NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MINUTES Monday, December 18, 2023
Mayor Pam Gualtieri called this regular meeting of the Newcastle City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. Those present were Council members Don Steveson, Ann McColley, Daren Downs, John Butts, Tom Voss and Tyrel Owens. Also present were, City Attorney Dublin Hughes, Police Chief Derek Thompson, Public Works Supervisor Greg Stumpff and Clerk/Treasurer Stacy Haggerty.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Tyrel Owens moved, seconded Ann McColley to approve the agenda. MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Tyrel Owens moved, seconded Tom Voss to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 4, 2023. MOTION CARRIED.
NOMINATIONS FOR RECOGNITION: Community Choir for the Cantata, WC Arts Council for the Christmas Carol presentation, Sage Motel for improvements that have been made, Grazer for their help with the grade school children during an incident last week. Statements of recognition to the Police Department, other law enforcement and the school itself were made.
CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION: Chamber of Commerce for the lighted parade.
CITIZEN’S BUSINESS—IN WRITING:
First Northern Bank of Wyoming application to be recognized as a depository of public funds. Tom Voss moved, seconded Tyrel Owens to declare First Northern Bank of Wyoming a depository of public funds. MOTION CARRIED.
Tonia Christensen submitted a request for a twenty-four-hour catering permit on behalf of Cap N’ Bottle from 9:00 a.m. on January 6, 2024 to 9:00 a.m. on January 7, 2024 for a fundraiser benefit hosted by Wyoming Honor Camp. Tyrel Owens moved, seconded Don Steveson to approve this request. MOTION CARRIED.
Approval of the annual Plumbing and Electrical Licenses for 2024. Tyrel Owens moved, seconded Daren Downs to approve the Plumbing Licenses and Electrical Licenses as presented. Discussion was had. MOTION CARRIED. The licenses are as follows:
Plumbing licenses for the 2024 calendar year. All fees have been paid and proof of insurance and bond have been provided.
Powder River Heating & Air Conditioning - Master Plumber: Jaye Drake; Journeymen: Brett Osman, Steve Sales. Limited Mechanical Apprentices: Eric Means, Jason Wacker, Jose Zavala
Andersen Plumbing and Contracting - Master Plumber: Clay Andersen; Apprentice Plumber: Nathan Andersen
Plumbing and Heating, Inc.- Master Plumber: Scott Hartman; Journeymen Plumber: Dan Hartman
Black Hills Plumbing & Heating - Master Plumber: William Simianer; Apprentice Plumbers: Stephen Phelps, Sean Holland, Michael Patterson
Mountainview Plumbing & Heating - Master Plumber: Brian D. Olson; Apprentice Plumber: Rob Wisnewski
21 Electric/Plumbing - Master Plumber/HVAC: Aaron Napolitano; Apprentices: Christopher Gray, Josh Kaufmann, Colby Varner
Summit Plumbing & Heating, LLC - Master Plumber: David J. Hopkins; Apprentice Plumbers: Robin King, Cameron Richardson, Michael Haynes, Sam Hasty
Limited Plumber Licenses for the 2024 calendar year. All Fees have been paid and proof of insurance and bond have been provided.
Black Hills Gas Holdings, LLC - Limited Plumbers: Donny Munger (Gas Piping), James Curren
Black Cat Construction (Water, Sewer Line) – Limited Plumber: Jeff Sorch
Wayne’s Heating and Air - Limited Plumber: Wayne Anderson (Gas Piping)
Culligan Soft Water of Hot Springs, Inc. (soft water service) – Limited Plumber: Richard D. Olstad
Limited Mechanical Plumber License for the 2024 calendar year. All Fees have been paid and proof of insurance and bond have been provided.
Always There Heating and Cooling - Limited Mechanical License: Timothy Almy
Comfort Systems Heating & Cooling Inc. - Limited Master Mechanical License: Cary Wendling (Gas Piping)
Precision Mechanical - Limited Mechanical Plumber’s License: Stephen Van Dam; Apprentices: Brian Morgan, Ryan Coran, Robbie Nolting, Patrick Sloan, Johnny Reed, Austin Youngblood
Climate Solutions, Inc. - Limited Mechanical Plumber: Nathan Kintz
Tessier’s Inc. - Limited Mechanical License: David Del Soldato
Electrical Licenses for the 2024 calendar year. All Fees have been paid and proof of insurance and bond have been provided.
