NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MINUTES Monday, July 7, 2025
NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MINUTES
Monday, July 7, 2025
Mayor Tyrel Owens called this regular meeting of the Newcastle City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Council members John Butts, Daren Downs, Chris Kenney, Ann McColley, Don Steveson and Thomas Voss. Also present were Attorney Dublin Hughes, Public Works Supervisor Greg Stumpff, Police Chief Derek Thompson and Clerk/Treasurer Stacy Haggerty.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mayor Owens amended the agenda to add WCDA report under Council member reports. Ann McColley moved; Don Steveson seconded to approve the agenda as amended. MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Thomas Voss moved; Ann McColley seconded, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of Monday, June 16, 2025. MOTION CARRIED.
NOMINATION FOR RECOGNITION: Daren Downs, Ann McColley and Don Steveson, for cleaning areas around town. The All-School Reunion Board for their work on the event. Daren Downs declined the recognition.
CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION: Ken Ator for mowing near Pinnacle Bank along the highway.
CITIZEN’S BUSINESS VERBAL:
• Burce Perkins was present to request motorcycle parking in the center lanes of Main Street from Railroad Street to Seneca Ave. and Seneca Ave. to Sumner Ave. from August 1st to August 11th. Thomas Voss moved; Don Steveson seconded to approve this request. Daren Downs abstained. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Perkins also requested relaxation of the open container law at tables outside his establishment from August 1st to August 11th. Thomas Voss moved; Ann McColley seconded to approve this request. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Perkins also requested additional support from the City and police department regarding bicycles on sidewalks.
• Sandra Martin was present to request relaxation of the open container law on Friday, July 18, 2025, on Main Street for the Classic Summer Drags event. Ann McColley moved; Don Steveson seconded to approve this request. Discussion was had clarifying the date and location of the open container. MOTION CARRIED.
CITIZEN’S BUSINESS IN WRITING:
• Sandra Martin d/b/a Pizza Barn requested a 24-hour catering permit for the Classic Summer Drags/Meet and Greet - Casino Night at the Weston County Event Center located at 24 Fairgrounds Road, from 9:00 a.m. July 17, 2025, to 9:00 a.m. July 18, 2025. Thomas Voss moved; Don Steveson seconded to approve this request. MOTION CARRIED. Sandra Martin d/b/a Pizza Barn requested a 24-hour catering permit for the Classic Summer Drags/Car Show at Antlers located at 205 W. Main Street, from 7:00 a.m. July 18, 2025, to 7:00 a.m. July 19, 2025. Don Steveson moved; Thomas Voss seconded to approve this request. MOTION CARRIED. Sandra Martin d/b/a Pizza Barn requested a 24-hour catering permit for the Classic Summer Drags/Auto Cross on Casper Ave. from 7:00 a.m. July 18, 2025, to 7:00 a.m. July 19, 2025. Don Steveson moved; Thomas Voss seconded to approve this request. MOTION CARRIED. Sandra Martin d/b/a Pizza Barn requested a 24-hour catering permit for the Classic Summer Drags/Drag Races at Stampede Street and Hwy 16 Bypass, from 7:00 a.m. July 19, 2025, to 7:00 a.m. July 20, 2025. Chris Kenney moved; Don Steveson seconded to approve this request. MOTION CARRIED. Sandra Martin d/b/a Pizza Barn requested a 24-hour catering permit for the Classic Summer Drags/Banquet and Awards Ceremony at the Weston County Event Center located at 24 Fairgrounds Road, from 9:00 a.m. July 19, 2025, to 9:00 a.m. July 20, 2025. Thomas Voss moved; Chris Kenney seconded to approve this request. MOTION CARRIED.
• Tonya Christensen d/b/a Cap N’ Bottle requested a 24-hour catering permit for the Classic Summer Drags/Auto Cross on Casper Ave. from 7:00 a.m. July 18, 2025, to 7:00 a.m. July 19, 2025. Thomas Voss moved; Chris Kenney seconded to approve this request. MOTION CARRIED. Tonya Christensen d/b/a Cap N’ Bottle requested a 24-hour catering permit for the Classic Summer Drags/Drag Races at Stampede Street and Hwy 16 Bypass, from 7:00 a.m. July 19, 2025, to 7:00 a.m. July 20, 2025. Chris Kenney moved; Don Steveson seconded to approve this request. MOTION CARRIED.
• Mayor Owens read a letter updating the Council on the progress of the Farmers Market and a request for additional parking in the center lane of Main Street submitted by Dave Ehlers. Thomas Voss moved, Ann McColley seconded to approve this request. Discussion was had regarding Wy. DOT approval and safety concerns. MOTION FAILED.
OLD BUSINESS:
• Mayor Owens referenced Ordinance No. 4, Series 2025 which heading reads: AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE SEC. 17-14 OF THE NEWCASTLE TOWN CODE. Don Steveson moved; seconded Chris Kenney to approve Ordinance No. 4, Series 2025, on the third and final reading. MOTION CARRIED.
