Council approves resolution for loan

During the Town Council meeting Tuesday evening, Resolution No. 531 was approved, authorizing submission of a pre-application from to the State Loan and Investment Board for a loan through the State Revolving Fund on behalf of the governing body for the Town of Thermopolis. The application is for $1.3 million, for the pipeline replacement project.

Prior to approval of the resolution, a public meeting was held with no comment.

Also during the meeting, William Malloy and Dusty Lewis took the oath of office, administered by Town Attorney Mike Messenger. During the general election, the two were voted to serve four-year terms with the council.

Malloy will attend the Wyoming Association of Municipalities winter workshop, Jan. 11-13 in Cheyenne. The workshop covers topics including advocating for the community, government operations, budget cutback strategies, finding grants, social media and liquor laws.

Pay estimates three and four were approved for the million gallon tank painting project. The third payment is for $8,796.60 and the fourth is for $22,571.77. Though the fourth and final payment will not be released until after a statutory 41-day advertising period, Town Engineer Anthony Barnett noted approving the payment now helps get the paperwork in order.

A reconciliation order for the project was also approved, which Barnett explained accounts for some of the time delay when the first contractor did not come through, and about $7,000 in heating expense because the project was pushed back. Even with the reconciliation order, the project came in well under the $300,000 budget at $225,717.65.

Outside of the action agenda, council had discussion regarding snow removal in the town limits. Public Works Director Ernie Slagle received appreciation from council members for the work crews have done clearing the streets.

Concern was expressed as to whether all the streets or only the main highways should be plowed regularly — especially when it takes crew members away from their time off during holidays. The topic of Town employees working on holidays that are also weekends was discussed at a previous meeting, and Mayor’ Assistant Fred Crosby noted any changes would require revision of personnel policies.

Other concerns brought up, with regard to snow, centered on keeping walkways and streets clear and when the plows run. Crosby suggested possibly sitting down and perhaps revisiting the plowing schedule, though no meeting was set.