Council - Regular Meeting

I now call the uh January 20th, 2026 finance committee meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. Consider consideration of claims. Chair would entertain a motion for the approval of claims.

Moved for consideration of claims to be paid in the amount of 959,7452. Elon credit card in the amount of $5,493.32. Manual checks in the amount of $70. Payroll and liabilities for19 20226 in the amount of $247,473.38 for a total of1,212,7822. Second. Have a motion by Councilwoman Johnson, a second by Councilwoman Brothers for consideration of claims to be paid in the amount of $959,7452. Elon credit card in the amount of $5,493.32. Manual checks in the amount of $70. Payroll and liabilities for January 9th, 2026 in the amount of $247,473.38 for a total of 1,212,7822. Is there any discussion, questions, comments, concerns?

All those in favor say I. I. I. All oppose, same sign. Motion carries. Is there anything additional to come before the committee this evening? Director.

Mr. Chair, I would like to call your attention to page three of 15 of the finance committee packet. Um, there is a claim payable for $511,775.3, which is almost half of the amount that you've approved tonight. All going to Century Companies for work performed at the airport for the general aviation um rehabilitation project. Uh that is grant reimburseable. Um the city will be obligated to pay 2 and a.5% of that and the remaining funds will be grant uh supported.

Perfect. Thank you. Without objection, we'll adjourn the meeting at 6:47 p.m. Now call the January 20th, 2026 regular meeting of the Riverton City Council to order at 700 p.m. Uh, Council Member Borders was supposed to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. She's not here. So, I asked Councilman Bailey to lead us in the p pledge of allegiance. After which, uh, if we could, uh, Councilwoman uh, brothers will give us the invocation. Fal could please rise.

I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation, indivisibley andice for all. Our dear heavenly father, we thank thee so much for the blessing to be here and to be able to serve our city and our community. We're so grateful to be able to have members here that also want to serve and we thank thee for our police and all of our volunteers and for all that they do. We're grateful for their presentation tonight and we pray that they will be safe in all that they do. Please help us to make the right decisions tonight as we have good intentions in our heart. Um we say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Amen. Amen. [clears throat] Little bit of deja vu because we started a meeting earlier. Um but administrative services director Miss Harris, could you please conduct the roll call? Yes, your honor. Council member Eric Carr here. Council member Rebecca Brothers here. Council member Mike Bailey here. Council member Carla Borders absent. Council member Kyle Larson here. Council member Karen Johnson here. Mayor Tim Hancock. I'm here uh at entertain a motion to excuse Councilwoman Borders from tonight's meeting. So moved. Second. Motion by Councilwoman Johnson. Second by Councilman Bailey. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I.

Any oppose say nay. Motion passes. I declare we have a quorum. Uh, I would uh entertain a motion for approval of the agenda amending item 14 to read consideration of resolution number 1539 AIP65 and AIP66 grant application. So moved. Second. Councilwoman Brothers with the motion. Councilman Carr with the second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Any oppose say nay.

Motion passes. Next up on the agenda, we have citizen recognition. If Mr. Ezra Skooner is here, I'd appreciate it if he'd be willing to come up. So, the first thing that I want to say is um we have a lot of really good people in our community. Mr. Skooner is one of them. Uh partly because and this is not your uh not your slogan but partly because he makes your number two his number one. He's in a great line of work and appreciate your hard work in that. But the other reason why really appreciate you in the community is I was notified that this summer we had some of our pilots and their uh so Mr. and Mr. Mr. and Mrs. Williams which I think are on the Zoom or were planning on being here. They didn't want to say anything but they did want to be present. Um Mark Williams is one of our pilots and he is a wonderful pilot. I've been up with him before. I've helped crew with them. And Ezra, Mr. Skooner was uh I think you were actually the you were the sponsor for their balloon that this year.

Okay. But you actually were helping them out this year. And uh Mr. Williams had a medical emergency that had taken place and law enforcement were there to help out to make sure that uh he got where he needed to for help and Mr. Skooner was there and assisted even had you drive their truck I think and and get things sorted out. I think. Yeah. Okay.

I heard I wasn't there, but I heard, ironically enough, I was going to be there that day and help out, but I was so glad that you were. Um, and just did a lot to be able to make them feel loved, feel taken care of, and I just want to say how much it means to me personally because of how much that couple means to me. I They are a wonderful Mark's a great pilot. His wife is a wonderful crew chief. And they were affusive about you in a letter. And so to me personally, it means a lot to the community. I think it meant a lot that you were there when they needed you. And I think to all the balloonists around, it meant a lot to know that they had the help they needed. So I wanted to thank you. And we have a certificate for you. I'll just read this and I'll come down here and get it to you. Certificate of recognition. The following award is given to Ezra Skooner. Presented in honor of outstanding character, selflessness, and civic responsibility. Through decisive action and concern for others, you demonstrated the highest ideals of citizenship and brought distinction to our community. Your efforts embody the spirit of community and serve as an inspiration to all who have the privilege of calling this city home. I'll come down there and I'll present this to you now.

[applause]

Good job. I don't know if I missed anything that I needed to say about Mr. Skooner. You didn't miss out on your um speech. You're supposed to give a 30 minute speech. [laughter] I I just want to say how much how I feel privileged to live in a community where we have people from all all walks of life who step up as needed and in unlikely circumstances. Something you can't expect. And if I understand correctly, and tell me if I'm wrong, Ezra, but you kind of helped put that balloon away by yourself practically if I remember correctly from what I read. And I've been a part of putting a balloon, packing a balloon up and putting it away. It takes a lot of people. That's not a one-man job. Unless you're Mr. Scoop.

So, [laughter] so now you're going to crew for them in the future and just do it by yourself. Is that the plan? [laughter] Well, I thank you and um I think our community is better by having people like you here. So, thank you again.

All right, I am going to um because we have some visitors here, I am going to go first if we can with my comments. And this is something that I've been trying to keep as secret as possible, but we have some young people here who helped me out. Kyle Butterfield is a uh credentialed manager and and I have some videos. How about we play the video first?

It's getting red. [laughter] And then I'll kind of say what I need to say. How does that sound? City Managers Association on behalf of Y CMA I'd like to present my heartiest congratulations to Kyle through the international city county managers association. As a credential manager myself, I can tell you that this accomplishment reflects a strong commitment professional excellence, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning in public service. In order to qualify for this, Kyle had to meet stringent initial qualifications, including at least seven years as a chief administrative officer, agreement to uphold the highest ethical codes of ICMA, and a commitment to invest in a lifelong learning as part of his profession. Earning the ICMA credential is no small achievement. This program is a voluntary one, and only the most committed individuals choose to undertake it. As opposed to some other professional credentiing programs, the this one will be peer-reviewed every year with the requirement for Kyle to demonstrate lessons learned from ev from at least 40 hours of professional development every year from here on out. We're very proud to count Kyle among Wyoming's city management leaders. This honor reflects the highest credit upon himself, the Riverton governing body, and the people of the city of Riverton. Congratulations on this welldeserved milestone. Wow.

We have an Oh, it doesn't [applause] It doesn't stop there. We have more. Oh, yeah.

We could say, "But wait, there's more. Congratulations on your recent credentiing. It's really great to hear that you're being recognized this evening. Wish I could be there, but unfortunately I also have a council meeting. Thank you so much for your commitment to our profession and the good work you always do. Have a great time and don't worry about that lunch you owe me. Next one's on me. There's another one, isn't there? Mia, did you get the other one?

I didn't. Oh, there's another one. And I'll share that with uh Kyle later. God damn it. I have it on my phone. We shall see if that is something that other people are going to be able to watch. But so I have it on good authority from Anthony Tolstead that there is a certificate that goes along with this. And as much as I tried to bleed Kyle for that certificate, I've not been able to do that. So, because we didn't have one, I had some other certificates made up. This is a certificate of achievement.

It says to dad from Olivia. This certificate is for my dad being an ICMA. Oh my god. So, I have that one to give to him. And actually maybe Olivia could present that to you. I think that would be great.

I have another one. This is a certificate of achievement by Sarah, your daughter. This certificate is for my dad being in ICMA. So I had these two certificates made up. Mia has them very nicely framed. And when we get the other certificate, which we will some way or the other, we'll get them if they're out there. Stu tells me there's one. Tony tells me there's one.

Uh, we'll present those two. But this is I I I just want to say, so I need to really tackle down Judge Condor. He's one of our district court judges and he's out of Lander. And anytime we've had a robing, uh, you know, when a judge has their robe given to them, I that sounded kind of weird as I think about it. It's probably not something that people usually talk about.

Anytime we've recognized judges, he has a quote that I was trying to find and I couldn't, but it basically says we shouldn't be making with long speeches and and ausive comments unless it's warranted. if it's warranted, then we need to make sure that we don't spare from the compliments and the affusive comments about other people. Um, I could sit here and we could talk for 30 minutes about Kyle. Um, and he does a wonderful job for the city and I just want to say he does it without going and trying to get recognition for himself. He doesn't do it saying, "Hey, I'm so cool. I'm the city administrator. He tries to shine the spotlight on either his staff or on the council for the source of things that are good that happen in our community. And that's a rare quality. It's not something that you see a lot in people. We're used to the general attitude that people try to shine the light on themselves. Kyle doesn't do that. And that's one of the great qualities of a leader. It's one of the great qualities of a city administrator. And I thank you for it. and we'll have another frame and another certificate. But for today, this is what we have. So, if you come down here, we'll do an official kind of presenting it to you and wait for your speech.

[snorts] No, you got to stand [snorts] [applause] [applause] So cute. Oh my gosh.

