Council discusses street repair, Family Park update

At the September 5 Thermopolis Town Council meeting, Clerk/Treasurer Tracey Van Heule requested approval for a Streets Improvement Fund. Van Heule said, “We were graciously given some money from the state of Wyoming, and it has to be used for a project. At the time we were doing the budget, we had not determined the allocation for that. We budgeted the same amount as last year and the legislature approved more. It comes twice a year in August and in January. So the August payment we had budgeted to be $168,000 and instead it was $221,000, so approximately $53,000 more than we had budgeted.” 

Van Heule continued and said, “The Mayor and Jim Jeunehomme have been pretty adamant about our streets needing repair as a lot of you know as well. So we’re kicking around the idea of putting that difference in a street improvement fund and then potentially next year, instead of allocating, if the legislature still awards that money again, instead of…we have been putting it towards enterprise projects because we don’t have anything big on the horizon, potentially putting that again into the streets department or streets improvement fund in next year’s budget. But that could be determined then. But at least we can start accumulating some money. If you decide that that’s worthwhile, that’s the way you would like to go with that money. I would suggest that we set it aside in a separate CD so it does not get in the mix of everything else in the general fund. And before I could open a new account, I would need your permission.”

The council voted and passed the approval for Van Heule to approve the creation of the account.

Under administration, Assistant to the Mayor Jim Jeunehomme reported that he spoke with Tony Larson about the new playground equipment for the Family Park. They plan on removing all the old equipment and if the gear is sufficiently salvageable, they hope to reuse it somewhere else. Jeunehomme and Mayor Estenson discussed the distance between the new trees would be far away and they would not provide shade. However, they are working on providing shaded areas for picnic tables similar to what is in Bicentennial Park. Mayor Estenson said that the bid they received for the new playground equipment is much lower than expected, however there is a budgeting shortage of $6,160 due to the need for fall material. The project would take three to six weeks to complete, which involves removing tree stumps and pouring 18 inch deep concrete points for the slides and support system. Mayor Estenson asked Van Heule to reallocate the funds and no formal action was required since the category of the project was within the approved budget amount and same category. The new playground equipment is for children ages two to 12 and has a capacity of 57 children. The space is 46 feet by 28 feet.

Jim Jeunehomme also presented to the council a bid for a new street sweeper for $268,364. The new sweeper is fully mechanical, whereas the current, aging sweeper, uses air to clean. Jeunehomme said that he asked for the approval of the bid depending upon the Town’s staff’s input and recommendation. The older street sweeper was purchased about 2006 and has many hours on it. The council voted and passed the approval of the bid conditional of the Town’s staff’s recommendation. 

During citizen participation the council voted and passed the approval of the following 24-hour alcohol beverage, catering permits: OEB Saloon for the Sept. 9 Cookie Jar Auction, the Sept. 16 Boots & Bling Gottsche Fundraiser, a Sept. 23 Wedding Reception and Double D LLC’s Farm Bureau Banquet on Sept. 30. 

Wade Lippincott of Hot City Outdoor Alliance presented an update on the 8th Street Boat Ramp project proposal. A few months prior, Lippincott spoke to the council about the idea of upgrading the boat ramp and that they would do some research to report back. Lippincott said that the upgrade to the boat ramp would not disturb the water flow of the river and that they want to put in a 16-foot by 16-foot concrete pad in November when the river is lower. Lippincott has been in discussion with contractor Roger Reed about the project. The Alliance will cover the cost of the contractor’s work. The project consists of two phases. They also originally thought about removing the Russian Olive trees but changed their mind to just trimming them because the tree removal would affect the soil’s stability. However, the other trees further inside would be removed and extend the parking lot. 

There was also concern about a water gate, but Town Engineer Anthony Barnett said that it was very old and not a problem, “All of that can go away.” Lippincott added that the Recreation Department is providing $3,000 to do the project. He asked the Town to provide some equipment to do the work with no additional funds requested. They want to hold a community day for everyone to come together and perform the upgrade. The council voted and passed the approval of the requests.

Chamber CEO Meri Ann Dorman presented two requests. The first was for street closure for the Moonlight Madness event on October 26, where between 5th and 6th Streets on Broadway would be closed. Dorman said last year that prepared 250 bags for the kids and they will have 300 this year instead due to demand. The photo booth will be in the same place, the old fire hall. The closure would be from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. The costume judging will be at 6 p.m.. The council voted and passed approval of the street closure.

Dorman also requested permission for the Christmas Lighted Parade on Saturday December 2. The line up begins at the Senior Center at 5:30 p.m. with a start at 6 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. The route will be the same as other parades. The council voted and passed the approval of the request. 

Amanda Coxbill requested to speak to the council about the renovation of the Family Park on Broadway where she volunteered to help out. Coxbill offered to donate trees to the plant and her time. Mayor Adam Estenson replied that he was grateful and that the Rotary Club will also be donating trees in the restoration project.

Town Attorney Marshall Keller presented for the second reading an updated ordinance on tobacco where they are changing or updating its definition to match the State’s definition. The council voted and passed the approval of the second reading of the ordinance. If the ordinance passes the third and final reading, it will officially become part of the town’s code.

Mayor Estenson held a discussion about ordinances on the book and to see if they need updating. Some of the subjects Mayor Estenson brought up were the sign ordinance and how there are multiple temporary signs that are “popping up.” Another subject is about the ordinance related to campers, RVs, and motorhomes and the definition of a dwelling and its permits. Concerns about non-conforming to zoning were brought up. A third subject was about the use of fluoride in the Town’s water and its cost benefits. Mayor Estenson noted that the State doesn’t require it. Council member Rachel Hughes brought up the matter of home occupation and spend use permits. 

Mayor Estenson also announced there will be a Community Meeting at the end of September or the beginning of October to discuss with business owners about the snow removal for the coming winter season. Mayor Estenson wants to explore, “What can we do better?”