City Council

City of Torrington ) County of Goshen ) State of Wyoming ) The Torrington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in the City Council Chambers at 436 East 22nd Ave. at 5:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Doby, Council Members Deahl, Kelly, Viktorin and Warren. Also Present: Clerk/Treasurer Strecker, Attorney Eddington, Chief of Police Johnson, Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes, Senior Accounting Clerk Estes, Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel 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. Mayor Doby stated that the City will be testing its warning sirens. He indicated that the first test for the season will be Saturday, 04-05-25 at 12 p.m. noon. Mayor Doby commented that during these tests, citizens will hear the siren be activated for a short period of time, usually less than one minute, and then once it is confirmed that all sirens are functioning correctly, the sirens will be turned off. He stated that in the event of a tornado that is within the area for the City of Torrington, the siren will be activated and will sound for three minutes. Mayor Doby indicated that if after three minutes the threat of tornado activity persists, the sirens may be reactivated. He commented that he would like to thank the Torrington Telegram for their public service in announcing the warning siren test in their 03-28-25 edition; 2. Mayor Doby stated that the Honorable Nathaniel S. Hibben, Goshen County and Platte County Circuit Court Judge, has been appointed by Governor Gordon to be the new District Judge in Laramie County. He indicated that Judge Hibben has been the Goshen/Platte County Circuit Judge since 2019 and commented that he has been an excellent Circuit Court Judge. Mayor Doby stated that in addition, he has been active in local civic affairs and active with the local Rotary Club. He indicated that Judge Hibben and his family will be missed; 3. Mayor Doby stated that the citizens of Goshen County are invited to meet on Thursday, 05-01-25 on the south side of the courthouse to join with citizens throughout the nation for the national day of prayer. He indicated that the gathering will last for approximately a half an hour starting at 12:10 p.m.; 4. Reminder to the public to be cautious and mindful of the presence of pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists and scooterists on the streets as warmer weather approaches; and 5. Request to the public to refrain from using their cell phones while driving. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the consent agenda which includes the minutes from the 03-18-25 Council meeting as published and all actions therein be ratified. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Senior Accounting Clerk Estes gave a brief history of the Choice Gas program and explained how the program works. She stated that the goal of the Choice Gas program is to create an incentive for competition among the natural gas suppliers to get the lowest cost to the consumer. Senior Accounting Clerk Estes indicated that the City of Torrington received a check in the amount of $14,079.53 from Wyoming Community Gas (WCG) as a result of the support from the community in the selection of WCG as their natural gas supplier. She commented that the 2025 selection period begins on 04-03-25 and ends on 04-23-25, and encouraged the public to stop by or call City Hall with any questions that they may have regarding the program or selection period itself. Mayor Doby presented for approval the following appointments: Urban Systems Committee – Byron Booth. Expiration of Term: 12-31-26. Chris Stoddard, Indefinite. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve the appointments as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby read a proclamation declaring 04-25-25 as Arbor Day in the City of Torrington. It urged all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Estes stated that a tree planting ceremony in honor of Arbor Day is scheduled to take place on 04-25-25. He indicated that the location is still yet to be determined. