409.40), Emergency Mgmt-Plains Pipeline Grant ($3,200.00), Construction-Parking Lots ($280.67); Airport Fund – Auction Proceeds ($1,691.00); Golf Fund – Facility O&M-Tree Removal ($5,000.00), Rec Board Grant ($1,259.00); and Cemetery Fund – Auction Proceeds ($467.25). Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve Resolution No. 2024-7 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval an amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the creation of a Continuity of Operations Policy. Attorney Eddington read the purpose of the policy. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that Emergency Management Coordinator Kenyon came to the Wage Committee with a request to come up with a policy to assist him with Continuity of Operations (COOP). Chief of Police Johnson indicated that the COOP is a bridge between the Emergency Response Plan and recovery. He commented that when the Emergency Response Plan is finalized, it will be presented to the Mayor and Council for formal approval. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the amendment to the policy handbook in regard to the creation of a Continuity of Operations Policy as presented. Motion carried unanimously. The bills from 06-05-24 to 06-18-24 were presented for payment. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the bills for payment as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby asked for public comments, questions or concerns. Chief of Police Johnson recognized Clerk/Treasurer Strecker for her exemplary work during the City’s budget process. Mayor Doby stated that Fire Chief Correa is absent but excused. He presented how well the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) did in Afton, Wyoming at the State Convention last weekend. Mayor Doby indicated that the TVFD did very well in the competitions. He commented that they set a record in the cellar/chop event and stated that Michael Lira and Brandon Gasseling were appointed to the all-tournament team. Mayor Doby indicated that the TVFD also received the sportsmanship award. Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes gave a shout out to Michael Lira and Albert Lira for their phenomenal performance at the convention. He commented that the State Page | 2 Convention will be held in Torrington next year on June 12-14, 2025 at Pioneer Park. Mayor Doby briefly updated the Council on the calls that the TVFD responded to in the last couple of weeks. Councilman Deahl stated that he personally knows someone who recently experienced issues with a propane tank that is very appreciative of the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department. He also thanked the Torrington Telegram and KGOS/KERM for broadcasting the City’s new mass notification system, CivicReady. Councilman Deahl indicated that the City is changing its vendor for mass notification services from Onsolve (Code Red) to CivicReady and commented that the public needs to be aware of that. Mayor Doby urged the public to sign up for the new service by utilizing the QR code published by the Torrington Telegram or by visiting the City’s website. Councilman Viktorin asked for a status of the Wastewater Pre-Treatment Facility Project. Director of Public Works Harkins provided a brief update stating that the sheet piling has been installed and excavation completed. He indicated that the base material has been put in and commented that the contractor is now looking at pouring concrete possibly beginning Thursday, but probably closer to next week. Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 6:42 p.m. The following bills were approved for payment: 78837 ACCUSCREEN MOBILE DRUG TESTING SERVICES rapid screen drug tests 150.00;78838 ADAMSON POLICE PRODUCTS simunition equipment, upper receivers 9106.09;78839 AGUALLO, STEPHANIE deposit refund 147.24;78840 ALTEC INDUSTRIES INC. PM inspections & dielectric tests 2533.00;78841 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES hand soap,air fresheners,gloves,cpraed training manikins,rescue tubes,ink cartridges,little bites muffins,skittles,tractor canopy,wall clocks,t-shirts 2279.63;78842 ARROW ELECTRIC OF TORRINGTON repairs to center blower 300.00;78843 AT&T MOBILITY cardiac monitor transmission fees 16.73;78844 B & B REPORTING INC. background checks 654.25;78845 BAYLESS, SHERRI credit refund 177.54;78846 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 1373.31;78847 BLADES GROUP LLC rock asphalt 1426.00;78848 BROWN CO sleeve 15.49; 78849 CAPITAL ONE TRADE CREDIT electric oil pump 499.99;78850 CASELLE INC. contract support & maint 2158.00;78851 CITY OF TORRINGTON titles,usps,refund for RV spot 157.50;78852 CITY OF TORRINGTON payroll withholding 211.75;78853 CITY OF TORRINGTON c/o FIRST STATE BANK optional sales tax 106956.40;78854 CITY OF TORRINGTON c/o PINNACLE BANK health reserve non-insured PR employee premium/MT positions 11895.50;78855 COWELL, ERICA M. deposit refund 90.92;78856 CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING OF TORRINGTON dispenser rentals,water 232.15;78857 CUMMINS INC. es comp egs,planned inspection/maint 4333.44;78858 D A R E alcohol compliance check 270.00; 78859 DBC IRRIGATION SUPPLY sprinkler heads,swing joints 1360.88;78860 DECKER, STEVE insecticide 1867.25;78861 DENT, DAVID A. Golf Pro Payable 5752.83;78862 DIAMOND VOGEL -784- base paint 166.56;78863 DIVERSIFIED SERVICES INC. cleaning services 650.00;78864 