June 1, 2021
Town of Guernsey Regular Meeting
Platte County, Wyoming
Present: CM Harris, CM Augustyn, CM Delgado, Mayor Paustian
Excused: CM Kelley
Staff: J. Sterner, L. Bryant, Officer Smith, J. Thomas, M. Mindieta, J. Michaels
Guests: Mark Delap
Via Zoom: Christopher Martinez, Cassie Hurley, T. Horne, S. Clevenger, 1 guest
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 written, seconded by CM Augustyn. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 4 ayes.
Minutes: CM Augustyn moved to approve the regular minutes for May 18, 2021, as written, 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 Delgado moved to approve the Considerations of Claims for $84,441.95 seconded by CM Harris. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 5 ayes. Vouchers follow in their entirety: A&M Electrc – 3,156.88, Black Hills Energy – 716.65, Border States Industries, Inc – 284.87, Burns Insurance – 100.00, Dana Kepner Company ¬– 797.35, Frank J Jones, Attorney – 835.00, Grainger ¬– 2,150.80, Diana Griffith – 67.79, Hawkins Inc – 2,646.98, Howshar Hardware – 629.56, International Institute – 175.00, J & W Pest Control – 165.00, Jirdon-Agri Chemicals – 2,811.25, Ellen Long – 5.09, Mobius Communications – 235.00, Newcomb Heating and Cooling – 120.00, Productivity Plus – 239.04, Ramkota Hotel & Converence Center – 168.00, Reserve Account – 100.00, Spic and Span Cleaners – 1,198.50, SYNCB/Amazon – 1,374.83, TDS Collection Services – 12,987.42, United States Postal Service – 157.82, Van Diest Supply – 2,304.40, Charlie Walker – 1,109.70, WAMCAT – -65.00, Wheatland Automotive – 492.35, Wyoming Retirement System –300.00, Payroll – 38,830.23, Taxes & Benefits – 10,347.44 Total Vouchers – $84,441.95.
Camp Guernsey Back Brief: N/A
Ordinance 2021-002 – Sanitation Rates, 3rd Reading: CM Delgado moved to approve 3rd reading as written, seconded by CM Augustyn. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 4 ayes. The ordinance follows in its entirety:
ORDINANCE 2021-002. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2018-003 SECTION 1 AND 2, RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SANITATION RATES.BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN OF GUERNSEY, WYOMING:
1. Section 2 and 4 of Ordinance 2018-003 are hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 1 – Residential Sanitation Rates: Each residence shall pay to the Town of Guernsey the following monthly rate for the removal of garbage:
(a) July 2021: $22.50
July 2022: $23.75
July 2023: $25.00
Section 2 – Commercial Sanitation Rates: Each commercial establishment shall pay to the Town of Guernsey the following monthly rate for the removal of garbage:
(a) Small Commercial
July 2021: $55.00
July 2022: $58.25
July 2023: $61.50
(b) Small Commercial – Shared
July 2021: $29.50
July 2022: $31.50
July 2023: $33.25
(b) Medium Commercial
July 2021: $78.75
July 2022: $84.25
July 2023: $89.00
(c) Medium Commercial – Shared
July 2021: $54.50
July 2022: $57.75
July 2023: $61.50
(d) Large Commercial
July 2021: $120.50
July 2022: $128.00
July 2023: $137.00
2. Section 3 – A fuel surcharge shall be added to each monthly bill as a percentage increase to base amounts contained in Section 1 and 2 based upon increases in the cost of diesel per gallon as determined and charged to the Town of Guernsey by the vendor.
3. Section 4 – A customer charge of $1 per month on all sanitation customers will be assessed all year around to pay for the bi-annual cleanups.
4. Section 5 – All other ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed. This ordinance shall become effective for the July 2021 – July 2023 billing periods as noted above.
Passed and approved this 4th day of May 2021 on first reading.
Passed and approved this 18th day of May 2021 on second reading.
Passed and approved this 1st day of June 2021 on third reading.
Clerk/Treasurer J. Sterner was asked to explain the change in ordinance. She stated that TDS has agreed to give the town a gradual increase in rates over the next 3 year contract beginning in July. The ordinance reflects this change, so customers will see a gradual increase over the next 3 years.
Ordinance 2021-003 –FY 22 Budget – 2nd Reading: CM Harris motioned to approve budget as written, seconded by CM Augustyn. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 4 ayes.
