Council discusses storm damage concerns

Monday evening, Thermopolis Town Council had some lengthy conversation about the damage to town structures and concerns regarding all of the roof and dent repairs that have come to town.

At the meeting, a representative of one of the companies voiced concern about the town not having an inspector to ensure the roofs are done right, and offered such services.

Mayor Mike Chimenti explained if a town project is big enough to require an inspection, the town engineers are used. A certified inspector is not used, and the town cannot afford a full-time inspector. He added it is up to the companies if they want to hire inspectors.

Mayors Assistant Fred Crosby suggested taking out an advertisement to advise people of what to be cautious about when dealing with companies doing repairs, as “there’s the potential for some bad things to happen.” He emphasized asking questions before signing any contract, and encourages people to do their due diligence to check up on them. It’s important, he said, for people to always keep in mind these companies are working for them.

Chimenti said the council understands where the company rep is coming from, but the town has to protect their liabilities.

With regard to town vehicles, Crosby said the adjuster is here to look at the 19 vehicles that are damaged. Of the first 10 the adjuster looked at, Crosby said he’s going to total five. Crosby has been looking into buyback amounts on some of the vehicles, as there could be up to an eight-month wait to getting the new vehicles in with all the bells and whistles needed for personnel to do their jobs. Police Chief Julie Mathews is also in the process of working out a bid for a couple new Chevy Tahoes, though a delivery date on the new vehicles is not known.

As for property damage, Crosby noted there are some broken windows at the water plant and would like to get the adjuster here for a professional opinion on any roofs damage on town buildings.

Also during the meeting, council approved two catering permits for Shorty’s — one for the pig wrestling event at the fairgrounds on July 30, the second for the demolition derby Aug. 17 — and a malt beverage permit for One Eyed Buffalo.

Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Van Heule explained the state statute changed this year to allow breweries to obtain malt beverage permits. The permit allows them to bring their beer — only their product — outside the business. The product has to be on a tap and not in another container such as a growler.

Later in the meeting, there was discussion regarding changes to the catering permit process. Crosby suggested increasing the permit fees to $25 as well, as the current $10 doesn’t cover the time and effort for them.

Mayor Chimenti noted there is typically nobody present to accept the fact that they approve the permits, and suggested it be a requirement for the applicants to be at the meeting where the permits are approved. Chimenti further suggested having a list of rules to which all applicants must adhere.

The final documents for the clarifier painting was approved, including a final payment of $7,727.50. At the council’s July 2 meeting, Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle informed council that a drive on the clarifier had broken down. The town approved ordering an updated oil bath drive, at a cost of $103,287, as opposed to a rebuild for the grease-filled unit for $98,856. It was noted that parts are no longer available for the grease-filled unit if it happens to break down.

An agreement for a land exchange between the Johnson Trust and Thermopolis was approved, allowing for access to land near the golf course and old airport for the anticipated landfill transfer station.

An estoppel agreement was approved. Messenger explained this goes to the Legion Town and Country Club, which is taking a lease hold interest in the country club. He further noted because the town owns the property, the estoppel agreement is needed. The document essentially states that the town agrees the club has a valid binding lease and the town will not cancel the lease without giving notice to the bank.

Residents should expect a sanitation rate increase in the coming months, in order to balance out the Enterprise Fund. Crosby explained the town has a system in place. By resolution, council can raise the funds by five percent, up to four times per year. A finalized rate plan is expected at the Aug. 6 meeting.