Project plans continue in Burns, with reports on progress being given during the town council’s regular meeting Monday night.
Councilwoman Judy Johnstone updated council on the list of requests for the already approved Phase I Energy Efficiency Grant for the former West elementary buildings. The total amount of grant and matching funds set to be spent is $495,076. She said the Phase II request of $250,000 will go toward items requested but not covered in the Phase I award and any money left over would be applied to improved lighting in town-owned buildings and on Main Street.
"We will be more energy efficient and save money at the same time," she said of the projects.
Councilman Harvey Humphrey suggested going to LED lights on Main Street which will draw 25 watts as compared to the current 210 watts used by the lights now on Main Street. He added the cost of that upgrade would not be over $24,000 to cover parts and labor.
Another grant Johnstone will be working on is due Feb. 1 and is a recreation grant which will go toward the resurfacing of the gym floors in the West elementary buildings.
Mayor Phil Oakes included several items in his report to council, including an item regarding the Census Count Committee. Jim Clark is representing Burns on the committee. Clark stressed the importance of residents completing the census forms when the official count begins. Oakes noted in the 2000 Census Burns had the highest response rate in the state with 79 percent of the population responding. Further information will be forthcoming.
Oakes told council he would be attending a meeting on Jan. 19 with WYDOT and Union Pacific Railroad regarding the new highway and the current railroad crossing.
He reported the Wyoming Water Development Commission meeting regarding the new water tower went very well. The project must go before the state legislature for final approval.
In looking at other future development in town, Oakes said he would like to see an ordinance pertaining to businesses in town not being allowed to be open on Sundays be repealed.
"It we want businesses to come to town we need to let them be open when they want to be open," he said.
Clerk Toni McNamar will check into how to repeal the ordinance.
Traffic flow by the school district bus garage was discussed. Oakes told council he received an e-mail request from Laramie County School District No. 2 asking council to repeal an ordinance allowing only one way traffic in the alley east of the bus garage. Oakes said he asked for a letter requesting this and he has not received it yet. Council agreed to wait to take action until a formal request is made.
With the closing of West elementary school, council voted its agreement to remove the "No Parking" by the buildings on Main Street.
During her report to council, Johnstone, said she and McNamar had attended the Wyoming Association of Municipalities video conference regarding budget issues. Johnstone said nearly all communities are expecting to have to cut hours and possibly benefits for their employees at a very minimum.
"This next funding period will be very difficult for the cities and towns in Wyoming," she said. "Please contact your legislators to urge them not to cut funding for cities and towns."
Councilman Jeff Bartels presented council with Street Cut Regulations for review before the next council meeting, at which time council members can bring back any concerns they have. John Thompson from Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power will be sending Bartels a few suggestions for modifications.
Bartels announced at the last Burns Day meeting it was decided to have Burns Day, though an abbreviated version. He thanked Don Myers and Clarence Steege for their help on the committee. Bartels said additional help is needed and welcome. The next meeting will be held Feb. 8, at 6 p.m. prior to council meeting.
Burns Day will include a car show, lawn mower races, a pancake breakfast and a parade. Streets will remain open for the event, with the exception of Main Street between First and Second streets. During the parade a larger area will be closed, then reopened immediately following the parade.
In the only piece of legislative action, council approved the third reading of Ordinance 8A.08(a) titled Disturbance of Peace and Disturbance of Property.
The next meeting of Burns Town Council will be Jan 25. at 7 p.m. at the community center. The long-range planning committee will meet at 6 p.m. that evening. Council will have a work session Saturday at 9 a.m. to work on issues pertaining to the elementary school complex.