And if you need to keep a secret, Courtney's pretty good at it because when she walked in with the kids, Kyle looks surprised. I was like, I cannot believe you pulled that off. You get to shake your hand, Kyle. Oh, yeah. You got to shake everybody's hand. [laughter]

Excellent job. Where's the shout? [laughter]

Okay, I'll come back for my comments later, but we had to start with that because I know there's bad times and sometimes this meeting might go a little late. So, we'll start with uh Councilman Carr. Thank you, your honor. Um I don't did not have any meetings and I do not believe we have a planning commission meeting this week. Or do we? Oh, we do. Oh, perfect. Planning commission will be held this Thursday at 5:30 p.m. here in council chambers. Anything else? Nope. Okay. Councilwoman Brothers.

Awesome. Yeah, we had um our rec board meeting on January 12th. Um it was the annual one where uh grant meeting and it went really well. It was really great listening to community members come out um with the desire to make the community better. Um I think the total that we um came up with was of request was around 700,000 um which we can't award that much. So, um it'll be really tough narrowing that amount down, right? But it's really cool. Like some of the requests were like, uh middle school um wait room and um I mean just some really cool things that the community wants to do. It was really exciting listening to that. Um and uh Carlo was there um as well. Um we have an RYC meeting tomorrow from 4:00 to 5:00 pm here at city council. So, um, be you're welcome to come, um, to that. Last weekend was the Riverton High School speech and debate tournament. I will tell you, every year it gets better and better, but like we got so many compliments on how many judges we had to come out. So, I just want to say um, praise everyone for that. I just really appreciated all of our judges and our community. and we had food trucks and Cindy um from the chamber, you know, arranged all that and we had so many people um donate for raffles and we we made money that way and we just really appreciate you. It was just wonderful. And then my last thing I just wanted to say um last council meeting I said you know I don't get pictures like my daughter and then the next day I I came to my desk and Lawson and Aspen drew me some great pictures and I I don't know who like reported back they won't tell me. So whoever it was thank you because this

made my whole day. I'm going to frame them. So thank you very much to Lawson Aspen for my pictures. I just really love my community. Thank you so much. Thank you, Councilwoman Brothers, and thank you for sharing the picture. This was lovely, Councilman Bailey. Thank you, your honor. Um, since our last meeting, I got to attend my first Riverton Youth Council meeting. I enjoyed that very much. They did a really good job. They're working on some cool projects uh with the snow angels and some other stuff. And so I told we told them that we were holding the snow off until they were ready. So [laughter] hopefully we're good here. So yes,

then I also attended the force committee meeting Monday. Uh again, they've pretty much got next year's plan of uh projects going. Uh they're working on the Riverview project which we're sharing with the county. uh Riverton's portion's about $2.7 million range

and so that'll be completed next year. They got again a lot farther along on the water line and that kind of stuff that they got done this fall because of the nice weather. Um so that'll that'll should proceed well this this coming summer. They're going to do a bunch of uh pavement preservation. So it'll be um slurry sealing and stuff, more streets like they've done in the past. And then with a little luck, we'll have a little money left over to maybe do another project, but we'll see how the rest of those come in. So, um, and then I attended this last Friday was the airport board meeting, and the year-end numbers are in for 2025. I'm sure some of you seen that we had a record-breaking year. 25,775 in planements at the Riverton Regional Airport or Central Atlantic Regional Airport. And so that's the most we've ever done. So it's hard to believe that

15 years ago we were worrying about trying to get to 10,000. So here we are at 25. So it's awesome. Um, again, there's always some projects going on every year and so hopefully we can keep improving the airport and improving the writership and I think it's a great asset to our county and it, you know, brings a lot of people here to visit and to come and do work and us getting the places that we need to go. It's really nice for me. I used to have to go to Casper, you know, and spend two hours in January driving home after you got back from a trip, and that was not any fun. And so, it's nice to be five minutes from home when you land. So, all I have, thank you,

if that. Yeah. [clears throat] Thank you, Councilman Bailey, and thank you for letting us know about the airport. That's great news. And I remember very well the days when we were like, "Oh, man. If we could only reach 10,000 employments." Yeah. Great news, Councilman Larson.

Um, yesterday was um equality day, but nevertheless, Solid Waste held their meeting and um we determined on where to put money and um found no unusual activities. But the final thing I have is if you build it, they will come.

And the airport was built to serve the public and the public has come out in full first. And so with a new hospital on the horizon, that will also be utilized. and the building behind it, which has gone unnamed, will also be utilized, too. That park is going to benefit Riverton. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Johnson.

Um, I did not attend any meetings. I did attend the Missoula Children's Theater play, which was absolutely amazing. Um, I was partial though because I had two grandkids in it. So, um, It was a lot of fun. One of them was a woodsman and he was all brute and no brains and the other one was little piggy. But [laughter] it was uh it [clears throat] was fun. It's it's great to watch the kids get so into that and have fun.

Um other than that, I didn't attend anything else. I did have a couple people um reach out on a couple different issues. um a lot of concern about the intersection of country acres and the 789, but it's the where the the flashing light is there and the accident that [clears throat] was there. Um, and I don't really have a whole lot of direction other than I believe it's Y Dot that has that traffic light. And I did tell them to contact Y dot regarding that. Um, and lots of compliments on the new signage, the new wayfinding signage. A lot of people stop in and they like how it looks. Other than that, I don't have anything else.

Great. Thank you, Mr. Butterfield. [clears throat] Thank you, your honor. I I just think for the record, um I want to say thank you for the kind recognition and I want to make sure you know I hated every second of it,

but I I appreciate it and um the reality is that uh I did owe Mr. Tolstead a steak dinner. So, um I'm glad to be relieved of that debt. And uh you know, I I think it's safe to say that I have so much to learn and I appreciate that the program requires me to continue to learn because um there's so much I want to improve and and work on, but your recognition was very kind and thank you for that. Um okay. Um appreciated the lieutenants uh presenting today on the new technology and obviously for your support of that. I think um Riverton Police Department is getting to a point where um we are setting ourselves apart from other departments and Lieutenant Wharton has been a critical part in that. We're grateful that he's here tonight and appreciate his leadership as long as well as [snorts] Chief Ortado and Lieutenant Martinson. But um Lieutenant Morton has taken a lead in that. If you remember a year ago when we did our tours, this technology was something that he responded to a question raised by Councilwoman Johnson about what the police department needed. So, um I'm glad to see us moving forward in that regard and that we are setting ourselves apart as a department. The other thing that is a priority for our police department is training. That has been something that Chief Herado has really tried to prioritize and I'd like to just highlight a few trainings that have been going on recently. Officer Swaggler was um participating in a traffic control unit um training that allows him to be part of the drug rec excuse me recognition expert school. Um he'll be traveling to another state to receive a certification very soon. Officers Taylor and Moss also attended advanced roadside um impairment training recently in Douglas. Um, cold weather firearms training uh is taking place in the month of February

and uh we also have opened that up to other Fremont County entities to participate with our department in that. Officer Faxon just recently completed 80 hours of new officer training and um begins patrol next week. And then officer Fer has completed it first and second phase of field training and is currently in phase three. Uh, Detective Sergeant Smithz and Detective McCall recently completed a crimes against children in Indian country training that was put on by the federal law enforcement training center in South Carolina. That program was a competitive program that they had to apply um to participate in and they were selected. Um, that's just a few items that I think show the investment that our senior team and the police department, our chief and lieutenants are making into our officers and I definitely appreciate that. Um, we also have word that the transport van that you approved for purchase um, a few months ago, I will say, looks to be uh, ready for service in February. So, we're we're grateful for that and also the public works team for facilitating um that long preparation of of that important ban. Um I have reported to you in the past on um grant applications as it relates to some airport items. Um but I want to um underline those again. The federal government opened up the airport terminal program. Um it was part of the bipartisan infrastructure law and basically there were uh five years of competitive grant monies available to improve uh terminals. We have applied now for the fifth time for the these funds. Mr. Tolman and his team submitted a 4.9 million application um this last week. What it will do is uh improve the bathrooms and then the real purpose is to uh en enlarge the hold

room which barely fits 50 passengers right now and if we ever want to have service from a larger aircraft or have more frequency we do need a larger hold. So, you as a council had approved those submissions in the past, and I just want to make sure you're aware we did um just recently apply for the last round of available funds through the airport terminal program. I reported on another grant uh several months ago. This is a marketing grant that we apply to Y DOT to help support commercial air service here in Fremont County. Um, I submitted that grant and then was later told by my cohort at W dot that I submitted it completely wrong [laughter] and he was very kind to say where I did it wrong, but it was more um in in how I submitted it through their portal. So, he walked me through the appropriate way to submit it and I was able to do that this week. So, that's a $100,000 grant. We do have it in the budget and uh it requires 50% match from the the city. So I am grateful that I had a friend in Cheyenne tell me where I could improve in that regard.

Um Mr. Tolman was able to attend the state transportation improvement uh plan meeting. This is an annual meeting put on by WOT. Um one thing to note is the West Main Reconstruction Project. It will be in 2027. Um as you are aware the city is participating in that project especially as it relates to the improvement of utilities while the surface transport or the surface is being improved for transportation. Mr. Tolman also has informed me that the Riverview Road project will recommence some work in the near future because the weather has been so nice. The contractor will work to install water line along Riverview Road and then make the connection and then charge the line in the near future. uh the contractor will provide a hardened surface over the cut areas and then obviously they'll be improved after the winter and spring season once uh the contractor fully mobilizes to improve the roadway itself. Um I have um two things and I would appreciate if Miss Harris handled the last one, [snorts] but I have good news. Um, our new administrative assistant, Kiana Rodriguez, uh, delivered a baby today.

Um, healthy baby boy. She's okay with us sharing this information that, um, Camden has joined her family and I guess by default the work family at 12:42 a.m. and 5 lbs 15 ounces, mama and baby are healthy. So, we're very happy with that. And then um Miss Harris does have an update as it relates to some questions that were raised last meeting about alcohol licenses. Thank you. Go ahead, Miss Harris.

