Graduation parade approved, set for May 17

WORLAND — Kara Anderson was back before the Worland City Council Tuesday night to get final approval for a graduation parade for the Class of 2020.

She said people will be asked to maintain social distancing while watching the parade down Big Horn Avenue in Worland. The parade is tentatively set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 17 from 20th Street down to Railway. She said speeches from the valedictorians, salutatorian and keynote speaker will be broadcast on 96.1FM. The time for the parade was set because that is when the original graduation ceremony was scheduled.

With state orders in place prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people, the traditional graduation ceremony has been canceled. Graduates have been getting a diploma cover presented to them at the high school this week, with photos taken and being videotaped. Each student will receive a copy of the video.

Council member Keith Gentzler later in the meeting asked Public Works Superintendent Brian Burky if the digital signs the city uses to announce snow removal could be used to announce the parade and show support of the Class of 2020.

Burky said he would work on it. Burky added that he is still waiting to get a call regarding putting up banners featuring the photos of each senior on light poles downtown.

GOLFING

Donnie Bjorhus of Sagebrush Sports said Green Hills Golf Course has had a good start to 2020 with 884 rounds of golf played in April, up 300 from April 2019.

He said the Get Golf Ready Program for beginners has been a success with seven of the eight golfers being “completely new to golf.” They also have had nine new members sign up.

He said the Cowboy Job Club Scramble for May has been canceled. The first big tournament is slated for late June, depending on COVID-19 restrictions.

“Things are going well, we look to keep that momentum going,” Bjorhus said. He noted that they had to work on the learning the new pump system for irrigation but it is working well now.

In other golf news, Burky reported to the council that the volunteers have begun working on the new restroom for the front nine holes at the golf course. Work should take a few weeks, he said.

TRAILERS

The trailer committee reported their findings and recommendations to the council Tuesday night. In April the council heard a concern from Mat King regarding business trailers not able to park on the street for more than seven days. The council wanted to provide a solution for the business owners.

Council member Christy Schneider chaired the committee and said the recommendations were to amend the current city ordinance to potentially allow for trailers 6,000 pounds or less to be parked on city streets, provide an annual permit with a proof of business for $40 to $50. The permit would allow businesses to park unattached trailers on city streets in excess of seven days as long as they were parked in front of their own property and did not block line of sight.

The committee also suggested no motorhomes be allowed as business trailers.

City Attorney Kent Richins said he would draft an ordinance incorporating the suggestions for first reading at the May 19 meeting.

In other business Tuesday night:

•The council approved renewing health insurance with the Wyoming Association of Municipalities. Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Glanz said there was no increase this year.

•Approved a $6,562 infrastructure loan for sidewalk and gutter at 712 Grace Avenue. The loan, through a fund from the city, would be for six years at 2%.

•Mayor Jim Gill reported that the city parks and playgrounds will be open on May 8. He asks residents to still be mindful of the state order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people.

•Burky reported that the compost pile is ready and give away will begin on May 15. They are still accepting green waste to be composted on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The compost pile is near Riverside Rotary Park.

He said the compost is “very good for lawns and gardens,” but it is not perfect as it has a few sticks and rocks.

•Richins reported that he will be bringing an ordinance to increase the court automation fee for municipal cases from $25 to $40. This fee goes to the Wyoming Supreme Court for their technology support.

•Engineer representative Mike Donnell reported that the preconstruction meeting with Wilson Construction on the Culbertson project will be May 12.

•Worland Police Chief Gabe Elliott said the department has received a safety grant for additional enforcement from May 14-June 1.

•The council discussed a preliminary budget that also included discussion and a motion to eliminate overtime. More on this will be published in next week’s Northern Wyoming News.