Parades, projects and food drives

Mayor Creed James shared with the council the Christmas Magic Lighted Parade will be downtown on December 10th starting at 5 p.m.

Participants will line up at 4:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Platte Valley Clinic. The route begins at the intersection of River and Holly and will head south on River and make a loop around Kathy Glode park to give the Saratoga Care Center residents a chance to view the parade. It will then continue down River Street, turning left onto Bridge and south onto Second Street to the Platte Valley Community Center (PVCC) where the Winter Wonderland will be held. Entry deadline is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7. Entry forms can be picked up at the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Councilman Jon Nelson acknowledged the effort put into the town’s financial situation. He said four years ago the town had roughly $1.2 million in combined cash. The most current report showed the town was sitting at $7.7 million in combined cash. The general fund and the enterprise funds are restored. He said a tremendous amount of progress has been made.

Nelson then addressed two large projects currently being discussed; Valley Village Day Care and the Aquatic Center.

Nelson said he hasn’t heard anyone say they don’t want either of these projects to happen, but there is concern about the funds that will be used. Nelson said “we should be thankful that there are people outside of this room who are dedicated to doing important community projects and we should support those endeavors.”

Nelson said that he feels a lot of the momentum behind the Valley Village project has burned off in part because of issues with the roof and the parking lot or the basement. He recognized it isn’t something the Town budgeted for but felt the council should revisit it at the next meeting. “Maybe there’s a different way to skin that cat”, said Nelson. “Hopefully we can still encourage things like that to happen and work it out.”

Councilman Ron Hutchins agreed with Nelson but said at the same time he felt the council needed to be financially responsible.

James reported he had two different individuals reach out to him asking if the Town had any interest in selling off some of their property, specifically along River and Pine and Myrtle and Veterans. James said this isn’t something the current council would take on unless the incoming council wanted to pursue it.

James reported the Saratoga Fire Department is coming up on their annual food drive. They usually deliver the Wednesday before Christmas. He said the elementary school and the high school usually do a canned goods collection. A cart is also available at Valley Foods for contribution.

The recreation department report was given by Councilmember D’Ron Campbell. She reported the pickleball clinic held on November 12 had 15 participants. There will be designated pickleball times added to the community center gym calendar. December 20 is an early out for the schools and the community is invited to bring sleeping bags and watch a holiday movie in the gym. it will start around 2 p.m. There is one seat open on the recreation commission. Letters can be submitted to the mayor for appointment.

James asked for updates on the ice rink. Kiwanis is hoping to open it on December 19.

James said the streets department had received estimates to replace the lights in the shop. Cord’s Electric gave a quote of $2,500 if he had to provide the fixtures plus or minus ten percent. This would include nine lights. If the town purchases the lights it would be $1,000.

Cord’s Electric estimated two days of work. The lights would be 250 watt LEDs. A motion was approved to purchase the lights and hire Cord’s Electric not to exceed $1,150.

The next Saratoga Town Council meeting will be at 6 p.m. on December 6 at Saratoga Town Hall.

Saratoga Town Council

Other Business

Request for transfer of the second disbursement of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) WyoStar from the general fund was approved.

Carbon County Senior Services agreement, 2nd draft tabled until they hear from the Carbon County Senior services.

Mayor Creed James spoke with the accountant. Progress is being made but is waiting on treasurer.

Council approved and adopted Ordinance 865–Mobile Vending

Special events application for 307 GoFast on Ice January 14th and February 11th was approved.

Council approved and Mayor James signed the updated agreement for the Wyoming Retirement System Pension.

Saratoga Police Chief Ken Lehr asked for approval of $1 per hour raise for Jenn Anderson. It was approved.

DigiTicket is working and Spillman is being worked out.

Lewis and Lewis acknowledged that they are not going to get the Spring Avenue project completed. A temporary road will be put in place.

Saratoga Airport Advisory Board

Paperwork indicates completion of the project is 86.39 percent complete, but this is not correct.

Monies for outstanding items will be retained.

Three RFR’s were approved

RFR ASA004B: improving the access road and fence from WYDot

RFR AER1012794#4: reimburse the FAA

RFR ASA003A: approved for mayor to sign