Town Council

Town of Moorcroft

Regular Meeting of the Council

Wednesday, April 12th, 2023

Town Council Present: Mayor Ben Glenn, Councilmembers Dale Petersen, Austin Smith, Bob Stewart and Heidi Humpal.

Town Representatives Present: Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Schneider, Police Chief Bill Bryant, Attorney Pat Carpenter, Public Works Director Cory Allison and HDR Engineer Heath Turbiville

Mayor Glenn called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. Roll call was taken with all present.

Councilmember Petersen motioned to approve the March 8th meeting minutes and April Bill List 1. Discussion was had and questions were answered. Councilmember Stewart seconded the motion. All ayes, motion carried. Councilmember Petersen motioned to approve April Bill 2 and Councilmember Stewart seconded. Councilmember Smith abstained due to conflict of interest. All ayes, motion carried.

Neal Gray, County Junkin representative, was present to request the closure of South ½ block of 200 Big Horn Avenue between Texas Trails Museum and Gifts, Thrifts, & ifts for a garage sale on June 2nd and 3rd from 7 am until 5 pm. for the Annual Country Junkin Days. Councilmember Stewart motioned to approve the request and Councilmember Humpal seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Anita Irving, Moorcroft resident, was present to discuss the water rates and the base rate for the gallon allowance for each customer. Councilmember Petersen stated this allowance was put into place several years ago to allow residents to keep their lawns watered. He explained the rates are set by the cost to operate, including the loans involved. These are enterprise accounts and statutorily must pay for themselves.

Travis Arney, Rage Baseball representative, was present to discuss his proposal for using the Town’s upper ballfield at Westview Park. He stated there would be no expense to the town for the use and they would be willing to repair the field and pay a lease if needed. Discussion was had and Attorney Carpenter suggested he put together a lease agreement for what he is requesting and he and the Council would look at the lease prior to approving. The council requested a workshop to be scheduled on Thursday, April 27th at 6:00 pm to further discuss.

Elaine Buckmiller, Chamber of Commerce, was present to discuss the annual clean up days. She stated she is working with the school to finalize the schedule. The date is set for May 11th. Councilmember Humpal motioned to approve the use of the landfill for the clean up days and Councilmember Smith seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Clerk Schneider stated that Dusty Petz, Moorcroft High School, had called and asked if the Town could add additional time to the current lease for gym usage during the time the high school’s gym is having some improvements. He requested to have the use of the MTC gym for the month of June, July and from August 14-September 14, 2023 at the current rate they are now paying in the current lease. Councilmember Humpal motioned to add the additional months to the current lease and the current rate and Councilmember Smith seconded. All ayes, motion carried. Clerk Schneider reminded Council of the Summer Wam in Cody June 7th through June 9th, 2023 and a voting delegate is needed. Councilmember Petersen motioned to designate Mayor Glenn as the voting delegate and Councilmember Humpal seconded. All ayes, motion carried. Clerk Schneider stated the ambulance bank account at the Pinnacle Bank under the Town’s EIN number that was previously discussed at the last meeting needs to have a Council vote to close the account. Councilmember Petersen motioned to close the account and to transfer the funds into the current working ambulance budget and Councilmember Smith seconded. All ayes, motion carried. Clerk Schneider stated there was discussion at the leadership training on increasing the threshold of what could be purchased without having prior council approval and if the Council wished to make the motion to make that change. Councilmember Petersen motion increase the threshold from $1,000 to $2,000 and Councilmember Smith seconded. All ayes, motion carried. Clerk Schneider discussed setting up dates the Council would be available for a budget workshop. There will be a workshop on April 19th at 5:00 pm and on April 27th at 6:00 pm. Clerk Schneider read a Proclamation for the 54th ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK APRIL 30TH-MAY 6TH, 2023. Mayor Glenn recognized the week of April 30th through May 6th, 2023 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week and further extended appreciation to Professional Municipal Clerks Cheryl Schneider, Jodi Clark and Jesse Connally. Clerk Schneider provided the treasurer’s report.

Director Cory Allison updated the council on the public works department. He discussed the need to purchase a crack filling machine. He provided the council with information from Team Lab outlining the products. He stated the costs would run about $10,000 including the machine and he suggested taking it out of the GL line account that was designated for the paint striping machine. He stated his department could move forward the restriping by hand and save money to purchase this machine as it is needed. Cory and Heath will look into the materials and product. Councilmember Petersen motioned to approve contingent on inform from Cory and Heath’s approval and Councilmember Smith seconded. All ayes, motion carried. Cory stated there is an issue on Railroad Street and S. Cheyenne with a large pothole where the concrete is raised and citizens are at risk damaging their vehicles. Council requested three quotes for the repair and to bring back to the next meeting. Discussion was had on upcoming projects and Councilmember Petersen asks Cory to have a priority list for those projects.

