MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
TOWN OF LUSK
JULY 7, 2020
The Town Council of the Town of Lusk met in regular session at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall on Tuesday July 7, 2020.
Council Members Present: Mayor Doug Lytle, Council Members Becky Blackburn, Calvin Carstensen, Tom Dooper, and Dean Nelson
Also Present: Linda Frye, Clerk/Treasurer
Cassandra Matney, Deputy Clerk
Todd Skrukrud, Director of Public Works
Dennis Meier, Town Attorney
Chief of Police Bo Krein
Officer Jacob Gordon
Officer Jeremiah Fink
MacKenzie Lyons, Assistant Manager Pool
Sean Duffy, Golf Course Superintendent
James Santistevan, Cemetary/Parks, Emergency Management
MAYOR LYTLE called the meeting to order.
Linda Frye led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
COUNCIL MEMBER BLACKBURN MOVED, to approve the agenda as printed, second by COUNCIL MEMBER DOOPER. MOTION CARRIED.
VOUCHERS FOR PAYMENT
AFLAC Payroll Deduction $599.78
Allbright’s True Value Supplies/Equipment Repair/Maintenance $1,761.72
ALSCO/American Linen Mat Rental $188.13
GovOffice LLC Email $50.00
BankCard Center Postage/Supplies/Office Support/
Training/ Equipment/Misc. $1,411.74
Blue Line Custom Vinyl Vehicle Repair $500.00
Body Builders Body Shop Streets Equipment Repair $95.00
Boldon Welding & Repair Service Shop Supplies $38.28
Brian Brooks Utility Deposit Refund $85.31
CNA Surety Bond, Cassandra Matney $350.00
Caselle Office Support $2,200.00
Century Link Business Long Distance Phone $25.17
Children’s Advocacy Project Operating Expenses $1,000.00
City of Douglas Police Dept. New Equipment $200.00
Collection Professionals Percentage of Collections $30.03
Connecting Point Copier Lease $86.00
Cushman, Barbara Lifeguard Training $800.00
D.C. Drilling Golf Course Irrigation Repairs $1,430.64
Doyle J. Davies Municipal Judge $1,000.00
Decker’s Food Center Supplies $346.81
Delta Dental Plan Employee Paid Insurance $757.70
Energy Laboratories Landfill Well Monitoring $3,282.00
Geographic Innovations Cemetery Parcel Viewer Update $150.00
Gordon, Jacob Reimbursement $197.97
Granite Peak Pump Serv. Irrigation Repairs $3,715.01
Great American Financial Svcs. Copier Lease $311.00
Great West Trust Co WRS 457 Plan Deferred $200.00
Hawkins, Inc. Pool Operations & Maintenance/Chlorine $4,462.77
Frank Parts Company Parts/Equipment Repair/Supplies $1,472.76
Herren Bros. True Value Supplies/Building Maintenance $587.00
Heth, Heather Rec. Dept. Reimbursement $10.00
Homax Aviation Fuel Purchase $2,731.29
Ideal Linen/Bluffs Supplies $75.98
Jergenson, Doug Monthly Wage Animal Control $900.00
John Deere Financial Golf Course New Equipment $619.37
Meier Building Monthly P.D. Rent $800.00
Black Hills Energy Gas Supply $1,722.46
Krein, Bo Reimbursement $28.74
Border State Industries Parts/Supplies/Line Upgrade $3,998.34
Kurtzer’s Cemetery Parts/Supplies $92.88
Local Govt. Liability Insurance Renewal $12,212.00
Lusk Herald Legal Advertising/Public Relations $3,854.67
Lusk Lodging Tax Tax Distribution $4,939.00
Marc Shop Supplies $404.69
Matheson Tri-Gas Inc. Ambulance Supplies $351.26
M.C. Schaff & Assoc. Airport Improvement $6,386.00
MBKEM Enterprise Equipment Repair $166.00
Meier Law Office Monthly Retainer $3,000.00
