Funds requested for digital sign at fairgrounds

At the May 3 Thermopolis Town Council meeting held at the Town Hall, Jackie Dorothy from Travel and Tourism presented to the council their joint project of installing a digital sign at the fairgrounds. Dorothy reported that the Tourism Board, the Fair Board, and the Rec Board have raised $70,000 for the $120,000 needed. They still need $50,000.

Dorothy asked the council if they could find $5,000 to $10,000 in their next budget to contribute. Mayor Mike Chimenti asked Dorothy for a formal letter to be presented and that the Town Treasurer Tracey Van Heule can investigate their finances to see if the funds are available or not. 

Meri Ann Rush addressed the council on the need to define where oversized parking spots should be designated and how to educate the public on where to direct tourists with such vehicles. Several locations were discussed, but a work session with a map would need to be done. 

Jill Jarrard, who represents Wyoming Downs of Evanston, a gaming company that installs off-track betting machines, spoke with the council. Jarrad is working with Jennifer Fisher of OEB Saloon to see about installing gaming machines in their business. In order for this to be possible, the town would need to change the language of its ordinance to make it legal. Jarrard gave a thorough presentation where she described how the operation works and gave real-world examples of the financial gains this provides.

Worthy to note, Jarrard said that 98% of the money inputted by customers will be returned in rewards. The remaining 2% is split between the county, town, state, and other entities. A location with 30 machines in play grosses about $1.2 million dollars per month. The council voted and passed approval to change the ordinance language. It will take three successful readings of the new ordinance to be fully passed. 

Town engineer Anthony Barnett presented a draft copy of the notice to proceed with the water silo painting project. The council voted and passed approval for the project to start. Also, Barnett said the pre-bid event happened for the water project, with four contractors showing up. Barnett will present his recommendation and their numbers soon. 

Chief of Police Pat Cornwell reported about their new eForce system that officers and deputies are using for their reporting. Cornwell said that they next want to upgrade their system so the officers can run driver’s licenses themselves. They plan on seeking out grant money to do this. Cornwell added that he wants Town Hall and Municipal Court incorporated into the system so that all various entities are harmonious. 

Assistant to Mayor Fred Crosby noted to the council that Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle celebrated his 45 years of service working in the Town that day.

Under administration, Crosby said the town’s Spring Clean-Up event will be May 16-21. 

Council member Dusty Lewis updated the council on the Roundtop/T-Hill trails connector that had been approved by the County Commissioners. Also, in the work on developing the Roundtop, trail builders have removed almost all the big rocks along the way.

The trail is a 6% grade path that loops around the hills with only a few switchbacks. The connecting trail between T-Hill and Roundtop should be done by the fall. Overall, the connecting trails total about six miles in distance.