Town council approves spaces for eclipse events

Tuesday evening, Thermopolis Town Council approved two motions regarding spaces for events the weekend before and day of the eclipse.

The first motion approved was a lifting of the open container ordinance for Thermopolis Liquors. Butch Hendrickson explained it would be only for a slab of cement outside the regularly enclosed patio area, on which he plans to put three picnic tables. He further noted there would be an additional barrier around the area, and requested the ordinance be lifted from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Aug. 19, 20 and 21.

The second motion approved was in regard to the street dance planned for the north side of Broadway between Fifth and Sixth streets. Though catering was scheduled for the event, that has since changed. Mayor Mike Mortimore said it was found out through the Liquor Commission that One Eyed Buffalo could not set up a bar outside, but servers could go outside and take orders and actually serve outside.

JoLynn Collins, representing One Eyed Buffalo, said the plan was to limit the serving area, having only two to five picnic tables right in front. She also noted they have security people lined up, and will also coordinate with the police department.

In other board action, a bid was accepted from Carr Coatings, LLC for the airport tank painting project. The firm came in as the low bidder, at $109,000. Carr also did the Cedar Ridge tank project, and council members were satisfied with their work.

Also at the meeting, Town Engineer Anthony Barnett provided an update on 12th Street. A sewer line either heaved or settled underneath the street, and though it’s now flowing properly it’s not up to Department of Environmental Quality. Barnett said they’ve been actively seeking someone to finish the work, though it looks like it will still be a few weeks before the project’s finished.

Council member Bill Malloy spoke, addressing Police Chief Steve Shay and the abundant number of calls regarding animals. Malloy suggesting toughening up the town ordinance, and Shay said they might look at other communities’ ordinance for ideas to update ours.

Shay also spoke with regard to 14th Street. The road has been a hot topic recently, as semis frequently use it though signs discourage it, and vehicles taking the route often do not follow speed limits and stop signs. Flashing lights for the stop signs at Chevy Chase and Fremont, and the signs indicating no truck traffic, have been ordered.

Shay noted another idea mentioned was having an officer monitor the street full time. Instead of looking at hiring another officer, he suggested additional funds be put toward paying officers to check the street on overtime when not fielding other calls. A motion passed to allow administration to determine a dollar amount of overtime to pay, in order to see if having officers patrolling the route regularly has an effect.

Shay also commended the work the police department has been doing lately, with a number of arrests already and people already coming to town for the eclipse.

Mayor’s Assistant Fred Crosby said playground equipment has been ordered for Bicentennial Park. The old equipment was removed after a large hole was made in the slide and it was dangerous for use.

Crosby also mentioned additional dumpsters have been set up for the eclipse, and portable toilet will be set up, two on either side of the flagpole and one near Sixth and Broadway. It was also suggested Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle make a sign to point people in the right direction for the RV dump so people don’t miss it.