Town council receives updated dumpster costs

At the Thermopolis Town Council meeting on February 16, treasurer Tracey Van Heule presented a resolution for a budget adjustment for some unanticipated revenues and expenditures.

One key element to the adjustment was from police chief Julie Mathews who was able to receive a grant from Homeland Security for $134,884.78. This money went to provide the department with new portable radios and upgrade the second console in the dispatch office. There were some other small revenue items such as from the Municipal Court, WYDOT Highway Safety and other miscellaneous categories. The council voted and passed to accept the budget adjustment. 

Also on the agenda, the council held a public hearing for the renewal of many liquor licenses for various businesses in town. There were only two new changes to the list, Las Fuentes was removed because of their fire, and Los Cabos was added as they are a new business. The council voted and passed to renew the licenses.

Town Engineer Anthony Barnett reported that the Hot Water Agreement with the State Park was renewed and cost $50. The council voted and approved the renewal. 

The council reviewed the minutes from the Golf Board and accepted them. 

Under administration, assistant to the Mayor Fred Crosby reported that he is working to determine the exact amount of how much their premiums increased with the town’s Travelers Insurance policy renewal. The estimated range is an increase of $6,000 to $11,000. Crosby will speak with their agent to finalize this and will present this information at the next meeting. Crosby also said that their agent did provide quotes from other insurance carriers and their charges were “astronomical.”

Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle reported that he called the town of Worland to investigate the cost of custom-built dumpsters. He asked them if they purchased dumpsters or had them tailor-made. Worland said they used to have them tailor-made. A sanitation person told Slagle they cost $1,050 for a three yarder and $650 for a yard and a half. Slagle asked them, “how can you afford them when a tailor-made one costs $580?”

The answer he received was they did it for that price because of the economy and to make sure people stayed working. Slagle said, “they paid double for the dumpsters.”

Slagle then decided to order 30 dumpsters from Texas for approximately $23,000 as this was more affordable.

Council member Tony Larson asked Slagle if he contacted a local business to find a quote per their request? Slagle said he did not, but that Worland is in their backyard.

Mayor Mike Chimenti then asked Crosby if there was other information. Crosby said he talked to Hopper Metals who take the town’s tires and they said they can be rebuilt or refurbished dumpsters for $350 to $400 and there would be additional costs for hauling them. 

Council member John Dorman Sr. said that he has received many calls asking him about what is the proper procedure for snow removal on sidewalks.

Apparently, there are differing understandings of what to do and what is legal. Do residents or businesses push the snow off the sidewalk into the street? Do they put it somewhere else?

This resulted in a longer conversation with much back and forth as different scenarios were presented and explored.

The conversation concluded with Crosby suggesting they ask Basil Sorenson the Streets Superintendent what is the best plan of action.