Public Notice No. 1955

Posted

November 16, 2021

Town of Guernsey

 Regular Meeting

Platte County, Wyoming

Present: Mayor Paustian, CM Augustyn, CM Delgado, CM Harris, CM Kelley 

Staff:  M. Fronapfel, P. Hebbert, M. Allred, M. Montgomery, Chief Smith, J. Thomas.  

Guests: A. Polus, C. Bartel, R. Martinez, S. Reichert, T. Reichert, C. Martinez, T. Van Dam.

Via Zoom: S. Thomas, Local.

Call to Order: 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 Delgado motioned to add the approval of the minutes of the October 28th Special Meeting and remove the agenda items of the Ambulance, Waterline Transmission and Water Tank contracts. CM Harris seconded. Motion carried. CM Augustyn moved to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by CM Delgado. The motion carried.

Minutes: CM Harris moved to approve the minutes for October 5, 2021, and October 28, 2021, as written, seconded by CM Kelley. The motion carried. 

Consideration of Claims: Mayor Paustian presented the vouchers for approval. CM Augustyn moved to approve the Considerations of Claims in the amount of $286,217.02 for the period of 10/20/21 – 11/16/21, seconded by CM Kelley. The motion carried. Vouchers follow in their entirety:  Victoriano Alaniz, Jr., $65.97; Black Hills Energy, $498.71; Blue Cross Blue Shield, $18,912.44; Bob Ruwart Motors, $73.45; Border States Industries, $631.00; Capital Business Systems, $160.88; Caselle, Inc., $600.00; CenturyLink, $1186.84; Robbin Eckhardt, $150.00; Fast Stop 1132, $198.83; Ferguson Waterworks #1701, $2768.32; Fire Truck Certification Company, $3173.55; Ysidro Garcia, $18.24; Ed Gonzales, $150.00; Guernsey Gazette, $1038.00; Guernsey Super Foods, $78.69; John Deere Financial, $225.94; Knife River Corporation, $154.72; Lawson Products, $172.62; Lee’s Towing, $315.00; Leithead’s, $120.00; One-Call Wyoming, $18.75; Pitney Bowes, $231.12; Platte County Firefighters, $199.05; Productivity Plus, $20.49; R & R Products, $151.20; Postage Reserve Account, $150.00; Sarah Mosley Cleaning, $440.00; Rex Shaw, $400.00; Stotz Equipment, $148.56; TDS Collection Services, $16,009.13; Timber Line Electric, $3325.28; Town of Wheatland, $25.00; U.S. Postal Service, $185.34; Wex Bank, $3777.67; Wheatland Automotive, $260.53; WMPA, $71,127.25; WYOPOTS, $280.00; WYRULEC, $514.56. Total Invoices paid: $127,957.13. Payroll, $65,675.58. Taxes & Benefits, $92,584.31. TOTAL CLAIMS: $286,217.02.

Community/Organization Reports: Shawna Reichert reported that the Platte County Chamber of Commerce held a successful first Lunch and Learn. The Lodging and Tax Board finalized its media plan and Sarah James was appointed the representative from Chugwater. The county is sitting well tax-wise due to the positive impact of tourism. The Chamber will hold an open house December 17th from 2-5 pm.

Department Reports: Chief Jeff Thomas reported that the Volunteer Fire Department had one of its best years for the Haunted House with lots of help from the students from the Youth Challenge. There has been great turnout from members for recent calls. Wheatland is working with similar aspects of their ambulance contract with Banner Health.  Matt Allred reported that the Town received confirmation that it has been released from DEQ over-sight at the airport. He presented to the Council a proposed procedure outline for a cottage industry zoning permit.  Planning and Zoning would review and mark-up the proposal and present it back to the Council if they choose to consider such revisions.  Mike Montgomery presented a written copy of the Public Works Department report to the Council. He informed them that the final electric repair in the Haynes addition will be completed Friday, November 19th, which will result in residents experiencing only short power outages whenever a fault occurs.  Police Chief Smith reported 100 service calls for the month, including 2 stolen vehicles. Two of the new department vehicles are in transit. The other two will be ready in mid-December. The department is in the final hiring stage for a fourth officer.  Pam Hebbert reported that due to staffing shortage, the auditing company the Town has worked with will not be available for services next year. This has also contributed to the delay in submitting the F-66 report to the Department of Audit. The Town will search for a new provider. Also, a plan is needed to replace the automatic doors at the library.

Public Comment: R. Martinez gave comment for P. Wells with inquiry about the issue of building permits for two current projects in Town and whether permits might be approved at council meetings. She inquired personally about the status of ongoing and tabled agenda items from recent months and costs for recent legal proceedings. A. Pulos asked about the status of the gates to the cemetery. A lengthy discussion followed regarding possible entry and signage options. Town staff will follow up. 

Mayor and Council Report: CM Harris expressed appreciation for the Veterans Day events at the school and VFW on November 11th and 13th and a discussion followed about how the Town might fly flags for patriotic events in the future. CM Augustyn motioned that the Town purchase a $100 gift certificate from Howshar Hardware for the Christmas toy run. CM Delgado seconded. The motion carried with 4 ayes. CM Harris abstained. CM Augustyn reported that he and Shane Whitworth continue to accept food and monetary donations for the Thanksgiving turkeys they will be preparing for community members. Leftover items will be donated to the food pantry. He responded to the agenda item inquiry by R. Martinez to include a discussion about the weed issue and a plan for next spring. Other council members provided input as well. Mayor Paustian read the announcements. A number of upcoming events were added to include the Community Bazaar on November 20, Winter’s Eve festivities on December 1st and the Hub City Toy Run on December 4th. 

Executive Session: At 7:07 pm a motion was made by CM Harris and seconded by CM Kelley to adjourn to Executive Session for personnel. The motion carried. 

Regular Meeting Resumed: At 7:55 CM Delgado motioned to convene the regular session with no decisions made in executive session. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried.

Adjournment: With no further business, CM Harris moved that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by CM Augustyn. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:57 pm.

Attest:

Nicholas Paustian, Mayor 

Pamela Hebbert, Clerk/Treasurer

Public Notice No. 1955 published in the Guernsey Gazette on November 30, 2021.