September 6, 2022
Town of Guernsey
Regular Meeting
Platte County, Wyoming
PRESENT: Mayor Paustian, CM Augustyn, CM Delgado, CM Harris, CM Kelley.
STAFF: Chief David Smith, Chuck Porter, Mike Fronapfel, Jeff Thomas, Pam Hebbert.
REGISTERING GUESTS: Penny Wells, Rose Martinez, Ada Pulos, Joe Michaels, Eleanor Behrmann, Craig Frederick.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Paustian called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
AGENDA: CM Kelley moved to approve the agenda. CM seconded. The motion carried.
MINUTES: CM Harris moved to approve the minutes for meeting August 23, 2022. CM Kelley seconded. 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 $113,878.25, seconded by CM Kelley. The motion carried. Vouchers follow in their entirety: Black Hills Energy, $3,653.05; Bob Ruwart Motors, $94.98; Brad Cook Construction, $4,200.00; Capital Business Systems, $168.38; CenturyLink, $968.84; Charlie’s Repair, $189.95; CNA Surety, $350.00; CPS Distributors, $423.89; Dad’s Septic, $900.00; Fast Stop 1132, $1,148.80; Fire Truck Certification Company, $1,916.50; Frank J. Jones, $730.00; Guernsey Super Foods, $130.90; Hebbert, Pam, $300.00; Howshar Hardware, $1,031.91; Knife River, $735.60; L L Johnson Distributing, $48.73; Metal Shop & Repair, $342.00; One-Call of Wyoming, $19.50; Pittman Electric, $10,179.94; Pryor Creek Bait Company, $66.00; Rose Brothers, Inc., $588.86; SYNCB/Amazon, $324.77; TDS Collection Services, $16,881.65; United States Postal Service, $500.00; Van Diest Supply, $92.00; Wyoming Retirement System, $262.50; WYOPOTS, $534.60. Total Invoices, $46,783.35. Payroll, $41,636.07. Taxes/Benefits Payable, $25,458.83. TOTAL CLAIMS: $113,878.25.
COMMUNITY/ORGANIZATION REPORTS: Shawna Reichert reminded attendees of the Octoberfest September 27th, sponsored by Platte County Main Street. The Lodging Tax Board is featuring local photos in their campaign. The Chamber is still working to provide classes for businesses. Ellie Behrmann reported that the VFW Auxiliary is sponsoring a History of the Wyoming State Capitol event on October 13th at 4:00 pm at the VFW.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Police Chief Smith reported low department activity for Labor Day. Mike Fronapfel reported on the status of projects and issues that Public Works has been attending to. Fire Chief Thomas reported on recent calls. The department has two new members. Chuck Porter provided an outline of project and zoning activity. CM Delgado motioned that Chuck be given permission to apply for grants to fund the housing proposal he presented at the August 23rd meeting. CM Augustyn seconded. The motion carried. CM Harris motioned that the council approve the ICC and AutoCAD training Chuck discussed with Mayor Paustian. CM Kelley seconded. The motion carried. Joe Michaels conveyed compliments from WMPA regarding their working relationship with Mike Fronapfel. He described the effect on suppliers when energy demand is high and the value of strategically reducing load. Pam Hebbert reported the mailing to utility customers explaining adjustments to accounts is complete. The council received a copy of the Municipal Court report for August.
BID APPROVALS: CM Augustyn motioned to accept the bid from Anderson Carpet Sales in the amount of $15,164.96 for the Library and Senior Center flooring. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried. CM Augustyn motioned to table consideration of JTEC building appraisal costs pending the receipt of additional bids. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried.
JOHN BUNNING TRANSFER LEASE RENEWAL: CM Delgado motioned that Mayor Paustian sign the John Bunning Transfer lease renewal as written. CM Harris seconded. The motion carried.
RAIL SPUR EXTENSION: CM Delgado motioned that the Town submit a formal request to the Wyoming Business Council for an extension on the use of approved funds to complete Phase Two of the Rail Spur. CM Augustyn seconded. The motion carried.
GOLF CAR USE: Mayor Paustian reported he researched the issue and it has been determined that unlicensed golf cars may only be allowed on public streets if being driven directly to and from the resident’s home to the golf course. Citations will be issued at the discretion of the police department. A public notice has been previously posted outlining this regulation. The Town will license and make road-worthy the golf cars it uses. An unlicensed golf car being driven to the golf course may cross a state highway at a 90-degree angle.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORT: CM Augustyn provided an update on cemetery entrance and dog park construction activity. BNSF is anticipating they will have personnel available to tend to the property in the north part of town in two weeks. Mayor Paustian complimented Town departments and employees on their good work.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Ada Pulos expressed frustration about the prevalence of puncture vines in the community. Penny Wells inquired about the location of the brush pile on the property acquired by Redco Investments. Options to relocate the brush pile were considered. Rose Martinez initiated a discussion about conflict of interest and proposed situations when officials should consider recusing themselves from voting.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business, CM Harris motioned that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by CM Augustyn. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:13 pm.
Attest:
Nicholas Paustian, Mayor
Pam Hebbert, Clerk/Treasurer
Public Notice No. 2001 published in the Guernsey Gazette on September 27, 2022.
