Extension of bike path proposed to Commissioners

WORLAND – Local resident Landis Benson approached the Washakie County Commissioners during their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 4, to discuss an idea that would extend the bike/walking path.

Benson was joined by Washakie County Planner David Anderson to look at the original drawings of the bike path that were created in 2003. Benson said that he had discussed with the planner at that time about the possibility of extending the path down Lane 14 to South Flat Road and then eventually back into Worland to create a loop for the entire path.

The idea would run primarily along Benson’s property, as well as a couple of other properties on the south side of Lane 14.

Commissioner Terry Wolf said that the idea has been proposed to extend it multiple times but has not worked out for various reasons over the years. Benson said even just extending the path a short distance to eliminate it ending at the junction of Airport Road and Lane 14 at the end would be an option should the commissioners decide to pursue any extension on the path.

Benson said he understands one of the major problems would be funding, but added that he was inspired and amazed by the recent public/private partnership and the outpouring of community support for the new Washakie County Library

He also said he understands that an extension may not happen for years and may have to wait until the proposed Washakie Avenue extension is completed, but he wanted to get the idea in front of the commissioners.

The commissioners took no action.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business Tuesday:

•Anderson reported that the striping project on Lower Nowood should be done next week, with the signage on the road scheduled for the week of May 17 and the whole project being completed by the end of May.

Anderson said he also received preliminary designs for the Cottonwood Creek Bridge but they are not any different from the ones the commissioners have already seen.

He also said that the Washakie County Planning Commission (WCPC) has discussed the changes they need to make in order to align with state statutes that go into effect July 1. He said they plan to have final approval from the WCPC at a special meeting on May 24, and then plan to hold a public hearing during a commissioners meeting in June before they would take full effect.

•The commissioners approved a bid for a flatbed trailer for $3,500 which is within the road and bridge department’s $5,000 equipment budget.

•Keith Bower of road and bridge also discussed with the commissioners the need to purchase a newer roller, and had a bid approved from Honnen Equipment at a bid of $72,000 with a 2,000-hour warranty at an additional cost of $4,900 for a 2018 roller, the funds are expected to be taken out of unanticipated in the budget.

•Tom Schmeltzer of building maintenance discussed with the commissioners how they intend to continue with their current maintenance plans at the current Washakie County Library after the bid the commissioners had previously agreed to fell through.

He said he had been approached by some community members wishing to help move the library in early June as part of a community service project but the commissioners and Schmeltzer did not anticipate being able to move items to the new library at that time and was hoping to convince them to help move in July.

Schmeltzer said he was approached by other community members wishing to help build furniture when it came in and also help move books and will welcome any help when the time comes to transition from the current building to the new one.

Schmeltzer was given the go ahead to get dirt for the monster truck show during the Washakie County Fair. Schmeltzer also expressed concerns with the commissioners about problems occurring throughout the fair if they do not have someone present to help set up and manage each event.

The commissioners agreed Schmeltzer and one of the commissioners should attend the next fair board meeting in order to figure out if they need to hire someone to assist with the fair each day as Schmeltzer will not have time as he will likely be helping with the library transition.

The commissioners also agreed to meet with Schmeltzer to look at items that need to be worked on and upgraded at the fairgrounds arena in anticipation of fair at the end of July.

Washakie Development Association Executive Director LeAnn Baker came before the commissioners to thank them and inform them about National Economic Development Week, May 9-15. Read more about economic development week on A11.

She also informed the commissioners that they may be close to selling the current Washakie Development Association (WDA) building at 1214 South Flat Road but was unable to provide further details. She asked the commissioners when they would be able to move into their new office in the upstairs of the future Washakie County Library which Chairman Fred Frandson said there would not be a problem with the WDA moving into their office at the end of June.

The commissioners received bids for Information Technology services for the county from Radical Bomb Technology and Console Comp Technologies. Console Comp Technologies submitted a bid of $3,400 a month with $600 for an off-site cloud backup and Radical Bomb Technology submitted a bit of $3,000 a month and $455 for off-site service.

The commissioners decided to table the decision until their next meeting in order to meet with department heads along with the companies to dive deeper into the bids.

The Brass Plum had two catering permits approved, one for an event at the Country Bloomers Greenhouse today, May 6, and one for a wedding on June 26.

The commissioners approved an agreement with Rocky Mountain Fire Systems Inc. for fire monitoring at the library.