Thank you. Um I just wanted to um provide an update regarding Councilman Johnson's concerns regarding um some obligations to liquor license holdies holders um as they're transferring um their licenses. One of the questions came about regarding architectural drawings and sketches and things that were required at the time of application. I was able to speak with Jason Allen who is the compliance manager with the Wyoming liquor division and he did confirm um that Wyoming statute 124102. Our interpretation of that was correct. Um the requirement for an application to provide a location and architectural drawing only applies if the license building is not in existence at the time of transfer. Um, in this instance, the applicant did provide an address and to a building that does currently exist. So, as such, the provisions have been met and they certified that as complete. So, we are good to go on that one.

Good to know. All right. Thank you. Anything else, Mr. Butterfield? No, your honor. All right. Thank you. Um, I have three things to add to the ausive uh statements about Mr. Butterfield. I I'm not going to say anything else nice about Mr. Butterfield. Well, maybe later tonight, just not right now. You've gotten all of them. They're done.

Uh, so I was able to attend the grand opening for Spudman, uh, which was a lot of fun. It they have, uh, a new location where we had 381 subs. They're in business over there now. And, uh, went there. They had some free ice cream that day only. You can't get free ice cream anymore. Uh but uh went there with my two kids or no I went there with just my daughter who who had to attend and um with blue rain boots, a princess crown shirt and top that I don't think really matched. Anyway, um she's adorable. She's a lot of fun and it was great because she had to be having me hold her while we took the pictures so you can go and find the pictures and see her creative outfit. Uh, but I I enjoyed that and uh stuck around to actually have a baked potato and I want to say they're good. So, if you want to try a a new restaurant in town and and especially for lunch, it it was great. So, would uh welcome them to a new location that's uh I guess kind of squarely in city limits from where they were just as you were heading out of town. uh had the opportunity to judge at the speech and debate tournament that we had in Riverton and that was a lot of fun. I would strongly encourage you uh and uh Miss Harper was there too and uh would strongly encourage you in the future if you uh have nothing to do or just want to judge one or two things uh to uh volunteer for that. I appreciated that Rotary really stepped up for that. We had a couple of Rotarians who uh who were there that were judging, other community members who were there and were judging and we've got a lot of really good youth in

our in our state. Uh had a lot of fun and I will say I got to judge the finals I think for Congress. And uh that there's a lot of people that are like, "Oh, Congress, that's the worst one to judge." I'm like, I thought it was the best. I I loved it. So, I know you [laughter]

and and you left the best. So, we had some good people there. Um, so really enjoyed that. And then I also had a letter that I wanted to read uh that uh had sent to John Dimore. Um I think it'll be pretty clear in terms of what it's about, but I'll just read this here. Uh, dear John, on behalf of the city of Riverton, I'd like to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible tenure of service on the construction board of appeals. Our records indicate that you've served on this board since its inception, 1996. Uh, to dedicate nearly 30 years of your time and expertise to the elected officials, staff, and citizens of our community is a rare and remarkable achievement. Your consistent presence has provided a foundation of stability and institutional knowledge that has been invaluable to the safety and growth of Riverton. We truly appreciate the unwavering commitment you've shown over the decades. It's with a sincere sense of regret, but also immense respect for your legacy that we accept your resignation. We wish you the very best in your future endeavors. Thank you for making Riverton a better place to live and build. Uh John Dimmore had uh served on our construction board of appeals for many years and had said 30 years was enough. Uh anyone that served on any committee, one year is commendable, let alone 30. And so uh I had kind of brought this up when we uh had the uh selection and and the uh for the construction board of appeals for this upcoming year and for the upcoming terms. But uh I really wanted to express my appreciation for John and and when I had said that before I just said it in passing but I wanted to highlight just how long he had been on there and uh express my gratitude for the many years that he had served. So I think that's it from me. Did I miss anything that I was

going to do? Mr. Butterfield? No, I don't think so.

Song and dance routine. We'll save that for a future day. [clears throat] All right. Communication from the floor. Citizens comments. Anyone in the audience wishing to address the council regarding an item that's scheduled for a public hearing will be given an opportunity to speak during that public hearing. However, if you wish to address the council on another item, you may speak now. Now, my script says if you want to address the council for something about a public hearing, but our tradition, at least as long as I've been mayor, has been if we have a an agenda item, whether it's scheduled for a public hearing or not, I would certainly allow you to speak during that agenda item. Whether you speak then or whether you speak now though, I would ask you to keep your comments to five minutes for individuals, 10 minutes that you would split that up between the members of your group. Uh, I would ask that whether you speak then or whether you speak now, address comments and questions to me as the chair. That's just parliamentary procedure. would ask you to keep items uh if you speak during an agenda item, you would keep your uh issues directed to I'm sorry, your comments directed to the issue that's under consideration and would ask you to keep refrain from the use of indecent, obscene language, fighting words, language that might be disruptive to the orderly discussion of the meeting, personal criticism, ridicule, name calling, that sort of thing. So, if anyone wishes to speak, please come up now. Mayor, Council Brett Johnson, thank you for the opportunity to come up and speak with you guys. We are here to officially announce, Councilwoman Johnson's mentioned it a couple times, our March 28th uh all gowns and badges for the Fremont County Law Enforcement Foundation. That's not what it's called this year, though. It's called something else. A night in blue. Thank you. I forgot. Carol's got some handouts for you there. Um, Carol, of course, board member, vice president, Emmy Marshall. Um, but we

wanted to invite all of you to attend. Would really appreciate that. Staff as well. Thank you. And I'm going to turn it over to Mrs. Marshall and let you know some information that we had for 2025. Brett conveniently forgot his glasses. So [laughter] that's so rough. Sorry Brett.

Um [clears throat] so I we have given you this information a little bit before but it's updated some of the grants that our nonprofit has approved. Um so in 2024 um we have done funds for DCI for a basic um instructor course and then food for that training. 12 sets of AED pads for Riverton Police Department and then um Uboy PD received accessories and equipment for their holsters for their new department. Um and then Riverton PD $1,000 towards um fridges and freezers, one for dispatch and one for patrol. And then 2025, we bought a um smoker grill for the Riverton PD staff uh for morale. They cook a lot more healthier food while they're working since they have that. Um, and they do it as a group, which is neat to see. Um, the sheriff's office, we provided six computer or funds for six computer stations for their squad room. They were really outdated, so those are new. Riverton Police Department, we fed officers during um training again about 70 to 80 meals for a week. Bub Boy PD um software for electronic citations. Riverton PD temporary housing for their new lieutenant while he got settled. Riverton PD launched for training at the fire academy for two days for numerous officers. Um Riverton PD upgraded their rescue phone. Uh it was damaged so we sent it off and got it fixed. And then just recently the sheriff's office asked for some equipment for 32 sheriff vehicles. um to include tow straps and clevices and different items they might need when they're patrolling far out in the county on their own. So, [snorts] those are

what we are using. Um the funds that we raise, every dime raised stays with the law enforcement in Fremont County. So, just so you're aware that that's what has been provided thus far. Um I think the prices are on there, but we changed this year. Our corporate tables are $500. couples uh tickets are 50 and singles are 30 and then there's a children price as well. So, it's a fun night to get dressed up and come support something that's really meaningful and has done a lot for our community. So, how much do you think you expended last year? Do you have that if you don't have the numbers handy? I was just curious. Oh, I do actually.

Tammy has a spreadsheet for everything. I don't doubt that. I just was I was curious. I And I think you had reported previously that you also provided food vouchers for each of the law enforcement officers when they were there for the uh different events. I think like the day in the park as well as the the car crew, all that kind of stuff. They provided vouchers and then we get That's awesome. I I just I remembered hearing that from this last year and didn't hear you list it. We always try to get in on the task force.

Oh, you got the inside track, huh?

Good. Thank you. Just curious. Thanks, Miss Marshall. Sure. Um, well, our treasurer is fantastic. Um, so just in the grants funded, that doesn't include the food than stuff that we do on our own. Um, for I think this is just 2025, uh, 16,79649. Thank you. That's great work. Well done.

Well, we couldn't do it without the community that we live in. Well, it's been great and I've I've been really impressed and I have enjoyed going to ball gowns and badges. Last year was a lot of fun and look forward to it this year. March 28th, 2026, Fremont County Fairgrounds this time, social hour from 5:00, dinner at six o'clock. Yeah. And one last plug, we are we have a silent and live auction. So, we are gathering donations for that. Um we as a board are small. So we did recruit a few more members for our fundraiser committee just for some extra help gathering and then with the event because it's quite an undertaking. So there are a few others of us

that will be out and about asking for donations. So how much how much is it for pl 50 for a couple 30 individual and I think 10 for the children. Yeah. And then officers are free. It's it's like half price from last year. Okay. Yeah. It's not much at all. Yeah. Get a lot of people want to get a crowd. Well, that makes sense. I mean, you kind of have to balance that, right? Whether you're going to charge more per plate, but if you're going to be having the auction, that's kind of where that's great. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

March 28th. March 28. Just saying that again. I have to say it a lot. I That's what Isn't that what the radio? You're supposed to say it three times. March 28th. Night and blue. All right. Anybody else? Okay, we'll move on then. If there's no other public comment, uh, administrative services director, Miss Harris, please read the consent agenda items.

Yes, your honor. Minutes of the January 6, 2026 regular council meeting. Minutes of the January 20th, 2026 finance committee meeting. Finance committee recommendations from January 20th, 2026. Municipal court report for the month of December 2025 and plat approval first long edition. Thank you. And uh Councilman Carr, if you could give the finance committee report.

Thank you, your honor. Uh the finance committee met at 6:45 this evening and recommend consideration to claims to be paid in the amount of $959,7452. Elon credit card in the amount of $5,493.32. Manual checks in the amount of $70 even. payroll and liabilities for January 9th, 2026 in the amount of $247,473.38 for a total of 1,212,7822. All right, I'd entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. So moved. Second.

