Recycling contract cost increases one of council highlights from September meeting

Heather Goddard
Posted 9/11/19

ayor Doug Lytle called the Lusk town council meeting to order at 5:07.

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Recycling contract cost increases one of council highlights from September meeting

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LUSK – Mayor Doug Lytle called the Lusk town council meeting to order at 5:07. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Maya Goodwin. Agenda, bills, treasurer’s report and minutes were all approved.

Verlene Matney gave an update from the EMS Carnival. While there are still some bills to pay over $16,000 was raised and the committee appreciates the council’s support. The same committee has agreed to take on the Fire Department event as well. They have determined they will be coordinating a Rib Cook-Off in the parking lot behind the Pub on Oct. 12. More details will be presented at a future date.

Department updates included the report of a small leak in the treatment system at the pool. Until this is fixed the staff are treating the pool manually and will be able to stay open as anticipated with a close date of Sept. 15. The golf course will be hosting the State High School fall tournament at the end of September. 

The ambulance made 17 runs in the month of August with three transfers that utilized the advanced training of the newly certified Advanced EMT’s. Two more EMT’s are currently in Casper receiving more training. There were 67 animal control calls in August. 

Chief Bo Krein reported that August was the busiest month of the summer with 299 calls. The department made multiple DUI and felony arrests. The new school resource officer is in place and has been working in the schools including truancy enforcement. They are reviewing multiple applicants for the open position. 

The auditors will be on site towards the end of October for the FY 2018-19 Audit.

Todd Skrukrud brought up that the cost for the recycling contract will be going up if the town renews the contract with the existing vendor. It will be increasing by over 100 percent. They are looking at bids from other companies and trying to find a solution. There is a possibility the flat rate that is currently paid for recycling will need to go up and the town may not have the option of a recycling trailer like the one that is parked down by the FCS office. Skrukrud hopes to have more information at the October meeting.

The second reading of ordinance 11-25-120 passed with amendment to change the rate to 2/10 of a penny on the kilowatt hour charge and $2 across the board to customer service charges with a 1.5 percent total increase in the next budget year. The Wyolink agreement was tabled.

Mayor Doug Lytle read and signed a proclamation declaring September Suicide Prevention Month for the town of Lusk. All livestock permits were renewed. The council spoke up in support of the joint powers board between Goshen, Niobrara and Platte counties regarding high-speed internet service. This does not create any financial or policy obligation at this time.

The next regular meeting will be on Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. in the council chambers.