City Council

City of Torrington ) County of Goshen ) State of Wyoming ) The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 in the City Council Chambers at 436 East 22nd Ave. at 5:30 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, Electrical Supervisor Youtz and Deputy City Clerk Anaya. Mayor Doby called the meeting to order. Councilman Viktorin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Doby led the session with informational announcements on the following items: 1. Thank you to all who have taken the time to vote and become informed on the candidates and the issues; and 2. Mayor Doby stated that most of us take for granted all of the things and all of the services that we enjoy that help us to live a civilized life. He indicated that those things allow us to stay healthy, safe and promote the general welfare of all citizens. Mayor Doby commented that some of these things we mostly take for granted are as follows: 1. Clean and safe water; 2. A clean and safe sanitary sewer system; 3. A working storm sewer system; 4. Safe and reliable electricity; 5. Clean, safe and passable streets/alleys; 6. A safe and functional traffic system; 7. Clean and safe official trash pickup and trash disposal; 8. Police protection; 9. Fire protection; 10. Ambulance services; 11. A multitude of recreational venues such as ball fields, parks, a golf course and a swimming pool; 12. A well cared for City cemetery; and 13. A state of the art animal shelter and animal control system. He stated that he wants to thank all of the citizens who support the provision of all of these services that do allow us to live a civilized life. Mayor Doby indicated that he also wants to thank all of the hard working, talented, educated, trained City employees who work remarkably well together to keep this complicated and interactive system running. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 10-15-24 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby read a proclamation declaring November 2024 as Epilepsy Awareness Month. It urges all citizens of the City of Torrington, Wyoming, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools to recommit the community to increasing awareness and understanding of epilepsy through education while ensuring that all individuals with epilepsy lead a full and productive life, and calls upon all citizens to wear purple on 11-20-24 in support of all people who fight epilepsy every day. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the proclamation as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby read a proclamation declaring November 17-23, 2024 as National Apprenticeship Week in the City of Torrington, Wyoming. It raises awareness of the vital role Registered Apprenticeships provide in creating opportunities by allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and preparing a pathway to good, quality jobs and well-paying careers in the City of Torrington, Wyoming and across the nation. Electrical Supervisor Youtz stated that the City of Torrington’s Apprenticeship Program has been registered with the U.S. Department of Labor for several years. He introduced his apprentice, Adan Velazquez-Mier, to the Mayor and Council and indicated that his other apprentice, Benseslado Cantu, is ill otherwise he would have been in attendance. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the proclamation as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 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 “2024 SOUTHEAST ANNEXATION ADDITION”, A 207.71 ACRE PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE SW1/4 OF SECTION 14, E1/2, SE1/4 & S1/2NE1/4 OF SECTION 15, & NE1/4NW1/4 OF SECTION 23, ALL IN T24N, R61W OF THE 6TH P.M., GOSHEN COUNTY, WYOMING. Director of Public Works (DPW) Harkins stated that this specific annexation has been in the works for quite some time and indicated that the annexation itself consists of 207.71 acres of land. He commented that the land is located south of the East Side Industrial Park and includes the baler facility, the wastewater treatment plant, the lift station and lagoons. Mayor Doby inquired what the advantages of the City of Torrington annexing its own property into the City limits are. DPW Harkins replied that one of the key advantages is that it allows the City to have better control over the property that it owns. Mayor Doby stated that it would make it a lot easier to identify what entity has law enforcement jurisdiction on that area. DPW Harkins concurred. Attorney Eddington indicated that he would emphasize that the jurisdictional issue and police protection that is afforded in that area for City property and City assets is crucial. He commented that it is important that the City has its own people policing its assets. Attorney Eddington stated that it is for the general welfare, safety and health of that area, and indicated that the intent of the annexation is to allow the City to do just that with its own property. He commented that it is ludicrous for the City not to have its own property annexed into Page | 1 the City of Torrington. