City Council

City of Torrington ) County of Goshen ) State of Wyoming ) The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 3, 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, Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes, Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley 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. Mayor Doby stated that he hopes everyone had a blessed, safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday. He indicated that as we leave the Thanksgiving holiday period, we are entering the Christmas season. Mayor Doby commented that the Christmas season is a time of joy, fellowship and family. He stated that the annual Christmas parade is scheduled to be held on 12-06-24 at 6:00 p.m. on Main Street. Mayor Doby urged the citizens of Torrington to join in on the festivities, to enjoy the beautifully decorated downtown area and to support all local businesses this holiday season; 2. Mayor Doby stated that the Mayor and Council are elected by the citizens of Torrington. He indicated that they are charged by the Wyoming Constitution and the Wyoming Statutes to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Torrington and the legal entity known as the City of Torrington. Mayor Doby commented that in exercising their duties, the Mayor and Council act out in the open. He stated that the Council has the authority to make and pass ordinances that benefit all in Torrington. Mayor Doby indicated that there are five proposed ordinances on the agenda and commented that four of those five ordinances are related to the sanitation or garbage utility. He stated that as far as he can tell, the City of Torrington has always provided the public service or utility of waste collection and disposal. Mayor Doby indicated that the City of Torrington will continue to provide this utility to the citizens of Torrington along with other utilities provided by the City including electricity, water and sewer utilities. He commented that those utilities allow us to live a civilized life. Mayor Doby stated that all of these utilities are critical to protecting the health, safety and welfare of citizens; 3. Mayor Doby urged the public to take part in the joy of the Christmas holiday; 4. Request to the public to drink responsibly and to not drink and drive; and 5. Reminder to the public to be cautious and mindful of the presence of pedestrians and to refrain from using their cell phones while driving. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 11-19-24 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Alvin Syrovatka addressed the Mayor and Council in public forum. He stated that he opposes the proposed southeast annexation. Mr. Syrovatka cited Wyoming Statute 15-1-406 (d) and indicated that the City cannot make an island with an annexation. He commented that the proposed annexation will create three islands and stated that he recommends that that City not move forward with the southeast annexation. 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. Mayor Doby indicated that Mr. Syrovatka gave a statutory citing referencing 15-1-406 (d) and stated that the City of Torrington would be violating state statute by annexing its own property. He asked Attorney Eddington to comment on Mr. Syrovatka’s statement. Attorney Eddington commented that Mr. Syrovatka’s statement is inaccurate. He indicated that the ordinance states that the City is proceeding under 15-1-407 and commented that that statute specifically talks about the City being able to proceed with the annexation at any time without having to abide by the requirements of a normal annexation as the sole owner of the property. Attorney Eddington stated that what 15-1-406 (d) references is no annexation under 15-1-404 and indicated that that is not the statute that the City is proceeding under for the annexation of its own property. He commented that the stipulations under 15-1-406 (d) apply if the government initiates the annexation of private property. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1292 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, 2024 REVISIONS, RELATING TO SANITATION FEES. Director of Public Works Harkins stated that the only change that was made to the ordinance since approval on first reading is the reduction of the annual license fee from $600.00 to $200.00. Councilman Page | 1 Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the ordinance on second reading as presented. Voting aye Deahl, Doby, Kelly and Patterson, nay Viktorin. Motion carried. Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 13.01.010. OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2024 REVISIONS, RELATING TO NO EXTENSION OF WATER, SEWER OR SOLID WASTE SERVICES. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve the ordinance on second reading as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 8.28.030. OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2024 REVISIONS, RELATING TO COLLECTION BY CITY REQUIRED. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the ordinance on second reading as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Attorney Eddington read by title AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 8.28.080. A. OF THE TORRINGTON MUNICIPAL CODE, 2024 REVISIONS, RELATING TO BURNING OF SOLID WASTE. Director of Public Works Harkins stated that Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley suggested modifying the words brush/tree piles to the slash pile. Mayor Doby inquired what slash pile means. Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley responded that when he went to apply for the permit, he was asked if it was a brush pile or a slash pile. He indicated that slash pile means bigger logs, limbs, etc., so his suggested edit is an effort to stay consistent with the technical term that is utilized by the state for the issuing of the required permit. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the ordinance on second reading as amended with the suggested edit. Motion carried unanimously. Leann Mattis with Go Goshen requested approval of a special event permit for the 2024 Christmas Parade to be held on 12-06-24 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mayor Doby indicated that the applicant is requesting approval to close the public street on Main Street between 19th Avenue and 25th Avenue, to have the special event permit fee waived and to not have any of the projected costs imposed. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the special event permit, to waive the special event permit fee and not to impose any of the projected costs on the applicant as presented. Motion carried unanimously. The bills from 11-20-24 to 12-03-24 were presented for payment. Councilman Kelly 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. 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. He also gave a brief update on the upcoming Christmas Parade event, and informed the Mayor and Council that two members of the department will be attending a training hosted by the Scottsbluff County Sheriff’s Department. Kurt Sittner addressed the Mayor and Council. He stated that he just wanted to take a moment to commend the Mayor, Council and City staff for the thought and effort that they have put into the Sanitation Fees Ordinance. He indicated that he appreciates the way the process was worked. In specific, that the public was given the opportunity to address the Mayor and Council with suggestions and concerns, and the fact that the public’s input was taken into consideration. Mr. Sittner commented that the Mayor, Council and City staff deserve to be thanked for those efforts. Marie Flanagan addressed the Mayor and Council. She stated that she gathered data regarding new businesses and taxes in Goshen County, and indicated that the data is significant because it is showing a decline in the area and that needs to be taken into consideration. Ms. Flanagan commented that businesses are paying for a lot less products for a lot more money and they do not have as many guests coming into their facilities. She stated that a new baler facility is a wonderful idea, but indicated that businesses have to really dwindle down the things that they want in order to get what they need. Ms. Flanagan commented that businesses cannot afford the proposed increases. Mayor Doby wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 6:43 p.m. The following bills were approved for payment: 80013 AT&T MOBILITY modem for ambulance 40.04;80014 SOUTH TORRINGTON WATER & SEWER DISTRICT museum-water/sewer 72.15;80015 VIAERO WIRELESS cell phone,wireless hotspots 646.82;80016 WY DEPT OF REVENUE sales tax 17344.21; 80017 WY DEPT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES workers compensation 7621.90;80018 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS Torr Vol EMT Pension 37.50;80019 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS retirement 85618.82;80020 21ST CENTURY EQUIPMENT LLC light kit/repairs to gator 308.06;80021 A & C SHEET METAL service call/ inducer motor install 82.50;80022 A LIFETIME OF CARE TREE SERVICE LLC trees/vine removal 2200.00; 80023 ALEXANDRA CARR deposit refund 4.08;80024 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES bathroom sink strainer, articulation guide,adjustable desk riser,toner cartridges,wasp/hornet spray 721.08;80025 AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOC APWA membership 20.00;80026 AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOC subscription/ video streaming 199.00;80027 BLOEDORN LUMBER CO-TORRINGTON returns,coupling,slip cap,joint compound,drywall repair clip,thinner,spray paint,acetone,joint tape,corner beads,concrete mix,electric fence rebar posts 187.90;80028 BOMGAARS SUPPLY INC. sign,flip anchors,ball valve,nipples,discs,bit sets,hair pin set,screws,ceiling heater,fasteners,safety clips,cord,corner brace,sealant,work boots,cable Page | 2 ties,wheel chocks,funnels,spouts,impact driver,sledge hammer,light bulbs,broom w/ dust pan,bolts, ratchet straps,gloves,chop saw wheels,wheels,batteries,shop towels 1084.67;80029 BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES INC. conduit,ground rods,spade connectors 711.27;80030 BOUND