Council approves contract renewal

During their Tuesday night meeting, the Thermopolis Town Council approved renewing a 40-year contract with the Bureau of Reclamation, for water storage at Boysen Reservoir.

The current contract runs out on May 8, 2019. The motion approved last night is for a memorandum of understanding to pay the bureau $15,000 for all the work in getting the contract renewed, sending a check off and budgeting for it.

Mayor’s Assitant Fred Crosby said the $15,000 for a 40-year contract is about $370 per year. Crosby also added that the town has gotten into the storage in the past and needs it. The storage in the reservoir provides for 200 feet guaranteed, with 1,000 feet available.

In other action, council approved a new bank account/HRA. Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Van Heule explained when the contract for insurance was approved the initial idea was the deductible for individuals would be $1,500. In further discussion with the insurance consultant and administration, it was instead decided to go with a $4,000 deductible with the town picking up the difference between the $1,500 and $4,000, as it meant a better rate.

The difference will be paid out of the new account on an as needed basis.

A $6,000 contract with insurance consultant Brad Johnson, for him to provide services over the next year, was approved.

Meri Ann Rush provided some updates on what the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, Thermopolis Main Street and Thermopolis Spark! are doing.

The chamber will celebrate 100 years in 2019, and various celebrations and quarterly activities are being discussed.

Rush spoke to the result of a recent placemaking seminar and the resulting work done to Bicentennial Park such as the large checkerboard and information sign. From there, surveys were done during Oktobrewfest of what people would like to see. The top answer was decorative lighting, which is planned to go up in February. The second highest answer was more murals, and the third highest was bike lanes.

The group from the placemaking is called Thermopolis Spark! Rush said growing up here we had community pride, like a spark, but that has dwindled a little so they are looking at ways of keeping some forward momentum going.

Another project, she said, is the Wyoming Business Council is doing a grant application, due in February, for a community review program. She further explained the council will pick two communities in the state for the grant, which will provide for people to come in and do a strategic plan.

As for Main Street, Rush said the grants are coming along for the flowerbeds and they are waiting for warmer weather to finish them. Wayfinding signs are also being completed and will be ready to go up when the wreaths come down and metal signs go back up.

Town Engineer Anthony Barnett spoke to the filter bed replacement project at the water treatment plant, noting there are several parts that are obsolete. The beds haven’t been replaced in 10 years and though discussion’s begun any work won’t start until at least a year from now.

Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle reported the loader at the landfill was returned following a removal of the old engine and installation of a new one. However, after about 15 minutes a seal went out in the new engine and leaked all the hydraulic oil out, so the engine has to be pulled again.

Crosby reported the hot water agreement with the state park has gone through, which will allow for some hot water to be used to clear gutters as needed. A check has also been sent off to Rocky Mountain Power as well, Crosby said, to pay for the three new light poles south of town.