MES-Rocky Mountains Fire Truck Testing $1,585.42
Midland Implement Irrigation Repairs $345.84
Newman Traffic Signs Street Signs $117.45
Niobrara County Weed & Pest Chemicals and Spraying Supplies $424.20
Niobrara Chamber of Commerce Promotion $187.50
Niobrara County Library Internet Service $250.00
Niobrara County Treasurer Communications Contract $6,301.50
Nio. Electric Assoc. Landfill Utilities/Line Upgrade $439.90
Normont Equipment Equipment Repairs $3,791.71
Northwest Pipe Fittings Golf Course Irrigation $120.04
One-Call Ticket Payment $5.25
Whitaker Oil, Inc. Fuel & Oil $3,440.80
Pitney Bowes Global Financial Leasing $219.90
Century Link Phones/Internet $1,404.22
R&R Products, Inc. Golf Course Misc./Supplies $1,076.59
Ranchers Feed Supplies/Uniforms/Equipment $873.35
Riter, Gwen Utility Deposit Refund $80.89
Simplot Partners Golf Course Fertilizer $3,295.00
Spic and Span Cleaners Streets Oil & Chips $10,639.25
Straight Shot Striping Street Paint $2,866.00
Stryker Ambulance New Equipment $139.40
TDS Trash Collection Tipping Fees $11,280.41
Underground Enterprises Transfer Station Hauling Fee $1,500.00
USA Blue Book Sewer Supplies $245.80
Valley Motor Supply Equipment Repair $180.61
Visionary Communications Fire Dept. Internet $92.74
Verizon Wireless PD, Ambulance & Mayor Cell Phone $441.90
WAM 2021 Membership Dues $2,015.51
WAMCAT Municipal Clerks & Treasurer Membership $65.00
W.A.R.M. Property Ins. Property Insurance $23,631.25
W.E.B.T. Employee Life Insurance $72.25
W.M.P.A. Electrical Power Purchase $97,494.65
WAM/WCCA Loan Repayment $1,611.55
Ward Electric Electric Line Upgrade $35,000.00
Warne Chemical & Equipment Equipment Repair & Sewer Weed Control $2,178.92
Waterloo Tent & Tarp Pool New Equipment $1,048.22
Westco Fuel & Oil $890.50
Western Medical Management Ambulance Billing/Access Fee $426.55
Wyoming Dept. of Revenue Wyoming Sales Tax $4,805.13
Wyoming Dept. of Transportation Outdoor Advertising $30.00
Wyoming Retirement Government Contribution $15,085.18
Wyoming Dept. of Workforce Services Employee Worker’s Compensation $2,661.94
Total Vouchers $307,989.82
MANUAL CHECKS
June 2020
Clerk of Circuit Court Garnishment, Writ of Wages $300.67
Wyoming Child Support Garnishment, Writ of Wages $207.69
AFLAC Payroll Deductions $599.78
Children’s’ Advocacy Program Operating Expenses $ 1,500.00
Royce Thompson Per Diem, Safety Meeting in Lingle $19.00
Pete Kruse Per Diem, Safety Meeting in Lingle $19.00
Body Builders Body Shop Streets & Sanitation Vehicle Repairs $1,051.02
Cassandra Matney Mileage, WY Community Gas Meeting $54.17
Clerk of Circuit Court Garnishment, Writ of Wages $288.91
Wyoming Child Support Garnishment, Writ of Wages $207.69
Postmaster Utility Billing $230.85
Brown Company Cemetery/Parks New Equipment $2,725.00
Fort Collins Protection
Dogs & Training Canine Loki/Officer Gordon Training $10,000.00
Total $17,203.78
COUNCIL MEMBER CARSTENSEN MOVED, to approve the list of vouchers as presented, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER DOOPER. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL MEMBER BLACKBURN MOVED, COUNCIL MEMBER CARSTENSEN SECOND, to approve the Treasurer’s report that includes the financial condition and manual checks. MOTION CARRIED. The Treasurer’s report will be filed for audit.