TREE MEDICAL tamper evident seal cynch-lok bags 45.99;80031 BROWN CO turnbuckle 77.95;80032 CENTURYLINK 911 data lines,LCCC hvac remote line,water telemetry line 1088.94;80033 CITY OF TORRINGTON City of Torrington trail fees for 2025 5000.00;80034 CNA SURETY bond 100.00;80035 COMPRESSION LEASING SERVICES INC. compressor rental 1452.50;80036 CONTRACTORS MATERIALS INC. combo diamond blade 459.00;80037 DAVID A. DENT Golf Pro Payable 88.24;80038 DISPLAY SALES CO fiberglass banner rods 457.47;80039 EAKES INC. envelopes 150.00;80040 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing 887.00; 80041 ESSENTIAL FUEL LLC truck wash 8.53;80042 FASTENAL CO batteries,sweep compound 77.26; 80043 FERGUSON WATERWORKS #11163 3” omni 1 gal 5’ itron,curb boxes,hd lamp,full brim vent helmet,compression unions,gate valve t-handle key 3879.50;80044 FR CLOTHING & SUPPLY fire resistant clothing 2160.27;80045 G & L CONCRETE concrete 342.00;80046 GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL reflective bollard sleeve 536.31;80047 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;80048 GOSHEN CO TREASURER property tax 2024 19727.17;80049 GOSHEN DIESEL SERVICE diagnostics/repairs 538.00; 80050 GRAINGER ac drive keypad 231.66;80051 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2440.00;80052 GW MECHANICAL INC. cleaned/flushed backflow 230.00;80053 HAWKINS INC. sodium hydrox 50% diaphragm 2180.07;80054 IDEAL LINEN/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTION toilet bowl cleaner, paper towels,toilet paper,vacuum belt,vacuum hose,extension tube 1033.56;80055 JERI MARES credit refund 38.73;80056 KATH BROADCASTING CO LLC tower rent,City Council meetings 475.00;80057 KAUFMAN GLASS LLC window/windshield installation 700.00;80058 KELLY GROENE khaki cornerstone apparel 232.41;80059 KOIS BROTHERS EQUIPMENT CO wireless pendant/jet rodder 1474.00;80060 LUJAN CLEANING SERVICE LLC cleaning,window cleaning 237.00;80061 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC. lined goatskin gloves,welder 6532.34;80062 MATTHEW BENDER & CO INC. Wyoming Court Rules 2024 supplements 315.31;80063 MELISSA JOY SMITH deposit refund 129.93;80064 METAL SHOP AND REPAIR LLC channel,flat iron,schedule 40 ballards 1764.27;80065 MHC KENWORTH-CHEYENNE oil,filters,def pump,separator,air dryer cartridge 1743.33;80066 MICHAEL A. RICHEY Airport Operator Contract 1666.66;80067 MONTANA CSSD SDU payroll withholding 210.16;80068 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 237.00;80069 NEWMAN SIGNS INC. signs 338.50;80070 NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE job training & safety 1044.00;80071 NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC. arch curbs,connections, compression unions 1083.21;80072 OFFICE OF STATE LANDS & INVEST DW030 loan/interest payment 108749.68;80073 O'REILLY AUTO ENTERPRISES LLC deep crep,oil drain plug,alternator,drive pulley, battery,core return 765.20;80074 PALAZZO TRAINING SOLUTIONS LLC retention & leadership workshop 595.00;80075 PINE ROCK REALTY deposit refund 50.99;80076 PITTMAN ELECTRIC LLC fix loose connection/heater,golf course satellite repairs/front gate 2860.60;80077 PLATTE CO payroll withholding 199.98;80078 POMP'S TIRE SERVICE tires 1669.96;80079 PRINT EXPRESS INC. ups,decals 415.27;80080 QUADIENT FINANCE USA INC. neopost postage 593.09;80081 QUADIENT LEASING USA INC. lease contract-postage machine 407.91;80082 RAILROAD MANAGEMENT CO III LLC land lease 1536.09;80083 RICHARDSON INSURANCE SERVICES golf course repairs 300.00;80084 RYAN HACKBARTH deposit refund 113.69;80085 SNOW CREST CHEMICALS LLC hot water closed loop monthly contract 145.00;80086 STANDARD INSURANCE CO premium-long term disability 2433.29;80087 STUART C IRBY CO transformer box pad,connectors,square washers,bare sol 315’,machine bolts,arms w/ na threads,electric warning do not open signs 3338.85;80088 TCS ELECTRIC LLC disconnect old water heater,install GFI/new heater 150.00;80089 THE L L JOHNSON DIST CO wheel 176.53;80090 TIFFANY LESLIE refund/catering permit- canceled Christmas party 50.00;80091 TIP TOP TREE SERVICE stump removals 1225.00;80092 TORRINGTON OFFICE SUPPLY battery,folder fasteners,weekly planner,bath tissue,copy paper,label maker tape,highlighters,calendars,styrofoam cups,address labels,pens,staples,spiral notebooks,pencil lead,desk pad,pencil cap eraser,electronic tape cartridge,report covers 1036.11;80093 TRI-STATE GARAGE DOORS antenna wire & mounting kit,control wall station 295.02;80094 U S POSTMASTER first class presort/annual fee 350.00;80095 U S POSTMASTER annual post office box fee 154.00;80096 VERIZON WIRELESS cell phones 518.40;80097 VYVE BROADBAND fiber internet,data lines 2002.90;80098 WY BRAND INDUSTRIES inventory forms 100.00;80099 WY ASSOC RURAL WATER virtual mini conference registration 239.00;80100 WY ASSOC RURAL WATER 2025 voting membership 495.00;80101 WY DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY annual tank maintenance fee 800.00;80102 WY DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION WY motor fuel license renewal 50.00;80103 ZELL HEATING & COOLING LLC tube heaters 6460.00 Page | 3