Streets and sewers monopolize meeting

Carbon County Visitors Council CEO Leslie Jefferson gave a presentation on the new sales and marketing programs that are being launched by CCVC at the Encampment Town Council meeting on October 13. Jefferson introduced Megan McComas who is the catalyst for these exciting projects that are being implemented to bring more tourists to the valley.

Heidi Sifford was on the agenda representing Duke Altschuler of SMLI/The DiVide restaurant in Encampment. Sifford was there to discuss options for application of material to mitigate the mud issues on the southside of the building on Emerson, where customers park. Altschuler has been working with WYDot on other issues that involved the highway, but this property is Encampment’s.

The sidewalk is actually on the street, so the town of Encampment has to be involved. Councilmember Craig said he doesn’t have a problem with putting down recycled pavement as long as it does not hamper the streets crew from clearing snow or other maintenance of the streets. Billy Accord said he didn’t for see a problem. A motion was made to allow Altschuler to put recycled asphalt out to the edge of the street as long as it doesn’t cause problems with drainage or any other street maintenance issues and it passed.

Maura Jacobsen, owner of Doggett Greenhouse, addressed the town council concerning the transfer of lease from Gary and Mary Jacobsen. There are two leases, one for 100 Grand Avenue and one for 200 Grand Avenue. They are requesting the lease for 100 Grand Avenue be dated from November 1, 2022 through June 23, 2032, making this a ten year lease. Council agreed to make the lease for 100 Grand Avenue match the lease for 200 Grand Avenue, from November 1, 2022 through June 23, 2032.

Bill Accord from Public Works said if Eric Russell doesn’t move his stuff out of the alley, it could cause problems working on removing roots in the sewer line behind Russell’s house. The alley is town property. Councilmember Stas Banach said he had told Russell that his items have to be moved. Doreen Harvey, Town Clerk, asked if the council wanted her to draft a letter to Russell telling him he has to remove his items from the alley. Accord said that if there is a problem with the sewer line behind Russell’s, they couldn’t get to it right now because of items in the alley. The council agreed this would be best.

Harvey then asked for transfers of funds from the Impact Fundin the amount of $20,473.05 for one quarter of police department wages. She also requested $966.00 from Specific Purpose Tax for project match. The council approved Harvey’s request.

The transfer of liquor license from D’s Bar & Grill to 307 Pub & Grub, LLC. was approved.

A catering permit for White Dog Liquors event on October 30th at Doggett Greenhouse was also approved.

A tap application was approved for Duke Altschuler, Pine Lodge Motel. They need to change the tap to a 1 1/2 inch. Accord said there won’t be any problem with replacing the tap.

Harvey asked for council’s approval to renew the property insurance with added values and terrorism coveragefor the cost of $19,147.00. Harvey advised the insurance cost is higher than budgeted.

The council discussed the need for terrorism insurance. Emergency Management Coordinator Lenny Layman asked to address the council concerning the need for terrorism insurance. Layman said that water treatment plants are definitely a risk and this coverage should be considered a motion was made and approved by council to renew insurance as presented.

Discussion of continuing excavation at Fourth and MacFarlane was next. Accord reported that it appears they are digging and making a pond. Councilmember Craig is concerned about the digging since this involves Badger Creek and water rights. Harvey had already drafted a letter to the engineer. The council approved the letter.

Harvey will also visit with Jon Nelson concerning this issue to see if he has any more input and draft a letter to be sent to the property owner, Matt Wagy to stop.

A grant application prepared by Harvey was approved for the Winter Carnival in the amount of $1,265.00 by the council.

The next Encampment Town Council meeting will be November 10, 2022 at 7 PM.