Town of Saratoga to challenge flood map

After several years developing new flood maps, the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has finalized the documents. The maps, however, are being called into question by a former council member and the county emergency manager.

Discussion about the flood map was one of several topics discussed at the February 7 meeting of the Saratoga Town Council. The governing body also discussed a Transportation Alternative Master Plan, which has been spearheaded by Saratoga resident McCall Burau.

Flooded with concerns

With outdate flood maps, FEMA has spent the last several years updating their data. Over the past few years, glimpses of the map have been presented to municipalities. Jon Nelson, former Saratoga Town Council member, told the current council he has challenged the validity of the map since he first saw it five years ago

Nelson told the council that he and Carbon County Emergency Coordinator Lenny Layman have asked FEMA to send representatives to visit Saratoga to look at the discrepencies on the map. Nelson said he has sent technical questions asking specifically about the bridge. Those answers didn't measure up. The data that FEMA used to create the map are not supported by actual numbers, and they did not consult historic flooding numbers. Nelson said that, in his opinion, there is an error in their model.

Although Nelson did share the inconsistencies with FEMA, he was ignored. He said there were two options. The Town could file a formal protest, which could cost up to $200,000 for an engineer to build their own flood map and model. The other option would be to escalate this through the County Commissioners or the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and try to allow internal channels to address what is clearly a flawed model. Nelson said that if this current map is used by the banks to determine who is mandated to purchase flood insurance, many residents will feel the burden.

The council decided that it needs to be sent further up the chain to the county, the state and possibly even the federal legislators. A letter from the town of Saratoga to the Board of Carbon County Commissioners will be sent. 

Finding alternate paths

McCall Burau presented an official request for proposal for a Transportation Alternative Master Plan for the Town of Saratoga.

Burau reports they have received $200,000.00 from a grant to start the planning phase. The Planning Commission decided to put out an official request for proposal so that they have the opportunity to interview planning firms. Burau said that the planning process will be comprehensive, emphasizing community assets, and public involvement in the process. They anticipate this part of the project will last until March 2024. They feel that a year with a lot of public engagement is a good timeline.

Burau wanted to emphasize that overall the pathways network could include a combination of improving the downtown sidewalks, bringing them into Americans with Disabilities act (ADA) compliance, putting sidewalks where they are needed, and also a system of recreational paths whether around the lake or connecting the path around Veterans Island. She said this all dependent on community support. It is a long process and will depend on community support. She said it will be rolled out in phases over the next five to eight years. Burau stressed that they need 90 percent of the community behind it, and they all need to be part of the creation of it. The town is matching at ten percent so there is some Town money going into it. Motion to move forward with the Request for Proposal (RFP) was approved. 

Other Business

Clerk Christen asked for permission to start using the express pay program, which will be tied with Cassell. Council approved signature on an agreement.

Saratoga Police Department Sgt. Tyler Christen reports they have received a total of 164 calls since the last council meetings, given out 21 warnings, and 12 citations. He feels that education concerning stopping for school busses is under control. 

Mayor Davis said that Game and Fish wants to set up a meeting with the police department and council members to discuss ongoing things such as the mountain lion siting, and people feeding deer out of their hands.

Saratoga Fire Department report given by Mayor Davis. They had 3 calls, two for CO2 checks and on for car accident. 

Saratoga Recreation Department Sarah Laughlin reports that three new bikes were delivered. All equipment has had maintenance completed. 

Laughlin asked for approval of CCSD#2 Recreation Grant for $15,000.00. Laughlin said that $9000.00 of that will pay for open gym supervisors, with $2,500.00 for maintenance chemicals and supplies for the pool and $2,500.00 for lifeguard certification, CPR and first aid. Laughlin also asked for permission to begin advertising for open pool positions. Resolution 2023-04 was approved for the recreation department. 

Mayor Davis reports for the Department of Public Works. A refund for $4,099.00 needs to be sent to the Department of Agriculture for money left from the grant they received last year. Refund approved by council.

Davis also reported that they need to do some maintenance and repairs due to water line breakage at the hot pool. Council asked to table this expenditures at this time. 

Davis reported from the Water Department that they need to start getting some measurements and decide whether to buy gates or build them. They have a mandate from the State that requires them to install some gates. 

Jim Ford, a resident of Saratoga had submitted a letter of interest in the Saratoga Carbon County Impact Joint Powers Board position. Mr. Ford spoke to the council and he was appointed by the council. 

Request for reimbursements for the Saratoga Airport Advisory Board were presented to the council and the public. Davis said that he and Clerk Christen had discovered they don't need to vote for approval, but they do want to make them public. 

RFR ASA004A- $5,661.42

RFR ASA004B-$16,167.26

RFR ASA004C-$10,211.07

RFR AER1013124#3-$4,339.30

RFR ASA002B-$24,415.00 

RFR ASA004C-$7,452.26

RFR ASA004C-$77,375.80

RFR ASA004A-$4,131.83 

The majority of these funds are coming from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

This project is completed according to Lewis and Lewis.

The next meeting of the Saratoga Town Council will be at 6 p.m. on February 21 at Saratoga Town Hall.