The Riverside Town Council met in regular session at 6:00 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 Sandy Martin, Helen Weiland, Lee Ann Stephenson, Mackenzie Rakness, Micky Jones representing the Saratoga Sun and Riverside Clerk/Treasurer Jana C. Cook.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Stephenson led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES: Golden moved with Lorenz seconding to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2021 meeting. The motion passed.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT/BILLS: The financial statement and unpaid bills report were reviewed. Helwick moved with Golden seconding to approve the financial statement and pay bills in the amount of $16,972.40. The motion passed.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS:
1. Sandy Martin: Mrs. Martin came before the council to report on the activities of the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation. She showed the council a letter she received from Governor Mark Gordon. Beverly Russell is the new Encampment representative. She showed the council new promotional material from area businesses.
2. Mackenzie Rakness: Mrs. Rakness came to the meeting to contribute to the playground equipment discussion.
REPORTS:
CCCOG: No report.
SOUTH CENTRAL WY EMSJPB: Weiland told the council a new ambulance director has been hired. She said the new director is not from the area and she believes the service will benefit from someone from the outside. His background is in rural EMS. She said the shell of the addition to the Saratoga facility is going up.
PARKS: New Playground Equipment: Rakness told the council she sees Game Time equipment every time she takes her children to a different playground. Stephenson said he spoke to Taggart Castleton, the Game Time area representative, and the bid of $48,983.74 is still good. Lorenz asked if the town would be required to obtain three bids. The clerk did not know the answer, but would find two other bids if the council wanted them. The discussion continued with Stephenson suggesting installing the equipment “ourselves”, thus saving the town $12,450.00. Golden moved with Lorenz seconding to proceed with the Game Time bid less the installation unless Mayor Stephenson finds out we can not proceed without other bids. The motion passed. The amount for the playground equipment will be $36,533.74.
SEWER: Rates and Connection Fees: Stephenson told the council there has been problems with sewer connections on 4th Street. The town had to repair the street after connecting to new construction two times. He suggested raising the sewer connection fee. Golden suggested $2,500.00. Helwick said he liked $2,000.00 for the fee. Golden moved with Helwick seconding to raise the sewer connect fee to $2,500.00. The motion passed. Stephenson then spoke of the present sewer fees for Riverside residents. He said the present rate of $30.00 per month doesn’t cover sewer costs. He said the council will have to look at a rate increase before the next budget process.
STREETS: Snow Removal Bids: Lorenz said one bid was received and suggested extending the bid opening until the December meeting. The council agreed.
SIERRA MADRE JOINT POWERS BOARD: October 2021 Minutes; Riverside Representative Appointment: Lee Ann Stephenson told the council the board had a workshop to work on revisions to the rules and regulations. Water meter equipment currently in the town hall will be moved to the water office. Mayor Stephenson asked Lee Ann Stephenson if she would be willing to serve another 3 year term as Riverside representative. She said she would be willing to serve. Helwick moved with Lorenz seconding to appoint Mrs. Stephenson to a 3 year term. The motion passed.
SPECIFIC PURPOSE TAX: Lee Ann Stephenson told the council to expect a resolution from the Specific Purpose Tax Board dealing with taking bonding money to cover operational costs of the board.
MOSQUITO: No report.
90 DAYS DELINQUENT: No report.
ZONING/BUILDING: No report.
ACTION ITEMS: Mayor Stephenson said the new website is now active. The website is Riversidewyo.com. He said he spoke to Lance Grubb and told him the old website is no longer needed. Golden moved with Lorenz seconding to terminate the contract with Memory Jog for web hosting. The motion passed. The clerk said there may be one more invoice for part of November.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: The clerk told the council she would like to close the town hall on Wednesday November 24, 2021.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Candy France: The council read a letter from Mrs. France stating her opposition to the proposed Neighborhood Watch program.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
STORAGE BUILDING: Mayor Stephenson told the council the building has been cleaned and the only thing left is the safe. There was lengthy discussion about the safe and what to do with it. Stephenson said the only way to move it is to bring it up through the roof and put it on a trailer. He said there was someone that would like it. Stephenson said he would ask for a donation of $100.00.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Mayor Stephenson said he read the letter from Candy France and although she makes some valid points about neighbors watching out for each other, he would like the council to make the investment for some signs. Helwick agreed with Stephenson but said he would like to table any action on the program until March or April when he has had the opportunity to talk to full time and part time residents. The council agreed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution 2021-2: Issuance of Payroll Checks: The clerk said this resolution is necessary in order to issue checks if the last day of the month falls on a weekend or a holiday. Golden moved with Helwick seconding to approve the resolution. The motion passed.
T-Mobile Home Town Grant Information: Helwick told the council he learned of this grant at the Lions Club meeting. The clerk got information and Mayor Stephenson said he would like to look at it as a possible way to fund a portion of the park bathroom project.
With no other business being brought before the council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
Jana C. Cook _______________________
Leroy Stephenson, Mayor
Approved: December 9, 2021
Attest:
Jana C. Cook
Clerk/Treasurer
The next regular meeting of the Riverside Town Council will be Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 6:00 pm at the Riverside Town Hall.