City Council

City of Torrington ) County of Goshen ) State of Wyoming ) The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 17, 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, Assistant Chief of Police Connelly, Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes, Golf Pro Dent and Deputy City Treasurer Nichols. 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. This is Council’s last meeting of the year. The first meeting of 2025 will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Mayor Doby stated on behalf of himself, Council, Staff, and the employees of the City of Torrington, he wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please enjoy the peace, excitement, joy, and the celebration of the Christmas season. He wished everyone a healthy and prosperous New Year. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 12-03-24 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. 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 there have not been any changes since the second reading. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1293 as presented on third reading. 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. Director of Public Works Harkins stated that there have not been any changes since second reading. Councilman Kelly inquired about other users with water connections outside city limits, and would those connections be terminated if those properties are sold in the future. Attorney Eddington replied that they would be grandfathered in. The City has an agreement with North Torrington Water that has been in place for many years but he also stated that it is subject to Council allowing for that extension. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1294 as presented on third reading. 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. Director of Public Works Harkins stated that there have not been any changes since second reading. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1295 as presented on third reading. 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 commented that the only change since second reading was to modify the verbiage relating to brush/tree piles and changing it to the slash pile. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Viktorin seconded to approve Ordinance No. 1296 as presented on third reading. Motion carried unanimously. Golf Pro Dent presented the 2025 Golf Tournament Schedule for approval. He indicated that there were not any significant changes to the schedule this year. Golf Pro Dent proudly mentioned that the Wyoming State Golf Association will be hosting their tournament here August 9-10, 2025 so the schedule will need to be updated to reflect that change. He commented that Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) is wanting to host the first day of their tournament in April at another golf course, in another state and he does not agree with that. Golf Pro Dent indicated that he will leave the tournament on the schedule as though it’s being played in Torrington, pending further conversation. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the 2025 Golf Tournament Schedule as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Golf Pro Dent presented Debra Curry to the Mayor and Council. Ms. Curry thanked the Mayor and Council for supporting the Golf Course Improvement Tournament. She spoke about her late husband’s love of the golf course and mentioned all of the improvements that have been made through the efforts of this tournament held in memory of Charles Curry. Ms. Curry thanked the Mayor and Council on behalf of her son Grant Curry and how they hope to see the tournament continue. She mentioned the efforts of Golf Pro Dent and his staff and recognized the hard work that goes into maintaining such a beautiful golf course. Page | 1  Attorney Eddington read Resolution No. 2024-12. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that a work session was held discussing the major repairs of the pool and where the funding would come from. The adjustments presented do not reflect the grant amounts that the City received. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker mentioned that she also heard that the two grants from Rotary and the Community Healthcare Foundation were going to pay the contractor directly. She indicated that if that happens, she will not need to adjust the budget. If that is not the case, she will come back at a later date. She reiterated that these are all major repairs and we need a swimming pool. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker suggested an update on the pool repairs. Building and Grounds Superintendent Estes provided an update on the progress of the pool repairs. He stated the demolition is about 99% complete and they have not found any major issues other than what they were already aware of. The second phase of the repairs will take place in the spring and he is still optimistic that opening day will be Memorial Day of 2025. