Over $1 Million from ARPA grant moves sewer lagoon project forward

South Central Wyoming Emergency Medical Services (SCWEMS) Director Stanton Moseby and SCWEMS representative Penny Layman presented Resolution 2022-11 to the Council at the Encampment Town Council meeting November 10. The resolution is to allow SCWEMS to apply for the American Rescue Plan Act ARPA grant. This would provide money to help fund Emergency Medical Response (EMR) classes and purchase two SUV type vehicles to be stationed at the Encampment Station and Elk Mountain. These vehicles would carry all of the equipment needed to provide basic care including the LUCAS, a chest compression system that automates the chest compressions of CPR. This would also help to provide a quicker response time to the patient. A fully stocked ambulance costs approximately $5,000 per year to restock supplies as they expire. An ambulance also cannot leave the station without an EMT. The ambulances that are currently stationed in Encampment and Elk Mountain are used rarely due to a lack of EMT’s in the area. Resolution 2022-11 was approved by the council.

Duane Allen of Allen Logging and Excavation in Walden, addressed the Council next. Allen had spoken to the Council at the September meeting about the possibility of leasing the mill. He reports that he and his partners have gone through the mill and accessed it. Allen said their goal is to have logs going through it by summer.

They have been in contact with Universal Forest Products and this company is willing to purchase Allen’s product. They also have purchased a timber sale and have multiple sales they’ve bid on. Allen submitted a business plan to the Council. The council agreed to review the business plan for the next meeting.

The current leasee, Thomas James and Tyrone Konecny, spoke to the council. James said that he is still waiting for parts and believes that the scragg mill will be operational by April. A scragg mill is used mostly by pallet shops to saw logs into two or four sided cuts. They have a supply of logs coming from Gary Ervin of Saratoga Forest Products. They had a semi load of pallet stocks delivered and are nearly ready to build pallets. James and Konecny are planning to supply pallets to Walden, Colorado and Saratoga Forest Management to help produce the 24,000 pallets per year need. James reports he will start hiring two or three men this next week.

Town Council will take time to review and discuss all of the information they have been given for December 8 meeting.

Sandy Martin reported to the Council that a bid from the Encampment School VoAg teacher was given to Councilwoman Shannon Fagan. The quote is $300 and will be to add “Where Nature comes to greet you” to the existing sign. This does not include attaching the signs. The Encampment Town Council approved $300 for the purchase of the signs.

Jon Nelson, North Fork Engineering, gave an update of the Sewer Lagoon Improvement Project.

Nelson reports that the grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was approved in the amount of $1,398, 906. Nelson said they now have the means to proceed with the project and hopes they will have enough funds to proceed with Phase two. Nelson also thanked Town Clerk, Doreen Harvey for all of her work and dedication to this process. The bid opening will be scheduled again. Nelson suggested the following dates: resubmit for permit to construct by January 16; schedule bid opening February 28; bid discussion and award March 9; contract signed April 13 and issue notice to proceed by May 1.

Billy Accord, Public Works, reports they are still waiting for Brad Hebig to fix the gutters and drainage issues at the Town Hall.

A motion was made and approved to send Councilwoman Shannon Fagan and Ashley McKinney to the Wyoming Association of Municipalities winter conference.

The next Encampment Town Council meeting will be December 8, 2022 at 7 pm at the Encampment Town Hall/council chambers.

Encampment Town Council

Other Approvals

Catering permit for White Dog liquor to sell liquor on November 19th at the Opera House

Title 5.08 Tobacco Sales-1st reading of the amendment - ordinance needs to be revised

Fire department annual meeting and dinner $1200

Red Wagon Lease renewal

Purchase of tires for 2012 Dodge-estimate $860.97

Purchase of additional pallet of ice melt-estimate $559.60

Sewer Equipment Company of America (SECA) Rodder Repair parts - estimate $2,529.59

Town Hall Closure for Friday, November 25, 2022