Councilwoman Brothers with the motion. Councilman Bailey with the second. Discussion. Amendments. Your honor, I'll abstain from the Bailey Enterprises line item on the finance committee report, please. Okay. Note that. Any other? All in favor say I. I. I. Any oppose say nay. I vote I. Motion passes. Fiscal year 204 2025 audit report. Miss Harris. And I think we have someone online too. Are we still there? Oh dear. I'm here.

Ah, great. Well, that's good. Well, we'll have Miss Harris uh introduce what we've got going on and then we'll go from there.

Thank you, your honor. Tonight, we're joined by Micah Clinger. He is the partner and owner of Klinger Haggerman LLC, the city's auditing firm, who will be presenting the fiscal year 2024 2025 financial compliance audit report. As many of you know, Micah has worked closely with the city for several years and brings a wealth of experience in financial oversight and management. Uh, this report provides an important review of the city's financial practices and helps to ensure we're meeting all state and regulatory requirements. Michael will walk us through the findings, highlight any areas of note, and answer any questions you may have. Uh, Micah, thank you for taking the time to be here tonight, and I will turn the floor over to you.

Perfect. Thank you, Miss Harris. And see if I can share my screen and let me know if if you can see my slides in the council room. We can. Perfect. Well, thank you, your honor, members of council, uh, city administrator and management for having me this evening. Um, this is actually wonderful because I believe this is the first year that, uh, we've been able to join via Zoom rather than over a, um, over a phone call. So, it's nice to be able to see everyone's faces. As you can see, I am coming from sunny Laram, Wyoming. If you can see my background behind me. So,

um going to advance my slide. Um can you still see my slides? Yes, sir. We don't see you. We see the slides.

Perfect. Because I'm I'm getting a little bit of bolt on on my screen. So, um first of all, we're just going to do a brief welcome, go over the results of our audit. Um and um there are certain significant audit matters that we are required to communicate to you as at the conclusion of any audit. Um briefly I'll briefly discuss internal control over financial reporting uh provide the results of the single audit which I'll go into more when we get there in addition to the passenger facility charge. So, professionals professional [clears throat] standards require uh us to communicate um with you regarding matters related to the financial statement audit that are in our professional judgment significant and relevant to your responsibilities um in overseeing the financial reporting process. Early in the audit, we did provide um certain communications uh that just gave a brief overview of the objectives of the audit and kind of where we would be focusing. And this communication is to kind of come full circle and put a nice pretty bow now that we've concluded and issued our our final audit opinions along with the final financial statements. Moving to the next slide, results of our audit. Um we're happy to report that we have completed our audit of the financial statements as of uh the year ended June 30th, 2025 for the city of Riverton. Our audit was conducted in accordance with two different sets of auditing standards. First, auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. And where the city of Riverton is a municipality, there is an additional layer of audit standards that we have to adhere to and that um is government auditing standards. Um the audit the probably the most important thing in this paragraph is this last sentence right there. Um this audit of the financial statements does not relieve management uh or those charged with governance i.e. council umh

of your responsibilities in regards to the financial reporting process. The first bullet point on the slide, the objective of our audit was to obtain reasonable assurance rather than absolute. Absolute would be if we were out there uh looking at every single transaction that the city goes through every single day during the year. Although Miss I think we have a good working relationship with Miss Harris. I think she would be sick and tired if she had to see me all day every day during the year. Um the second bullet point, the scope of the work uh performed was substantially the same as that was communicated early in the audit. We got written communications and the most important um point we issued unmodified opinions on the financial statements and released a report on January 15, 2026. An unmodified opinion is synonymous with a clean opinion and that is what you want. Um there are pieces of information that are included in your uh financial statements every year. The first one is uh refers to um RSI or required supplementary information which is information that is required uh for government's um reporting in accordance with um government um accounting standards that are issued under the the Gatsby. Um and that information is largely comprised of there there's budgetary comparison information the notes in your financial statements for both the general fund and the economic development fund. Um, and there's also pension information which u which as I previously mentioned are required supplementary information. Uh, the key thing uh to to take note on here is that as part of this we review that information. We we ensure that it agrees to the to the amounts that are reported in the basic financial statements. But the the really

Okay. Sorry. Every once in a while your uh audio is cutting out and it had so but please continue.

Sorry about that. Technical difficulties. And really the last uh line that's in bold here is just kind of a key thing to note as it as it relates to required supplementary information that's presented in your financial statements. And that is that uh we do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on that information which is consistent with any municipality in the United States of America that underos audits. However, we do ensure that it does agree to the information presented in your financial statements. One item to note there is an additional piece of uh required uh supplementary information referred to as the management discussion and analysis. This is information that is required under government uh government accounting standards. U however uh the city has not presented that in its financial statements which I believe has not uh for for many years which is okay. Um the key takeaway is that our opinion on the financial statements is not affected by this specific information and that is there is a paragraph in your audit report that does does address that other additional information that is included in your financial statements. Uh there after the notes of the financial statements there are combining and individual non- major fund financial statements for all of your non- major funds. And then there's also the schedule of expenditures of of federal awards and the related notes and the schedule of expenditures of passenger facility charges. These are items that you have every year in your financial statements. And the the key delineation is is the thing that's different about this is called supplementary information and we do give an opinion um on this information in relation to the financial statements as a whole. Moving to the next slide. significant

audit matters. Um, management is responsible for the selection and use of appropriate accounting policies. Uh, really the most important thing of note here is that the city's significant accounting practices and policies can be found in note one to the financial statements. Uh, where it summarizes all of those policies um that are that are presented in accordance with um generally accepted accounting principles and they are consistent year-over-year. Um the one bullet point here where I just want to draw your attention to the fact that there were no changes in accounting uh policies and practices during fiscal year 25 for the city other than the city implementing a new um accounting standard that it was required to implement uh referred to as Gazby 101 for compensated absences. This new standard um just caused the city to have to calculate their the liability that they record on their on their books a little bit differently. Um that was previously the case under the old standards. And based off of that um that implementation of this standard, there was a restatement of the beginning net position or equity um in the city's financial statements. And you'll be able to find that information, a nice summary of that in note 12 of the city's financial statements. Lastly, we noted no transactions entered into by the city um during the year for which there was a lack of authority. Moving to the next slide. Um we just want to draw your attention to the the fact that there are certain estimates that are that are used uh or or certain amounts in your financial statements which is consistent year-over-year uh where there are estimates used to arrive at those or different assumptions that are used and we test those assumptions uh to ensure that they seem reasonable and that the amounts based um that are

being reported are materially correct. And as you can see in the table, um we've listed the significant accounting estimates or areas in your um financial statements uh that involve estimates GSB87 for related to leases, net pension liabilities, receivables and allowances and estimated useful license capital assets and there and these are consistent with those what the significant estimates were in previous years. management did not make any significant changes to the processes or significant assumptions used to develop um the significant significant accounting estimates and 25 in comparison to previous years. The next two or three slides are just information that we are required as part of our auditing standards to communicate to council and and management at the conclusion of any given audit. The first area uh for the purposes of of this communication is if we had had any disagreements with management um or in regards to auditing matter matters or or accounting matters uh we'd be required to report that to council and we are pleased to report that there were no disagreements that arose during the course of our audit. Additionally, management's cooperation was wonderful. Um, we received full access to any individuals that that we sought to speak with. Uh, we obtained full access to all of the supporting documentation that we requested as part of our uh, our audit. Management representations kind of the last piece on this slide. We requested certain representations from management um that are that were included in the management representation letter that was dated the same day of our audit report which was January 15th. Uh moving to the next slide, management

consultations with other independent accountants. Uh this kind of is similar to whether there had been any disagreements with management. If if there had been a case or a situation where um there was an accounting matter that that management uh didn't like what Cleaner Hagerman was saying on how to treat a treat something. Um and they felt very strongly about it and went out and and talked to other accountants to see what their opinions were on that. Um we if we were to be aware of that, we would be required to uh to communicate that to council and to our knowledge there were no such consultations or disagreements uh with man or consultations with other other accountants. And then just the last paragraph on this slide just discuss talks about that we we do generally discuss a variety of matters including the application of accounting principles and auditing standards with management each year. But that um in no way shape or form is correlated with us being um retained as the city's audit. Moving to the next section, just internal control over financial reporting. In planning and performing the audit of the of the financial statements, we did consider the city's internal controls over financial reporting. Um, Miss Harris and her group uh gets to discuss many different processes in different areas uh related to the financial statements with us. And really the key here is just to note that we we go through that process to to help us as part of our risk assessment and our planning of the audit to determine our audit design and and where we're going to focus our attention. Uh really the key takeaway here is that we are required to communicate u to council um this last paragraph here. We are required to communicate in writing if we were to identify any um any control deficiencies that rise to

the level of significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. And we're happy to report that we did not identify any any such deficiencies that would that would require communication to council. This is where I have to throw out the disclaimer here at the bottom. This very bottom paragraph, bottom of the slide. Given those limitations during our audit, we did not defi did not identify material weaknesses. However, the disclaimer is that that there could still potentially be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies, albeit although they were they were not identified. In other words, if you tested every transaction, there may be one, but you didn't test every transaction.