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve the proclamation as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby presented for approval the 2025 Swimming Pool Rates. The rates presented for approval were: Season Pass – Family (Up to 4 Family Members) – $175.00, Family (5 or more Family Members) – $225.00, Adult – Eliminate, Student (18 Years of Age or Under) – Eliminate, Individual - $80.00, Senior (60 Years of Age or Above) – $60.00, Adult Lap Swim/Aerobics Punch Card (30 Punches) – $75.00; Daily Admission – Pre-School (3 Years of Age or Under) – Free (No Change), General Admission (4 Years of Age or Above) – $3.00 (No Change), Adult Lap Swim/Aerobics – $4.00 (No Change); Lessons – One Week – $30.00 (No Change); Pool Parties – 50 Persons – $175.00 (No Change), 50+ Persons – $200.00 (No Change). Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Warren seconded to approve the 2025 Swimming Pool Rates as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Page | 1  Clerk/Treasurer Strecker requested that the Nepotism Policy be waived for all seasonal Dale Jones Municipal Pool employees for the 2025 season. She explained that due to the demographics of the City, it is nearly impossible for the pool to avoid hiring relatives. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that there is a need to waive the policy due to the fact that a parent and their child will both be working at the pool this season. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to approve waiving the Nepotism Policy for all seasonal Dale Jones Municipal Pool employees for the 2025 season as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker requested approval to provide an incentive for City of Torrington customers who complete the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) income survey. She stated that in September of 2024 the City submitted two applications to the CDBG Program for the 2025 Sewer and Manhole Lining Project and for the 2025 Water Treatment Plant and BPS-2 West C Generator Project. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker indicated that both applications were tentatively approved. She commented that the CDBG Program requires a certain low income percentage of customers receiving the benefit from the project. She commented that when the City submitted the applications, it was eligible. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that at the time of application, the City had 54% of its residents/households that were under the threshold limit. She indicated that between the time when the City applied and the time the grants were awarded, those low-and-moderate income persons (LMI) numbers changed, and commented that the City is no longer eligible. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that staff was able to piece out on the LMI maps the area served for the 2025 Sewer and Manhole Lining Project and get the project to qualify under the LMI requirements. She indicated that the 2025 Water Treatment Plant and BPS-2 West C Generator Project is for the whole City and commented that the updated LMI was 47%, but it must be at least 51% in order for the City to qualify for the grant. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that the City was given the opportunity to conduct an income survey of its residents in an attempt to qualify for the grant. She indicated that the survey is able to be distributed in person, by mail or by specific approved electronic methods, and commented that the survey results would be anonymous when submitted to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that a random list of 250 addresses generated by HUD has been provided to the City to survey. She indicated that if HUD allows it, staff would like to offer an incentive to the residents that complete the survey, in an attempt to increase the number of surveys that are completed and returned to the City. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that possible incentive ideas include $5.00 off of a resident’s water bill or a free day pass to the pool, but indicated that staff is open to any suggestions. She stated that it would cost the City approximately $1,300.00 to provide the incentive, but indicated that the grant award is 1.4 million dollars. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker commented that if the City qualifies for the grant after the surveys are completed and submitted, then that is an excellent rate of return. Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel suggested $5.00 Chamber Bucks as the incentive. Clerk/Treasurer Strecker stated that residents would be able to spend the Chamber Bucks anywhere in Goshen County at participating locations. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Deahl seconded to approve, pending HUD approval, the authorization for a $5.00 rebate via Chamber Bucks to survey participants in the CDBG income survey initiative. Motion carried unanimously. Director of Public Works (DPW) Harkins presented the bid results for the East D Street Improvements Project. He stated that staff recommends awarding the bid to Eric Reichert Insulation and Construction of Scottsbluff, Nebraska in the amount of $6,075,831.58 and reserve $400,750.42 (6.6%) for contingency for a project total of $6,476,582.00. DPW Harkins indicated that the project consists of replacing existing 4” ductile waterline with 6,750’ of 8” C900 PVC, replacing existing 18” storm sewer with 2,976’ of 30” RCP, 728’ of 24” RCP, 344’ of 18” RCP and 1,208’ of 15” RCP for laterals, replacing 17 storm sewer manholes and 36 standard curb inlet catch basins, and reconstructing the street with 8” PCC including curb, gutter, sidewalk and ADA ramps. He commented that five bids were submitted in conformance with the bidding requirements. DPW Harkins stated that all of the funding agencies did approve the recommendation and concurrence for the award of the bid to the recommended low bidder (Eric Reichert Insulation and Construction). He indicated that the project funding available is $7,000,000.00 and commented that that amount should cover the construction, the contingency and the engineering costs. Don Dye, representative of M.C. Schaff & Associates, Inc., spoke in support of awarding the bid to Eric Reichert Insulation and Construction. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to award the bid to Eric Reichert Insulation and Construction of Scottsbluff, Nebraska in the amount of $6,075,831.58 and reserve $400,750.42 (6.6%) for contingency for a project total of $6,476,582.00 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. The bills from 03-19-25 to 04-01-25 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. Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel thanked the Mayor and Council for awarding the bid for the East D Street Improvements Project. He stated that by awarding these infrastructure projects, the Mayor and Council are benefiting the City and its residents in many ways. Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel indicated that every time an upgrade is made to the City’s water system, the City’s Insurance Page | 2 Services Office (ISO) rating is updated. He commented that an updated ISO rating helps residents with their insurance policies. Water/Wastewater Supervisor Troxel stated that there will be a little bit of inconvenience for the City’s residents during this project, but indicated that the completed project will greatly benefit them in the long run. Councilman Viktorin moved and Councilman Warren seconded to adjourn to executive session to discuss potential litigation. Motion carried unanimously. Councilman Deahl moved and Councilman Kelly seconded to return the Mayor and Council to regular session. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Doby adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m. The following bills were approved for payment: 80823 AT&T MOBILITY modem for ambulance 40.04;80824 BLACK HILLS ENERGY utilities-gas 6174.65;80825 CITY OF TORRINGTON payroll withholding 209.00;80826 DAVID A. DENT Golf Pro Payable 577.57;80827 GOSHEN CO DISTRICT COURT CLERK payroll withholding 100.00;80828 GREAT-WEST TRUST CO LLC payroll withholding 2520.00;80829 MONTANA CSSD SDU payroll withholding 210.16;80830 NEW YORK LIFE payroll withholding 227.00; 80831 PLATTE CO payroll withholding 199.98;80832 SOUTH TORRINGTON WATER & SEWER DISTRICT museum-water/sewer 74.74;80833 STANDARD INSURANCE CO premium-long term disability 2737.47; 80834 VIAERO WIRELESS cell phone,wireless hotspots 646.77;80835 WY DEPT OF REVENUE sales tax 25190.38;80836 21ST CENTURY EQUIPMENT LLC muffler 482.29;80837 AC ELECTRIC MOTOR SERVICE rebuild motor/dirt damage 82.50;80838 ACCUSCREEN MOBILE DRUG TESTING SERVICES rapid screen drug tests 305.00;80839 ACE INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC. various small tools 1198.00;80840 ADVANCED POOLS & SPAS INC. gutter stone reset & seal completion,race lane & target tile completion 99990.00; 80841 AIRNAV LLC renewal-basic listing on AirNav.com 72.00;80842 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES flags, post-it flags,ultraviolet counterfeit bill detector,office chair,carburetor,flush mount hole panel plugs 396.18;80843 ASSUREDPARTNERS AEROSPACE LLC airport general liability renewal 2687.00;80844 BACKFLOW PREVENTION SUPPLY INC. rubbers total kit 296.99;80845 BANKERS BANK OF THE WEST LEASING CO INC. lease payment 55193.50;80846 BLAIR