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve Resolution No. 2024-12 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval the Performance Evaluation & Merit Increase Request. She stated that 84 evaluations were completed and indicated that the results were as follows: Extraordinary – 24 Employees (29%); Exceeds Expectations – 31 Employees (36%); Fully Meets Expectations – 21 Employees (25%); Meets Expectations – 7 Employees (8%); Not Fully Meeting Expectations – 1 Employee (1%); and Does Not Meet Expectations – No Employees. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that the average performance score was 4.09, the median performance score was 4.00 and the average merit increase was $0.94 per hour. She stated that the median merit increase was $0.79 per hour and indicated that there are eight longevity stipends. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that the FY25 Budget increase will be approximately $105,214.00. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the Performance Evaluation & Merit Increase Request as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval amendments to the policy handbook in regard to the Sick Leave, Compensation and Performance Evaluation, Promotions, Demotions and Transfers, Leave Without Pay, On-Call, Hiring Process and Pay Periods/Timesheets/Preparation of Payroll Policies. She briefly summarized the changes made to each individual policy: 1. Clarification was added to the Sick Leave Policy regarding the use of sick time after an employee submits their resignation; 2. Changes were made to the probationary periods, y-rate, service awards and merit pay stipend sections of the Compensation and Performance Evaluation Policy. The probationary periods were changed from six months to one year to align with the Promotions, Demotions and Transfers Policy. Clarification was added to include the “Merit Pay Stipend” as an ineligible pay increase for y-rated employees. Language was added to allow retirees to get their service award in their final paycheck, if eligible. Clarification was added to the Merit Pay Stipend title disqualifying y-rated employees; 3. Clarification was added to the Promotions, Demotions and Transfers Policy to ensure that the policy aligns with the Compensation and Performance Evaluation Policy in regard to probationary periods; 4. The Leave Without Pay Policy was amended to include definitions of “continuous” and “intermittent” FMLA leave as well as clarify how other leave benefits are accrued or paid while on FMLA leave; 5. The Wage Committee surveyed other Wyoming communities regarding employees on-call pay and policies. The results were very widespread, but the committee came to a consensus to leave the flat weekly rate of $300.00 in place. Changes were made to the review process eliminating the $25.00 increase and adding language that requires the committee to review annually during the budget process; 6. Changes were made to the procedure on background checks of the Hiring Process Policy. Other errors and language were also cleaned up; and 7. Language was updated on the Pay Periods/Timesheets/Preparation of Payroll Policy to include the recording of time into electronic timekeeping software, and the responsibilities of the employee and supervisors for review and approval of timesheets. Councilman Patterson moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the amendments as a block to the policy handbook in regard to the Sick Leave, Compensation and Performance Evaluation, Promotions, Demotions and Transfers, Leave Without Pay, On-Call, Hiring Process and Pay Periods/Timesheets/Preparation of Payroll Policies as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented for approval the creation of a Break and Meal Period Policy. She stated that this policy has been in discussion for over two years. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker indicated that it has become clear that supervisors and staff need general guidelines to ensure that the meal and break periods are treated consistently throughout the City while keeping the well-being of staff in mind. She commented that the policy also aligns with federal standards that say meal periods lasting at least 30 minutes are not work time and are not compensable. Councilman Kelly moved and Councilman Patterson seconded to approve the creation of a Break and Meal Period Policy as presented. Motion carried unanimously. The bills from 12-04-24 to 12-17-24 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. Page | 2  Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Hawley addressed the Mayor and Council to provide the revised garbage pickup schedule for the holidays. The revised schedule will be as follows: Tuesday, 12-24-24 garbage will be picked up on Thursday, 12-26-24, Wednesday, 12-25-24 garbage will be picked up on Friday, 12-27-24. Wednesday, 01-01-25 garbage will be picked up on Thursday, 01-02-25. Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes addressed the Mayor and Council. He announced that construction is currently in progress near Jirdon park to install new sidewalks which is being funded by the Rotary Club. 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 mentioned the training that a couple of volunteers attended for Recruitment and Retention. Fire Chief Correa also stated that some of the volunteers will be visiting the schools and daycares and he announced the event for Shop With A Cop. Dick Keller addressed the Mayor and Council. He stated his concerns for the upcoming increase on the sanitation rates. Suzanne Keller addressed the Mayor and Council. She inquired about the increase for sanitation rates and if the new Baler isn’t going to be constructed for three years, why are the rates being raised now. She would also like to know where the additional money from the increase will go if the project should cost lower than expected. Ms. Keller spoke about her concerns on the current rate for commercial garbage. Mayor Doby recognized Councilman Patterson and announced his retirement from City Council. He thanked him for his service, his expertise and wisdom. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker presented a card and token of the staff’s appreciation for his service. Councilman Deahl, Viktorin, and Kelly also thanked Councilman Patterson for his service. Council Viktorin inquired about the status of the Wastewater project. Director of Public Works Harkins stated there have been issues with the contractor and the quality of some work that has been completed. He mentioned that the substantial completion date is 03-02-25 and liquidated damages begin 03-03-25 at a rate of $1,500 per day. Councilman Viktorin inquired if it’s possible to meet the completion date. DPW Harkins stated no. He also mentioned there will be a work session held in January regarding this project. Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m. The following bills were approved for payment: 80104 AVI PC well #16 connection project- release of retainage 5924.02;80105 MOUNTAIN WEST TECHNOLOGIES CORP TVFD internet service 101.00;80106 MUNICIPAL ENERGY AGENCY OF NEBRASKA wholesale power 409373.18;80107 STATE OF WYOMING-DEPT OF WORKFORCE unemployment 3rd qtr 2024 6161.12;80108 VERIZON WIRELESS TVFD cell service 97.19;80109 WYRULEC COMPANY landfill electric 355.59;80110 21ST CENTURY EQUIPMENT LLC latch,bulk hose,clamp,check valve 114.33;80111 ADVANCED POOLS & SPAS INC demo/paint removal completion 66660.00;80112 AFLAC payroll withholding 1069.26;80113 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES robotic pool vacuum cleaner,3V lithium battery, snowplow lamp kit,meeting padfolio,drawstring backpacks,steel toe work boots 4572.71;80114 AVFUEL CORP aviation gas 22200.34;80115 AVI PC well#16 connection project 2052.00;80116 AVOCATION SOFTWARE 1000 laser invoices 85.00;80117 AXON ENTERPRISE INC annual payment/taser10contract&training 17072.96;80118 BARNES LAW LLC court appointed attorney 290.00; 80119 BELL PARK TOWERS credit refund 27.52;80120 BILL SEARLE deposit refund 154.47;80121 BLACK HILLS ENERGY gas service 858.21;80122 BLAIR NEWMAN credit refund 27.09;80123 BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES INC power poles 11370.00;80124 CASELLE INC contract support & maint 2158.00;80125 CENTURY LUMBER CENTER concrete mix,connectors,tees,rough brass,pex tubing,tube cutter,elbow,bulk hillman fasteners,patch cement,crosswalk signs,light bulbs,clear caulk,gorilla tape,braided vinyl,kitchen faucet,mini water heater,rv antifreeze,fork handle,light control w/faceplate,spray paint,shovel handles 752.70;80126 CHARISMA 369 LLC deposit refund 251.82;80127 CITY OF TORRINGTON recording fees,titles,goshen bucks,usps postage,lamination 113.30;80128 CITY OF TORRINGTON FY25 firefighter incentive 13297.14;80129 CNA SURETY notary errors & omissions policy 100.00;80130 COMMUNITY HOSPITAL amb supply 14.20;80131 CONNECTING POINT copier service contract 639.71;80132 CONTRACTORS MATERIALS INC safety glasses X3 30.00;80133 COTTONWOOD CATERING catering- COT Christmas party 3390.00;80134 CULLIGAN WATER rental 149.05;80135 DAVID A DENT golf pro payable 124.29;80136 DIVERSIFIED SERVICES INC cleaning services 320.00;80137 DOLAN CONSULTING GROUP LLC training course/dispatchers 125.00;80138 EAKES INC #10 window non-security envelopes 269.97;80139 