Town approves MOU with state agency

During their Tuesday, Oct. 1 meeting, the Thermopolis Town Council approved a final draft of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the State of Wyoming, Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources (SPCR) and the Town of Thermopolis for law enforcement extraterritorial assistance and activities.

Town Attorney Mike Messenger noted he and Police Chief Julie Mathews met on an initial draft and there were some concerns. The draft was taken back to the SPCR and those concerns were addressed.

Under the MOU, the SPCR acknowledges that they and the Thermopolis Police Department desire municipal officers to be able to perform la enforcement functions and enforce state statutes within the SPCR boundaries — particularly in Hot Springs State Park — as necessary in the interest of public safety and as authorized under state statute.

The MOU is not effective until all involved parties sign it, and it remains in effect for a period not to exceed one month beyond the current term of office of the police chief. Essentially, the MOU allows the police department to assign officers to provide law enforcement in Hot Springs State Park. Reading further into the agreement, any officers who respond to incidents in the park are still subject to the direction and control of the police chief.

Any complaints arising against officers as a result of a cooperative effort under the MOU will be investigate by the chief, with findings sent to the SPCR. Any shooting incident will be investigated by the State of Wyoming.

Costs for equipment, training and resources for each Thermopolis Police officer is the responsibility of the police department, as is compensation of the officers. The SPCR cannot be called upon to pay or assume any liability for direct payment of salaries, wages or other compensation to Thermopolis Police personnel performing extraterritorial law enforcement services.

In other action at the meeting, council re-appointed Toddi Darlington to the Big Horn Basin nature and Discovery Center Joint Powers Board.

Also during the meeting, Jeremiah Balius was prepared to present further information in favor of allowing chickens within town limits. Balius had presented his initial arguments at the council’s Sept. 17 meeting, but was asked to get additional information, in particular how other towns that have allowed chickens have dealt with the waste and the additional nuisances created by the fowl, such as raccoons, skunks and feral cats.

However, before he could present his information at this week’s meeting, Balius was told by Mayor Chimenti that it would be best if he were to get on the official agenda, to allow council advance notice and time for the presentation. Balius, as well as Sharena and Anthony Fruciano — who were also at the meeting to speak about the chicken issue — plan to present their information to the council at their next meeting, Oct. 15.

Town Attorney Messenger further suggested that the information planned for presentation be provided no later than the Friday prior to the meeting, so it can be made a part of the information packets for council members.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Meri Ann Rush reported there was a “strategic doing” workshop on Sept. 9, during which they looked at community surveys. Some of the feedback received had to do with beautification of the downtown area, and an idea generated is to make winter decorations for the flower pots and flower beds.

Decorations would be rebar Christmas trees made by high school students to stand up in the various planters. There was concern that the “trees” might damage sprinkler systems in the flower beds located on either side of the flagpole, though Rush said they would not go very deep and could even just rest on top of the soil.

The decorations are planned for early November, and possibly when the rest of the downtown decorations.

Rush also invited council to come to the old fire hall on Thursday, Oct. 3, beginning at 6 p.m., to start getting the holiday decorations ready to go.

Mayor’s Assistant Fred Crosby noted there were a couple pay estimates approved in the list of bills. One was for $78,300, for the chip seal. The other was $85,777.20 for the Springview sewer replacement. Chips have been getting swept up, Crosby noted, and the seal on Amoretti looks good. He also added the sewer project was much needed.

Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle said with the weather it’s been difficult to get everything compacted back in and black topped with the Springview project.

An upcoming project, Crosby said, is the raw water line for the golf course. Bids for the project will be accepted until 11 a.m. Oct. 14, and a list of bids is expected at the Oct. 15 meeting.

Council member Dusty Lewis reported that the Hot City Outdoor Alliance has been working with a trail builder and staff from Wyoming Pathways. After meeting with them, he said, the alliance discussed going after a build or planning grant. He presented an assessment grant, which will require a 50/50 match from the alliance.

The grant will provide a good idea of what areas can be developed around Thermopolis for trails, as well as what kind of trails and expected outcomes. That assessment can then be used to go after additional funding projects.

It really is about a two-year plan, Lewis, said, and this would be the first of several grants leveraged on top of each other for some pretty sizeable income. He assured council that they would not have to provide any financial assistance unless they wanted to. Council approved signing a letter of support for pursuing the grant.

Crosby noted there has been some recent concern regarding the footbridge over the river on Sixth Street, which still sees a lot of use, and suggested some new decking could be pursued through a grant. He pointed out there are still utilities off the bridge that are essential to the water treatment facility. Lewis said the bridge could be part of the initial assessment.