Public Notice
The County Commissioners’ meeting was called to order on this date at 9:02 a.m. with Chairman Patrick H. Wade, Vice-Chair John Midkiff, Commissioner Elaine Griffith, and County Clerk Becky L. Freeman, present.
Chairman Wade led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
County Attorney- Anne Wasserburger, County Attorney, met with the Commissioners and discussed the Wyoming County Commissioners Association County Employer Group Workers Compensation Agreement. She said there are still concerns from attorneys over a multitude of issues, and her main concerns were the by-laws and costs and benefits. The group will try to visit with WCCA Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman regarding these issues before proceeding.
She also addressed an issue she had with the local towing company and them not towing a confiscated vehicle to the county lot. The towing company refused to tow the vehicle to the county lot and said they would only tow to their private lot. This action is of concern to her because it could raise doubts about the chain of custody in any criminal investigation if the vehicle isn’t kept in a locked facility.
She suggested using an out of town towing company whenever there is a criminal investigation involved until our local towing company changes their policy.
She wanted to emphasize that it isn’t a matter of trust or anything personal with the towing company; it is about law enforcement having control over evidence.
Road and Bridge- Fred Thomas, Road and Bridge Foreman met with the Commissioners to discuss county business. Also in attendance were Brian Wakefield, Engineer, and Joshua Harkins, Project Manager both with BenchMark of Torrington.
2019 Road Rehab Bid Opening- Bids were received for the 2019 Road Rehabilitation Project from the following companies: Timberline Services Inc.- $203,751.60; Rocky Mountain Sand and Gravel- $388,577.00; and Alexander Construction- $351,801.00. The project is to gravel approximately two miles on the North end of Cheyenne River Road.
Mr. Wakefield said all bids appear to be in order with the apparent low bidder being Timberline Services, Inc.
The group also discussed roads that were impacted by the Elk Creek Pipeline. There are approximately 8.1 miles of road which need to be repaired. All construction will start from the highways. Due to the distance between roads and to try and keep costs down, it was suggested that two separate projects be established. Project “A” could be bid with gravel coming from the Manville Pit on Cheyenne River, Gun Club, Hat Creek and Boner Roads, and Project “B” could be bid on the above roads with contractor supplied gravel.
Mr. Thomas said that Hat Creek and Gun Club Roads would need prep work, and he would like to do that before the project begins.
1% Specific Purpose Excise Tax- Rola Ross, Town of Manville Mayor, Doug Lytle, Town of Lusk Mayor, Todd Skrukrud, Town of Lusk Public Works Director, Linda Frye, Town of Lusk Clerk/Treasurer, Bruce Perryman with AVI Engineering, Todd Bishop with Kaiser Financial and Keri Thompson, Niobrara County Treasurer met to continue discussions on projects for the continuation of the 1% tax. Tara Hutchison with The Lusk Herald was also present.
Mayor Lytle explained that the project of replacing water and sewer lines would cost approximately 72 million dollars. They have applied for funding through the USDA and have been approved and quality for a 75% principle forgiveness, which would bring the amount needed from the tax to approximately 18-20 million dollars; however, this amount could change if they received approval for funding from the State Land and Investment Board. If this funding is approved at the meeting in June, the amount to appear on the ballot could be closer to 7 million.
Mayor Ross would also like to replace water lines in Manville. He thinks he would need approximately $288,000 as match money utilizing similar funding sources as the Town of Lusk.
The group discussed timelines for notifications and publications. After much discussion, it appears that the question will appear ballots at the Primary Election. The group will meet again to review the language for the ballot question and ensure things are in order and meet the intent of tax/bond questions.
2019 Road Rehabilitation Project- Brian Wakefield advised the Commissioners that all figures added up, and they could award the bid. Commissioner Griffith moved to grant the 2019 Road Rehabilitation Project bid to Timberline Services, Inc. with a bid amount of $203,751.60. Vice-Chairman Midkiff seconded, motion carried.
Ken Dockweiler representing Belle Fourche Pipeline Company met with the Commissioners and Foreman Fred Thomas to update them on the Bridger Pipeline. He said that 25 miles of right-of-way has been built down by Guernsey and there is 10 miles of pipe strung and five miles of pipe welded. They have phone calls with the contractor every week. He asked the Commissioners and Mr. Thomas to contact him if any problems arise which could not be settled with the contractor.
He also advised that he is still working on landowner meetings.