COUNCIL MEMBER NELSON MOVED, COUNCIL MEMBER CARSTENSEN SECOND, to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held June 2, 2020. MOTION CARRIED.
Visitors:
Larry Halligan asked the Council for approval for children with a parent during kitchen hours in the bar. He would also like clarity of the Town law. Attorney Meier explained the State Statute. The dispensing area is the whole building according to State Law. Mayor Lytle stated that Town ordinance states no minors in the dispensing room. If the Ordinance is changed it needs to go through three readings and a public meeting. It was requested that Mr. Halligan present a proposal to the Council with a drawing of the area and Council will decide whether or not to direct Attorney Meier to change the existing ordinance.
Joseph Bleming approached the Council on a zoning change for his property on 727 S. Linn Street. Mr. Bleming would like to change the zoning from Residential to Industrial. The reason for the change is to have a storage and salvage yard to store vehicles that he has towed. He would build a fence around the property for privacy. Mayor Lytle stated that the Council is the zoning board at this time. The property would have to be Limited Industrial or Industrial. Attorney Meier read the ordinance pertaining to how to proceed with a zoning change. Letters need to be sent to neighbors in 140 feet and adjacent property owners, a public hearing held and the hearing published in the newspaper at least seven days prior to the hearing. COUNCIL MEMBER DOOPER MOVED, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER CARSTENSEN, to nominate Todd Skrukrud with the help of Linda Frye to assist on the zoning change. Mr. Bleming will work with Todd and Linda on the specifics and he will be required to reimburse the Town for costs.
Department Updates:
MacKenzie Lyons gave an update on the pool numbers, which are up this year. The lifeguards are doing trainings on a regular basis. Swimming lessons will be starting next week for the second session.
Sean Duffy reported on the golf course conditions. He stated that the pump for the irrigation has a tendency to shut off at night due to not enough pressure. He suggested a pond with a pump which would fill the pond during the day and drain it at night. Todd will have Curtiss Christianson check the pump and get his opinion.
James Santistevan stated that there was vandalism at Washington Park over the 4th of July weekend and the cameras at the Park quit working. There is not enough power to run the cameras, so the electric service needs to be rebuilt. For Emergency Management James will call a meeting to get the second half of THIRA done before the first of October.
Chief Krein gave information on the incidents for the month of June, which is slightly down from last month, but up from last year. There have been issues with bees, metal detecting in the parks, and concerns with dogs at the Golf Course. Mayor Lytle stated that the Golf Course is in Town Limits and people should adhere to the Lease Law Ordinance. The Ordinance requires dogs to be on a leash. Wyoming State Statute states that bees are considered livestock and should be registered with the Ag Department. The issue with the bees, owners should apply for a livestock permit and have permission from their neighbors. The Cemetery has an ordinance that no person is allowed to do any digging, weeding or mowing except for Town personnel. James suggested that this may be extended to the parks. Chief Krein stated that he could look into these issues and give information on ordinance changes.
Linda reported that the Auditors will be here starting August 24th for about three days. We have advertised for a part-time Utility Billing Clerk and have received 9 applications. There will be a public meeting on Thursday July 30th, at 6:00 p.m. to give the public information on the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan that the Town of Lusk is applying for.
Todd gave information on the electric and streets departments. He received the WYDOT agreement today and gave it to Attorney Meier to review. He is still working with DEQ on the permit for the transfer station. At the cemetery, there is some question on who owns Flanders Field. The American Legion would like to have improvements done to the walkway and have received an estimate from Will Boldon. They may ask the Town for help in funding the project. Mayor Lytle asked about the pump station motors. They have the back up in place and have ordered a new pump with a cost of $11,000.00.