Exactly. That that that's a good summary. I appreciate that. Um, just moving on to the next section, the single audit. Um, a single audit is is a compliance audit over the federal expenditure for federal awards or grants that the city receives every year. Um, and as part of that, similar to the financial statements, we we evaluate the internal um controls over compliance for compliance requirements that um are significant um or al also referred to as direct and material compliance requirements and then we also test the compliance as well. Uh we're happy to report that we issued an unmodified opinion as part of the single audit for that schedule of expenditures of federal awards in relation to the basic financial statements. The other thing two things of note that I just want to draw your attention to kind of the very bottom of the slide. Um in in the financial statements you'll note that the schedule of expenditures of federal awards um had just under $6 million that were expended during fiscal year 25,890,740. and that as part of the single audit, we did audit compliance of the airport improvement program which comprised just under $2.7 million of those total expenditures that were reported on that schedule. Um that program was audited as a major federal program for the year ended June 30th, 2025. And we're happy to report that as part of our testing of uh um and key controls over over compliance and compliance that there were no issues noted or identified. Moving on, uh the passenger facility charge audit where the city does um operate the central Wyoming um regional airport. Um it does cause a passenger facility charge audit to to be required

to be performed each year as part of the overall audit. And similar to the to the single audit for federal awards, it's also a compliance audit. Uh it is performed in accordance with the passenger facility charge audit guide for public a agencies issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. Um, we're happy to report that we issued an unmodified opinion on the schedule of passenger facility charges in relation to the basic financial statements similar to the the scheduled expenditures of federal awards and similar to the single. We also tested compliance and internal controls with respect to the passenger facility charge program and we and we noted no issues. So, with that being said, that is um in summary the the results of the audit good news. Um you know, the I think it's kind of a testament to the to the team that Miss Harris um and her team there at the city to be able to have a clean audit, to be able to issue those unmodified opinions and not to have any any issues that rose to the level of needing to be reported as material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. So, um, kind of the results that you want as part of the audit. Um, with that, I'll turn it back over to council and and open up to any questions that you may have as as it pertains to the

All right. Any questions? Just thank you. Yeah.

Yeah, definitely. Thank you. Appreciate your hard work on this and and certainly appreciate Miss Harris. Um I think uh basically we're we're talking about a report card, you know, for the uh for our administrative services department and for Miss Harris's hard work. And your uh your report here is not a surprise for those of us who work uh with Miss Harris on a regular basis and are impressed with her every single time we see her. Uh but certainly appreciate you uh reaffirming what we already thought we knew, which is that she and her department do a great job. So, thank you for the report, your honor. Yes, sir.

If I may, I have distributed the documents that support Micah's report. Obviously, you can take time to review those. Should you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Miss Harris or myself, and then we would be happy to answer questions, provide additional information. And I know Micah and his team would do the same. And I just want to echo uh how grateful we are that Mia's on our team. As I have a chance to talk shop with other people around the state, um oftentimes I get the response, well of course it's because you have Mia [laughter] and they mean it as a compliment and I am able to brag that we don't have issues that that some other entities uh may be working through. So, um, Mia, thank you for your years of dedication and and really it's not years of dedication, it's daily dedication, ensuring that the right thing's done every single day. Make sure that when the auditors come and and do what they're supposed to do for you as a council that she has the information available for them.

Thank you. And thank you uh Micah and your team for uh letting us know with a reasonable amount of assurance [laughter] uh that we have a good team here. So appreciate your report and you're welcome to stick around or sign off as you would like. Your honor, I'm so sorry. There was one other thing I thought I'd update if that's okay. Sure, please. Um, as I mentioned, Miss Aerys is so much on top of it. Every single day, the um, audit is already posted on our website for the public.

I I I gathered. Yes. Thank you for that, Mr. Butterfield. Okay. Are you still on, Micah, or have you signed off? I am still on. Okay. I was getting ready for the fall off. All right. Well, thank you for your report and for your hard work and and uh every every time we hear from you, it's always good. So, thank you. And Larie looks different than I remember when I was living there. But

all right, next item on the agenda. We have ordinance 260001, second reading, underage persons in bars. This is the title five one. We have a title nine one. That's our next item. But uh Miss Harris, if you could uh please uh give us your report.

Certainly. Um before you this evening is ordinance number 260001 on second reading which amends section 5.04.010 and 5.04.020 related to alcoholic beverage licensing. The ordinance clarifies the definition of a commercial kitchen and the circumstances under which persons under the age of 21 may enter and remain in licensed establishments. After first reading, the council recommended a minor modification to remove age related language from the definition of commercial kitchen. Uh the key points for the amendments are um that the commercial kitchen must be def it's defined as a fixed permitted kitchen that's actively used for food preparation and service to the public public during hours when underage persons are allowed. Uh this gives licences and enforcement staff a clear standard on when minors may be allowed in in licensed buildings. And then underage access. The ordinance clarifies which establishments qualify, outline supervision, seating, and time requirements, and specifies when underage persons must leave if food service ends or revenue requirements aren't met. These changes don't alter existing policy. They simply make the code easier to read, clarify the intent, and provide better guidance to licences and staff. We recommend adoption as presented. uh there's no fiscal impact as far as the budget is um concerned and I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have related to the proposed changes.

Thank you. Uh and also if you could please read the ordinance by title only before we get started. Certainly. If you give me just a second here to find it in my packet. Uh proposed ordinance number 26-00001 on second reading. An ordinance amending title 5 business licenses and regulations chapter 5.04 4 alcoholic beverages. Section 5.04.010 definitions and section 5.04020 sales establishments generally of the Riverton Municipal Code and repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict therewith and providing for an effective date. Thank you. I'd entertain a motion to adopt ordinance 260001 on second reading.

So moved. Second. Councilman Carr with the motion. Councilman Bailey with the second. [snorts] uh discussion. I'll start Johnson. Um a couple of things. I've I've read a lot of other ordinances on this. Um and I am of the mindset that there definitely needs to be some kind of clear separation between the dispensing area and the the the dining area. Um, in case you haven't been in public lately, kids are feral. They can be feral.

I have six of them.

I not speaking directly, but I'm just saying, you know, kids don't read signs. Um, some can't, some do, some don't. Um, in a new environment, they're going to be tempted to just run and check things out. And I think for the safety of not only the staff, but people that are there dining um in the event that there were something to go on on the other side in front of the bar or whatever. I think it it gives clear protection to families that are in there eating um and it also keeps little ones away from where they should be. There has been um some other bar owners come forward. They're not crazy about the idea. Um, in fact, they're not on board with it at all. Um, but I do agree that we we need to have our language in line with the state. Um, but I would I would move to have clear separation between the dispensing area and the dining area. Um, and then a second thought, and I'm not going to read all this, but I did have somebody reach out, and they brought an interesting point up, uh, which is that there are a lot of youth bands that have been asked to perform, and they wanted to know if there could be exceptions made to performers under the age of 21 that play in a band and can be in the bar later than the 10:00 hour discussed. Um I again I'm I don't think there's any reason kids need to be in the bar, but I I do understand what they're saying here. Um as it would support local youth, music, education, and community events without changing the overall intent of the ordinance is what was brought forward. So I try to

see it from all sides. Um I understand where they're going with that. performed in a bar when I think I was 16. I'm [clears throat] not going to admit to that. Maybe uh your honor, having started college as a music performance major, one of our first paying gigs was at a bar. I can say without hesitation that that led to unfortunate consequences. And and not that I'm saying there, but the point is being able to have that be have that as an option.

I mean, now that I think about it, it may have been illegal because at that time the the state had its own statute that was restricting that. I mean, our ordinance may have been whatever our ordinance was, but that's a it's an interesting point to bring up. It had bands that do have some young folks in them.

Yeah. And and essentially it just says in our community we often have youth performers and family bands. For example, the Wind River Boys who are invited to play at a restaurant/bar venues during normal dinner hours. It would be helpful to include an exception allowing under 21 performers to remain on the premises while they are actively performing and for reasonable setup and breakdown time. Um, so just a an I I guess to consider that in the wording of some sort, but my main thing that I would like to see is separation added to the language.

Councilman Bailey. So, as I understand it, the the ordinance that we're dealing with right now only applies to establishments that are soothing 60% food or is this for the entire spectrum of liquor licenses?

This would only apply. Okay. So if they, and this is a good clarification, if there is a commercial kitchen, there's no amount that's making sure that we're clear on this, Miss Harris, because this was my understanding last time and I had to look at it again. If there's a commercial kitchen, there's no requirement for amounts or anything like that. You have a commercial kitchen, you can have miners there for the purpose of getting food up until 10:00 at night. Correct. Correct. I would like to clarify that we are discussing retail license holders because restaurant license holders and bar and grill license holders are held their provisions and requirements are held separate. So this particular discussion tonight would res it actually pertains to retail license holders with commercial kitchens. someone that has a is the easiest way to put it as a package, you know, license or or something where you can also be serving there,

right? On premise consumption. On premise consumption, that's probably the best way to put it. So, if you have a bar that has onremise consumption that has a commercial kitchen, the proposal here would be to allow miners to be there while they're serving food. As long as the commercial kitchen is open. If the commercial kitchen is closed for whatever reason, you can't have minors there and consuming food. Yes. Right. So then the next part of this though Yeah. Exactly. Oh wow. Yeah. [laughter]

The next part of this though is as well we are building into this if there's a business that has 60% of the sales from something besides

liquor. they are also allowed to have minors there. So, it's kind of it's almost building so to speak a a different possibility of a license and that was reflected with our meeting being able to discuss if we had something that there was a business that wanted to be selling something else, most of the money comes from that but they want to still have minors there. This would make that possible. I guess your honor, I've talked to a couple of liquor license holders and and I think the challenge becomes to follow the rule, you need a clean, clearcut line. Okay. So, if we get into, oh well, what's open and what's not and what time it is and oh, they're in the band, so it's okay. And so I

I guess that's where I have heartburn is we're setting people up to be and even law enforcement to be going well the oven was still on so it's okay and there was youngsters there you know it's I'd feel more comfortable with just saying if you're if you meet the 60% and you're you're in the food business and you serve alcohol as a sideline to your food business. I think it's okay to have people under 21 there. Yeah. I think if you're just, you know, serving a few French fries and nachos to supplement your bar business, that's not where we want people under 21.

