Door lock update highlights commissioners meeting

WORLAND – The Washakie County Commissioners met at their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 3 to discuss the locks that are being updated in the Washakie County Courthouse, as well as receive reports from departments.

Chris Hazen of the Washakie County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Steve Rakness came before the commissioners to discuss how these locks would allow the courthouse to be locked down in a moment rather than needing manpower to go around and lock all the doors in case of an emergency. Some of the locks for the doors have arrived and will begin to be installed at the end of this week, but a final estimate of $4,150 for additional upgrades to the front door of the courthouse are being sought through funding by the state.

This new addition would allow for doors to the courthouse to be locked and unlocked at a certain time of day, and be instantly locked should a threat arise. Possible cameras were also discussed and will be looked in to for the doors.

The commissioners and County Clerk Mary Grace Stauch are also seeking hard estimates for a new wall and door as well as security locks and bars to help secure the voting machines in the courthouse, which is something the commissioners are required to pursue as it is a top priority for the Wyoming Secretary of State Edward Buchanan. Funding for this project would be attained through federal funds granted to the state that are already available.

Pat O’Brien came over from Ten Sleep to discuss funding for Nowoodstock with the commissioners, and asked for a letter of support for a grant that he is seeking from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, which the commissioners agreed they would draft and send in support. No fund amount was specified by O’Brien at this time, but the commissioners were made aware that it is a dollar-for-dollar match on funding, as O’Brien seeks to keep Nowoodstock cheap and affordable for everyone.

County Planner David Anderson discussed the need to evaluate Sage Civil Engineering out of Cody, Y2 Consultants out of Jackson and DOWL based out of Sheridan to determine which one to use to complete a consultant selection report to evaluate Washakie Avenue for a project and then submit that report to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).

Anderson also brought forth a sample Request For Proposal (RFP), that was used on a similar project in Jackson, regarding a slope stability issue on lower Nowood road, and suggested they pursue a design build contract in this case. Anderson said he should be able draft an official RFP for the project prior to the next meeting.

Keith Bower of road and bridge reported that crews are working to remove ice on Lane 17, as well as another sign being stolen on Lane 17. He told the commissioners that they may possibly begin grading roads starting next week dependent on weather, and they are awaiting more bids to repair a culvert on Lane 13.

Tom Schmeltzer of building maintenance reported that he captured a skunk at the fairgrounds located under the Department of Homeland Security.

The commissioners went in to executive session with Bower to discuss personnel.