Jerry Williams named municipal court judge

At the first February Thermopolis Town Council meeting, the council voted and passed the approval to appoint Jerry Williams as the official Municipal Court Judge. Williams had been acting as a temporary judge since the passing of Judge Ron Jurovich.

During citizen participation, Meri Ann Dorman, representing Main Street Thermopolis, requested street closure and the use of the Old Fire Hall for Brewfest on June 7. The event will occur from 4-8 p.m. Setup will be at noon and the street closure will complete at 10 p.m. The council voted and passed the approval to the request.

Dorman, representing the Chamber of Commerce, invited one of the council’s members to join their meetings to represent for the town on a quarterly basis. Former council member Bill Malloy used to fulfill this role and activity. 

Director of Public Works Basil Sorensen discussed the recent water main break on Circle Drive and its repair.

He also reported that the driver of a UPS truck recently ran over a fire hydrant, causing it to break away. The fire department was notified and UPS will pay for the damage. Sorensen said no one is in jeopardy as there are two other fire hydrants in the same block area.

Town Engineer Anthony Barnett reported that WYDOT has granted the town’s use of their property for the roadway to the transfer station. Additionally, on May 6 there will be a webinar for training in a transfer station’s operation and maintenance. The town staff will look into it and the council potentially will participate. 

Mayor Adam Estenson also discussed the matter of green waste, including food and other items for the purposes of landfill composting. He is looking into the pros and cons of this composting.

Town Attorney Marshall Keller presented the Second Reading of the Ordinance Amending the 24 hour Alcohol Beverage Application and Sales. The council voted and passed the approval of the amended ordinance in its second reading. 

After an executive season, Mayor Estenson said that the town has talked to law firm Pence and MacMillan from Laramie to have a letter of engagement with them. The town and the firm will review town policies and the police department policies and procedures to update them and have the policies work better together.