Council acts to address drainage problems

Tuesday night, Thermopolis Town Council approved two plans to address drainage issues on Upper Fremont.

Ray and Belinda Moore first brought the issue before the council in July last year, noting that the installation of a new city water line had caused a lot of water in their home. This water, they said, has devalued their property and required them to run a sump pump.

The Moores have come before the board on the matter a couple times since that initial meeting, and attended Tuesday’s meeting to see where things are.

Town Engineer Anthony Barnett explained he and Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle looked at two spots — one around the Moores house and one closer to the WYDOT highway — where drains could be put in. Barnett further noted the added drainage would be of benefit to the longevity of the street.

The projects are estimated to cost about $17,000 or more, though there was no determination during the meeting as to when work would begin.

A notice to proceed was approved for Wilson Brothers, which successfully won the bid for the upcoming water line replacement project at $2,127,702.80. Approval of the notice means the firm can begin to order equipment and start prepping for the project, which is expected to start at the end of March or early April.

Following a brief public hearing, during which no comment was given for or against, council approved liquor license renewals for Mac’s, Thermopolis Café, Reese and Ray’s IGA, Loonie’s Bin, Grand Cru Enterprises, Maverik, Safari Club Lounge, Thermopolis Liquors/Beer Barn, Pizza Hut, Las Fuentes, Front Porch, One Eyed Buffalo, Raptors Grill & Pub and VFW Post No. 2281. A microbrewery liquor license was also approved for One Eyed Buffalo.

Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance with RT Communications, granting the company to put telecommunications lines on town property to provide and maintain a communications line except where restricted.

The council also approved the HUB insurance, noting a $1,900 increase from the previous year, with the addition that the agent be instructed to do some "shopping around" for next year. It was noted the council has worked with the agent for a number of years, and he has saved the town quite a bit of money on insurance, compared to what it used to be.

Also during the meeting Kevin Skates, superintendent for Hot Springs State Park, spoke to the good working relationship the park staff has with the town, including the field crews and staff and those at the town hall. “I think it goes without saying that we do,” Skates said. “We appreciate the city employees working with us. With shrinking budgets and what not, I think it’s important that we do that.”

Skates further noted the park has leases with the town, and the state has given him the go ahead to work with different groups like the town, county, school district, chamber of commerce and Wyoming Pioneer Home to trade in-kind services rather than charge a fee. This provides the freedom to work together and share equipment, and Kevin plans to continue that relationship.

It was also noted during the meeting that council member, Bill Malloy, would be attending the Wyoming Association of Municipalities convention in Cheyenne. When Malloy asked if there was anything he should tell the governor, Mayor Mike Mortimore said he could share the council's stance against the privatization of the Wyoming Pioneer Home.