Town makes brief statement regarding officer involved shooting

At the September 17 Thermopolis Town Council meeting held at Town Hall, Mayor Adam Estenson and the council went into executive session to discuss a report from Police Chief Pat Cornwell regarding the recent officer involved shooting.

Upon their return to the regular session, Mayor Estenson said, “I will briefly talk about what was chief’s report. We gave the council an opportunity to ask questions about the officer involved shooting, which is still under investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). So, we will not be discussing that or disclosing anything on that, it’s in DCI’s hands. They’ll do their investigation and we’ll proceed from there.”

Mayor Estenson added, “I am going to make a statement on that matter myself. To say that I am deeply saddened seems shallow. It doesn’t hold the weight of how I feel about what happened on the 9th of September. The loss of life is tragic, and I know that the events were traumatic for many people. My heart goes out to everyone affected. I ask everyone to just pray for our community in whatever way they see fit. Just imagine what tomorrow would look like if everybody tonight fell on their knees and prayed for our community. So let’s lift this community up in your hearts. I ask that we pray for those who’ve lost their lives, pray for our emergency responders, pray for your community leaders and elected officials, but most importantly, let’s pray for one another. So that’s what I have to say on that.”

During citizen participation, Tonya Petty spoke and said, “I’ll actually start with a question. Do you, Mayor Adam, need some assistance in finding some additional training for deescalating situations and also basic gun safety for our police officers? It has been 17 months since the first officer involved shooting death, and we, as concerned citizens, have not seen a significant change to anything the police department is doing. In fact, we’ve actually seen more incidents which need leadership and additional training for the officers we do have on duty, such as an officer’s negligent discharge of a firearm. Where are the updated policies and procedures for the police department? How about instead of just sitting on your hands like you have done for the past 17 months, you get proactive and start leading? Since you are in a leadership position, we as voters maybe we need to think about replacing you and actually find a leader.”

Mayor Estenson replied, “Since that statement is directly at me, I will make somewhat of a statement back to that. You can’t see everything that’s going on. In two years, people will have a vote. It’s just as simple as that.”

Also during citizen participation, Debra Davenport returned to discuss new developments concerning the 117 Fremont property. Davenport said on March 19 the town found the property to be in violation of several town ordinances and that an abatement was set for April 15 but did not happen until April 23. According to Davenport, she said, “The renter began moving numerous vehicles to other locations in the county, but kept a dump truck, which he loaded with numerous old tires and 21 lawnmowers, which remains parked on the city right of way in front of his house.”

Davenport added, “As of today, the renter has brought all the junk and vehicles back to the property with the addition of even more vehicles and a circus tent to hide more junk. There is old rotten lumber and gallons of old oil now stored between my shed and his. If this should spill, it becomes an EPA issue. To the voters and to the neighboring property owners, are you ready to explain to the EPA also why this renter is allowed to continue to violate town ordinances and the law? He has no license to operate a vehicle storage or disposal facility, and if he did, WYDOT explicitly states such a license shall not be issued in an area with residential zoning.” 

Davenport continued and said, “Recently, an article in The Independent Record told the story about Jim Mathewson meeting a man who is considering locating his business here. But after driving around the neighborhood, he decided against it. He told Jim there is no pride of place here, and the town obviously has no zoning rules or a compliance officer. I grew up in this town and find it disheartening that visitors find our town undesirable for businesses or residents because of some people who are allowed to violate town ordinances and show no pride in their properties. Sadly, we do have a code officer here. Is she being told by the council which property shall be cited and which should be ignored? An attitude of live and let live fosters the kind of place where visitors are not likely to return.”

Mayor Adam Estenson replied to Davenport that they would readdress the issue and set up a meeting with her again.

Next, Jennifer Paris spoke about how she and her husband who own property in the Old Creek Hill Road area and intend to put a home there because of the view of the Wind River Canyon as being “spectacular”. Paris expressed concern about the proposed site for the new transfer station as being an “eyesore” and she “decided it was time to make my feelings known” as she wanted to be involved in the decision-making process.

Mayor Estenson replied, “There will be much more information coming on that as well.”

After the meeting, Mayor Estenson reported on Paris’ concerns and said “The transfer station location does not block the view of the Wind River Canyon…The land in front of the concerned citizen’s property is a triangle-shaped land belonging to WYDOT and the proposed site is closer up towards the hill.”

In other business, accountant James Seckman of Seckman & Thomas of Powell provided the results of their 2024 audit of the Town. During his report and discussion, Seckman said that their accounts were “very healthy” as their amount of months of reserves exceeded the typical amounts in other municipalities. He added that the town has “very little debt”. However, Seckman noted one concern as a “wildcard” which was the closure of the landfill and its financial unpredictability, which might cause the town to do a rate increase for its sanitation fund. 

Town Engineer Anthony Barnett reported that the chip seal project was being pushed to the next week due to weather concerns.

Director of Public Works Basil Sorensen reported that they have been street sweeping in preparation for the chip seal project.

The council voted and passed the approval for the mayor to sign a letter of support for the Hot Springs County Commissioners Community Development Block Grant Application. This involves two properties, which are Common Ground for some remodeling and for 518 Arapahoe for its demolition. 

Mayor Estenson reported that they are making an insurance claim for the town square’s flagpole, which was damaged by a wind event on September 9. According to the mayor, the weather services have officially declared the event for insurance purposes. This damage prevented them from lowering the flag in recognition of September 11. They received assistance from the fire department, which is the only entity that can reach the top of the flagpole.

The pole is bent and has broken welds. Mayor Esenson is seeking to replace the pole and the new pole will be shorter by about 15 to 20 feet due to the availability of poles and costs, and for the ability to service it when needed. However, Mayor Estenson said if he has his way the flag size will remain. 

Council member Rachel Hughes recognized local servicemen who are currently serving in the Middle East. including Dylan Todd, Talen Steinmetz, Clint Stawser, and Brad Becerra.