Homestead Works Electrical - Master Electrician: Howard D. Bogue
ProElectric, Inc. - Master Electrician: Curtis E, Juby; Journeymen Electricians: Charlie Lynn Smith, Keith Norman King, Tyler Phinney; Apprentice Electricians: Cody Radee, Tyler Juby, Mason Benar
21 Electric - Master Electrician: Joshua Liggett; Journeyman Electricians: Ryan Yuronich, Brad Boylan; Apprentice Electrician: Payton A. Parks
Rick’s Electric - Master Electrician: Rick Phillips; Journeymen Electrician: Trenton Engle; Apprentice Electricians: James Lewis, Tate Engle
Arrow Electric, Inc.- Master Electrician: Richard R. Andrews; Journeymen Electrician: Rhett James Williams. Apprentice Electrician: Bryce J. Perkins
Whites Construction, LLC - Master Electrician: Brian K. Swan; Apprentice Electrician: Nathan G. Baker
Pittman Electric - Master Electrician: Gary D. Pittman, Jr.; Journeyman Electricians: Dustin Baldridge, Jeremy Robbins; Apprentice Electrician: Shawn Albaugh
CITIZNES BUSINESS – IN WRITING #4: Melissa Stubbs submitted a letter regarding the proposed anti-abortion and anti-death memorial to be place at the park on top of Main Street. She asked that the Council consider the precedent that would be set if this was to be allowed. Mick Bohn with the WC Right to Life Organization was present and would like to Council to continue to consider the placement of the monument and stated that it would be moveable if need be. Public Works Supervisor Greg Stumpff will continue to research restrictions on the park.
CITIZEN’S BUSINESS—VERBAL: Henry Nessul with the Newcastle Area Chamber of Commerce was present to present Police Chief Derek Thompson with a plaque in appreciation of the assistance the police department has given to the Chamber during their recent events.
MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS: Mayor Gualtieri referenced City sidewalks stating that some citizens had complained about cones being placed then removed, and a recent accident had happened. Public Works Supervisor Greg Stumpff stated that he had received a quote from Blackburn Foundation repair in the amount of $10,170.19 to raise some of the below grade sidewalks along Main Street and an additional estimate in the amount of $5,802.96 to raise the bridge at Centennial Park. Ann McColley moved, seconded Tyrel Owens to contract with Blackburn for these repairs. MOTION CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mayor Gualtieri read Ordinance No. 8, Series 2023 which heading reads, AN ORDINANCE REGULATING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY, REMOVAL, AND CONNECTION TO MANHOLES AS DESIGNATED IN SECTION 26-27(c) WITHIN THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE. Tyrel Owens moved, seconded Tom Voss to pass Ordinance No. 8, Series 2023 on the third and final reading. MOTION CARRIED.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
City Clerk Treasurer Stacy Haggerty stated that both the January 2024 Council meetings will be held on Tuesdays, January 2nd and January 16th. She then stated that the audit presentation will be at 6:00 p.m. on January 16, 2024.
Public Works Supervisor Greg Stumpff requested a $0.50 per hour raise for Jessie Redo for obtaining his well operator’s license, effective November 28, 2023. Tyrel Owens moved, seconded Don Steveson to approve this request. MOTION CARRIED. Supervisor Stumpff then referenced the 2024 Environmental monitoring for Landfill No. 2 in the amount of $24,413.57 with American Engineering Testing. Bid openings for the Pump Station Improvements Project will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, bid opening for 7th Ave. water/sewer improvements will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday as well. Councilman Owens inquired about the progress of WC Solid Waste District; Mr. Stumpff stated that he will be attending their next meeting. Mayor Gualtieri inquired about the surplus auction; Mr. Stumpff stated that bids are currently open.
Police Chief Derek Thompson reported on calls of service from December 4, 2023 to date: NPD 130, WC Sheriff 80, Upton PD 30, Newcastle Ambulance 25, Upton Ambulance 5, NVFD 6, UVFD 3, WC Fire 10. Year to date calls: NPD 3,173. Chief Thompson reported that the WC Peace Officer Association had approved funding the K9 project. Tom Voss moved, seconded John Butts to move forward with K9 project. Discussion was had. MOTION CARRIED. Chief Thompson then referenced local financing for the lease purchase of police vehicles, stating Pinnacle Bank had offered 1% below prime which is currently 8%, First Northern Bank offered 6%. Tyrel Owens moved, seconded Tom Voss to accept First Northern Banks handling of the lease agreement. MOTION CARRIED. Chief Thompson then updated the Council on the Joint Powers Board. Councilman Butts referenced vehicles parked in the alley way along Longland’s property. Councilwomen McColley inquired about ordinance enforcement; Chief Thompson stated that he is waiting on enforcement forms to come back from the printer.
