Town prepares for spring construction

The first of three phases of the Powder River Water Project, the project that is the final large aspect of the total municipal infrastructure replacement in Moorcroft, is due to start within the next couple of months and the preconstruction meeting will be held on March 17, HDR Engineering’s Heath Turbiville told the Moorcroft Town Council Monday.

Point West Bank, holder of the original loan for the lagoon project will provide the extra $100,000 design and engineering funding that they had previously rejected. These moneys will be reimbursed to the town from USDA.

The second set of bids that came in for the lagoon job is still higher than the government allotted funds so the council has requested the difference be met by the USDA; facilitator HDR is waiting for the agency’s response.

Squirrel Brigade

Secret Squirrel Brigade advisor Andrea Wood stood before the governing body a Monday’s meeting to discuss the next move in bringing together a comprehensive illustration of Noonan Park with a splash pad and new restrooms. The kids will attend the next council meeting to further talk about the situation with the council.

The brigade, with permission granted by the body, also plans to create a mural or mosaic in the “courtyard” of the MTC soon.

Police

The police department is still seeking more applicants for the position of officer and will advertise again to add to the current four potentials and an interview committee will be put in place.

MTC

Rocky Mountain Food Pantry is coming to the MTC on the second Thursday of each month to help feed those within the community who have difficulty ensuring their families have enough food to reach the next payday. They are also fixing the walk-in refrigerator.

The feasibility grant application has been submitted to SLIB to examine the future business opportunities possible for the MTC and what is entailed for the center to reach those goals.

Attorney

Mayor Dick Claar had been approached with the issue of ADA accessible sidewalks down town and he subsequently asked the question of responsibility of town attorney Jim Peck. Peck answered, “If it’s on a state highway, it should be the state highway department, [but] if it’s your sidewalk, it’s your responsibility.”

This project can and will be funded by Moorcroft’s remaining third specific tax money.