Council members sworn in for first meeting of 2021

WORLAND - In an abbreviated Worland City Council meeting, appointments were made, new members sworn in and a liquor license transferred.

At the start of the meeting Mayor Jim Gill, council members Kody DeMunbrun and Mike Neufer and newly elected members Wendy Fredricks and William Worley took the oath of office administered from City Attorney Kent Richins. New member Scott Schaeffer took the oath last Thursday. Adam Martinez was absent from the first meeting of 2021. The new members were elected in the November general election.

The council also elected a new President of the Council, Christy Schneider and acting president, DeMunbrun.

The council has one vacancy and with two Ward 1 members absent, Gill deferred making the appointment for the third Ward 1 seat until the Jan. 19 meeting.

The council approved the transfer of a retail liquor license from Eaglecav LLC doing business as Reese & Ray's IGA of Worland to 221 North Tenth LLC.

Mike Bailey of 221 North Tenth LLC said, "We're looking forward to doing business in Worland. We have a great big building to remodel and lease out."

The mayor made his annual appointments that included golf course liaison Brian Burky, American with Disabilities Act coordinator Randy Adams, Landis Benson, Mike Dykman, Scott Fritzler and Michael Sanchez to three-year terms on the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission.

REPORTS

During department head reports, Burky reported that wind damaged the golf course maintenance shed. He also said that crews, with landowner permission, have been trimming trees that are hitting large trucks.

Burky said Rocky Mountain Power finished installing new lights on Culbertson where construction was just completed.

Police Chief Gabe Elliott reported that he has made a conditional offer to a new ordinance officer and are starting the hiring process for two patrol officers.

Prior to adjournment, council member Kreg Lombard requested an executive closed session for negotiations.