Christmas parade requests approved by the council

WORLAND — The Worland City Council approved two requests related to the Dec. 4 Christmas Lighted Parade sponsored by the Worland-Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce.

Kara Anderson of Goose’s requested a street closure on Eighth Street from Big Horn Avenue south to the alley during the parade and until closing. She said they would have concessions, this year probably chili and s’mores. The parking lot would be blocked off for only 21 and older.

She said in the past they have had fire pits on the patio and this year they are requesting them in the street and parking lot.

The council approved the closure and fire pits until closing at 2 a.m. on Dec. 5.

Chamber Coordinator Ruth Dugger requested permission for a helicopter flyover of the city prior to the parade and fireworks after the parade. The requests were approved. Duggers said she is still working on obtaining a company to do the flyover.

The parade will be at 6:30 p.m. in Worland. Dugger said she already has 15 confirmed entries for the parade. Anyone interested in entering the parade should contact the chamber.

In other Christmas celebration news, Acting Mayor Christy Schneider (with Mayor Jim Gill out of town), said Becky Dooley of Range asked her to announce that there were still sponsorships available at Pioneer Square for the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 26. There are four trees left. Anyone wanting to decorate a tree should contact the Range office in Worland.

In other business Tuesday night, the council approved a motion to have Mayor Jim Gill sign an Airport Rescue Grant application for $32,000.

Airport Manager Lynn Murdoch said the grant is for $32,000 from the American Rescue Plan COVID funding.

Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Glanz said the funding could be used to replace some salary and wages.

Murdoch said they are looking into whether savings from salaries could then be used for a new gate system for general aviators.

Murdoch said the grant funding cannot be used for the new gate system.

According to the application, “This Grant shall be available for any purpose for which airport revenues may lawfully be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. Funds provided under this Airport Rescue Grant Agreement will only be expended for the capital or operating costs of the airport; the local airport system; or other local facilities which are owned or operated by the owner or operator of the airport and all applicable addendums for costs related to operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services, combating the spread of pathogens at the airport, and debt service payments as prescribed in the Act.”

Murdoch said she did get one quote to replace the gate system which has reached its capacity and hinders access for general aviators through the gate, the only drive-thru gate for general aviators. The quote is for $11,680. She is awaiting an additional quote.

The system would include livestream video that is inputted into a computer to track who comes and goes from the airport.