Citizen requests for upcoming events approved

WORLAND — The Worland City Council approved several requests from citizens at Tuesday night’s regular meeting.

They approved allowing camping at Newell Sargent Park this weekend for the annual Mother’s Day softball tournament. Armando Parra said this year funds will be raised for the U12 baseball players who travel to Powell to play in the summer.

The motion to approve the camping request was approved with one no vote from Dennis Koch.

The council then approved the annual request to close North Ninth from Big Horn to Robertson for the farmers market. Market representative Cheri Bundren said the tentative start date for the market is July 13. The hours will be 8 to 11:30 a.m.

She asked if more power could be available, having the outlets on the light posts fixed. She said most of the time they have enough power but the few times they have had live music it has been an issue.

Public Works Superintendent Brian Burky made notes of the requests.

Friends of the Worland Library representatives requested locating a Little Free Library in Hillcrest this year. Last year, through a donation by George and Carol Sheaff, a Little Free Library was installed at Pioneer Square.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world, Friends of the Library President Morrison said in an earlier interview.

Lisa Vega said she and a few other businesses are working on a charity style/fashion show with funds to benefit the boys and girls traveling baseball programs. She requested the use of Pioneer Square on the evening of May 31. The request was approved unanimously.

Crystal Getzfried requested permission to host a community dance at Sanders Park May 18 from 6 to 10 p.m. She said she will be providing DJ services for a graduation party from 2-6 p.m. in the park and wanted to extend the music for the community after the party.

She said if it works out she would like to do it monthly.

The request was approved on the condition that Getzfried notify the neighbors in writing of her event.

In other business at Tuesday’s city council meeting:

•The council approved on first reading an ordinance updating the franchise agreement with RT Communications. City Attorney Kent Richins said the agreement was the last of the franchise agreements to be updated. Instead of a 25-year lease, the new agreement would be for 10 years and instead of 3.5 percent of gross revenues, the fee increases to 5 percent.

The ordinance requires three readings.

Richins said that prior to the second reading he wants to look into adding internet to the franchise agreement as the current agreement, and the proposed agreement only mentions telephone service.

•The council began review of the 2019-2020 budget with first reading scheduled for the May 21 meeting.

•During department head reports, Chief of Police Gabe Elliott reported they will begin one of their enhanced enforcement periods from May 14 to June 2. He said through grant money they are able to pay overtime for officers to work extra hours to provide enhanced enforcement. He said the focus during this period would be safety including seat belt use and speed. He said they do the enhanced enforcement at least three times a year.

•Richins reported he has had requests to work up an ordinance regarding restrictions on boarding up windows on commercial property and he wanted direction from the council. While there was no formal motion, the council agreed that it was an issue and asked him to pursue an ordinance.

He said he would look at location where the ordinance would apply, type of materials that would be prohibited and whether or not there should be some discretion from the building official.

•RT presented information on the company and the investments they have made since they purchased the Worland exchange for US West in the 1990s.