Council discusses eclipse event

Thursday evening, following action by the Thermopolis Town Council to approve bills to help ensure accounting was in order for the end of the fiscal year, there was some discussion regarding an event planned by Julia Schleusner for the upcoming eclipse, on her own property. She noted the event is a “BYOB” style event, and there will be music.

Schleusner said she has had similar events, including chili feeds the past 14 years. However, she said, in that time she has never had to appear before the council. The eclipse event is planned for Aug. 18 and 19.

Though people can bring alcohol to the event, as it is private property the lifting of the open container ordinance is not necessary. Mayor Mike Mortimore noted she would have to do some policing to ensure no alcohol is being given to minors, and to keep the noise down if necessary.

Mortimore further added the police department is expected to be taxed as it is with the increase in visitors to town for the eclipse. Schleusner said in the past 14 years law enforcement has never been called to the chili feeds she has hosted.

Though a possible budget resolution was on the action agenda, there was no resolution. The council approved the budget at their June 20 meeting.

Also during the meeting, Linda Hughes expressed her concern of a picture of Donald Trump hanging in the council’s meeting room, as she has to now look at the president knowing how he’s spoken about women. Though the picture was meant to be a simple statement, with a plan to remove it, discussion at the June 20 meeting eventually led to a motion, which passed, to keep the picture up for at least a couple weeks.

Hughes also expressed concern of an item in Mayor’s Assistant Fred Crosby’s office that is in favor of one political party over the other.

Mortimore told Crosby he would not dictate what he has in his office, noting Crosby works for the administration, but is allowed to have his personal beliefs. Hughes added Crosby works for the whole town, and she hopes the next person elected president will also have his or her picture hung in the meeting room.