NEWMAN credit refund 116.79;80847 BLOEDORN LUMBER CO-TORRINGTON hard tile spacers,one piece hole saw,pvc nipple,roller mop,paint brushes,masking tape,privacy lock,foam brush,lag screws,galvanized iron cap,paint,rubber float,grout sponge,grout 290.96;80848 BOB RUWART MOTORS shaft drive,core charge 1607.50;80849 BOMGAARS SUPPLY INC. ceiling heater,block magnet,drill bit set,coupling,ball valve,pvc nipples,mechanics set,small hand tools,nut driver set,punch set,filters,packing tape,strainer,bushings,screws,vinyl tubing,batteries, magnetic tray,tire gauge,blo-gun,plug,brakleen,silicone lube,grease,electrical supplies,connectors,bolts, shop towels,bull gate w/ bolt,ratchet straps 1539.86;80850 BROWN CO snow plow cutting edge 375.00; 80851 CENTURYLINK 911 data lines,water telemetry line,lccc remote hvac line 1089.42;80852 CROELL REDI-MIX INC. concrete blocks 1050.00;80853 D & D INVESTMENT PROPERTIES credit refund 112.09; 80854 DBC IRRIGATION SUPPLY mound/home plate clay bricks,sprinkler system parts 2015.48;80855 DH PACE CO INC. locks 1506.65;80856 DIANA A. FITTJE deposit refund 35.40;80857 DURAMAX HOLDINGS LLC 95 gal mil trash carts 3900.00;80858 EAKES INC. utility bills 1635.78;80859 ENERGY LABORATORIES INC. lab testing,annual water quality report 742.00;80860 FASTENAL CO washers,nylocks,bolts/screws 79.33;80861 FLOYD'S TRUCK CENTER INC. serpentine belt,tensioner 295.99;80862 FR CLOTHING & SUPPLY fire resistant pants 440.81;80863 GOSHEN CO VICTIM'S ASSIST victim assistance annual support 1000.00;80864 GRACE ADAMS deposit refund 89.25;80865 GRAINGER rubber hose,chemical gloves 142.95;80866 HAWKINS INC. sodium hydrox 50% diaphragm 3726.96;80867 HIGHLAND PRODUCTS GROUP LLC custom logo bench,trash cans,table/Rotary reimb 4841.00;80868 INDUSTRIAL SEALING AND LUBRICATION synfilm 100 pail 292.81;80869 INSIGHT PRECISION ARMS LLC training 660.45;80870 JAMES M. OJEDA deposit refund 196.94;80871 KAYCE LAY new fence installation 11000.00;80872 KUZMA SUCCESS REALTY deposit refund 132.71;80873 L N CURTIS & SONS e-spot litebox w/ out charger 341.60; 80874 LARAMIE PEAK MOTORS LLC 2024 F350 Pickup w/ Reading Utility Box 72923.00;80875 LARRY & DEBORAH FRITZLER pump septic tanks 506.00;80876 MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS crusher fines 260.52;80877 MASEK GOLF CAR CO brake shoes,cylinders,boot kit 236.82;80878 MATHESON TRI-GAS INC. pip gloves,lens cleaning towelettes 252.27;80879 MICHAEL A. RICHEY Airport Operator Contract 1666.67;80880 MICHAEL TALLEY deposit refund 114.06;80881 MINTER, ANTHONY re-issue deposit refund check 8.36;80882 MITCHELL 1 large vehicle diagnostic connection device subscription 1036.80; 80883 NEW HOPE COUNSELING individual session 100.00;80884 NEWMAN SIGNS INC. solar traffic signs 6939.76;80885 NORTHWEST PIPE FITTINGS INC. hose nozzle wrench 363.93;80886 PAR TRAINING AND PROPS LLC woods fe door kit-City ½ 2200.00;80887 POMP'S TIRE SERVICE wrl workhorse tires 318.00; 80888 PRINT EXPRESS INC. ups 53.91;80889 PRO QUALITY PEST CONTROL rodent control 90.00;80890 QUILL LLC toner cartridges 377.08;80891 REECE COOK dumpster bottom replacements 1260.00;80892 SARGENT DRILLING CO repairs 28277.13;80893 SEAWESTERN FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT air packs, cylinder/valve assy,masks,C5 masks w/ kevlar headnets,bottles 22806.25;80894 SPORTBILT USA LLC surfacing/maintenance garage floor 9800.00;80895 STOTZ EQUIPMENT smooth roller 704.30;80896 STUART C IRBY CO clover leaf fiberglass brackets,compression tap connectors,deadend clevis w/o ins 1478.25;80897 TAMI GRAYBILL deposit refund 20.98;80898 TORRINGTON EMPLOYEES INSURANCE select flex contributions 8935.36;80899 TORRINGTON TELEGRAM subscription renewals 359.97;80900 Page | 3 TRANE US INC. bas router service 166.40;80901 TRANSWEST INC. regulator 87.10;80902 TRAVELERS INDEMNITY CO commercial insurance 79518.25;80903 TRIHYDRO CORP FY2020 Wastewater Pre- Treatment Project amendment 68375.04;80904 TRI-STATE GARAGE DOORS service call/garage door 200.00;80905 VERIZON WIRELESS cell phones 548.19;80906 WATER GEAR INC. water aerobics equipment (bells/belts)-Rotary reimb 1719.97;80907 WAYNE SMITH ambulance overpayment reimb 145.00;80908 WESTERN UNITED ELECTRIC SUPPLY bracket & arm/wood poles 3062.58;80909 WY ASSOC RURAL WATER member registrations 790.00;80910 WY DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION citation books 118.10;80911 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS Torr Vol EMT Pension 37.50;80912 WY RETIREMENT SYSTEMS retirement 85168.81 Page | 4