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the ordinance on first reading as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval the 2025 Health Insurance Renewal Proposal. She stated that the Health Insurance Committee met with Brian Hillier of Health Benefit Advisors to review the condition of the City’s self-funded health insurance plan and to look at renewal options with the City’s stop-loss insurance carrier. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker indicated that the City’s employee health plan has had a relatively mild claim year so far this year. She commented that the stop-loss carriers have given the committee very favorable renewal numbers this year with a minimal increase in fixed costs of approximately $5,400.00. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that the goal of the committee is to ensure that the self-funded plan stays on track with inflation and keeping at least $1 million in reserve for payment of health claims. She indicated that currently, the balance in the health insurance reserve is $1,655,979.00. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that after taking all of that information into consideration, the committee felt that the reserve is at a healthy level and should be able to sustain the minimal increase in the reinsurance premium. She stated that at this time, the committee recommends no change in premiums paid by employees and no change in the City’s budget expense for health insurance. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker indicated that the committee will continue to monitor the claims and will revisit the health of the plan in May of 2025 during the FY26 budget process. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the 2025 Health Insurance Renewal Proposal as presented. Motion carried unanimously. The bills from 10-16-24 to 11-05-24 were presented for payment. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the bills for payment as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby asked for public comments, questions or concerns. Mayor Doby stated that Fire Chief Correa provided him with a written report. He indicated that the report gave a brief update regarding the calls that the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) responded to in the last couple of weeks. Mayor Doby commented that the report also stated that the TVFD participated in the Trunk or Treat event held on 10-31-24 and that Governor Mark Gordon visited the department on 11-04-24 while he was in town. Councilman Deahl reminded the public that the City of Torrington placed two additional stop signs and the flashing lights for the crosswalk by the Senior Friendship Center. Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 6:19 p.m. The following bills were approved for payment: 79790 AFLAC payroll withholding 1069.26;79791 AT&T MOBILITY cardiac monitor transmission fees 16.73;79792 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 1085.82;79793 CITY OF TORRINGTON C/O PINNACLE BANK health reserve non-insured PR employee premium/MT positions 10190.25;79794 DAVID A. DENT Golf Pro Payable 1965.53;79795 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;79796 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2240.00;79797 MERITAIN HEALTH INC. premium-ins/life admin 49860.53;79798 MONTANA CSSD SDU payroll withholding 205.55;79799 NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS payroll withholding 160.00;79800 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 257.00;79801 PLATTE CO payroll withholding 199.98;79802 REGIONAL CARE INC. select flex admin 108.00;79803 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE premium 106979.17;79804 UNITED AMERICAN INSURANCE medicare premium/contract 141.00;79805 VERIZON WIRELESS TVFD cell phones 97.21;79806 VIAERO WIRELESS cell phone,wireless hotspots 646.82;79807 AT&T MOBILITY modem for ambulance 40.04;79808 MEDICAL AIR SERVICES ASSOCIATION medical air transport insurance 1615.00;79809 SOUTH TORRINGTON WATER & SEWER DISTRICT museum-water/ sewer 270.87;79810 STANDARD INSURANCE CO premium-long term disability 2457.55;79811 VERIZON WIRELESS cell phones 568.33;79812 WY DEPT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES workers compensation 