November 17, 2020
Town of Guernsey
Regular Meeting
Platte County, Wyoming
Present: Mayor Paustian, CM Kelley, CM Augustyn, CM Harris, CM Whitworth
Absent: CM Whitworth
Staff: L. Bryant, K. Farmer, Chief Smith
Guests: Pat Russell, Franky Adams, Christopher Martinez, Kara Saukkola, BettyJo Martinez, Christa Bartel, and Melissa Howe by Zoom
Mayor Paustian called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. The assembly joined in the Pledge of Allegiance and was welcomed to the meeting.
Agenda: CM Harris moved to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by CM Kelley. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 4 ayes.
Minutes: CM Kelley moved to approve the regular minutes for November 3, 2020, as presented, seconded by CM Harris. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 4 ayes.
Consideration of Claims: Mayor Paustian presented the vouchers for approval. CM Augustyn moved to approve the Considerations of Claims for $229,062.98 seconded by CM Kelley. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 4 ayes. Vouchers follow in entirety: Able Equipment – 285.20, Arizona Machinery/Stotz Equipment – 96.92, Bam Document Destruction – 163.90, BDO – 3500.00, Border State Industries – 97.80, Capital Business Systems – 455.82, Caselle – 570.00, Cool Customs – 2688.36, CPS Distributors – 190.62, Fast Stop – 5.66, Guernsey Petty Cash – 160.50, Home Depot Credit Services – 79.00, Kallsen – 40.72, One-Call of WY – 3.75, Pitney Bowes Global – 231.12, Purchase Power – 33.88, Rocky Mountain Sand and Gravel – 57394.95, Sam’s Club – 448.44, Syncb/Amazon – 1238.88, TDS – 1344.83, Team Laboratory Chemical – 907.50, Verizon Wireless – 529.51, Vistabeam – 424.55, Watchguard Video – 507.00, Wheatland REA – 39.47, Wright Express Fleet Services – 2638.99, WMPA – 84771.93, Wyoming Newspapers – 1738.00, WRS – 281.25, Wyrulec – 597.35, Zell Heating & Cooling – 554.00, Payroll – 29788.31, Taxes & Benefits – 37254.77, Total Vouchers – $229,062.98
Hub City Lease Agreement Renewal: CM Kelley moved to approve the Hub City Lease Agreement for 5 years, seconded by CM Augustyn. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 3 ayes and CM Harris abstaining from the vote.
Guernsey Community Food Pantry Lease Agreement: CM Augustyn moved to approve the Guernsey Community Food Pantry Lease Agreement for 25 years, seconded by CM Kelley. A vote was taken, and the motion was carried with 3 ayes and 1 nay by CM Harris.
Prairie Rest Cemetery Sign: The council tabled the cemetery entrance meeting at the last meeting. Mr. Harry Bohanan has offered to replace the entrance to the cemetery with the approval of the council. Lynne said there was an article in the Guernsey Gazette last week about the history of Mr. Bohanan and his desire to replace the entrance to be more welcoming and appealing. Mr. Bohanan is very enthusiastic to replace the entrance and would like to see this move forward. Mayor Paustian said we will not be getting rid of the sign that the shop class at the high school made, it will be moved to another location within the Cemetery property. There will be no cost to the Town, and it will beautify the entrance. CM Harris moved to allow the upgrade to the Cemetery sign with Mr. Bohanan’s financial support, seconded by CM Augustyn. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 4 ayes.
Camp Guernsey Back Brief: Kate Farmer let the council know that Camp Guernsey will be moving some of the individuals back to teleworking due to the pandemic. The firewood cutting program has started, please call the Fire Desk at 836-7810 to get your permit, map, and schedule a time. They will be opening the Christmas Tree Cutting program on November 30th and individuals will need to call the Fire Desk to get that permit as well.
Public Comment: Pat Russell relayed that a board has been formed for the Guernsey Community Food Pantry, and bylaws, and the lease agreement with the Town approved. She has liability quotes for the pantry and the board will vote on that. She received the email from the Food Bank of the Rockies and she believes that all of the equipment and construction will be covered. Suncore Energy and True Company have sent checks for sponsorship. Additional grants have been applied for to help with other needs. The mobile pantry will be in the Town Hall parking lot on November 21st from 1 pm to 4 pm. Volunteers need to arrive at 11 am to help set up. Steve Orzlak helped get that last donated food for a small mobile pantry. Mayor Paustian reminded motorists to leave a space at intersections while you are waiting in line to get your food. Food Bank of the Rockies will order all of the supplies and pay all invoices without billing the Guernsey Community Food Pantry.
Department Reports: Department reports were in the council's packet for them to read. Department heads will not be coming to council meetings until the pandemic is under control.
Mayor and Council Report: CM Augustyn talked with some individuals from the Senior Center. They have had some issues with a stove that is approximately 17 years old and has been repaired many times. They probably need a new stove and we would like to ask the community for help in raising funds to purchase that stove. He also said the CM Harris would like to see if we can purchase a stove local through Howshar’s Hardware and hire a local contractor to install it. Mayor Paustian said the mess hall has been closed and have appliances that could be donated. But the freezer and refrigerator have been spoken for but if there is an extra stove that could be donated to the Senior Center that would be great. CM Harris said Charley Walker is having issues with the Family Dollar lights that are on the east side of the building and they are lighting up his house at night too much. Kate Farmer said that she will speak with Matt Allred about it to see if we can help get the lights adjusted. Mayor Paustian said that the Town staff needs to be wearing their masks when they are in public during working hours. He will have Kate draft up a letter to inform the staff again about the importance of staying safe. The Police Department has had very nice comments from the community. All departments are doing great and he is very happy.
Announcements: 11/21 – Mobile Food Pantry, Town Hall Parking Lot, 1 – 3 pm, 11/21 – Winter Farmer’s Market & Holiday Bazaar @ VFW from 9 am to 2 pm, 11/26 – Happy Thanksgiving, 11/26-11/27 – Town Hall Closed, 12/1 – Town Council Meeting @ 6 pm, 12/2 – Winter’s Eve Parade, 12/15 – Town Council Meeting @ 6 pm, 12/19- Mobile Food Pantry @ Town Hall Parking Lot, @ 1 pm to 4 pm
Adjournment: With no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Paustian called for a motion to adjourn. CM Augustyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:31 pm, seconded by CM Kelley. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 4 ayes.
Attest:
Nicholas Paustian, Mayor
Kate Farmer, Clerk/Treasurer
Public Notice No. 1894 published in the Guernsey Gazette on November 24, 2020
