NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Unofficial MINUTES Tuesday, September 3, 2024

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, Tyrel Owens, John Butts, and Tom Voss. Also present were, City Attorney Dublin Hughes, Public Works Supervisor Greg Stumpff, and Clerk/Treasurer Stacy Haggerty.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  Mayor Gualtieri amended the agenda by adding WC Freedom Festival under citizens business verbal, and W.S. 16-4-405 ()(ii)- personnel under executive session. Ann McColley moved, seconded Daren Downs to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Tyrel Owens moved, seconded Ann McColley to approve the minutes of Monday, August 19, 2024. Motion carried. 

CITIZEN’S BUSINESS VERBAL: 

1. Erin Darlington-Witcher and Caleb Carter with the Weston County Natural Resource District were present to ask for the Council’s support on a StoryWalk for the Backyard Park; a project proposal form will be needed. Tyrel Owens moved, seconded Tom Voss for the City to be a collaborating partner for the Backyard Park StoryWalk. Motion carried. 

2. Judge Douglas Dumbrill was present to discuss the duties of the Municipal Court.

3. Stan Jasinski with the WC Freedom Festival Committee was present to invite the Council to a memorial event on September 11, 2024, starting at 5:00 p.m. to remember and honor the heroes of 9-11. 

CITIZEN’S BUSINESS—IN WRITING: Miller Mechanical requested a plumbing license; master plumber: Leonard V. Miller, journeyman plumber: Jeremy Miller. Tyrel Owens moved, seconded Tom Voss to approve this request. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS: Public Works Supervisor Greg Stumpff gave an overview of the Rate Study Workshop. Town Hall meetings are scheduled for September 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. and October 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Gualtieri referenced concerns about uncharged water use: Newcastle Housing Authority yards, WCSD #1 football field and pool, and parts of the Fire Department. The consensus was to continue this service.    

NEW BUSINESS: Mayor Gualtieri recognized A Head of Our Time, BLM, and Woody’s for the work on their buildings.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: None

DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:

1. Attorney Dublin Hughes had no report. Councilman Voss asked about fixed fees for ordinances; some are fixed while others have a $750 maximum.  

2. City Clerk/Treasurer Stacy Haggerty referenced nominations for the LGLP board vacancies; there were none. 

3. Public Works Supervisor Greg Stumpff presented the Lead and Copper Rule Revision overview. Mayor Gualtieri inquired about extra dog waste stations to place at the Backyard Park, extras are available; the recent storm delayed the others from being put up. 

4. Police Chief Derek Thompson was absent

CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY:  Tom Voss moved, seconded Tyrel Owens to pay the claims against the City dated September 3, 2024. Motion carried. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: Tom Voss moved, seconded Ann McColley to suspend the rules and enter into executive session referencing real estate per W.S. 16-4-405(a)(vii) and personnel per W.S. 16-4-405 (a)(ii) at 8:35 p.m. Motion carried. Tyrel Owens moved, seconded Ann McColley to return to regular session at 8:51 p.m. Motion carried. John Butts moved, seconded Daren Downs to allow up to $60,000 for the purchase of land. Councilman Owens clarified that the purchase would be from Neiman’s. Motion carried. Ann McColley moved, seconded Daren Downs to adjourn this regular meeting of the Newcastle City Council. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.

Claims: Ad-Pro, supplies, $22.11; Advanced Communications, supplies, $20.00; Black Hills Energy, services, $183.81; Bomgaars, supplies, $2,693.76; Campbell Co. EMS, services, $16,666.66; Carl Brown, rate study, $10,229.00; City of Newcastle, wa/sw/ga, $1,204.69; Douglas Dumbrill, municipal judge/mileage, $1,091.00; Energy Labs., analysis, $2,361.00; Farnsworth, portable sanitation, $450.00; Ferguson, meters, $1,041.77; First North-ern Bank, leases, $4,305.30; Heartland Kubota, parts, $155.62; Hughes Law, attorney fees, $4,500.00; Mastercard, supplies, $3,188.40; Metropolitan Real Estate, deposit refund, $100.00; Motorola, 2nd ½ equipment, $142,460.50; Newcastle Ace Hardware, supplies, $169.87; NVFD, convention/supplies, $620.47; Newman, signs/posts, $1,201.59; Norco, batteries, $239.87; Northwest Pipe, supplies, $6,682.45; Novo Solutions, annual services, $6,945.00; One Call, services, $71.25; Sacrison Paving, retainage, $9,377.08; Postmaster, stamps, $379.60; Salt Creek Water Dist., sewer services, $555.00; Briana Smellie, deposit refund, $100.00; Bryand Streeter, monthly distribution, $1,333.33; Lucky Teigen-Grummons, FD cleaning, 300.00; Turbiville Industrial, repairs, $1,054.27; USA Bluebook, supplies, $1,225.77; Verizon, PW cellphone, $474.37; Vernon Manufacturing, cards, $180.00; Becky Vodopich, cleaning, $300.00; Western Water Service, water, $120.00; WC Humane Society, 1st qtr. distribution/food fee, $4,533.00; WC Senior Services, 1st qtr. distribution, $7,500.00; Wy. Apparatus, restocking fee, $326.10; Wy. First Aid, supplies, $60.93; Wy. Home Services, 1st qtr. distribution, $2,000.00

ATTEST:

Mayor Pam Gualtieri

Clerk/Treasurer Stacy Haggerty

(Publish: September 12, 2024)