Public Comment: N/A
Department Reports: M. Mindieta gave his report. He stated that all greens were over seeded except for 6 and 8, and now we are waiting on warmer weather. It will take 14-21 days for seed to germinate. Cattails have started growing now, so he will begin spraying those as soon as possible. He mentioned that he was told to wait until there’s a husk to spray; the mayor and council questioned if we are wasting chemicals by spraying right away. CM Delgado asked how long it takes to kill them, Mindieta said one week. Mayor Paustian asked him to check back in before spraying to be sure this will take care of it if sprayed early, council agreed. CM Augustyn asked if we will need to spray cattails next year also, and Mindieta said this spray will wipe them out completely. He will spray them in patches to leave some there for fish refuge. Mindieta requested an executive session for the next meeting.
J. Thomas gave his report. He said they had 2 fire calls, a couple of gas calls, pump and engine operations training. Engine 2 is being fixed by Charlie. Everything else is working well, and there’s been good response lately. The boats are up and running and ready for the summer. CM Delgado asked about hydrants, Thomas stated that they test those when they have time, especially ones that look sketchy or are near the school. He checks the highest occupancy areas. There’s one behind the Lunchbox that has been a trouble spot, but there’s a nearby hydrant that can be used instead. There’s no sinkholes by it, maybe it’s clogged up. Mayor Paustian asked him to do some research on it. Thomas let the council know they voted to do a casino night close to Duck Daze. Fire donations are going well, a couple hundred dollars were collected so far.
Officer Smith gave his report. He has spoken with tenants to clean up in front of the apartments on Whalen. Officer Smith stated that he is waiting on quotes for buyout of vehicles. Mayor Paustian explained to the council that the PD vehicle lease will be up in December. Smith stated Hinklease is looking for someone to help with municipality. CM Delgado suggested a workshop to discuss options, and requested maintenance reports on vehicles. There was also discussion on calling owners of some properties that need to get weeds taken care of.
J. Michaels, WAMPA – Annual budget, audit being done. No longer a generator so expenses will go down. Michaels mentioned we are still very reasonable compared to other places. Ft. Collins has smart meters now to charge based on time of day. They have tripled the rate of electricity during the day. If people change their habits of what they normally do, peak demand will be more spread out. There might be upcoming issues of power shortages including Wyoming, but probably not in the Guernsey area. Michaels also mentioned that he had people in town who said golf course camping was a great experience.
Mayor Paustian presented for M. Montgomery, who was unable to attend. The street sweeper had a cord pulled off, so they are researching a fix. Mayor had asked about the road repairs, and said we would have to be patient, and our roads look better than most places around here. The county is responsible for ruts by golf course and by bridge. Will discuss property line with M. Allred tomorrow. Pool is in good shape right now, chemicals are testing a bit high but well within safety. Pool opens tomorrow.
Judge Conner, not present, gave the council copies of the Municipal Court month report for May.
Mayor and Council Report: Mayor Paustian said he has been talking with David Bye about property lines in reference to the walking path and culverts that were destroyed in the storm of 2008. Bye is looking for an MOU to find who has the right to do what. Bye is working with IRT on road project and walking path. He has a unit that will come in around the 14th if it’s approved. J. Michaels asked who owns the north side of Lucindy Rollins, because it’s eroding and it would be nice to stabilize that before it gets worse. Mayor Paustian said the state owns that.
CM Augustyn discussed phase 2 of beach and thanked TDS for donating 2 dumpsters, one at the entrance beach, and one at the exit point. Thank you to volunteers who donated time and equipment, and materials.
Mayor Paustian mentioned the upcoming concert with the Spring Canyon band, which is local people. The firework show will be in the lot next to Merganthals, as it was the last few years. Thomas said it usually begins at 9:30. Other fire departments will come help. CM Delgado asked about fire ban, J. Thomas said there likely won’t be a fireban until the 5th.
Announcements:
Guernsey Volunteer Fire Department – June 2 @ 6 pm. Spring Canyon Band – June 10 @ 7 pm. Town Council Meeting – June 15 @ 6 pm. The Croods: A New Age – Movie in the Park – June 18 @ Dusk. Mobile Food Pantry @ Town Hall Parking Lot – June 19 @ 1 pm to 3 pm. Onward – Movie in the Park – July 2 @ Dusk. Guernsey Street Dance – July 3. Independence Day & Celebration – July 4. Timberline – Concert in the Park – July 4 @ 2 pm. Town Hall Closed – July 5. Town Council Meeting – July 6 @ 6 pm
Adjournment: With no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Paustian called for a motion to adjourn. CM Harris moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 pm, seconded by CM Augustyn. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 4 ayes.
Attest:
Nicholas Paustian, Mayor
Jasmine Sterner, Clerk/Treasurer
Public Notice No. 1924 published in the Guernsey Gazette on June 8, 2021.
