September 20, 2022
Town of Guernsey
Regular Meeting
Platte County, Wyoming
PRESENT: Mayor Paustian, CM Delgado, CM Harris, CM Kelley. Absent: CM Augustyn.
STAFF: Chuck Porter, Lester Ballard, Shenna Thomas, Pam Hebbert.
REGISTERING GUESTS: Shawna Reichert, Troy Reichert, Penny Wells, Rose Martinez, Stacia Cook, Pat Russell, Joe Michaels, David K. Pritchett, Scott Chapman.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Paustian called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
AGENDA: CM Kelley moved to approve the agenda. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried.
MINUTES: CM Harris moved to approve the minutes for the September 6, 2022, meeting. CM Kelley seconded. The motion carried.
CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS: Mayor Paustian presented the vouchers for approval. CM Harris moved to approve the Considerations of Claims in the amount of $238,324.73, seconded by CM Kelley. The motion carried. Vouchers follow in their entirety: Alaniz Jr., Victoriano, $12.34; Alarcon, Darwin, $12.34; Amazon Capital Services, $671.65; Baldy, Alan, $29.83; Bob Ruwart Motors, $73.15; Burns Insurance, $350.00; Capital Business Systems, $150.58; Caselle, $618.00; Charlie’s Repair, $928.61; CPS Distributing, $410.53; ECAD, Inc., $3,995.00; Garner, Nancy, $150.00; Guernsey Gazette, $1,555.80; Hawkins, Inc., $1,713.76; International Code Council, $547.00; John Deere Financial, $51.98; Laserfly Cutting House, $1,689.24; Mobius Communications, $221.57; Mountain States Pipe & Supply, $154.98; Newbern, Christina, $290.14; Newbern, Justin, $84.66; Patterson, Starr, $129.12; Platte County Firefighters, $264.00; Sarah Mosley, $265.00; Shaw, Rex, $400.00; Summit Fire & Security, $300.00; TDS Collection Services, $3,553.26; Torrington Beverage, $390.65; Tri-City Parks & Rec., $47.61; Verizon Wireless, $294.40; Vistabeam, $491.50; Wex Bank, $8,960.74; Wheatland REA, $78.23; Wyoming First Aid & Safety Supply, $118.12; Wyoming Municipal Power Agency, $116,967.95; Wyoming Public Health Laboratory, $24.00; Wyrulec, $585.73. Total Invoices, $146,581.47. Payroll, $39,924.83. Taxes/Benefits Payable, $51,818.43. TOTAL CLAIMS: $238,324.73.
COMMUNITY/ORGANIZATION REPORTS: Brigadier General David Pritchett spoke for Camp Guernsey in response to the recent closure of the Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy. He described the factors behind the decision to close and the process for re-locating cadets and transitioning employees. He fielded questions from residents and reported that consideration is being given to the program re-opening in the future, likely in a larger population center. Shawna Reichert highlighted upcoming Chamber events and reported that the August lodging tax payment was the largest Platte County has received. Pat Russell clarified dates for deliveries to the pantry versus pantry service dates.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Lester Ballard described activity he anticipates the golf course to undertake as they transition to maintenance for the winter, to include work on the cart paths and tee boxes. Shenna Thomas reported for the fire department. The haunted house will be located at the Fire Hall this year and will operate October 29-31. In December they will start planning for the June 2023 fire school. Chuck Porter outlined town planner activity and reported that he is getting good compliance response from contacts he has made with property owners. CM Kelley motioned that the council give approval to Planning and Zoning to hold three (3) public meetings to provide information and gather feedback about a proposed mixed-use zoning change for the town. CM Delgado seconded. The motion carried. CM Delgado motioned that, per requirement, a public meeting be held to provide information about the submission of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application by the town for housing development activity. The meeting is scheduled for October 24th at 6:00 pm at Town Hall. CM Kelley seconded. The motion carried. Joe Michaels discussed grid stability on a broader scale. He reported the town has responded well to WMPA requests to reduce consumption. Pam Hebbert reported the status of the Itron system order. A discussion of alternative systems followed. CM Delgado requested the council be kept informed of decisions.
LASERFLY PAYMENT APPROVAL: Mayor Paustian stated that he would like the town to show good faith to Mr. Bohannon’s generosity by contributing to the cost by the cemetery entrance. CM Delgado motioned that town pay the LaserFly invoice for the Oregon Trail Hub and Military medallions in the amount of $1,689.24. CM Kelley seconded. The motion carried. The budget will be amended to accommodate the expense. Project contractor Brad Cook brought in the medallions for the council to see. He complimented the mason for his stonework on the pillars and Troy Reichert’s students for the lettering and painting of the arch. Brad also provided a report on the dog-park. A larger gate will be required to allow access by the bucket truck to trim trees.
BNSF SEWER RATE REVISION: Because of the considerable reduction of activity in the BSNF yard, Mayor Paustian recommended the BNSF sewer rate be reduced to the industrial flat rate of $30 per month. The town will evaluate its sewer rate schedule in the next months and propose an ordinance revision. CM Kelley motioned that the sewer rate charged to BNSF be reduced to $30 per month until the ordinance is revised. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried.
2022 FINANCIAL REVIEW/LENHART MASON & ASSOCIATES, LLC: CM Delgado motioned that the Town engage Lenhart Mason & Associates, LLC, for its 2022 financial review. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORT: CM Delgado expressed concern about goat-head infestations on properties in town. Mayor Paustian reported that in the next week, the public works crew will be using donated asphalt to repair streets.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Micah Hebbert and Hayden Bingham reported on the slough bridge project for the Guernsey-Sunrise trade’s class. They are working to remove old paint and rust off the railings and a new metal sign is being designed. Troy Reichert reported that GSEA and Skills USA are sponsoring a forum at 6:00 pm on October 11th for school board and council member candidates. Stacia Cook provided information on the school board vacancies. One position will completing a vacated term. In addition, two other full-term seat vacancies will be filled. The association is hoping for a strong turn-out to hear candidates speak.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business, CM Kelley motioned that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by CM Harris. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 pm.
Attest:
Nicholas Paustian, Mayor
Pam Hebbert, Clerk/Treasurer
Public Notice No. 2003 published in the Guernsey Gazette on October 11, 2022.