Mayor Glenn read Chief Bryant’s report. Chief Bryant has recommended Trayton Dawson for the police officer position. Council member Petersen motioned to hire Trayton Dawson as a full time police officer at the rate of $23.00 per hour beginning May 1st and Councilmember Humpal seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Heath Turbiville updated the council on town projects. He stated he and Clerk Schneider had been working on the statement of intent for the upcoming TAP bike path grant application. Discussion was had on what areas and Council stated they would like to see from Noonan Park to Robinson Park. He stated there is now $1,000,000 available to apply for with a 9.51% grant match if the town wishes to apply for that amount. Councilmember Petersen motioned to approve to apply for the $1,000,000 for the TAP grant with the grant match of $106,000 to be taken from specific purpose tax account and Councilmember Smith seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Discussion was had on the Cease and Transfer program. Resolution 6-2023 was presented. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO THE STATE LOAN AND INVESTMENT BOARD FOR A LOAN AND/OR GRANT THROUGH THE STATE MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE FACILITIES CEASE AND TRANSFER PROGRAM ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNING BODY FOR THE TOWN OF MOORCROFT FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE CLOSURE OF THE MOORCROFT LANDFILL #3 THROUGH THE MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE FACILITIES CEASE AND TRANSFER PROGRAM.

Councilmember Smith motioned to approve Resolution 6-2023 and Councilmember Stewart seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Brad McGee, K.A.R.E/Ambulance updated the council on the volunteer ambulance department. He thanked everyone involved with help on updating the department and thanked the volunteer fire department for the volunteer dinner.

Dan Swaney, Moorcroft Fire Chief, updated the Council on the volunteer fire department and upcoming trainings. He stated that both televisions used for training are not functioning and it was recommended to replace them. Clerk Schneider will move forward with ordering replacement televisions. Discussion was had on the ladder truck.

Clerk Schneider discussed the MTC leases that are due for renewal. Councilmember Smith motioned to approve the lease to Bearlodge Rehabilitation Therapy as presented and Councilmember Humpal seconded. All ayes, motion carried. Discussion was had on the room that is occupied part time by Eastern Wyoming College. Mayor Glenn stated that he and the clerk’s office have been contacted about a couple of entities that would like to find space to rent. The council discussed that due to the inconsistency of the current space’s use and the potential for income in that particular location to notify Eastern Wyoming College that the town is going to move forward to making the current space available to rent. Councilmember Petersen motioned to notify Eastern Wyoming College to vacant the room by June 1st and Councilmember Smith seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Discussion was had on the Council moving back to having two meetings a month. Councilmember Stewart asked if he would be excused if he is missing some of the second meetings due to work and Attorney Carpenter stated he would be excused. Clerk Schneider read into record on 1st reading Ordinance 1-2023, Title 1, Cahpter 1, Section 1-305;

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1-305 OF CHAPTER 1, TITLE 1 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF MOORCROFT, WYOMING, 1979 TO SET REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE GOVERNING BODY AT 7:00 P.M. ON THE SECOND AND FOURTH WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH OR IF THE REGULAR MEETING IS A LEGAL HOLIDAY THEN AT 7:00 P.M. ON THE NEXT FOLLOWING BUSINESS DAY WHICH IS NOT A LEGAL HOLIDAY; ESTABLISH THAT MEETINGS OF THE GOVERNING BODY SHALL BE HELD IN THE TOWN’S ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES UNLESS OTHERWISE DETERMINED; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Councilmember Smith motioned to approve 1st reading of Ordinance 1-2023 and Councilmember Humpal seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Discussion was had on the funding to move Town Hall to the Moorcroft Town Center. Clerk Schneider will look at some options. Mayor Glenn discussed with Nancy Feehan, Starfish representative, to begin the process of downsizing Starfish. Council would like to see the Starfish downsized down to one room.

Councilmember Petersen motioned to move into Executive Session at 9:58 pm to discuss personnel and Councilmember Smith seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

The regular meeting of the council reconvened at 10:42 p.m. No action was taken. With no further business to discuss, Councilmember Petersen motioned to adjourn at 10:42 pm and Councilmember Smith seconded. All ayes, motion carried.