And and I guess I feel the same way a little bit about the band. I understand that's usually where bands play is in bars, but that's irrelevant. We can't say, "Well, we're gonna have a play in the bar, and it's okay for the kids to be in the play in the bar." I think if they want to have a play in the restaurant that also serves alcohol, that's a different environment than a bar. Well, and and I think it'd be cleaner that way. And I think that's what the public wants and I think that's what the liquor license holders want is a clean, clearcut.

Yeah, your honor. I think that you're talking about like like some good bright lines that that we can enforce especially because you know bar owners need to be able to say to their employees this is what we're doing and not these gray lines and you know we don't want bar owners being the enforcers of this we want the PD to be the enforcers of this so they need to be able to know PD needs to be able to know this is what we're doing

these are what this is when we're checking it you know they need to be able to say um food, you know, food service ends at this point, not the last. Is it when we close the kitchen? Is it the last ticket time? Is it the regular menu only? Like what are we doing? Because if PD comes in to check, you know, the employees and the owners need to be able to say, "This is it." You know, they have enough that they're doing on their plate. We have to have bright lines. You know, that's the word I would use. I like the on their plate when we're talking about food. That's Yeah. puns. Uhhuh. I'm a I'm a fan of puns. So, I am too.

So, and I would say I mean we do have to a certain extent and not I hear what everybody's saying. So, first off, it sounds like what you're saying, Councilman Bailey, is there might be some enforcement issues with this and that sounds like that's the same thing that Councilwoman Brothers is saying. Yeah. And then it's also kind of the same thing that Councilwoman Johnson is saying in terms of we want if we're going to do this, we want to have it so that it's easy for enforcement or whatever by law enforcement.

Well, it needs to be easy and it needs to be fairly fairly monitored, whatever, but I also think that it's it's leveling up other business owners. It's going to be confusing when one bar says, "Yeah, you can come in here and eat French fries and and whatever." And another bar says, "No, I don't want this at all." And it's it's technically up to the bar owner whether that's going to happen or not and if they have the commercial kitchen or not. But to the general public, they don't know if if this bar has a commercial kitchen and they don't know if that bar has a commercial. So, which ones are they walking into legally or illegally? I there needs to be clear lines about this and everybody that I've spoken to is adamantly against it. So I I don't know if I can say, yeah, our language is in line with the state as to what's allowed, but as far as we're concerned, just if you're not 21, you shouldn't be in a bar.

Well, and and I will say the state doesn't have any language anymore. I mean they've left that up to the communities to figure out to what extent minors it gives us the authority to make right stricter rules but but as far as the state is concerned that they say you can be in a bar up until 10:00 as long as there's a commercial kitchen and they're serving food. I I don't think is that I don't think that's the state standard right now.

Your honor, if I may, the state the state does say that regarding a restaurant liquor license, but they do not address the issue with regard to retail licenses. Okay. So, when you're talking about making that consistent, you're talking about having it so that would be consistent with that in terms of the restaurant license for the package license, which makes sense.

Yes. And if we have if we have um businesses here that have the incorrect license, the way that they're serving, then that needs to be addressed and we then it would take a lot off the table. If if one needs to have a restaurant license because the bulk of their their stuff is restaurant stuff, then that's what they need to do. Councilman Larson, were you trying to say something earlier? I was. Um, um, I'm not aware that we have an audit department. Do we have an audit department that audits all the bars for the 50 or 40 or 60% consumption of X, Y, or Z? Well, do we? The answer is no.

Right. And police officers are not there to to to check out the till. I mean, come on. You've got Are we in business to have businesses or are we exclusionary? Do we have a lot of problems with teenagers hanging out in food areas at night when there's McDonald's and Dairy Queen? That tends to be where they are. more often than not. Or the Southerntherlands parking lot. Or the Southerntherlands parking lot now that it's better lit.

Any other discussion? I will say I and and Councilman Carr, I I read your comment as being discouraging towards having people under 21 in the bar with the band. Correct. You don't need to go into detail about why that was a bad idea, but [laughter] your honor. Yes, sir.

And perhaps this helps with your discussion. I just want [clears throat] to point out what the current code allows and and during our work session a few months ago, some of the problems that you identified that you were hoping to address. So, currently um it is allowable in the city of Riverton for a bar to uh admit people under the age of 21 under certain circumstances. as it currently reads um it says that persons under the age of 21 cannot enter or remain in a licensed building. So the entire building where someone has a license where the primary source of revenue is from the operation of this from the sale of alcohol or malt beverages. So the first statement is if you uh have a license um and the primary source of revenue associated with that license is from the sale of alcohol or malt beverages and that's basically your retail license. You cannot have people under the age of 21 enter or remain. But then we have a qualifying statement. And it says unless and the first one is the establishment operates a restaurant with a commercial kitchen where the primary source of revenue is from the operation um of the sale of f of food and not alcohol. And then there's a second condition where it says the establishment operates a commercial kitchen and persons under the age of 21 may enter and remain in the licensed building until the hour of 10 p.m. So that is currently the law that exists in Riverton. And it was identified as somewhat confusing because it wasn't clear if there was an and or an or provision to both of those clauses. So, is it um you have a a a commercial kitchen and you run a

restaurant and there's no time limit or is there a time limit as well? So, that was ambiguous and I think Miss Harris has addressed that based on the feedback from your October session. Um but I I think that helps in the sense of how you want to move forward and what you think is appropriate for these businesses. Um, currently that's what the city allows and then what's being proposed is what's been outlined by Miss Harris. Well, and I I believed based on the context that that was an or. So, you're saying the establishment is operating a restaurant with a commercial kitchen where the primary source of revenue is from the sale of food, which would be basically a restaurant license,

or your honor, if I may, a retail license that's running a restaurant. We do have an example of that in town where it would it would appear this establishment is a restaurant that has a a bar component but in reality their license is one that's a retail license. True. Okay. So then the other one is they estab they operate a commercial kitchen in which case persons under the age of 21 years old may enter or remain until the hour of 10 p.m. which it doesn't matter whether the kitchen is open doesn't matter whether the kitchen is serving at least as the way our code is right now. Now context you could say that operates is that it's currently open and they could be there until 10 p.m. Mr. Delgado. Yes.

You were trying to get my attention. Please. I am Raphael Deleg with River City Rendezvous and I reviewed this ordinance. I have to say first of all that I think any lawful product purchased lawfully, you know, sold lawfully is allowed and I would never denigrate anyone's business ID or business plan. People do things differently than I would. But we have issues with this and it's unfortunate that I'm the only really person that shows up sometimes because as Clint Eastwood would say, a man alone is at risk.

Yeah. But I have to say first of all when you read the ordinance itself what occurred was there was a retail establishment here at a retail liquor license and at the time when it first started they wanted to introduce families into their events. They have a variety of events but they were not allowed because uh youngsters couldn't be in there. So the idea was they also said at the time and it may have changed that we can't always meet the 6040 split. What we'd like you to do is change the rules so we can have children in or youngsters in here. The way this has been proposed is not workable though. First of all, it says that you have to have a commercial kitchen where there's food being uh served. That's fine. No problem with that part. But it says that someone who's one day shy of 18 has to be with the parent of legal gardening. I can't determine who a parent is or legal guardian. police department can run a person out for their license, warrants, a restraining order,

but I don't know of a registry of legal guardians in the United States that I could as a private citizen contact to know if this person is lawfully with this uh this minor. Second of all, the other part of this ordinance says that a person 18 to one day shy of 21 is allowed in a bar that has a commercial kitchen beyond the hour of 10 p.m. as long as it's operating. So you could have juvenile well minors between 18 to one day of sh 21 in a bar evening up until 12:00 1:00 2:00 depending when the uh the kitchen closed. So I think that's not the spirit of what we really want in this here. Third, it says specifically that has to have 6040 split. But in this ordinance, it says you go back one year and it's audited by a CPA. Well, why does it say that? Because it says that for the reason that that establishes that this business is operating at 6040. But as we know from financial prospectus, they always state past performance is not indicative of future results. And it's to remind investors that historical returns are not guaranteed future success. Just because something occurred in the past doesn't mean it will be in the in the present. And my understanding if one of the businesses that wanted to have this changed didn't meet the 6040 to begin in the past. So for this ordinance to work for them, they would have to go one year in the future and show they could do 6040 before they'd be allowed to have these youngsters in there. Now from the side of compliance, I've been on both sides of the street on this and if police come to do a

compliance check, there's four things involved. The kitchen is operating. It's not yet 10:00 for those that are one day shy of 18. they're with the parent or legal guardian and it's 60/40. Now let's say all those have to be uh operating at the time. But let's say you want to do a 60/40 check. You can go to restaurant tour. I've talked to them. They have software through their point of sales systems where they can show the split. Takes a little time, a little intrusive, but they can do it. But that's a point in time. It may not be 6040 at that moment, but at the end of the day, it may be. Or I might get into a situation where it's 5545 and I realize I'm out of compliance. The last hour, everything's happy hour price, half price on liquor because now I can make it 40. Also, sales differ. Dinner time, people come, that's happy hour. A lot of places do half price drinks or a dollar off of whatever they decide to do, but food isn't discounted. At that point in time, food will be 80%. Drinks will be 20. As for dinner passes, it can reverse. It could be 80 20%. So, I think that's really hard to do. I think the spirit of this this this this uh ordinance was to have families go into a place when there was events and we were going to wave the requirement that uh that they could bring them in there. But if they couldn't comply before 6040 before, why put that in now? I think if you want to have an ordinance like this, just say simply under 21 can go into this bar with the working kitchen accompanied by an adult and leave it there. The idea is that the adult has

these other younger people with them and somehow they have either a family connection or their friends but they'll look out for them. So I think that that's how you could clear this up because for me from my point of view there's no way I can enforce that properly. I can't identify the people. So one of the very important things in this ordinance I can't comply with you know business is risky. We take our capital sometimes we get a bank loan we go and we operate this business and uh we take that risk. I of I often say, you know, the difficult I do every day. The impossible takes longer, but uncertainty I can deal with. And this has too much problematic issues with it. And there's another side of this, too. The par the public, as someone alluded to, isn't always aware of the ordinances the way you and I might be. I can see a situation where yes, we can allow these people with children into our establishment if we have the commercial kitchen or we have their full retail liquor license. But I've talked to other bar owners, they don't want to do it. They say, "Yeah, the city can allow us, but I have the right to refuse service to anyone.