City Attorney Dublin Hughes stated that emails for the water contracts had been sent, Newcastle Housing Authority as the only entity to reply as of yet. He then stated that the entry of default has been entered for the UBC Precast suite. Attorney Hughes stated that he would be going on vacation and may need to attend the next meeting electronically.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mayor Gualtieri reminded the Parks Committee of a meeting to be held at Pinnacle Bank on December 28, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. regarding the Bike Pump Skate Park.
OTHER BUSINESS: Councilman Tyrel Owens referenced the rate study with Carl Brown inquiring if the waste water rates should be done as well; the rate would be an additional $7,045.00. Councilman Steveson stated that the study should be done across all enterprise funds to include garbage as well; at a proposed rate of $6,349.00. Tom Voss moved, second Daren Downs to contract with Carl Brown for the rate study of all enterprise funds. MOTION CARRIED.
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY: Don Steveson moved, seconded Tyrel Owens to pay the claims against the City dated December 18, 2023. MOTION CARRIED.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Ann McColley moved, seconded Tyrel Owens to suspend the rules and go into executive session referencing W.S. 16-4-405(a)(viii) consideration of gifts/donations. W.S. 16-4-405(a)(vii) real estate and W.S. 16-4-405(a)(ii) personnel, at 7:57 p.m.MOTION CARRIED. Tom Voss moved, seconded Tyrel Owens to return to regular session at 8:48 p.m.MOTION CARRIED. No action was taken coming out of this executive session. Don Steveson moved, seconded Ann McColley to adjourn this regular meeting of the Newcastle City Council. Meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
Claims: Aced Embroidery, FD embroidery, $75.00; Advanced Communications, phone case, $60.00; American Business Software, website maintenance, $69.00; American Engineering Testing, landfill #2 testing, $9,024.28; Kenlie Barling, deposit refund, $31.91; Black Hills Energy, services, $11,118.21; Black Hills Plumbing, services, $3,760.50; Blue to Gold, training books, $495.00; Butler Machinery, supplies, $984.37; Cambria Supply, supplies, $212.34; Contractor’s Supply, culvert, $11,376.40, Culligan, bottled water, $39.00; Dustbusters, salt, $20,244.52; Eastern Wy. Equip., supplies, $1,071.01; Engineering Assoc., services, $57,652.74; Farnsworth, Baseball field storm drain/portable sanitation, $30,441.98; Ferguson Waterworks, 1yr flxnet, $2,437.43; Gateway Travel, fuel, $7,903.87; Florencia Gullick, mileage, $204.36; Heartland Kubota, supplies, $773.25; Ketel Thorstenson, audit, $25,000.00; L.N. Curtis, services, $2,331.60; LinkTech, PD IT services, $1,950.00; Mallory Safety, FD coveralls, $549.57; Marco, copier/plotter fees, $1,248.44; Minuteman, service, $89.99; Municipal Court, reimbursement, $45.00; Municipal Emergency Services, FD supplies, $2,585.24; Newcastle Ace Hardware, supplies, $965.91; NVFD, travel/training/supplies, $396.82; News Letter Journal, ads/legals/supplies, $2,729.29; One Call of Wy., CDC/CON, $57.00; Petty Cash, title work/postage, $37.60; Powder River Energy, services, $1,306.02; Range, internet/phone, $1,875.54; Rick’s Electric, services, $2,540.00; Rinker, supplies, $3,426.07; Genell Rothleutner, PD cleaning, $200.00; Naomi Rothleutner, deposit refund, $79.26; Sacrison Paving, 2023 streets project, $1,420.65; Safeguard, tax forms, $124.24; Short Stop, fuel, $1,436.34; Michael Staiger, mileage, $717.88; Titan Tint, graphics, $900.00, Trugreen-Chemlawn, FD lawn, $132.00; Valli, maintenance, $103.25; Katina Varner, deposit refund, $158.84; Becky Vodopich, cleaning, $300.00; WC True Value, deposit refund, $33.85; WC Road & Bridge, FD fuel, $129.73; WC Treasurer, airport/handling charge, $4,596.70; Woody’s, supplies, $37.93; Steve Wrage, deposit refund, $36.30.
ATTEST:
Mayor Pam Gualtieri
Clerk/Treasurer
Stacy Haggerty
(Publish December 28, 2023)
