Town looks at carports, landfill use

Tuesday evening during the Thermopolis Town Council meeting, Mayor’s Assistant Fred Crosby noted the majority of Board of Appeals meetings are in regard to variance for carports. He suggested the possibility of having an ordinance specifically in regard to the structures, as there are issues with regard to setbacks — the amount of space allowed from property lines to where structures can be placed.

Crosby also pointed out that people with the Insurance Service Office (ISO) are coming out on Sept. 1, and they look at whether the Town is adhering to building codes and other regulations and determine a rating, which will reflect on what people pay for insurance. It was indicated there would be some clarification of the regulations regarding carports.

Another issue Crosby presented concerned landfill use. He recently learned a home was recently torn down, and the homeowner had someone take out 14 loads of construction and debris waste to the landfill. These were not typical pickup loads; they were using a 10-yard dump trailer.

Crosby explained people who pay the town trash bill can take out a pickup load and dump it, without charge. However, if a contractor takes the materials out to dump for someone, they are charged, as that is part of their livelihood and they have to bill for it. Crosby said this recent incident was an instance where people are taking advantage of the dumping service a bit more than what it was meant for. He was directed to visit with Board Attorney Hope Gebes about putting together an ordinance that further outlines regulations regarding landfill dumping.

Council also approved the second reading of an ordinance regarding opening and closing of the parks which will provide for open times and penalties for vandalism. in an effort to curb such incidents. The ordinance goes into effect Sept. 1.

Council also approved a change order regarding the Cedar Ridge tank-painting project. Town Engineer Anthony Barnett explained the change order was a reconciliation change order, which accounts for actual material quantities required to complete the project, and results in a $6,665 increase. A final pay estimate of $13,366.50 on the project was also approved.

A bid for $190,000 from M & M Tank Coating Company for the 1,000,000-gallon tank . Barnett said bids were opened on the project about a week ago, and bids came in very well. The total estimated for the project was $300,000, with $230,000 for painting the interior, and $70,000 for contingency and engineering.

A right-of-way agreement was approved for John McFall. Crosby explained McFall did a fence permit in 2014, and he was going to do a three-foot fence between his driveway and his neighbor’s. McFall plans to carry that fence out to the sidewalk, so a right-of-way agreement with the Town was necessary.