I'm just not going to allow it." And that's okay as long as it's not discriminatory. But I have the other side too because I've been on the other side where a parent with their children can say I have a legal right to be here. City council passed that orange and gave me that right. Okay.

I don't want that problem. Again, if a business understanding all of this still wants to involve itself and go through all of this, that's on them. I'm supportive of it because we have different business models. But to me, there's another aspect. Every time I come to a meeting, and I've been coming for a while now, I see that sometimes ordinances go on one, two, and three readings, and they're altered all the time. And what started off as one is completely unrecognizable by the third. I can't be here all the time, and my stakeholders can't be here all the time. It's possible to pass an ordinance on the third reading where we're not here. We're but we're held accountable. We don't know what's in it. And that's kind of like Congress pass this legislation then you can read what's in it.

And I don't think that's the proper way to do business. So those are my objections to it. I think basically what I would recommend um return this to city staff, get the uh stakeholders, see if we can fine-tune this or maybe not, but table it until then. Otherwise, we're going to spend a lot of time right now trying to change the word and direction and this and that and it might be better served with the meeting with the stakeholders and they can make their position again known. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Wal.

And I think that's a good point. We could sit here and spin our wheels for another hour or so or three or three depending on the night. Your honor, I move to table this until we can work out some of these kinks. I'll try it again this week and move to table issue. Okay. Uh have a motion by Councilwoman Johnson to table. Do we have a second? Second. Second by Councilman Larson.

Trying to remember if this is a Nope, this is not a discussion one. All in favor of tableabling uh passage of ordinance 260001 on second reading. Tableabling would be until our next regular meeting. Is that right, Councilwoman Johnson? Uh yes. Okay. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose say nay. Nay. I vote I. Motion passes. We'll come back and discuss some more. Great.

Your honor, can I just say, Mr. Deod, I I appreciate you coming in and giving your perspective on things. I I think it comes with a lot of common sense behind what you're saying and it makes sense and I just want to say I appreciate you coming up to give your input, Councilman Larson. And Bailey, I don't buy anything. Um, your honor, I would move that we have instruct staff to set up a meeting before our next regular meeting that we could bring the liquor license holders in to have a work session discussion, whatever you want to call it. You thinking this would be what? Next Tuesday.

Yeah, it's if we're sticking with Tuesday, that's the only I'm not going to be in town. Let's do it anyway. I can't. And I'll participate by phone. I was gonna say you could. You're very welcome to participate by phone or or whatever if we want to do that. I think that makes sense from the beach in Florida. Participate phone. Just don't show us a picture. Yeah. Uh I No, it comes with all of it. But it snowed in Florida this this last couple of days. But I would like to be present for that meeting. And so if we could I'll be back on the second. cell phones there will listen. I'm not calling in on my vacation. Sorry. Oh, that's okay.

Um we we have um our next regular meeting is February 3rd. Uh we don't have to have this on a Tuesday night. I mean, even the fact that Mr. Delgado is the only liquor license holder here tonight might not be the best night to do it. Would there be another time that we would want to do that? Or we could do it Tuesday night and You could kind of uh give us whatever feedback before that on the 27th. Is that what you're talking about? But we could do another time, too. Heck, we could do the I could do Monday the 26th. May 6th. Yeah. I'm good with that. You'd be able to do Monday.

I could do Monday. I do office hours Monday night. We could even do five o'clock. So, we're not keeping staff here that much later. I could do it anytime on Monday. So, your honor, I'm sorry. Miss Harris and I were coordinating just advertisements and notice requirements for a work session. Um, and so I missed the date. Were you looking at February 2nd or Monday the 26th? We could do either. February 2nd or Monday the 26th. February 2nd is not as easy. 26th is I guess what we're talking about. But does that give us enough time to advertise? Probably not. Your honor, I I believe it does to hit either of those Mondays. I think we just need your direction on which Monday you want to do that.

26th, Councilman Carr, I think the 26th makes the most sense because otherwise any conversation or decisions that come out of a meeting on the 2nd, staff doesn't have time to turn around and get something on the the agenda. Feels like they have a gun to their head.

Ex. Well, having been there, that's a very it's an unrealistic turnaround time. Uh I I also would like to comment u I I empathize with the statement of ordinances changing from reading to reading to reading and so I almost that's the reason I wrote a nay on tableabling. I'd almost rather kill the ordinance now come back with something after the discussion. That's the only reason that I vote. Just wanted to clarify that.

That's fine. And you're not going to ever get any criticism from me for how anybody votes. I I vote a lot of different ways. Depends on the day. Um, how would Monday work for you if we did that Monday? I believe so. Yes. I don't want to sit here and work to try to make it so Councilwoman Johnson can be here and then have somebody else not be available. Does that make sense? I'm available on Monday because I set that aside for office hours anyway. So, I'll be traveling later in the week, but yes, Monday. Monday would be all right. It's actually better than the second. Councilwoman Brothers. Yep. Councilman Larson. Yes. Okay.

So, your honor, just point of order. I think the the motion then for clarification is uh to have a work session at 5:00 pm uh Monday, January 26th. And there is not yet a second on this. Yep. Okay. Do we have a second? I did. I seconded it. Oh, she second. We missed that. Second. Well, it was we honed down the motion language very well as a team. If not, you're [laughter] fine. A lot of a lot of moving parts. Yep. I'm missing that. No, you're fine. Any other discussion on that?

Next Monday, 5:00 PM, we'll try to we'll advertise for as many liquor license holders as we can get here and discuss it. And I'd want to make sure that as best as we can, the two that have been talking about this, if we want to try to reach out to them, I think that'd be appropriate. So, okay, sounds good. All right. Um, all those in favor I I mean, usually we don't necessarily vote about a work session, but we have a motion and I don't want to just leave it hanging. So, all those in favor say I. I. Any oppose? Say nay.

I vote I. We'll set that up for next Monday. Then tell your friends, Mr. Delgado. Um, consideration of ordinance 26002, second reading. Uh, we could have a motion to table this too and we could actually probably have that even before we have the report from the administrative services director. I would so move. Okay, I'll second. Have a motion to table this by council By second by councilwoman Johnson. All in favor say I. I. Any oppose say nay. I vote I. That will be tabled as well

to be included in our discussion on the 26th. to be included in our discussion on the 26th. Okay, great. We've been trying not to rush into this. I mean, that's why we had the work session and that sort of thing, but we also kind of at the work session, it was more so us discussing and not as much feedback. So, I think it' be good. All right, we'll move on to our next item then. Uh, resolution 1539, AIP65 and AIP66 grant applications. Mr. Mr. Tolman, is this yours? Yes, sir. Yes, your honor. Please go ahead.

Thank you. Resolution um 1539 supports two grant applications. Uh these applications are uh three uh they're AIP grants um airport improvement project grants. Um the first one is uh number 356 0024065-2026. So we call the AIP 65. The other one is similar except just um with grant with number 66 in there as well. So these two grants um are for FAA grants and they're corresponding grants from the aeronautics division of the Wyoming Department of Transportation. They support the um rehabilitation taxiway D or taxiway delta and the lighting upgrades that go along with that taxiway. The T taxi was first construction 2006 and it was maintained throughout but now it's getting to a point where the um the asphalt needs rehabilitated throughout the taxi way. So the lighting uh project as well has been um kind of an ongoing need at the airport. This is the crosswind taxi way but then the lighting in that has um received numerous faults and grounding throughout. Um so when pilots come in and they squawk um to uh light up the airport um these lights uh light up but uh um the staff has to continually come out and and update the lighting. So this would be to be to for an LED lighting upgrade at the airport as well there. So um I do have uh I do want to introduce as well with our dura our contract our um consultant uh engineering consultant um uh Wes um Worbolo is in the audience as well. He drove down from Cody here tonight um to uh answer any questions. But um I do have just a little bit more I'll cover on this on this grant funding

um for this airport project and then um he's here to to support any questions as well. So the uh the grant this project was put into the capital improvement plan um and supported by the FAA, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Aeronautics Division of the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Um the grant applications through the AIP program um would be a total of 2,842,000 $842,16 in funds. 95 96% of that would come um from FAA entitlement funds um and then also from uh AIG funds. These are um this fiscal year um which the federal fiscal year starts in October. So these grants are allocated in this fiscal year um um for this for this project. The uh this resolution then would support um our Dura Group to apply for these grants. um um with the city's help. Um then also the grants um would need to be budgeted. So the city portion of this would be 2 and a.5% of that 2.8 million. That would be roughly 71,000. Not roughly, it would be $71,53. The state would also match this project at 2 and a half% as well at $71,53 as well. So, um, and then the federal portion of this of this project would be 2 point right at 2.7 million. Um, so with that, um, I'll answer any questions and also invite Wes up here to answer questions as well.

Thank you. Thank you. Um, Miss Harris, could you read resolution 1539 by title only? Certainly. Resolution number 1539, a resolution of the governing body of the city of Riverton supporting the application of airport improvement program grant number 3-56-0024-65-2026 and grant number 3-56-0024-66-2026 from the Federal Aviation Administration and corresponding grants from the Aeronautics Division of the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Thank you. I'd entertain a motion to adopt resolution number 1539 supporting the application for grant funds uh to cover association with the taxiway D rehab and lighting upgrade project. So moved. Second. Larson with the motion. Councilman Bailey with the second. Discussion. Your honor. Yes, sir.