7572.68;79813 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS retirement 84377.87;79814 MONTANA DEPT OF REVENUE unclaimed property 5.00;79815 NE STATE TREASURER unclaimed property 6.73;79816 WY DEPT OF REVENUE sales tax 26043.67;79817 WY STATE TREASURER unclaimed property 423.76;79818 21ST CENTURY EQUIPMENT LLC 2024 John Deere Gator 15633.08;79819 21ST CENTURY EQUIPMENT LLC axle kits 108.53;79820 ACCUSCREEN MOBILE DRUG TESTING SERVICES rapid screen drug tests 260.00;79821 ALAN RIZZUTO deposit refund 181.60;79822 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES impact wrench,fire extinguisher cabinet,fire extinguisher 503.59;79823 AVI PC Well #16 Connection Project 1870.96;79824 B & B REPORTING INC. background check 69.15;79825 BELL PARK TOWERS credit refund 28.41;79826 BLOEDORN LUMBER CO-TORRINGTON adapters,elbows,pine,tape,bolts,cable clip,wall hydrant,kneepad, fasteners,screws,bit,washers,nipples,bushings,tees,pvc pipe,pex tubing,couplings,pipe thread comp, boiler drain,ball valves,clamps,clamp tool,slip cap,scour pad,pvc cutter,blades,impact building,crimp ring,pex stick,easy sand,joint compound,screwdrivers,nozzle,contractor hose,mud pan 9817.21;79827 BOMGAARS SUPPLY INC. hyd fluid,electric cleaner,pitcher,sprayer tip,check valve strainer,oil,work boots,storage boxes,mobil ATF,kerosene,coupling,rv antifreeze,sanitizing wipes,heater,hand cleaner, filters,v-belts,putty epoxy,anchor rings,cat litter,reciprocating saw,truck bed coating,lever barrel pump, coffee maker,tripod light,battery,core exchange 2177.27;79828 BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES INC. meter bases,thermostat for wall heater,fish tape reel,light bulbs,bare copper soft draw wire,glove clean/ testing,conduit straps,alum stirrup clamps,meter socket covers,stake wireway extensions 2654.06;79829 Page | 2 BRENT GOODMAN deposit refund 201.64;79830 BROWN CO screws,carrier/freight,starter kit/freight 234.53;79831 BROWN CO pallet fork extensions 900.00;79832 BUTLER'S SALVAGE & TOWING tow charges 487.97;79833 CASELLE INC. contract support & maint 2158.00;79834 CENTURY LUMBER CENTER paver fieldstones,couplings,adapters,pvc slip cap,chalk,refuse containers,pvc pipe,tees,bushings,bait station,batteries,clear polyfilm,tape,drip pan,dielectric union,roof flashing,caulk,mop head,wall plate, blank cover,pvc cement,elbows,exhaust hose cap,bungee cord,return,roller covers,ballcock,seal,rough brass,reducer,air valve,pvc trap,2-hole plastic strap,primer cement,fasteners,nipples,paint mixer,paint brushes,liner,paint tray,threaded plug,mop handle,roller frame,plastic tray,brush set,lag shields,lag screws,drill bits,foam brushes,clear plastic,paint sprayer,handle chrome kit 1014.97;79835 CENTURYLINK 911 data lines,LCCC hvac remote line,water telemetry line 1089.33;79836 CHARISMA 369 LLC deposit refund 95.44;79837 CITY OF TORRINGTON Pony Express Room rental 75.00;79838 CLARKE MOSQUITO CONTROL PRODUCTS rain cap assembly 25.25;79839 COMPRESSION LEASING SERVICES INC. air compressor rental 1452.50;79840 COMPUTERSHARE TRUST CO CWMEPS principal payment 225000.00;79841 COWBOY CLINIC AND URGENT CARE pre-employment physical 75.00;79842 COZAD SIGNS LLC vinyl logo 250.00;79843 CUES INC. field training 2466.00;79844 CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING OF TORRINGTON dispenser rentals,water 160.15;79845 CUMMINS INC. planned inspections/maintenance 9021.85;79846 DAVID A. DENT Golf Pro Payable 736.92;79847 DBC IRRIGATION SUPPLY 1-zone w/ solenoid rainbird 153.33;79848 DISPLAY SALES CO fiberglass banner rod 151.00;79849 DOOLEY OIL oil 1239.30;79850 EAC SUBMISSIONS electronic claims submission 87.30; 79851 EJS SUPPLY LLC yard drag chain style spreader 11826.00;79852 ELK ECO-CYCLE dumpster picked up 30.00;79853 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 603.00;79854 ENVIRO SERVICES INC. lab analysis 222.00;79855 FASTENAL CO cleaner,nutsert steel,batteries,marking paint 174.68;79856 FR CLOTHING & SUPPLY fire resistant clothing 3694.53;79857 FUEL MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS jet A filter repairs/leaking 223.20;79858 G & L CONCRETE concrete 1047.75;79859 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;79860 GRAINGER filters,hard hats,coupling,drainage mat,light bulbs 580.94;79861 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2240.00;79862 HACH CO peek salt bridge concentrated solution 142.90;79863 HARRINGTON INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS LLC connector compression tube 61.22;79864 HAWKINS INC. sodium hydrox 50% diaphragm 3532.12;79865 ID ZONE id cards 244.95;79866 IDEAL LINEN/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTION mats,scrapers,sam dust/energy