Flag pole installation update

At the January 7 Thermopolis Town Council meeting held at Town Hall, Mayor Adam Estenson swore in newly elected Council Member Tony Larson. 

Assistant to the Mayor Jim Jeunehomme updated the council on the flagpole installation which is tentatively scheduled for sometime in January, weather permitting.

During the codes discussion, Jeunehomme reported that the town’s property insurance renewal was in and showed an increase. This was due to additional equipment items being added to their policy’s coverage. The new items included a loader, the street sweeper, the hot box, a four wheeler and others. When comparing year to year, the increase appears to be 16% because of the additions. However, when using a straight comparison, the increase is actually 5%.

The council voted and passed the approval to sign the property insurance renewal.

During the Mayor and Council discussion, Mayor Estenson said that he and Jeunehomme had their launch meeting with Merchant & McIntyre where they were introduced to their team. Estenson said they plan on having biweekly meetings as they search for funding. The mayor said his top priorities to find funding are for the surface transportation of 14th Street and Canyon Hills Road. 

Council Member John Dorman Senior asked, “Where are we with the transfer station?”

Town Engineer Anthony Barnett replied, “We think we have everything worked out with WYDOT” However, he said that WYDOT was closed over the holidays and they are waiting to hear back. He added, “The county is on board. WYDOT seemed on board.”

Council Member Rachel Hughes asked, “Whatever happened with that offer from the citizen that offered up their land?”

Mayor Estenson replied, “So, that was not a sincere offer is the kindest way to put it. It also was not a feasible site…There’s really nowhere on the parcel of land that you’d be able to put it. Plus, you’d be going through residential, platted residential and a potential subdivision to get there. And again, utilities aren’t really available.”

Council Member Hughes also discussed several items. They included a proposal from John Newkirk for a project at the former county airport and golf course. Jeunehomme replied that Newkirk’s offer was “not reasonable” but added that the golf course could gain from the proposal.  

Council Member Hughes also addressednuisance yards payments and crews who perform cleanups. Jeunehomme explained that they receive bids from an unofficial list of those who can do the jobs. Hughes expressed concerns about where costs go and cited the example of a recently flipped property.

Council Member discussed the recent community survey with Jeunehomme and wondered about adding to their work sessions some of the items from the survey.