Worland City Council vacancy declared in Ward 3

WORLAND — The Worland City Council declared a vacancy in Ward 3 after accepting the resignation of Melissa Rivera Tuesday night.

Rivera began a four-year term in January. She had accepted a write-in nomination after the 2018 primary election and was elected to one of two open Ward 3 seats in November 2018.

She is moving out of the city for employment, which was the reason for her resignation.

The city is accepting letters of interest through July 31. Letters should be address to City of Worland; Attention Mayor Jim Gill, P.O. Box 226, Worland, WY 82401.

City Attorney Kent Richins said procedures regarding the appointment will depend on the level of interest and number of candidates.

Mayor Jim Gill thanked Rivera for her service and wished her the best on her future endeavors.

Ward 3 is currently represented by Kreg Lombard, also elected in 2018 following a primary election write-in nomination; and Mike Neufer who is in the middle of a four-year term, elected in 2016.

Ward 3 encompasses nearly everything west of 10th Street from King Avenue to the north and Newell Sargent Park to the south. For a complete map visit the city’s website, cityofworland.org.

BUDGET

The council also gave final approval to the 2019-2020 budget following the annual budget hearing.

Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Glanz said a total general fund budget of $5,897,115 has been prepared. In an interview in May, Glanz said the 1% to 3% merit raises for employees has been included in the budget.

Glanz said $51,500 for city hall remodel was removed by the budget committee. The remodel of city hall, which was built in 1935, was to address security and American with Disabilities Act.

During the public hearing, council member Kreg Lombard said, “We have a building here, one of the oldest in town, a historic building with great bones. Everything is here that we need but it needs to be maintained.” Lombard added that he would like to see some money from the upcoming fiscal year spent on replacing single-pane windows, upgrading the heating and cooling system and providing upgrades to security needs for the staff.

Capital projects fund is at $644,800. Water fund is at $2,075,047, sewer fund at $1.4 million and sanitation at $1,050,353.

The budget was approved with Lombard opposed.

In other business the council heard several citizen requests:

•Washakie Development Association Executive Director LeAnn Baker reported that the first loan from the Grow Worland Revolving Loan Fund has been granted for a start-up business — 307 Aviation. She said they have another application that the board will be reviewing on Friday that “looks promising.”

“All of that money will be working for Worland,” Baker said.

•Steve Radabaugh of the Worland-Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce requested a street closure around Eighth and Coburn for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament during Harvest Fest on Sept. 14. The tournament would be on the back parking lot by the Pepsi and RT offices.

•Deb Coronado of Worland Wildfires girls fast-pitch softball board requested opening Newell Sargent Park for camping and an upgrade for electrical outlets for a 16-team tournament on June 29-30.

•John McMartin address the council regarding yards that are unkempt including junk cars that decrease property values, specifically referring to his neighbor. He asked the council to either enforce the law on the books, let it go or revise it.

Mandy Horath suggested looking at the ordinance during an upcoming work session.

•The council approved the appointment of Justin Schrage to the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission contingent upon his acceptance since his letter of interest was dated in February.

•The council approved a street closure along Obie Sue for July 16 for the Worland Volunteer Fire Department’s annual family picnic.

•Council member Keith Gentzler reported that the Worland Aquatic Center Joint Powers Board will be deciding at their next meeting July 2 what to do regarding the locker room floors that had to be replaced after they settled. The board is considering turning the issue over to their insurance company or taking legal action against the original contractor of the aquatic center.