fees,garments, sam garment fees,sam linen,coveralls,towels,mops,paper towels,toilet cleaner,trash bags,toilet paper, disinfectant 1508.97;79867 JAMES LYNN WARREN serviced dishwasher,detergent,rinseaid,sanitizer 242.21;79868 JAQUELYN R. LAYHER credit refund 60.01;79869 JASON OSBACK sandblast water pipes 700.00;79870 JCG TECHNOLOGIES INC. support services 1025.00;79871 JEFF DUPONT deposit refund 21.34;79872 JIRDON fertilizer 5845.80;79873 JOANNA GRABER reimb-proof of vaccination 50.00;79874 JOE AND TERI MCDANIEL credit refund 15.29;79875 KNOW HOW INC. oil,motor tune up,air conditioner, compressor,accumulator,orifice,filters,fuse kit,fluid oil pump,voltage meter,batteries,headlight bulbs, multi-function tool set,serpentine belt,headlight connector,ratchet repair kit,core deposit returns,drip tray,water pump,thermostat,air hose adapter,brake/rotor kit,brake drum,shoes,drum brake pack,v-belt, locknut,bolts,valve stem extension,self-etching primer,spray paint,trailer wiring harness connector, primary wire,hyd adapters,hyd hose fittings,air brake compressor,tape,hyd hoses 3649.63;79876 LARRY & DEBORAH FRITZLER pump septic tanks 506.00;79877 LEGACY COOPERATIVE ruby dyed diesel,dyed diesel,tires,propane bottles,tank rent 7230.36;79878 LUJAN CLEANING SERVICE LLC cleaning,window cleaning 510.75;79879 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC. lens clean towelettes 31.98;79880 MAVERICK EQUIPMENT LLC regulator,replacement diaphragms 252.60;79881 METAL SHOP AND REPAIR LLC channel,t cyl c25 contents,labor,C25 to Co2 adapter 199.33;79882 MICHAEL A. RICHEY air fuel 295.13; 79883 MICHAEL A. RICHEY Airport Operator Contract 1666.66;79884 MONTANA CSSD SDU payroll withholding 205.55;79885 MOOREHOUSE INC. rock 845.00;79886 NE SAFETY AND FIRE EQUIPMENT fire extinguisher inspections 2894.00;79887 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 257.00;79888 NEWMAN SIGNS INC. solar traffic crosswalk lighting package 11150.74;79889 NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC. valve box adapters 168.15;79890 O'REILLY AUTO ENTERPRISES LLC fuel clip,copper plug,lp hardware, wiper fluid,screws,filter,power torque extension bar,performance tool tarps,cargo straps,retainer clips 263.02;79891 ORR ALIGNMENT & LUBE LLC semi alignment,cooler shim 305.00;79892 PLATTE CO payroll withholding 199.98;79893 PORT-A-POTS BY TDS INC. standard pots 206.00;79894 PRINT EXPRESS INC. ups,journal cards,membership cards,business cards 489.27;79895 PRO QUALITY PEST CONTROL rodent control 90.00;79896 QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC. neopost postage 734.45;79897 QUILL LLC post it notes,usb flash drives 81.41;79898 REECE, BENJAMIN POSTEN tube heating 4692.32;79899 RIVER VIEW SAND AND GRAVEL LLC salt & sand 3812.02;79900 SHANE ROBERTS deposit refund 101.56;79901 SHUMS CODA ASSOCIATES INC. plan review 1700.00;79902 SNOW CREST CHEMICALS LLC hot water closed loop contract 145.00;79903 SOUTHERN SOURCE INDUSTRIES INC. total vegetation control concentrate 645.66;79904 STEVE DECKER rodent bait,fall fertilizer,gc sand 4256.18;79905 STUART C IRBY CO wedge assembly,eye nut,entrance caps 1566.15;79906 TEAM CHEVROLET wiring harness,nozzle 97.07;79907 THE L L JOHNSON DIST CO custom belt,PTO drive line parts,spanner,vacuator valve,ball joint,jam nut 2554.12;79908 TIMBERLINE ELECTRIC & CONTROL CORP igc software renewal 3240.00; 79909 TOPLINE CONSTRUCTION LLC curb & gutter work 36271.00;79910 TORRINGTON OFFICE SUPPLY Page | 3 label maker tape,surge protector,envelopes,deodorizing urinal floor mats,urinal screens,binder clips, calculator tape,pens,highlighters,ink/toner cartridges,mouse pad,ethernet cable 627.77;79911 TRANE US INC. solve networks 332.80;79912 TRI-STATE GARAGE DOORS garage door,change out garage door springs 3319.13;79913 TWO SHOT GOOSE HUNT 2024 2shot pit sponsorship 150.00;79914 USABLUEBOOK floating skimming net,fiberglass pole 247.38;79915 VALLEY MOTOR SUPPLY filters,diesel exhaust fluid,brake clean,batteries,spark plugs,cqblu air,filters,battery core returns,drain plug,wiper blades,trailer connector,flex funnel,headlight,cqblu lube,wheel wts,interior door handle,portable towing kit large,trailer adapter,marine terminal,lube,oil 1821.09;79916 VOA deposit refund 19.11;79917 VYVE BROADBAND data lines,fiber internet 1991.88;79918 WY DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION license plates 10.00;79919 WY MACHINERY CO element assemblies,filters,cutting blade,nuts/bolts/washers 918.86; 79920 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS Torr Vol EMT Pension 37.50;79921 ZAKARY KITTINGER deposit refund 5.70;79922 ZELL HEATING & COOLING LLC check/service heaters,cap,b-vent pipe 196.25 Page | 4