Town project updates

Tuesday night during the Thermopolis Town Council meeting, town Engineer Anthony Barnett provided several updates to projects happening around town.

Council approved a motion to approved the second pay estimate for the chip seal project n the amount of $9,438.80. A first pay estimate of $41,901.64 for the 12th Street sewer repair and a first estimate of $47,673 for the airport tank painting project were approved as part of the council’s approval of the bills.

Barnett provided pictures of the tank, showing what it used to look like before it was sandblasted and after. Barnett noted during the blasting a small hole was made so another piece had to be rolled and welded.

Regarding the inside of the tank, Barnett said prior to this painting the floor went for way too long as there was an abundance of pit filler. He noted some areas were worse likely due to the amount of pit filler becoming brittle and breaking as the floor flexed with the weight of the water.

Regarding the lifetime of the tank painting, Barnett said it had been about 18 years since the last painting and if the coat holds up it should last at least 17 years.

Barnett also spoke to the memorandum of understanding between the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources and the Town of Thermopolis for funding buried utility rehabilitation in Hot Springs State Park.

Barnett explained the State and their attorneys drafted up the memo to have the town reinstall a hot water line in the state park where the treated water line is being put in between the Pioneer Home and the Days Inn. However, some of the details still need to be worked out and changed a bit. Barnett recommended continued pursuit of this, as it would be good for the town’s project and the state park.

Barnett also provided a preliminary look at what could be done to upper Fremont Street for council to look over. Ray and Belinda Moore have come before the council, requesting they address issues on the street, as water is backing up into their home, devaluing the property and requiring installation of a sump pump.

In other action, council approved a catering permit for Shorty’s Liquor, for the Harvest Moon Ball at the Hot Springs County Fair Building. The permit is from 4-11 p.m. on Nov. 11

Council also approved a motion for a trailer to be set up along Fifth Street by Bicentennial Park for the Second Friday ArtStrolls and Black Friday. The trailer has been converted to a boutique for LuLaRoe, explained Jerry Fields. There was further discussion prior to approving the motion, to ensure the trailer will not interfere with other events and to allow the use of a power pole at the park to operate a heater inside the trailer.

Mayor’s Assistant Fred Crosby spoke in regard to the new Maverik store, noting trucks have arrived carrying the building components and workers will start setting them up in the coming days. There are some items to discuss, Crosby added, such as not being able to pave due to the lower temperatures. There is also some concern about the damage to Amoretti, as a crane will be used to move the building pieces. It was noted Maverik would be responsible for any damage.

Crosby also noted the new playground equipment for Bicentennial Park is expected to arrive Nov. 27. He also spoke of the wattsmart program through Rocky Mountain Power, which could provide up to $100 reimbursement for each light pole converted to an LED system. Through the program, Crosby said, the remaining 16 street lights could be converted over.