Mayor provides update regarding status of officer

At the May 21 Thermopolis Town Council meeting, at the end of the meeting, an executive session was held to update the Council on Sgt. Mike Mascorro’s current POST investigation.

Following the meeting, Mayor Adam Estenson stated, “The investigation has been completed by POST and is now with the State Attorney General’s office. The AG will determine if this rises to a level of an administrative hearing. I am told that the process is very slow and we could be looking from six months to another year.”

During citizen participation, Meri Ann Dorman presented three requests including Main Street Thermopolis’ Brewfest, a Malt Beverage Permit for June 1; Pageant Day Parade, street closure for the usual parade pathway that includes turning around at the stoplight and an Indian dance at the flagpole on August 3 and for Moonlight Madness, street closure in front of Town Hall for October 24. The council voted and passed the approval for each request separately. 

Mayor Estenson and the council held a public hearing for Julie Mathews’ Home Occupation Application for a Transfer/Buy/Sale of firearms. No public comments were given. The council voted and passed the approval of the application. 

They also held a public hearing for a Budget Amendment Hearing and Resolution that included unanticipated costs related to the transfer station location and landfill closure costs. No public comments were given. The council voted and passed the approval of the budget amendment.

Mayor Estenson swore in the new Thermopolis Police Officer Chase W. Workman. Chief of Police Pat Cornwell said, “Workman hails from Portsmouth, OH, where he was a five-year deputy sheriff with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office. He is also a US Military Veteran, having served in the US Army in the rank of First Lieutenant as Tank Commander. In his off-time, Workman enjoys Jiujitsu, powerlifting and spending time with his wife, Brook Workman.”

Town Engineer Anthony Barnett reported “good news” regarding the landfill closure permits due to new staff at the DEQ. According to Barnett, the previous staff had not been in agreement with the town for the past 12-15 years, but now there might be a “smoother process.” The town’s application deadline is on June 30/July 1.

Assistant to the Mayor Jim Jeunehomme presented the annual report for the Hot Springs County Rural Water Joint Powers Board. Jeunehomme and the council also discussed the WAM Resolution and Ordinances for the upcoming WAM meeting. Council member Rachel Hughes will attend representing Thermopolis and the council advised her to vote “yes on all” of the items. 

Town Clerk/Treasurer Tracey Van Heule presented the Town of Thermopolis 2024-2025 Budget, first draft. Areas Van Heule and council discussed included water plant upgrades, pump stations, painting a water tower, contingency funds, transfer station project, garbage trucks, landfill. The council voted and passed the approval of the first draft of the budget.

Mayor Estenson announced that they have plans for revitalizing the town parks, particularly the Family Park where they would resurface the basketball court and have a covered picnic table. Additionally, Estenson discussed plans to improve Candy Jack Park in “the vein of previous Mayor Karl Allen.” 

Mayor Estenson and the council discussed a proposal to hold workshop discussions prior to town council meetings, where they can create subcommittees for various issues. They plan on working on zoning and nuisance issues as well. July 2 will be their first workshop at 6 p.m.