Encampment Town Council discusses water and sewer

Updates on the lagoon project and a request for Riverside to tie-in to the Encampment water system were the main topics of discussion for Encampment Town Council on March 9.

Dan Jago, a representative for the Sierra Madre Water Joints Power Board, told the council Riverside has found the source of a water leak and were hoping to start repairs on April 3. Riverside is asking for permission to tie into the Town of Encampment's water for approximately two weeks.

"Once the repair is complete, and modifications made, they shouldn’t need to do this again", said Jago.

They joint powers board expects to use approximately 60,000 gallons for two weeks and will be paying the standard fee for water. Jon Nelson, North Fork Engineering, advised the council the joint powers board will be installing a loop with valves and tees to be used as a bypass so the neighboring town won’t have to tie into Encampment water again should another problem arise.

Nelson advised the council the bid opening for the lagoon project had taken place earlier that day. Nelson told the council the bids were over budget and the numbers varied widely. American West Construction was the low bidder. He had contacted them and, during a conference call, they discussed the numbers and the possibility of a reduction in cost. American West would be willing to work with the Town and will analyze the project and look for ways to cut costs. Nelson said that he felt that American West would be willing to work with us and credit back what they can with a deductive change order. If something can be done, it can be added as a change order.

Notice of award was made by the council, naming American West Construction as the winning bid.

Nelson said he is currently working with American West to cut the costs of some line items. He is hoping to have a contract for signature at the next town council meeting on April 13. Nelson also told the council he will have a change order for funding for engineering services for the revised architectural and redesign going through the process and extending the timeline.

The council also received a number of updates from the department of public works.

Bill Acord, Encampment Public Works Supervisor updated council concerning the mill scale repair. Acord said he did go through some troubleshooting steps with the Fairbank scales representative, it appears that load cell has failed, but they can’t do anything until the snow can be removed and they can access beneath the scales.

The council also approved the sale of the old grader currently owned by the Town of Encampment, based on Acord's

recommendation. A request for bids will be published in the Saratoga Sun.

Wyatt Craig, a representative of Mother Mountain Anglers addressed the council. Craig told the council Mother Mountain Anglers would like to have a dance on Saturday, May 6, as a fundraiser to help with the cost of fireworks for the Fourth of July celebration at the ball field. The town council approved the request.

Craig also told the council that they would once again be hosting the Tale of Two Cities tournament on June 10 which will include a band and music at Grandview Park. Craig said they will be needing the bandstand. He asked for sponsorship of $100 by the Town of Encampment. The council approved all of Craig’s requests.

Encampment Volunteer Fire Department

Council approved sending up to 10 firemen to Cody Fire School May 5-7.

Encampment Police Department

Encampment Police Chief Kevin Shue reported his department was approved for a State Homeland Security Program grant which will purchase waterproof portable radios and microphones. Cost for the equipment and upgrading radios to the WyoLink system is $56,750.56. The grant will cover all costs.

Town Hall

Trevor Vorn will be attending the Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems Spring Conference.

Council approved installation of a 4 foot by 4 foot Blue Star Memorial on the west side of the Grand Encampment Museum

The next meeting of the Encampment Town Council will be at 7 p.m. on April 13 at Encampment Town Hall.