Council selects firm to handle building official duties

The Worland City Council voted unanimously to enter into a contract with Eagle Engineering & Surveying for building official duties.

The firm fills a vacancy left by the death of city employee Randy Adams who passed away earlier this summer.

The motion followed a closed executive session for contract negotiations.

In other business the council:

•Approved a bid for two 2023 Ford F150 supercrew pickups for the Worland Police Department for $89,550 from Ken Garth Auto of Cheyenne. There were three other bids, one that did not meet specifications and two other bids that were higher than Ken Garth Auto.

In addressing a question from the council, Worland Police Chief Gabe Elliott said they are working to have all fleet vehicles the same, which will make it easier on the mechanic rather than having various vehicles of different makes and models.

•Approved a request for a street closure on Halloween for North Ninth from Big Horn Avenue to the alley or to Robertson Avenue. Worland-Ten Sleep Chamber Executive Director Ruth Dugger requested the closure for the annual Trunk-or-Treat event. She said the closure will also include music and the Thriller dance from the Curtain Call Academy of Dance students at 6:15 and 6:45 p.m.

Dugger requested the closure from 4 to 7 p.m. Public Works Director Nick Kruger asked if the businesses on North Ninth had been notified since Halloween is on a Tuesday and businesses are likely open at the time.

Dugger agreed that if businesses were open they would only request the closure to the alley just like the Farmers Market. She said she would check with businesses next week.

She said they have also reserved Pioneer Square from 3 to 8 p.m.

•Heard a report from Mayor Jim Gill that the state shooting range task force meeting will be next Wednesday at Riverton. Council member Lombard will be attending.

•Approved the annual memorandum of understanding with Washakie County regarding winter road maintenance on Washakie Avenue.

•Approved the closure of North Ninth from Big Horn to the alley adjacent to Pioneer Square from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 24 for the annual Trim-A-Tree event in partnership with Range. Included in the request was for the lights to be left on from the event through mid January.

•Heard a report from Kruger that there is a water leak from the water tank into the city and he is working with Big Horn Regional Water and Washakie Rural to provide water while the leak is fixed to ensure water does not have to be shut off to residents.