September 21, 2021
Town of Guernsey
Regular Meeting
Platte County, Wyoming
Present: Mayor Paustian, CM Augustyn, CM Delgado, CM Harris, CM Kelley
Staff: P. Hebbert, M. Allred, M. Montgomery, J. Thomas, and F. Jones, Attorney for Town of Guernsey.
Guests: R. Martinez, C. Martinez, P. Wells, C. Bartel, L. Ibarra, J. Michaels, K. Montomery, B. Spungin.
Via Zoom: T. Van Dam, COL C. Troesh, L. Bristow.
Mayor Paustian called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. He welcomed and thanked the assembly for attending. All joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda: CM Harris moved to approve the agenda as written, seconded by CM Delgado. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 5 ayes.
Minutes: CM Kelley moved to approve the regular minutes for September 7, 2021, as written, seconded by CM Harris. A vote was taken, and the motion carried with 5 ayes.
Consideration of Claims: Mayor Paustian presented the vouchers for approval. CM Augustyn moved to approve the Considerations of Claims in the amount of $37,850.90 for the 9/8/21 – 9/21/21 period. Seconded by CM Delgado. The motion carried with 5 ayes. Vouchers follow in their entirety: David Bartell, $103.04; Black Hills Energy, $536.34; Blueline Custom Vinyls, $750.00; Cowboy Supply House, $129.08; Edward Harms, $75.00; Charles Holt, $48.76; John Deer Financial, $31.99; Lawson Products, $621.87; Local Government Liability Pool, $3000.00; Northwest Pipe Fittings, $24.33; Productivity Plus Account, $68.07; R & R Products, $242.30; Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center, $178.00; Troy Reichert, $90.00; Sam’s Club MC/SYNCB, $373.67; SYNCB/Amazon, $202.58; Technical Marketing Mfg., $155.74; Torrington Beverage, $89.40; Matthew Vanderpool, $41.43; Verizon Wireless, $520.24; Vistabeam, $459.50; W G Dale Electric, $899.00; W S Darley, $222.33; WAMCAT, $65.00; WEX Bank, $3232.21; Wyoming First Aid & Safety Supply, $248.55; WYOPOTS, $560.00; Wyrulec, $430.29; Total Invoices: $13,398.72. Payroll, $24,452.18. Taxes & Benefits, Pending. TOTAL CLAIMS: $37,850.90.
Camp Guernsey Back Brief: Colonel Chris Troesh, Camp Guernsey Base Operations Manager, submitted the following message via email: “Two separate investigations have concluded concerning the Mt. Baldy Fire. BLM sent a fire investigator and he determined that military training and specifically artillery activities were the cause of the fire. The Wyoming Guard also conducted an internal investigation to determine how the fire fight was conducted and what processes we can improve on. We also conducted numerous after-action reviews both internally and with our partners to determine better practices and are currently working on making many of those changes. The internal investigation was just completed last week and we are currently working through the recommendations and developing a plan of action to address those recommendations. I would once again like to thank the numerous businesses and the people of Guernsey for all of their support and encouragement during the fire. I would be happy to provide the city council the same brief I gave to the Governor if would like me to.Thank you.”
Police Vehicle Lease Contract: Mayor Paustian reported that the town will be checking to determine if more advantageous financing is available through local banks for the lease/purchase of new vehicles for the police department. CM Augustyn moved and CM Harris seconded a motion to table the discussion until that information is available. Motion carried with 5 ayes.
Ambulance Contract: Mayor Paustian reported that the Town continues conversation with Banner Health about the approach to coverage for sporting events. CM Kelley motioned to table discussion until next meeting. CM Harris seconded. Motion carried with 5 ayes.
Public Comment: Penny Wells expressed concern about properties with overgrown weeds. A discussion followed regarding the ordinance toward filing liens on property owners. She inquired about the salary and hours for the town planner. She also asked about the process required when a variance is requested. Rose Martinez asked if representatives from the Local Government Liability Pool (LGLP) would be attending the meeting. Mayor Paustian reported that they are prohibited from speaking on litigated matters in a public forum.
Department Reports: M. Montgomery gave a report for the Public Works Department. There was a discussion about staging electrical repairs to the Haynes subdivision as well as getting an estimate to replace the system all at once. The concern for residents who rely on medical equipment should a power outage occur was raised again. Fire Chief Jeff Thomas encouraged residents to contact the Volunteer Fire Department should they need assistance in such an event. It was discussed that the Town previously had a listing of residents who might need assistance and it could easily implement that system again. The foundation and pillars at the cemetery entrance were also discussed.
M. Allred reported that Planning and Zoning will be reviewing documents for RV permits. The landfill remediation project is on target. The Town is working with DEQ on the airport site assessment. He expects the water tank contract to be completed very soon. It has been difficult to determine a working design for the rail spur. A discussion followed regarding the process for structure and zoning ordinance variances.
Joe Michaels informed the council that at its last meeting WMPA reported it is debt free. Basin has indicated it plans to keep rates consistent and at a wholesale level for the foreseeable future. WMPA is looking at the cost to make available an on-call employee/lineman to assist during power outages. The council reported that the Town has two employees at line school this week.
Mayor and Council Report: CM Harris reported that he understood that documents exist outlining restrictions in the Haynes subdivision. CM Delgado expressed that he would like department heads to share more information with council members about important activity.
CM Augustyn reported that he had been in communication with the Bureau of Reclamation and Platte County Commissioners about timelines for draining the reservoir, as it greatly impacts tourism and recreational activity in the area. He also reported discussions about the Lucindy Rollins Road and the plan to meet together with all involved agencies to move the project forward.
Executive Session: At 7:22 pm a motion was made by CM Harris and seconded by CM Kelley to move to Executive Session. The motion carried with 5 ayes.
Regular Meeting Resumed: At 8:12 pm, council convened to regular session. Mayor Paustian reported that LGLP negotiated the three claims the Town has been engaged in. The total paid by the Town was $3000, which was the deductible for the liability policy. The Town is happy to have these matters behind them and is looking forward to getting on with the business of the Town.
Adjournment: With no further business, Mayor Paustian called for a motion to adjourn. CM Harris moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by CM Augustyn. The motion carried with 5 ayes. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 pm.
Attest:
Nicholas Paustian, Mayor
Pamela Hebbert, Clerk/Treasurer
Public Notice No. 1948 published in the Guernsey Gazette on September 28, 2021.