EJS SUPPLY LLC dumpster lids 709.00;78865 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 601.00;78866 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 148.00;78867 EVANS, ALICIA M. deposit refund 253.66;78868 FASTENAL CO batteries,marking paint, duct tape,dust masks,plug,mechanic gloves 925.40;78869 FERGUSON WATERWORKS #1116 flange check valve 6600.00;78870 FLOCK, KEVIN property clean-up 343.75;78871 FULL SOURCE gloves 211.35;78872 FULLMER, HEATHER deposit refund-Pony Express Room 175.00;78873 GEER, THELMA CHARLENE deposit refund 179.45;78874 GIBSON, JOHN reimb-proof of rabies vaccination 50.00;78875 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;78876 GOSHEN CO ECONOMIC monthly contribution 2500.00;78877 GOSHEN CO ECONOMIC ¼ cent sales tax 26739.73;78878 GRAINGER ear plugs,gaskets, fire hose nozzles,lightning detector,rectangle stock 168.52;78879 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP copier leases 356.00;78880 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2170.00;78881 HILL, BRANDI lifeguarding classes 1485.00;78882 HUNTER, GARY D. left front fender,repair front & rear bumper 2824.60;78883 IDEAL LINEN/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTION mats,scrapers,sam dust/energy fees, garments,sam garment fees,sam linen,coveralls,mops,towels 602.19;78884 INSIGHT PRECISION ARMS LLC rear & front sights 524.49;78885 INSITUFORM TECHNOLOGIES LLC FY24 Sewer Line Improvements Project-release retainage 32452.40;78886 JAMES A. EDDINGTON PC City Attorney 9187.50;78887 J- BUILT HOMES INC. tube epoxy,epoxy gun rental 69.78;78888 JOHNSON, KELSEY L. deposit refund 59.10; 78889 JOHNSON, TY E. deposit refund 115.31;78890 LEGACY COOPERATIVE snacks,supplies,urban systems lunch,lunch for prisoners helping at the Cemetery,eg gas,commercial propane 7035.58;78891 LEITHEADS INC. dishwasher 755.60;78892 LEVIS LAWN CARE mowing/trimming 120.00;78893 LOFINK PANHANDLE LAWN CARE LLC weed control spraying 540.00;78894 LONG II, DEREK J. tree spraying 2878.00;78895 LUJAN CLEANING SERVICE LLC cleaning,window cleaning 237.00;78896 M HAYDEN LLC deposit refund 166.67;78897 MAC EQUIPMENT INC. trimmer blades 1041.98;78898 MAESTAS, ARIAUNA deposit refund 64.26;78899 MALLORY SAFETY AND SUPPLY LLC glass cleaner 246.24;78900 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC. rechargeable flashlight,maxiflex ultimate nylon shell/foam 80.92;78901 MAXIMUM WATERFOWLING deposit refund 167.87;78902 MCCRANIE, BRENDA & CLAY credit refund 62.94;78903 MEDICAL AIR SERVICES ASSOCIATION medical air transport insurance 1539.00;78904 MERITAIN HEALTH INC. premium-ins/life admin 47468.97;78905 METAL SHOP AND REPAIR LLC square tubing 151.56;78906 MONTANA CSSD SDU payroll withholding 205.55;78907 MOOREHOUSE INC. coupling,black rock 90.00; 78908 MOUNTAIN WEST TECHNOLOGIES CORP TVFD internet service 101.00;78909 MS LORRI CAR WASH LLC car wash tokens 110.00;78910 MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NE wholesale power Page | 3 402693.32;78911 NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS payroll withholding 144.00;78912 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 257.00;78913 NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC. restraint glands 502.14;78914 ONE CALL OF WY tickets for CDC code TRG 180.00;78915 PATRICK, JOHN B. Municipal Court Judge 2000.00;78916 PATTERSON, KAITLIN deposit refund 145.83;78917 PINNACLE BANK travel expenses-meals/lodging/fuel, glucose meter,ice cream cake,urban systems lunch,stock supplies,TV,meal for prisoners helping at the Cemetery,work boots,property taxes,tool box accessories,pool concessions,refund of taxes,postage, ankle hobbles,refund for returned items,soft shackles,swimsuits,paper,febreze,refrigerator filters, laundry detergent,shear blades,batteries,vacuum hose,phone case,date stamp,plates,napkins,radio ear piece,signs,fanny packs,cpr masks,lunch supplies,chips,clorox wipes,vehicle inspection reports,reflective tape,bubble wrap 6505.79;78918 PLATTE CO payroll withholding 199.98;78919 PORT-A-POTS BY TDS INC. standard pots 167.38;78920 PRIMARY ARMS LLC watchtower type 15M rifle w/ trade-in 2241.48; 78921 PROFORCE LAW ENFORCEMENT simunition handguns 1816.00;78922 QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC. neopost postage 744.16;78923 QUADIENT LEASING USA INC. lease contract-postage machine 407.91;78924 R & MM INVESTMENTS deposit refund 137.88;78925 REGIONAL CARE INC. select flex admin 114.00;78926 RICHEY, MICHAEL A. Airport Operator Contract 1666.67;78927 RIOS III, ESIQUIS JULIUS property clean-up 381.25;78928 SHELL EQUIPMENT CO LLC dump body 16555.00;78929 SKAGGS COMPANIES INC. uniforms 1479.73;78930 SPIRES, JAMES & MICHELLE deposit refund 241.18;78931 TELEFLEX LLC needles 562.50;78932 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE premium 99800.18;78933 TORRINGTON FIRE DEPT ½ death benefit/mutual aid members 255.00;78934 TOWN OF YODER ema truck storage system 1500.00;78935 U S POSTMASTER credit for postage 1250.00;78936 UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE medicare premium/contract 141.00;78937 UNRUH, ANNA CHRISTINA water safety instructors 3000.00;78938 VEOLIA WTS USA INC. monthly chemical management 7769.04;78939 VERIZON WIRELESS TVFD cell phones 97.11;78940 WY HEALTH FAIRS chemistry panels/wellness screenings 284.00;78941 WYRULEC CO Landfill Electric 213.75;78942 ZELL HEATING & COOLING LLC backflow testing 2349.00 Page | 4