Town discusses documenting lead pipes

At the December 17 Thermopolis Town Council meeting, Town Clerk/Treasurer Tracey Van Huele presented Budget Resolution 582 to account for additional revenue or expenditures that were not planned for. The council voted and passed the approval of the budget resolution.

During citizen participation, the council voted and passed the approval of Goose’s 24 hour alcoholic beverage permit for the Thermopolis PRCA Rodeo on December 31 at the fairgrounds.

Mayor Adam Estenson held a public hearing for Sean B. Kaplan’s home occupation application for buying, selling, and transferring of firearms. No public comments were given. The council voted and passed the approval of the home occupation application. 

Town Engineer Anthony Barnett and Assistant to the Mayor Jim Jeunehomme held a discussion with the mayor and council about the SRF LSL Application and the current survey for documenting lead pipes in the town. The expressed concerns about the rules of the different process not being defined even though some funding is available now and the funding may or may not be replenished later. There is a federal mandate starting in 2027 and must be completed by 2037 that the town will have to be compliant with. Also discussed were the possible issues of property owners who may not be willing to participate with the processes. In conclusion of the discussion, the town is seeking clarification of the rules, working to complete the serviceline inventory, and will submit an intended use plan application to be eligible for future funding.Barnett also presents a change order for the recent chip seal project for $5,553. Barnett said that the contractor met all the requirements for the project. The council voted and passed the approval of the change order.

Jeunehomme also updated the mayor and council that the new flagpole has been delayed due to weather issues.

The council voted and passed the approval to sign a service agreement with Merchant McIntyre & Associates LLC to receive their services to help find grant funding. Mayor Estenson added that they probably will need to create a memorandum of understanding with the newly formed Senior Citizens Center Special District for defining who pays for what in the portions of the agreements.

Mayor Estenson read a proclamation in honor of council member and former mayor William Malloy recognizing him for his service to the community. The mayor also presented a plaque for Malloy.