Thermopolis Town Council approves budget on final reading

At the Thermopolis Town Council meeting on June 14 a public hearing was held for the 2021-22 budget and there were no comments received. The budget was voted on and approved in its third reading. There were a couple minor changes including sewer depreciation fund expenses that were just under $10,000 and they added $5,000 to give to the Hot City Outdoor Alliance for their fundraising of a trail development on Roundtop.

During citizen participation the council approved catering/liquor permits for Elle’s Restaurant and Bar for the Rusty Truck event on June 19 and Deb Lackey with Shorty’s for the Lions Ranch Rodeo on July 10-11. Also Lackey with Shorty’s for the 1970 Class Reunion on July 17.

Chamber of Commerce Director Meri Ann Rush requested street closure on August 7 at 10 a.m. for the Gift of the Waters Pageant Day Parade. It will follow the usual path. Rush added they expect the Native American dancers to be present. The council voted and passed the approval for the street closure.

Judy Carswell gave an update and request for the coming Rusty Truck Market event. She was concerned about the extreme heat causing the visiting musicians and event participants to suffer. Carswell noted that most people will want to be in the shade of the trees located in the Bicentennial Park. The problem she was foreseeing was the use of alcohol and open containers and preventing misuse of the drinks. After some discussion, the council voted and passed to allow open containers in the Bicentennial Park and have cones and barriers with signs that say “no alcohol beyond this point”. Also, the musicians will play on the stage in the park in the shade instead of a trailer platform.

The council then went over the Thermopolis Golf Board minutes and found no issues. There was some discussion about the water pump leak and how it was repaired. The council voted and approved to accept the minutes.

Town engineer Anthony Barnett gave a report about the work on the crack sealing in anticipation of the budget being approved for chip sealing and for what the water treatment has going on.

Town attorney Mike Messenger presented the Landfill Extension Agreement for an additional year and the council voted and passed to approve signing it.

Police Chief Julie Mathews presented some information on a Department of Family Services children’s trust fund grant which requires other entities in the community that have a positive contact with children. DFS asked if the police department would be part of it. The $2,500 grant would help them purchase items that would assist the police to reach out to the community. The council voted and approved to be involved. 

Assistant to the Mayor, Fred Crosby, presented a Pre-Covid Application that would require the council’s approval to be involved. By signing the papers, they would begin to be considered by the State of Wyoming to receive money. The rules and regulations would come later and the money would be distributed over two years. The council voted and approved to sign the application. 

Also, Crosby presented a budget resolution for the council to sign. It is a mere formality that the state requires. The council voted and passed to sign the resolution. 

Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle reported on some issues with some deraggers in some pumps in Hot Springs State Park.

Apparently, they have been cleaning out many items that have entered the sewage system. They include swimming trunks, underwear, shoes, rubber gloves, syringes and many other items. Somehow people are flushing these down the toilets or they are entering the sewage pipes another way.

The sources of these sewage systems are allegedly coming from the State Park, the pools, the Pioneer Home, the Hospital and potentially other entities.

Slagle said the pumps are working thus far and that the deraggers are helping. He asks the public who are using the sewage systems to not flush these items down the toilets or enter them into the sewage system any other way.