This is a much needed program, especially the lighting. We've probably spent I don't know how many tens of thousands of dollars on light bulbs with this. We've got wiring problems on that runway. And so this is huge. It'll save this city a ton of money to get this done in repairs and maintenance and electricity. Exactly. And time. And time. So Oh, this has been a complaint for a while. It has to change these out. Yeah, but it's five. It's 955. We like that. Yeah.

Yes. Any other discussion? All in favor say I. I. Any oppose say nay. I vote I. Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you, Coleman. And then we'll talk to you now about the resident project representative representative agreement uh Riverview Road. Thank you. Report, Mr. Worbolo. Sorry. Uh I [laughter] thanks for coming. Thank you for being here and thank you for all that our Dur group does for us. Uh Mr. Tolman,

thank you your honor. Um in front of you is anou. Um it's actually anou uh excuse me amendment with the county. Um it was just uh approved today by the county commissioners. Um this would be an amendment for the construction services on the Riverview Road project. Um Jub is the uh engineer on this project. Um formerly Sage Civil Engineers out of Cody, Wyoming. Um same location as Mr. Worbolo is is is out of. Um again this project um would would replace the section of Riverview Road from Septire Drive to Ryan Road. Um the commissioners did vote to award this project to Alexander Excavation and the tune of just over 4.6 million. Uh the city's provided them the concurrence. the city would take on schedule B of this project which would be major um major hill and then um uh the the originalou for this project through the engineering firm which was Jub was covered at a 50/50 split. Um what this does is it provides an amendment to that originalou at the 50/50 split to cover construction services by the engineer. Um these these services um originally estimated around 450,000 for the entire project. um were held off. The city provided uh in-house um services to oversee the water line installation of the project. Um and then as we mentioned earlier, the contract would like go back with a little bit more waterline work, even hook up um the west portion of the water line. Um, now with that work underway and done, the city took care of uh construction inspection on that on that uh portion uh the county uh and the city then went back to JOB and said now what would be the cost for uh construction services that came in about 250,000. So what would be approving tonight is a is anou uh with the engineer to the tune of not to exceed 250,000. Um this would cover um items such as administration of the

contract documents, observance of construction, and then they would act as the resident project representative or the RPR um the city's representative on the project itself, RPR services. Um they would also take on uh things such as clarification, interpretations to the plans and contract documents. They will handle any change orders. Um god forbid, but there are good change orders as well. So uh inspections and testing uh and then any uh applications for payment among other items along the project too. Um the city city would still be a part of this project but JUB then would provide the professional expertise to oversee the project. Um so often these fees amount to about 10% of the total project cost. So it would be around 460,000 for this type of a type of a fee. Um with uh with this agreement, we would be in about 5% of the total project cost. Um and then just again I'll reiterate that uh the city portion of the total project is uh 2.775 million. Um where the county takes on 1.8 million currently. So these funds would come from the the 1% fund which is paying for the project currently. And that's that's all I have, your honor.

Thank you. I'd entertain a motion to approve the amendment to theou with Fremont County for the Riverview Road reconstruction project to include construction phase services by Jub Engineers. So moved. Second. Councilwoman Brothers with the motion. Councilman Larson with the second. Discussion. Your honor, I do have a question. um the the the verbiage for the 1% funds. I mean, does that cover engineering services?

Engineering services because I I don't when I read it, it didn't come across to me as that. So, I'm just looking for clarification on that because I it didn't seem to me like the 1% should be used for that. Your honor, Mr. Toman, the 1% covers the um installation of u utilities, water, sewer um um and infrastructure and so it's the replacement which include engineering that needs to be done to replace that infrastructure as well. Right. But these are consulting services, correct?

The these are yeah the city does often does this type of work but when it gets over and above what the city can do then we go out for consultants for this work. We have I guess the point is I I hear your question, Councilwoman Johnson. I would say that Well, here's my question for you, Mr. Tolman, if you can answer it. Or maybe Mr. Butterfield. Do we have any comparable situations where we've had consulting out of the 1% funds in the past? I I can help answer that and then obviously uh Director Tolman can provide information. Uh and we can look up the ballot language. I didn't have a chance to do that, but Mr. Tolman is correct that as passed the 1% funds are to be used to support infrastructure improvements as they relate to roads, water, and sewer and bridges. If I remember correctly, over the the years that we've had the optional 1% tax uh for that purpose, we've used very little for engineering services. And that's only because we've tried to prioritize the funds to go to the the street, so to speak, and also because we've had talented staff that have been able to design projects in house. That being said, not every project that have been um funded by the 1% fund. Um not every project was designed in house. That was a long way to get to that point. For example, uh several years ago, we utilized a a consultant to design Sunset Drive um because the the scope of that project was such that we didn't have the ability to design that in house. Um years ago we also utilized an engineer

to do a a significant concrete project throughout town and then um this project in particular JUB was used for the design services and paid for out of the 1% fund. I believe you as a council would need to decide if you feel that um engineering services are um appropriate associate costs to infrastructure improvement or if you'd rather have those um costs covered uh only to the construction itself. And I believe that's a decision you as a council would have to make.

I and I do have the ballot language here. Shall the board of county commissioners of the county of Fremont, state of Wyoming, be authorized to impose a general purpose excise tax of 1% upon resale sales of tangible personal property, admissions, and services made within the county. The purpose of which is for infrastructure projects related to streets, roads, ridges, roads, bridges, ridges, bridges, water, and sewer utilities. have passed, the tax would be in place for a four-year term and resubmitted to voters at the next general election. So, your honor, Mr. Bailey,

again, I think all of these projects have to have engineering of some kind and sometimes we can absorb that within the city department and not have to pay an outside engineer to engineering firm to do that. But I think the engineering has to go with it. If I'm going to go build a garage, I have to have somebody design it. and I got to have the design approved by the city building department. And so you I mean that's an intricral part of any of these projects is getting the engineering and and making sure that the construction happens the way it's supposed to as per the plans. And so I mean I think it's definitely part of the project and would be included in those items. So,

well, I just would like to make clear I'm I'm not opposed to having an engineer actually do this, but I I am adamant that we're adhering to what taxpayers voted for. They didn't pay or they didn't I am interpreting that as the money to go towards road, bridges, water, sewer, all of this stuff. So just because the city can't afford it doesn't mean that it should go under the tax of the 1%. That's I I the ballot language doesn't say it covers consult or consult services and just because we've used it previously doesn't mean that we've been doing it correctly. So I would like some clarification on that. If that money can be used for consultation then okay. But if it's not if that's not what its intended purpose was for, then we need to look at finding the funding from that from somewhere else.

Your honor, Councilman Carr, try and choose my words carefully, but you can't have one without the other. To do infrastructure improvements, you have to have the engineering that goes along with it. because while we have amazing city staff, they may or may not have the expertise or the the niche uh knowledge to design and build, bid, construct and observe the construction of that infrastructure. So there's no question about that. I'm just

we can't have one without the other. And as we as we look at the total project, you know, the scale of this project or the magnitude especially of of this size, 5% is an exceptional value. That's that's a fact. And so when we talk about the ballot initiative and whether or not we could use consultants, it may unfortunately be implied, but we have to have those services to finish the project. You were saying something else. I'm sorry. I

like I said, I I I don't disagree that these services need to be had, but we need to be using the correct funding for it. I guess as I read the purpose of which is for infrastructure projects related to streets, roads, bridges, water and sewer utilities. That's broad enough language that I think that the engineering consulting services would be included. And I hear what you're saying. I think it anytime we talk about anything with uh the 1% funds, I think you're right. We need to always go back to the ballot language, but there's people that look at the ballot language and they read into that certain things are not included and read into that certain things that maybe are included. But to me, I think if we're saying the purpose of which is for infrastructure projects, I mean, think of a bridge for example, that's mainly engineering. That's I mean, when it comes to the actual build of that, that's a lot less than the you had 5% of the engineering for a bridge. That's probably not a very good bridge, honestly.

But, um, can you So, I think it's broad enough. I I think it's a good question, though. Can you help me understand who the original consultant was on this? Was Jub Engineers. So, it was J. Okay. So, I guess I'm confused. Why are weren't they included in the original? Maybe I can help a little bit, your honor. Uh go ahead. JUB was hired for design services for this project. They were hired by the county by Fremont County.

Um and then the city signed an ammo with with Fremont County. So it is a county project. Um and then when we got into construction services um with an engineer, typically the city's taken this on since I've been here um the city's mostly taken this these on these services on for projects. And actually um for most projects um there's been four projects in the past uh six years that the city's hired a consultant on. This is one of in the city didn't hire this one. So there's been three, excuse me, in the past six years that the um city's hired a consultant on. Those have all been almost over close to $2 million projects. So as we get into larger projects, that's when that's when the consultants are are hired for these projects. This would be for design services or for construction services. So it wasn't so it's it's for construction services not design services. So it's two separate so what they were originally hired for this is completely different.

Correct. Okay. Now I understand. Thank you your honor. And I think to add to that it it would be um quality control services. So, as the contractor is working on on the water line, the trenching, and then the the paving, what JUB will do with this contract amendment is ensure that it's it's built to proper engineering standards to ensure that that road will last. And we have assurance that the taxpayer dollars are going as far as possible. So, they'll they'll be doing a lot of the project management, quality control, quality assurance, and working in conjunction with the contractor that's hired. Okay, good questions. Thank you. Thank you. I just need a clarification. So,

oh, perfect. I think it's good. And I think having us go back to the ballot verbiage is there's that's never a negative. Any other comments, questions? All in favor say I. I. Any oppose say nay. I vote I. Motion passes. We don't have an executive session planned. Anybody motion to adjurnn? Motion to adjurnn. Second. Councilman Larson with the motion. Councilman Carr with the second. All in favor say I. I. Post say nay. Motion passes.

903. We are ajourned. Wow. Setting record.