The Riverside Town Council met in regular session at 5:00 pm at the Riverside Town Hall with Mayor Leroy Stephenson presiding. Council members present were Fred Lorenz, Ed Golden and Mark Helwick. Also present were Lee Ann Stephenson, Helen Weiland representing South Central Wy EMSJPB and Riverside Clerk/Treasurer Jana C. Cook.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Stephenson led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES: February 9, 2023 Regular Meeting: Golden moved with Helwick seconding to approve the minutes of the February 9, 2023 regular meeting. The motion passed.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT/BILLS: Council reviewed the financial statement and the unpaid bills report. Mayor Stephenson told the council of the additional direct distribution funds approved by the legislature. The new direct distribution amount for Riverside will be approximately $78,000.00. Lorenz moved with Golden seconding to approve the financial statement and pay bills in the amount of $17,555.87. This amount includes a Specific Purpose Tax requisition request in the amount of $6,032.00. The motion passed.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Mayor Stephenson introduced Helen Weiland and Lee Ann Stephenson.
REPORTS:
CCCOG: Helwick told the council there was barely a quorum for the last meeting because of the weather. He said officers for the next year were elected and the schedule set. He spoke of another meeting he attended in Saratoga with Carbon County Emergency Management Coordinator Lenny Layman. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the potential flooding during the spring runoff. Helwick said here were approximately 45 people in attendance-from city officials, engineers and residents, all concerned about possible flooding. Officials said the snowpack is similar to the 2011 snowpack. There was discussion about the 2011 high water and how sandbags were used around the headgate to the south. Helwick said he was sure Mr. Layman will come to each municipality and talk about what needs to be done in the event of a flood. Mayor Stephenson reminded the council of the extensive work on the river since 2011.
SOUTH CENTRAL WY EMSJPB: Weiland said the service got approval for a grant to help pay for a new ambulance in Hanna-that frees up grant money for another ambulance. She wanted to dispel the rumor that North Platte Valley Medical Center was going to purchase the ambulance service and take control of South Central WY EMS-that is simply not true she said.
PARKS: Weiland continued the flood discussion by saying the ground water will keep her from mowing on the east side of the park. She said she expects the annual Easter egg hunt to be an adventure! Mayor Stephenson said Brad Heibig is waiting for the weather to break to start construction on the new restrooms.
SEWER: Helwick asked Mayor Stephenson if high water will affect the lagoons. Mayor Stephenson said no, they are too high. There was no other sewer report.
STREETS: Request for Street Light Highway 70 and Copper Street: The council took no action on the request by Riverside resident Peggy Huntley. Mayor Stephenson will contact Carbon Power and Light to see about installing poles at the intersection. There was discussion about snow removal. It was reported a fire hydrant and an air intake pipe have been damaged. The clerk said Riverside resident Jerry Paxton wanted the council to know how pleased he is with the clearing of his street.
SIERRA MADRE JOINT POWERS BOARD: Lee Ann Stephenson told the council the water leak has been found-on Riverside Avenue in the willows between the Engle and Brown properties. Repair should begin about the first of April and will last approximately two weeks. The board asked if specific purpose tax money can be used to pay for the repairs. They are waiting for an answer.
SPECIFIC PURPOSE TAX: The council earlier approved Requisition #18 in the amount of $6,032.00.
MOSQUITO: No report.
90 DAYS DELINQUENT: The clerk said she sent a letter to the delinquent homeowner, but there has been no response. Mayor Stephenson said to let him know at the next meeting if there is still no response, then he will become involved.
ZONING/BUILDING: Huntley Permit: Action was tabled again.
ACTION ITEMS: There were no action items.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: There were no additions to the agenda.
CORRESPONDENCE: There was no correspondence.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business.
The clerk reminded the council the meeting time will return to 6:00 pm for the April meeting. She thanked them for the earlier winter start time.
Lee Ann Stephenson asked the council to remind Riverside residents of the leash law ordinance. She said there are two dogs running unsupervised and she saw them stalking deer. The clerk was directed to send a letter to the owner.
Ms. Stephenson also asked the town to write a letter to Union Telephone enquiring about highspeed fiber optics coming to Riverside.
There being no further business being brought before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 6:10 pm.
Jana C. Cook ________________________________
Leroy Stephenson, Mayor
Attest:
Jana C. Cook.
Approved: April 13, 2023.
The next regular meeting of the Riverside Town Council will be April 13, 2023 at 6:00 pm at the Riverside Town Hall.