• Mayor Owens referenced Ordinance No. 5, series 2025 which heading reads: AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE SEC. 17-27 OF THE NEWCASTLE TOWN CODE. John Butts moved; Thomas Voss seconded to approve Ordinance No. 5 Series 2025, on the third and final reading. MOTION CARRIED.
• Mayor Owens referenced the easement agreement with Powder River Energy for the Mondell Airport. Mondell Airport board member Bob Svara was present to discuss the history of the airport and the shared ownership and expenses between the County and the City. Thomas Voss moved; seconded John Butts to approve the signing of the easement. Discussion was had regarding income and credits given for airport expenses. MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS: None
COMMITTEE/COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS: Mayor Owens reported that Joan Evans with the Wyoming Government Investment Fund will be presenting at the next council meeting; he will also reach out to Wyo. Star about spending current investments. Mayor Owens reported that he had been in contact with Cashs regarding the proposed pocket-park, they would do a 10-year lease for $10.00; liability of the park was also a concern, and he was directed to Wy. Assoc. of Risk Management for coverage. Thomas Voss moved; Ann McColley seconded for Attorney Hughes to draft a 10-year lease for $10.00 with Cashs, if the liability is covered. Discussion about design was had. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Owens addressed the Council members about crosstalk during meetings. Mayor Owens referenced the American Legal Publishing packet asking the Council to review the $7,100.00 quote. Councilman Voss reported on a WCDA zoom meeting that he attended and encouraged others to look at their website.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
• City Attorney Dublin Hughes referenced Ordinance No. 6, Series 2025 the heading reads: AN ORDIANCE AMENDING SEC. 16-11.2 OF THE NEWCASTLE TOWN CODE, stating that he would like to remove “thereafter,”; “(a) on any portion of US Highway 85” was also removed. John Butts moved, Thomas Voss seconded to approve Ordinance No. 6, Series 2025 on the first reading. MOTION CARRIED. Councilman Voss inquired about ordinance enforcement one mile outside city limits; Attorney Hughes will look at the state statutes.
• Clerk/Treasurer Stacy Haggerty requested approval to advertise for the provided garbage fund amendment hearing. Thomas Voss moved; Don Steveson seconded to approve this request. MOTION CARRIED. She requested a $0.50/hr. raise for Amber Redo for completing the 1-year probationary period. Thomas Voss moved; seconded Ann McColley to approve this request effective July 7, 2025. MOTION CARRIED. She notified the Council that the Wyoming Community Gas, Community Distribution check had been received; the Council had previously been designated the funds to be split between the Veteran’s memorial and the Dow Park restroom project. Additional discussions: landfill cost now vs. when city ran the landfill; Councilman Steveson’s issues with his governmental email, he will be using his other email for correspondence.
• Public Works Supervisor Greg Stumpff requested approval of Resolution No. 4, Series 2025: A resolution authorizing the submission of an application for federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives program administered by the Wy. Department of Transportation for the City of Newcastle for the purposes of the South Summit Ave. Pathway engineering project. Don Steveson moved; Chris Kenney seconded to approve Resolution No. 4, Series 2025. Discussion about the City’s portion of the project was had; City’s portion will be $9,510.00. MOTION CARRIED. Supervisor Stumpff requested to give a conditional offer of employment to Beth Blackwell for the position of Grant Loan Specialist at the rate of $39.00/hour salary. Ann McColley moved; seconded Don Steveson to approve this request. Discussion was had regarding Beth’s background, pay, workload, probation, benefits and start date. Ann McColley amended her motion to reflect Beth Blackwell’s offer to be $39.00/hour equating to $81,000 per year with one-year probation and benefits starting July 14, 2025; Don Steveson seconded. Discussion about Ms. Blackwell working solely for the City was had. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Stumpff notified the Council about the following: the restrooms at the sports complex were shut down due to vandalism; EPA unregulated contaminant monitoring results were below maximum limits; Well No. 5 quarterly monitoring has been reduced; standing-water near Decker’s Market is being investigated along with a sewer issue on Cambria; new skid-steer was delivered; Duff Ave. lift station is scheduled to be delivered July 21st; schools water use on the football and practice fields; mag chloride for gravel roads. Supervisor Stumpff requested approval of the 2025 Improvement agreement with Hot Iron. Thomas Voss moved; Chris Kenney seconded to approve this request. Project cost of $2,168,616.68 and details of the project were discussed. MOTION CARRIED. Mr. Stumpff requested to use a vac truck and skid-steer with broom for the Classic Drags event. Don Steveson moved; Chris Kenney seconded to approve this request. Discussion was had about reimbursing Mr. Stumpff for his time, he has already volunteered to be at the event. MOTION CARRIED.. Additional discussions: cost of cleaning up after an open-container event; Cedar Street signs; traffic mirror; pocket park restroom cost.
