Town takes first look at park closings

Tuesday evening, the Thermopolis Town Council approved upon first reading a resolution that would allow for the establishment of opening and closing times for each municipal park, with times to vary at each. The hours, when established, will be posted at usual or normal entrances to the parks, and those found to be in the parks outside the posted hours could be fined up to $750.

The ordinance is being put in place as a result of the considerable amount of vandalism being done to the park restrooms, picnic tables, shelters and other amenities and the town finding it necessary to determine park hours to address the vandalism. Additional readings of the ordinance will take place at future meetings.

In other action, Council approved a malt beverage permit from the Hot Springs County Fair Board, for the demolition derby Aug. 20 from 5-10:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Council also approved placing a proposition, on the ballot for the election Nov. 8, for imposing a once one percent specific purpose sales and use excise tax in the county. The tax would be used to provide funding for construction, expansion, remodeling, renovation, furnishing and equipping Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, and once that funding — estimated at $16.4 million — is complete, the tax goes away. County Commissioner Brad Basse noted support of two-thirds of the municipalities was required to place the proposition on the ballot.

A chip seal bid from Wild West Construction of Cody was approved, at $64,999.48. The project includes areas along Odell Street, Johnson Avenue, 11th Street, 10th Street, Warren Street and Clark Street.

Also during the meeting, council received a report from Ron Raile regarding the formation of a Tree Board. During his presentation, Raile said he is continuing to push forward with the board, and has some individuals on board who will be helpful. Also, a list of rules and regulations has been compiled. Part of the board’s purpose, Raile said, is to work and come up with ideas that will help the whole community. He wants those on the board to be really hands on and knowledgeable, and he plans to introduce board members to the Council at an upcoming meeting.

Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle Spoke regarding decorative lights along Sixth Street that keep getting knocked over. It was noted the lights are easy to topple, and cost around $4,000 to replace.

It was also pointed out an area where one of the lights is located is already well lit from a nearby business. Slagle was directed to not replace the lights.