Council hears from citizens on issues with construction

At the September 20 Thermopolis Town Council meeting, concerned citizen Gene Boehmke brought up his issues with the construction work being done on Richard’s Street, specifically between 7th and 8th Streets. Boehmke said that he had no issues with the construction crew but was specifically upset with the Town of Thermopolis for not notifying himself and his neighbors that there would be an activity that affected them, such as not having water for a period of time. Boehmke requested that there would be some notice ahead of time in the future for other town projects. Mayor Mike Chimenti thanked Boehmke for notifying them of the issue and that new action would be taken by giving prior notice to work.

Barb Heinz of Merlin’s Hide Out brought up her concerns about the construction on Richard’s Street in front of her business. After some discussion with the council and town engineer Anthony Barnett, they addressed her issues.

Town engineer Anthony Barnett reported that he, assistant to the Mayor Fred Crosby, and Director of Public Works Ernie Slagel will meet with WYDOT on a Zoom call regarding the Broadway Bridge and discuss its repairs. Barnett added that the bridge doesn’t look like it needs a total replacement.

Barnett also reported regarding the water project, with the exception of “a few snags,” is going well, and they were preparing to pave the streets where the work was done. 

The council voted and approved the catering permit for the OEB Saloon at the Chamber of Commerce Banquet located at the Fair Building on October 1.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Meri Ann Rush made a request for street closure for their Moonlight Madness event on October 27 from 5:30 p.m. until around 9 p.m. The area closed would be in front of the Town Hall. Rush reported that for last year’s event there were 250 Halloween grab bags. This year they are preparing 300 due to the increased interest. Funding for the event is coming from a grant by the Wyoming Children Trust Fund. Rush also asked for permission to have their Christmas Lighted Parade on Saturday, December 10, at 6 p.m. The council voted and passed the approval for both requests. 

Representatives from the Thermopolis Golf Course Board, including Kevin Simpson, informed the town council that the motor to the pump that provides all water for their sprinkler system has died and needs to be replaced. The motor is about 50 years old. They proposed getting a new motor that is more energy efficient. The dead motor was causing them to pay a high electric bill of about $22,000. The new motor costs about $11,000 and would take about 3-4 days to arrive from being in stock in California and Jadeco would install it. 

Mayor Mike Chimenti asked Simpson what does he want from the town council. Simpson replied that they could cover the costs by using a 50%-50% split. Council member Tony Larson asked town clerk/treasure Tracey Van Heule if a budget adjustment could be made and that he made the motion to give the golf board $10,000 to help with the matter. Van Heule said they have the money to help. The council voted and passed the approval to give the $10,000 to fund the new motor.

Council member Dusty Lewis asked the representatives of the golf board for their help to paint in their golf course parking lot symbols or directions to assist with the trail guidance for the connection of T-Hill and Roundtop Hill.