Council discusses sanitation changes

Tuesday night, Thermopolis Town Council discussed the possibility of a rate change for sanitation.

Mayor’s Assistant Fred Crosby pointed out there is a deficit of more than $24,000 in sanitation, per the January financial statement. In the past, Crosby said, they’ve let it play out until the end of the fiscal year in June, and if they are still in dire straits they may need to make some changes in sanitation and landfill, such as raising the cubic yard rate.

Council member Tony Larson questioned if it would be better to use a scale rather than by the cubic yard charge. It might have been less expensive five years ago, Town Engineer Anthony Barnett said, but with the likelihood of a transfer station on the horizon there wouldn’t have been enough savings to justify putting in the scale then moving it to another location.

It was further noted at the meeting that there would be a scale at the transfer station, and it’s hoped the landfill will remain open for construction materials.

Following a brief public hearing, during which no comment was given for or against, council approved 2019-2020 liquor license renewals for Mac’s, Thermopolis Café, Reese and Ray’s IGA, Loonie’s Bin, Grand Cru Enterprises, Maverik, Safari Club Lounge, Thermopolis Liquors, Las Fuentes and VFW Post No. 2281. A bar and grill and microbrewery license was renewed for One Eyed Buffalo. Though Front Porch was also on the list for renewals, it was noted that Krista Raymond is not renewing the license, making March 31 the last day alcohol can be served at the restaurant.

With a change in ownership of Pizza Hut, the liquor license there is not being renewed at this time, and as liquor licenses are non-transferable the restaurant is currently not able to sell alcohol.

Crosby said he and Clerk/Treasurer Tracey Van Heule have spoke to the State about guidance for liquor licenses, and the State is starting to put more responsibility for regulations on the individual towns.

Also at the meeting, Barnett said he and Van Heule were able to get the information together for a mineral royalty grant and the water treatment plant clarifier project has been advertised. There is already interest from known contractors the town has used before on the project, and a pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Feb. 28 with bid opening March 5. He hopes to have a bid tabulation prepared for council at the next meeting.

Crosby noted he’s visited with Kevin Simpson and a fundraiser for the golf course, originally planned for March 9, would now be either April 27 or May 4. Crosby also presented an updated police policy and procedure manual which Police Chief Julie Mathews has gone over and revised; action on the manual will be on the agenda for next meeting.

Larson suggested a work session to get on the same page when it comes to information technology at the police department. Council member John Dorman, Sr. said the session would provide council an opportunity to learn about the technology being used.