Attorney Meier asked for clarification on metal detecting, bees as livestock and revising the dispensing area of a bar. Mayor Lytle instructed Mr. Meier to make the changes in the ordinances and bring them before the Council for approval.
Old Business:
COUNCIL MEMBER NELSON MOVED, COUNCIL MEMBER DOOPER SECOND, to approve Ordinance No. 11-20-740, an Ordinance Amending Existing Ordinance No. 11-20-740, as Amended, Establishing Water Usage Rates on third reading. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL MEMBER BLACKBURN MOVED, COUNCIL MEMBER CARSTENSEN SECOND, to approve Ordinance No. 11-15-410, an Ordinance Amending Existing Ordinance No. 11-15-410, Which Establishes Amended Sewer Rates to Consumers Utilizing the Sewer System of the Town of Lusk on third reading. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL MEMBER BLACKBURN MOVED, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER CARSTENSEN, to approve Ordinance No. 11-5-200, an Ordinance Amending Existing Ordinance No. 11-5-200, as Amended, Establishing Garbage and Refuse Collection Rates and Creating a New and Separate Category for Recycling Rates on third reading. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL MEMBER BLACKBURN MOVED, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER NELSON, to approve Resolution No. 20-12, A Resolution approving the proposition for imposition of a 1% Specific Purpose Excise Tax in Niobrara County, Wyoming, for the Purpose of Funding Specific Projects, Said Proposition to be Placed on the Ballot at the General Election to be Held in Niobrara County on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The Niobrara County Commissioners approved to have it on the ballot at the General Election. Mayor Lytle read the numbers that each Town is asking for. MOTION CARRIED.
New Business:
COUNCIL MEMBER NELSON presented to the Council a “Second Amendment Sanctuary City Decree” for the Town of Lusk. COUNCIL MEMBER NELSON MOVED, to approve the “Second Amendment Sanctuary City Decree” for the Town of Lusk. The motion died for a lack of a second.
COUNCIL MEMBER CARSTENSEN MOVED, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER DOOPER, to approve Resolution No. 20-11, A Resolution Authorizing Transfers in the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year Budget to Comply with Wyoming State Statue 16-4-108, Limitations on Expenditures or Encumbrances, Documentation of Expenditures; and Revenues Collected not Foreseen. MOTION CARRIED.
The Town received two bids for the property at 1003/1005 W. Eleventh Street Building located in the Lusk Business Park, one from Skeeter and Carla Shoults for $80,000.00 and one from R&T Partnership for $70,000.00. COUNCIL MEMBER DOOPER MOVED, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER BLACKBURN, to accept the bid from Skeeter and Carla Shoults in the amount of $80,000.00. Mayor Lytle, Council Members Blackburn, Carstensen, and Dooper voted aye, Council Member Nelson voted nay. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL MEMBER BLACKBURN MOVED, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER DOOPER, to approve the Temporary Open Container Permit for Kathy Coon for a Church Picnic at Washington Park on July 9th. Mayor Lytle, Council Members Blackburn, Nelson and Dooper voted aye, Council Member Carstensen voted nay. MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCIL MEMBER DOOPER MOVED, SECOND BY COUNCIL BLACKBURN, to approve the Temporary Open Container Permit of Rec. Adult Softball at Northside Park requested by Danny Matney on Monday nights from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. for July and August. MOTION CARRIED.
Linda gave information to the Council on the Asset Management Plan Draft for the Cleaning Water State Revolving Fund Loan. The Town is seeking a loan to replace sewer lines and this is part of the requirement. She will work with John Eddy and Todd on this. Mayor Lytle asked about the Capital Construction Loan. We will contact Bruce Perryman about the status of this application.
The next regular Council meeting will be Tuesday August 4, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned
at 6:15 p.m.
Douglas E. Lytle, Mayor
ATTEST:
Linda M. Frye, Clerk/Treasurer
Public Notice No. 5468. Published in The Lusk Herald on July 15, 2020