ELK ECO-CYCLE cardboard recycling 30.00;80140 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC lab testing 3812.00;80141 ENVIRO SERVICES INC lab analysis 111.00;80142 FASTENAL COMPANY bleach 29.58;80143 FERGUSON WATERWORKS compression couplingsW/flared ends,curb stops 5075.00;80144 FIVE STAR PRINT & PROMO window1099envelopes,windowW2/3up laser envelopes 222.65;80145 FR CLOTHING & SUPPLY fire resist hoodies 824.94;80146 GOSHEN COUNTY CONSTRUCTION LLC well#16 connection project 409769.20;80147 GOSHEN COUNTY DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;80148 GOSHEN COUNTY ECONOMIC 1/4 Cent econ dev tax 11/24, goshen bucks, monthly contribution 28645.24;80149 GOSHEN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH flu shot vouchers 640.00;80150 GOSHEN DIESEL SERVICE install new def tank 1452.00;80151 GRAINGER extension hose,test ball Page | 3 plug,ring,chain 411.80;80152 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICE copier lease 356.00;80153 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICE 2024 property tax for copiers 49.41;80154 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2440.00;80155 HARRINGTON INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS LLC 1/2 valve ball 204.76;80156 HIGH PLAINS APARTMENTS deposit refunds 527.20;80157 IDEAL LINEN/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTION mats,sam dust,energy charge,scrapers,coveralls,sam garment,shop towel,windshield towel,sam linen 548.22;80158 IDEAL LINEN/BLUFFS FACILITY SOLUTION trash bags,paper towels,disinfectant,mops 532.50;80159 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE-MUNICIPAL CLERKS IIMC annual membership fee 195.00;80160 JAMES A EDDINGTON PC city attorney 9400.00;80161 JOHN B PATRICK municipal court judge 2000.00;80162 KATH BROADCASTING CO LLC brown company demonstration day 200.00;80163 KERRIE STAHL deposit refund 86.24;80164 KNOW HOW INC constant velocity,suspension stabilizer,filters,cartridges,oil,flap disc,core deposit return,couplers, serpentine belt, altr electrical,spark plugs,batteries, 12" jbolt zinc plated, drill bits,gas can,hydraulic fluid,mud flap,clamp,brake pads,brake rotors,lamp flange kit,lamp flange kit return,bolts,hydraulic hose fittings,adapters 2866.56;80165 LEGACY COOPERATIVE #1 dyed diesel,ruby dyed diesel 6308.60;80166 LEO RILEY & CO in progress audit billing FY2024 15000.00;80167 MEDICAL AIR SERVICES ASSOCIATION medical air transport ins 1596.00;80168 METAL SHOP AND REPAIR LLC od tubing,flat iron,acetylene 131.38;80169 MHC KENWORTH batteries 726.00;80170 MICHAEL A RICHEY air fuel 260.61;80171 MICHAEL A RICHEY airport operator contract 1666.66;80172 MONTANA CSSD SDU payroll withholding 210.16;80173 NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS payroll withholding 176.00;80174 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 237.00;80175 OLSON TIRE COMPANY tire repair,prema rad patch, tire,dismount,mount,valve stem,tire disposal 118.10;80176 ONE CALL OF WYOMING tickets for Nov 76.50;80177 PINNACLE BANK training,fuel,meals,lodging,retention holster,paper towels,training materials,2025 planner,light bulbs,red clearance marker lights,cash drawers,stock supplies for reimbursables,3-ring binder monthly calendar,work boots,draft inducer fan & motor 4509.21;80178 PLATTE COUNTY payroll withholdings 199.98;80179 PRINT EXPRESS invoices,envelopes,detection instruments 595.77;80180 PRO QUALITY PEST CONTROL rodent control 90.00;80181 RICHARDSON INSURANCE SERVICES cart path maintenance 2000.00;80182 RODNEY REBER deposit refund 105.50;80183 SHANE ROBERTS refund for overpayment 162.42;80184 SOUTHWESTERN EQUIPMENT COMPANY pressure filter element 403.55;80185 STUART C IRBY COMPANY glove testing,100A polymer cutout,connectors 1206.07;80186 TOPLINE CONSTRUCTION new dock 9690.00;80187 TORRINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT qtrly professional services 5000.00;80188 TORRINGTON TELEGRAM legal notices 2880.83;80189 US POSTMASTER postage 1250.00;80190 VALLEY MOTOR SUPPLY carburetor/choke spray cleaner, oil,filters,trailer adapter,towing light,brake rotors,brake pads,trim clips,grease,marking paint,power steering fluid,funnel,drill bits,stabilizer fluid,wiper blades,anti-freeze 1117.43;80191 VANDEL DRUG gift wrap,gift boxes,christmas party prizes 18.58;80192 VEOLIA WTS USA INC monthly chemical management 7769.04;80193 WESTCO premium diesel 807.13;80194 WJR WY LLC electrical work 10986.20;80195 WYDOT license plates 10.00;80196 WYOMING HEALTH FAIRS chemistry panel 78.00;80197 WYOMING MACHINERY CO hydo advance, repairs 9862.39;80198 WYOMING SECURITY SYSTEMS INC panel backup battery,systems test 110.00;80199 WYRULEC fy25 firefighter incentive 2573.64;80200 ZELL HEATING & COOLING LLC water heater,convert generator to gas,hookup 333.50 Page | 4