Ben Glenn, Mayor

ATTEST:

Cheryl Schneider, Clerk/Treasurer

APRIL 2023 BILL LIST #1

307 BUBBLES-PD&PW, $85.22; ACTION LOCK & KEY-FH-DOOR LOCK, $219.99; ADVANCE AUTO; GREASE & JUMPER CABLES, $147.57; AFLAC-EMPLOYEE PAID INS, $1,034.68; ARROW PRINTING-PURCHASE ORDERS, $228.00; AT&T, PD&PW, $295.52; BLAKEMAN PROPANE-PROPANE, $17.36; BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHEILD-EMPLOYEE HEALTH INS, $15,988.00; BRYANT, BILL-REIMBURSEMENT-ENGINE CHARGER, $136.49; CDS SUPPLIES-MTC, SHOP, PD AMB&CODY TIRES, $4,221.82; CAMPBELL COUNTY HEALTH-CARD-DOROTHY BARON, $18.00; CASEY TENKE TRUCKING-COAL DELIVERY, $1, 048.48; CITY OF GILLETTE-BASE CHARGE-APRIL, $93.50; COFFEE CUP FUEL STOP-FUEL-LF, PW, EMS, WAT, WW, MTC&ST&ALLY, $2,191.90; COLLINS COMMUNICATIONS-ALARM MONITORING, $41.00; CONNALLY, JESSE, CLEANING CONTRACT, $600.00; CONTRACTORS SUPPLY, WATER PARTS & LAGOON REPAIRS, $249.74; CROOK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE-DISPATCH, $1, 900.00; DIEHLS-MTC CLEANER & RUG DOCTOR-TH, $106.23; DELTA DENTAL, DENTAL INS-EMPLOYEE, $1,047.00; DXP-SAFETY REPAIR COMPRESSOR, $1, 122.93; ENERGY LABS-WATER & SEWER TESTING, $624.00; FIRESTEEL WELL SERVICES-J-BASE TO LAGOON & SHOP, $445.50; GOOD ELECTRIC-TIMER & INSTALLATION, LIGHT POLE-FRONT OF TH, $687.42; GREAT WEST-DEFERRED COMP($300 CARRYOVER), $930.00; HARRIS-UTILITY BILLS CARD STOCK, $354.24; HAWKINS-CHEMICALS, $100.00; HDR ENGINEERING-TAP GRANT(REIMBURSEABLE)HOURLY, $2721.08, $15,127.95; IRS-3/1/23, 3/15/23&3/29/23, $17,229.17; LIFE ASSIST-MEDICAL SUPPLIES, $2,231.32; LINCOLN FINANCIAL-EMPLOYEE LIFE INS, $33.75; MARCO-POLICE COPIER, $88.20; MENARDS SUPPLIES-TOTES, $184.72; NORCO-OXYGEN, CLEANING AND TANK RENTAL, $724.56; ONE-CALL OF WYOMING-LOCATES-MARCH, $9.00; PAYROLL-3/1/23, 3/15/23&3/29/23, $54, 767.36; PETTY CASH-UTILITY BILLS, POSTAGE-CLERKS, $350.10; POWDER RIVER ENERGY-ELECTRICITY, $11,003.63; PURVIS-BRENNAN INDUSTRIES, $43.74; QUILL-OFFICE SUPPLIES, $157.56; RANGE-PHONE CHARGES, $397.15; SINCLAIR/WEX-PD GAS-MARCH&APRIL, $1, 470.35; SUMMIT FIRE PROTECTION-FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, $1,467.00; SUNDANCE LAW-GENERAL LEGAL FEES, $1,775.87; SUNDANCE TIMES-ADVERTISING, $448.50; TEAM LAB-AQUASTAR SHIPPING CHARGES & ICE MELT, $1,376.50; TIME EQUIPMENT-CUTTING EDGE, $558.47; TOP OFFICE PRODUCTS-COPIES-CLERK, $88.40; VAN HORN, KRISTY-MTC CLEANING, $1,100.00; VISA-OFFICE SUPPLIES, WAMCAT, MEALS, $1,715.26; VSP-VISION INS, $150.83; WALMART-SUPPLIES, $78.45; WESTERN WASTE-MARCH COLLECTION, $15, 170.00; WOLF MOUNTAIN COAL-COAL, $5, 388.21; WYODOT-CITATIONS, $44.29; WYOMING NETWORK-WEBSITE DESIGN AND UPDATES, $25.00; WYOMING RURAL WATER-GREEN & ELLIOTT WATER CONFERENCE, $790.00; WYOMING WATER SOLUTIONS-WATER, $14.90.

“$167,944.83”

APRIL 2023 BILL LIST #2

K.A.R.E.-CONSULTING CONTRACT-AMBULANCE, $2,700.00

Publish: April 20, 2023