March 15, 2022
Town of Guernsey
Regular Meeting
Platte County, Wyoming
Present: Mayor Paustian, CM Augustyn, CM Delgado, CM Harris. Absent: CM Kelley.
Staff: P. Hebbert, M. Allred and Chief Thomas.
Registered Guests: R. Martinez, A. Pulos, P. Wells, P. Russell, D. Estep, M. Estep, C. Bartel, E. Manning, S. Reichert.
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 as written. CM Augustyn seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Minutes: CM Augustyn motioned to approve the minutes for March 1, 2022. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Consideration of Claims: Mayor Paustian presented the vouchers for approval. CM Delgado inquired about the utility cost at the airport. Staff will look into it. CM Delgado motioned to approve the Considerations of Claims in the amount of $145,669.66 for the period of 03/02/22 – 03/15/22. CM Augustyn seconded. The motion carried 4-0. Vouchers follow in their entirety: Bob Ruwart Motors, $143.00; Capital Business Systems, $311.46; Caselle, $600.00; CenturyLink, $1,167.99; Diversified Inspections, $900.00; G-S Junior Class Parent Group, $100.00; Guernsey Gazette, $819.00; Petty Cash, $186.33; William Holtz, $95.00; Matrix Sciences International, $446.00; John & Elaine Mergenthal, $35.80; Mobius Communications, $465.00; One-Call of Wyoming, $3.75; Radar Shop, $210.00; Sam’s Club/SYNCB, $559.97; Special Olympics of Wyoming, $100.00; Stone Welding, $123.11; Blanche Thorson, $33.28; United States Postal Service, $189.28; Verizon Wireless, $480.70; Vistabeam, $491.50; Wyoming Assn. of Rural Water Systems, $1,015.00; Wex Bank, $2,998.56; Wheatland REA, $39.35; WMPA, $92,622.01; Wyoming Retirement System, $225.00; Wyrulec, $884.59; Zell Heating, $167.50. Total Invoices paid: $105,413.18. Payroll, $27,055.92. Taxes/Benefits Payable, $13,200.56. TOTAL CLAIMS: $145,669.66.
Community/Organization Reports: P. Russell presented on behalf of the Food Pantry. There is an opportunity through First Lady Gordon’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative infrastructure grant cycle to purchase a generator to protect the pantry’s food-purchase investment in the event of a power outage emergency. Because of the pantry location, the generator could benefit the entire town hall building. Russell reported that she hopes to cover $20,000 of the estimated $30,000 cost for the power unit and installation through a combination of grants and asked the Council to consider contributing to the balance. S. Reichert reported on the preparations for the Platte County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting to be held April 23rd. Also, the Lodging Tax Board is partnering on a strategic plan for tourism in Platte County. A survey will be sent to the Council to complete providing information about the needs of the Guernsey community. R. Martinez voiced Guernsey Economic Development’s support for the development of a dog park and outlined resources and options to consider. T. Reichert reported that Guernsey-Sunrise was one of 15 schools across the nation to be awarded a Harbor Freight for Tools grant. He read a letter in which student project leader Rawland Isabell outlined plans to renovate the Trail Ruts Golf Course bridge. CM Augustyn motioned that the students move forward with the project. CM Delgado seconded. The motion carried 4-0. Reichert also discussed the golf course sign and the need for $300-$500 in additional funding to complete.
Department Reports: M. Allred gave updates on the waterline transmission, rail spur and landfill remediation projects. All are progressing well. He has been in communication with the cemetery sign benefactor regarding design and cost. Options to remedy the library lights were discussed. S. Conner gave an overview of the process to resolve meter read software issues for the Town. He expects to find out soon if a software upgrade installation will be a solution.
Exception Request/100 N. Dakota: CM Delgado motioned to approve an exception request allowing residential use for a lot in a commercial zone at the north end of N. Dakota where a commercial structure is being erected. CM Augustyn seconded. The motion carried 4-0
Public Comment: A. Pulos thanked the Public Works department for their quick response in repairing the low spots in her alley. P. Wells inquired about Town policy for disconnecting utilities in the winter months for residents with delinquent accounts. E. Manning from North Platte Physical Therapy addressed the Council to inquire about the use of the pool for therapy patients. A discussion followed about design options and budget considerations for winter use.
Mayor and Council Report: CM Harris proposed no disconnections during four months in winter. CM Augustyn scheduled March 16 at 5:30 to meet and continue plan development for the dog park. CM Delgado pressed for action on the library lights and door. Mayor Paustian reported on communication with Banner Health on the ambulance contract. Paustian will request Banner contact P. Hebbert while he is out of town.
Executive Session: At 7:12 pm CM Delgado motioned that the council adjourn to an Executive Session for personnel. CM Augustyn seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Regular Meeting Resumed: The council convened to regular session at 7:44 pm. CM Augustyn motioned that the Town offer two part-time office positions: one part-time utility clerk and one part-time accounting assistant. CM Delgado seconded. The motion carried 3-1.
Adjournment: With no further business, CM Augustyn motioned that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by CM Delgado. The motion carried 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.
Attest:
Kellie Augustyn, Mayor Pro Tem
Pam Hebbert, Clerk/Treasurer
Public Notice No. 1973 published in the Guernsey Gazette on March 29, 2022.
