Update on town water project, pump motor

At the October 4 Thermopolis Town Council meeting, Chamber of Commerce CEO Meri Ann Rush presented a request for the Moonlight Madness event on October 27. Rush wanted to have access to the front of the old fire hall for the use of photos of the kids participating in the event. The event will be done by 9 p.m. The council voted and passed the approval of the request.

Town engineer Anthony Barnett reported that the water project was just short of a half million dollars of work done that month, with three crews working on nearly all of Richard Street, Eighth Street, Clark, and Fremont. They all have been paced. Barnett said they will do some patching here and there as well, which will have higher quantities and costs involved. Barnett also said that residences are back online with higher pressured water. The council voted and passed the approval of Mayor Mike Chimenti’s signature to be placed on the pay estimate.

Director of Public Works Ernie Slagle held a discussion with the council about a motor that died for one of the pumps at the water plant. The motor was replaced, but there was a discussion about ordering more parts ahead of the next budget session to get ahead of the timeline as there are supply chain issues and delays in stock availability. It takes about a year before a part becomes available. 

Assistant to the Mayor Fred Crosby reported that he met with the property insurance agent about their renewal and that they don’t anticipate much change. However, due to inflation and costs rising, they may increase their coverage. The total of all the town’s properties is about $25 million. 

Crosby also reported that he, Heath Overfield, Anthony Barnett, and Ernie Slagle had a Zoom meeting with WYDOT regarding the Broadway Bridge replacement. WYDOT representative indicated they will do an inspection of the bridge to see what needs there are. The project work will occur in 2024-25. Crosby added, “It’s an absolute gift. We are grateful for it.”

Additionally, Crosby reported that some sewer pump drives have failed. Slagle added that these have been at the main lift station for 14 years and at the State Park for 16 years. They also don’t make parts for these anymore and they would need to dig into a junkyard to find parts. Slagle and Crosby discussed they will get the main lift station pump fixed with new parts and also order additional ones too. It will take about 26 weeks for the parts to arrive and cost will be about $70,000.