Talks with DEQ on extension of landfill permit

At the November Thermopolis Town Council meeting, during citizen participation the council voted and passed the approval of the catering permit for OEB Saloon for the Ducks Unlimited event at the Fairgrounds on December 3. 

James Seckman of CPA Firm Seckman & Thomas in Powell provided the Town’s results from the June 30, 2022 audit. Seckman reported that the general fund and its cash reserves and enterprise funds are “great,” “healthy” and in “good shape.” Regarding the assessment of the town’s utility rates, Seckman said “This town is very healthy.” Mayor Mike Chimenti and the Council recognized Town Clerk/Treasurer Tracey Van Heule for her contribution to the financial management. 

Council member Dusty Lewis asked about the town’s rates and if they were reasonable. Seckman answered by discussing that the depreciation targets are met and that the town is building cash reserves. Essentially, the town needs enough reserves to potentially replace its properties in the future. Seckman added, “But things are good here. I can promise you that things are good here. Your financial numbers are really great. And you can tell that that didn’t happen overnight. Takes years to develop that.”

The council voted and passed the approval to accept the audit. 

Kristen Gunther from Lander’s OtterSpace presented herself to the council to introduce the subject of installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. There was no action to be taken, but Gunther asked for their support. Gunther recently talked to Chamber of Commerce CEO Meri Ann and Mayor Mike Chimenti about the possibility of installing EV stations.

One possible location that is on Hot Springs State Park grounds is the Chamber of Commerce. Another location might be near the Bicentennial Park in the downtown area. There are two types of charging stations. One is a fast charger that allows an EV to be fully charged in 15-20 minutes. The other is a Level 2 charger that takes three to eight hours for the EV to be fully charged. 

Town engineer Anthony Barnett reported about the water project and said that all of Peppermint Street was paved. Barnett said, “There will be some warranty work on some of the asphalt and concrete in the spring and sprinkler that Councilman Larson was approached about. But at least everybody does have a street for the winter and they’ll be back to pull concrete blankets in the next couple of days.

Barnett continued and said, “The other big thing that we have going is the second landfill monitoring well sampling on the monitoring wells and we have to have that done by the end of the month. And finally got both sample bottles from the lab after several problems. We should get that in by the end of the month and need to look at and address the last cell in the landfill. Barnett added that the DEQ had been talking to Heath Overfield about the extension of the landfill permit and that there is still some landfill space available. 

Assistant to Mayor Fred Crosby approached the council about the second employment position at the landfill that has been open for several months and said, “I would like to ask you to look seriously at, possibly, another cost-of-living increase on wages so we can be a little more competitive because we’re having trouble getting people to apply.”

Crosby said that they are starting the wages at $19 per hour and that they still have several openings for town positions. 

Town attorney Marshall Keller brought up to the council the matter of lead pipes and the new federal EPA rules that will take effect in 2024. Keller said that they would need to change the town code to reflect the rules. These rules would prevent the town from hooking up into their lines if the property has lead pipes. After discussion, the council voted and passed approval to have an emergency ordinance because of the health and welfare of the public. 

Under administration, Crosby said that he is still working with the insurance consultant Brad Johnson and will get numbers at the next meeting. Crosby also brought up a new five-year contract with Range Internet that would provide even faster connections at a $10 per month less cost than what they already have. There is also a $100 penalty if they cancel the contract early. The council voted and passed the approval of the new contract. 

Julia Schleusner advised the council of a fundraiser for The Pit Gym that will include a 5K run/walk with through the stoplight. This would include a permit for either December 3 or December 10. The plans are still in the works.