• Police Chief Derek Thompson reported on calls of service from June 16, 2025; NPD 289, WCSO 211, UPD 35, NVFD 13, WCFP 8, UVFD 5, Newcastle Ambulance 33, Upton Ambulance 11, he provided a handout for the breakdown of NPD calls. Chief Thompson provided vehicle bid information and requested approval to purchase the 2025 Dodge Durangos, signing the notice of award. Thomas Voss moved; Don Steveson seconded to approve this request. Discussion was had regarding the language of the bid and possibility of amending next year’s budget. Thomas Voss amended his motion to approve the bid for the V6 vehicle; Don Steveson seconded. MOTION CARRIED. Chris Kenney moved; seconded Don Steveson to advertise for a second vehicle. Discussion was had regarding personnel for the new vehicles and cost. MOTION CARRIED. Chief Thompson reported that the 4th of July holiday and All School Reunion went well and will be preparing for the Classic Summer Drags event, a planning meeting is scheduled with first responders. Councilman Voss requested to have arrest added to the calls of service report.
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY: Thomas Voss moved; Don Steveson seconded to pay the claims against the City dated July 7, 2025. MOTION CARRIED.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: John Butts moved; Ann McColley seconded to suspend the rules and enter executive session referencing proposed litigation per W.S. 16-4-405 (a)(iii) at 9:42 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Ann McColley moved; Chris Kenney seconded to return to regular session at 10:06 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Don Steveson moved; seconded Thomas Voss to amend the Cambria Improvement District water contract, crediting their account to observe decreases to conform to the intent of the contract and for the credit to be applied over a 12-month period. MOTION CARRIED. Don Steveson moved; seconded Chris Kenney to amend the Sunset Ranch water contract, crediting their account to observe decreases to conform to the intent of the contract and for the credit to be applied over a 12-month period. MOTION CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT: moved; Chris Kenney moved; Ann McColley seconded to adjourn this regular meeting of the Newcastle City Council at 10:09 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
FY 24/25 Claims: Aced Embroidery, services, $423.00; Ad-Pro, supplies, $53.91; A&T, PD phones, $1,455.63; Aaron Benson, deposit refund, $30.02; Black Hills Energy, 3rd party damage/energy services, $21,934.25; Bomgaars, supplies, $1,594.32; Laurie Bumganer, deposit refund, 22.65; Cambria Supply, supplies, $2,144.98; City of Newcastle, wa/sw/ga, $482.78; Communication Tech., supplies, $184.95; Environmental Products, supplies, $2,108.78; Farnsworth, portable sanitation, $950.00; Ferguson, supplies, $485.00; Fisher, gravel, $165.82; Flying Phoenix, fireworks, $8,000.00; Gateway Travel, fuel, $5,183.22; Heartland Kubota, supplies, $178.81; Inberg-Miller, services, $5,052.00; Julio Holguin, contract work, $30,911.00; Lowrey, Wayne, deposit refund, $3.82; Marco, IT/plotter/copier fees, $2,782.03; Mastercard, supplies/training/fuel, $4,188.49; Matthew Binder, statute books, $865.97, Newcastle Ace Hardware, supplies, $1,156.44; Newcastle Equipment, repairs/supplies, $1,404.25; NVFD, conference/parts, $6,008.27; News Letter Journal, legals/ads, $2,027.75; Northwest Pipe, supplies, $849.84, Range, phone/internet, $1,623.19; Rick’s Electric, services, $6,071.24; Salt Creek Water Dist., sewer services, $555.00; Servall, services, $44.84; Sundance Extinguisher, annual inspection, $143.00; Lucky Teigen-Grummons, FD cleaning, $300.00; Titan Machinery, kit/skid steer, $63,669.90; Torrington VFD, FD convention, $1,650.00; Transource, supplies, $861.92; Truegreen, services, $139.00; Verizon, cell phones, $842.28; Weeg & Bradford, deposit refund, $67.69; WCHS, drug screens, $120.00; WC Road & Bridge, FD fuel, $210.97; WC Weed & Pest, spray lagoons, $2,244.93; WC Solid Waste Dist., tipping fees, $12,625.20; Wy. First Aid, supplies, $578.54; Wy. Machinery, supplies, $19.25.
FY 25/26 claims: Civic Plus, annual fees, $740.00; CNA Surety, judges bond, $100.00; Douglas Dumbrill, municipal judge/mileage, $1,091.00; First Northern Bank, lease payments, $4,305.30; Hughes Law, attorney fees, $4,500.00; LinkTech, PD IT, $1,394.80; LGLP, annual insurance, $16,571.00; Postmaster, bulk mailings, $4,000.00; Sagebrush Market, website, $150.00; Bryand Streeter, airport wages, $1,333.33; Becky Vodopich, cleaning, $300.00; W.A.R.M., property insurance, $39,649.82; Wy. Office of State Lands, loan/trail permits, $11,798.72.
ATTEST:
Mayor Tyrel Owens
Clerk/Treasurer Stacy Haggerty
(Publish July 17, 2025)