Concerns raised about tire dumping

Tuesday evening, the Thermopolis Town Council approved the first reading of a town ordinance that creates subparagraphs to Town Code Section 14-610, concerning fees for construction and demolition trash and for disposal of tires. The definitions come as the result of discussion over the past month concerning the dumping of extreme amounts of such materials.

Prior to the board approving the first reading, Tom Sullivan voiced his concerns. Sullivan stressed he believes the ordinance is a great idea, and noted Thermopolis is probably the last community in the state to not charge for tire dumping. He has called around the Big Horn Basin area and found what businesses are charging for tire disposal. He noted he has started charging, so they are prepared when the ordinance takes effect. The amount he charges will be dependent on what Council approves.

Council amended the ordinance to include a fee schedule of $5 for car tires, $8 for truck, $15 for semi and $20 for tractor. However, the ordinance has only passed the first reading and must go through two more before final approval.

Sullivan is concerned about what happens when tires are simply dumped at a business, in a dumpster or in a ditch. “Who pays for that,” he asked, adding it was not fair to businesses or individuals to have to pay for the disposal of tires dumped at their doorsteps.

Though options were discussed as far as shredding or recycling tires, those services also come with additional costs. For instance, travel and how small of pieces the tires are cut into. Mayor Mike Mortimore noted those costs would pass down to everyone in the community, but they are a cost of living where there isn’t trash and tires everywhere. He also said people caught dumping tires outside the landfill would face the penalties.

Mortimore noted there has been talk of taking the tire shreds and spreading them out among the dirt in the landfill, but people don’t realize the landfill isn’t going to be there forever. A switch over to a transfer station is on the horizon, and Mortimore said the tire shreds aren’t simply going to sit at the station. He would like to see the shreds be recycled somehow.

Sullivan cautioned the situation “is going to get ugly before it gets better,” and he plans to wait to see what the final fee schedule is from Council before setting his own rates.

In other action, the board approved, with John Dorman Sr. abstaining, the purchase of seven metal signs from Dale Andreen and John Dorman Jr. for $700. The two were approached with regard to creating the signs, which would be attached to decorative light posts. Two of the signs — which are included in purchase — can already be seen on the poles outside Town Hall. Rather than hanging from chains, the signs would be mounted to the poles. However, during the meeting there was concern raised as to whether the new signs might cause the spun aluminum poles to break. It was also pointed out signs attached to the poles would have less chance of dropping onto people and vehicles. The few purchased signs will be used as testers, and it was indicated they will be placed in areas to determine how wind and weather will impact them.

Council also approved Mortimore to sign paperwork for WYDOT, presented by Hot Springs County High School Student Council Advisor Alex McLean, regarding the closing of the highway at the stoplight for the Homecoming Parade on Sept. 30.

A right of way agreement was approved, to allow Bill Mathews to fence off a portion of his property west of his house.

A $42,957 proposal from Chemco Systems, L.P. for a lime slaker control panel was approved. The current control panel is about 12 years old, and is having issues. Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle noted the slaker is an integral part of providing water for the community. The proposal includes $33,257 for the panel, and $9,700 for start-up service.

Also during the meeting, Engineer Anthony Barnett said the chip seal project has been completed, and everything looks like it is doing well. Barnett also noted

Rocky Mountain Power has expressed interest in possibly supporting some town events. Council indicated it was in favor of such support. Council also expressed support of having the renewal of the lodging tax put on the ballot.

Greg Willson of the Lodging Tax Political Action Committee explained the lodging tax is not increasing from the four percent; the ballot measure is simply to renew it at that rate.

He noted the tax has little to no effect on residents of Hot Springs County, save for to bring in more advertising revenue to bring more visitors to the county. Any funds generated are used for the sole purpose of bringing people to the county. Examples of how funds are spent include advertising on billboards, print, television, radio and other markets, special event grants, administration and consulting. Willson pointed out there has been a 450 percent increase in ad placement since the fiscal year 2013, showing a more efficient use of advertising space. There has been a 94 percent increase in ad placement since fiscal year 2014, though the overall budget has increased 20 percent in the same amount of time.

Amanda Moeller, CEO of the Hot Springs County Economic Development Company spoke to the council about the upcoming Brownfields workshop Sept. 13 and 14 at Hot Springs County Museum. She said having members of local government attend would be great. The workshop will address topics such as revitalizing downtown buildings — including obtaining funds for such projects — local, state and federal resources, asbestos and other hazardous materials.

The workshop itself is free, but those planning to attend must register to participate. Registration can be done online at http://www.ksutab.org/education/workshops.