March 1, 2022
Town of Guernsey
Regular Meeting
Platte County, Wyoming
Present: Mayor Paustian, CM Delgado, CM Harris, CM Kelley. Absent: CM Augustyn
Staff: P. Hebbert, M. Fronapfel, Chief Smith, M. Allred, and Chief Thomas.
Registered Guests: R. Martinez, A. Pulos, P. Wells, J. Michaels, L. Ibarra and P. Russell.
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 Harris motioned to approve the agenda. CM Kelley seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Minutes: CM Kelley motioned to approve the minutes for February 15, 2022. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Consideration of Claims: Mayor Paustian presented the vouchers for approval. CM Delgado motioned to approve the Considerations of Claims in the amount of $83,821.91 for the period of 02/16/22 – 03/01/22. CM Kelley seconded. The motion carried 4-0. Vouchers follow in their entirety: Black Hills Energy, $2,013.98; Carl Fronapfel, $25.64; CNA Surety, $1,250.00; DLT Solutions, Inc, $516.72; Galls, LLC, $176.04; Intrado Interactive Service Corp., $1,627.50; Nebraska Printworks, $1,486.80; Ron’s Equipment, $297.21; Sarah Mosley, $265.00; Soapy Suds, $50.00; Staples Credit Plan, $45.17; SYNCB/Amazon, $492.42; TDS Collection Services, $14,589.30; W.G. Dale Electric, $498.55. Total Invoices paid: $23,334.33. Payroll, $23,264.29. Taxes/Benefits Payable, $37,223.29. TOTAL CLAIMS: $83,821.91.
Special Liquor Permit: CM Harris motioned to approve a Catering Permit request by JW Perks for a March 6 retirement event at the VFW. CM Delgado seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Memorial Bench Request: The Council discussed a request by a former Guernsey resident to place a memorial bench along the river walk path in their daughter’s name. An option of the Town establishing a memorial bench that families can add the name of a loved one to was offered. Mayor Paustian proposed letting the family decide which option they prefer and having them work with M. Fronapfel.
Donation Requests: The Council discussed how to handle requests for donations that the Town receives from organizations and individuals. CM Delgado informed that in the past the Town offered Chamber bucks and gift certificates rather than money. The consensus of the Council was to establish a budget line item and set a target amount per donation. CM Delgado motioned that the Town contribute $100 each to two donation requests: The Guernsey-Sunrise After-Prom Junior Class Parent Committee and the Platte County Special Olympics. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Community/Organization Reports: L. Ibarra addressed the Council on behalf of Planning & Zoning. The committee is proposing the development of Mixed-Use Occupancy Zoning for designated areas in the town, which was outlined in a map distributed to attendees. The committee requests permission to hold public meetings to gather input from residents. The outcome of the meetings would determine whether the proposal would move forward. Mayor Paustian asked that L. Ibarra and M. Allred get together to plan the meetings. J. Stroud informed the Council of a Fun Run is being sponsored by Camp Guernsey to raise awareness of Sexual Assault issues. The event is free and scheduled for April 10th.
Department Reports: Chief Smith reported that the second set of two new Police Department vehicles arrived. The additional decals for marking on the vehicles are ready. The department is asking residents to lock vehicles and cars due to a recent increase in run-away activity. Chief Thomas reported that they are working to accommodate the possible attendance from Laramie County fire personnel at the June fire school. The Fire Department supported the Jackalope Jump which raised $4000 for the Special Olympics in Platte County. J. Michaels reported WMPA will hold their Annual Meeting in March. It is hard to know what the effect current world events will have on the price of electricity. WMPA is meeting with Camp Guernsey to discuss peak demand controls. M. Fronapfel said they are monitoring the lagoon pumps during peak hours per WMPA’s demand assessment. They are getting equipment ready for summer. The new department staff are doing well. The meters are being read manually this month because of continued software difficulties. M. Allred reported the landfill remediation is on target and the waterline project is in full motion. A design for the rail spur has been identified and work should start March/April. Mayor Paustian read the February monthly Municipal Court report from Judge W.M. Connor. P. Hebbert reported that the agenda will be posted on the Town website prior to each meeting. Minutes will be posted as “pending council approval” as soon as they are sent to the Guernsey Gazette. The I/T provider for the Town is working closely with ITRON/Mountain States to resolve meter read software issues. The target completion date for the 2021 financial review is March 31. The MOU from Vistabeam has been received. CM Delgado asked that legal counsel review it and bring comments to the next meeting. Mayor Paustian would like to schedule a workshop with Vistabeam within 2 weeks. P. Hebbert introduced the topic of Business Permit Ordinance for future clarification and assessment.
Public Comment: R. Martinez presented a list of items that continue to appear on the council agenda and expressed frustration for the slow pace of action. A discussion including the ambulance contract, library door, weed concerns and the dog park followed. L. Marshall spoke on behalf of the Mansfield’s. The business is moving to Wheatland. They continue to read and hear adversarial remarks. Other attendees commented and expressed strong disapproval for how the process was handled. Ada Pulos inquired about the status of the cemetery entrance. Mayor Paustian stated he wants it completed before the end of his term. Pulos also asked about low spots in alleys. It was discussed that the Town is responsible for maintaining alleyways and that Pulos will work with M. Fronapfel. J. Michaels stated concerns about the library, reiterating the door repair plus florescent lighting and rug conditions. Platte County School District #2 Superintendent Mike Beard thanked Chief Smith and the Police Department for their time in meeting with school administration to review Standard Response Protocol. P. Wells offered that if the Town does not receive private funding for the cemetery entrance it would be possible to design something nice and still be affordable. R. Martinez inquired about the number of Executive Sessions resulting in no decision.
Mayor and Council Report: CM Harris expressed agreement with the need to complete the cemetery entrance project. He also stated it might be important to re-think the discussion on donation requests to the Town.
Executive Session: At 7:36 pm CM Kelley motioned that the council adjourn to an Executive Session on employment terms and benefits. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Regular Meeting Resumed: The council convened to regular session at 8:10 pm. CM Delgado motioned that the Council seek legal counsel regarding the employment term matter. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Adjournment: With no further business, CM Harris motioned that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by CM Kelley. The motion carried 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 pm.
Attest:
Nicholas Paustian, Mayor
Pam Hebbert, Clerk/Treasurer
Public Notice No. 1971 published in the Guernsey Gazette on March 22, 2022.
