Though the new highway at Burns is not scheduled for construction until 2014, representatives from the Wyoming Department of Transportation were present at Monday’s Burns Town Council meeting to seek a petition and resolution to get the project "shovel ready."

Mayor Phil Oakes explained with a possibility of additional stimulus money heading to Wyoming, there is a chance if the project is ready to go it will get funded sooner than the anticipated start date. To that end Dan Kline, WYDOT systems planning and railroads supervisor, brought a petition seeking permission for the closure of the road grade railroad crossing when the railroad overpass is traffic ready. There is no cost to the community for the building of the overpass or the closing of the grade crossing.

Councilwoman Judy Johnstone and utility board president Leon Pierce joined in requesting assistance in getting an easement for the town to extend sewer and water lines to the portion of the town which lies north of the Union Pacific tracks.

"If Burns is going to be open to the north, we need water and sewer lines," Johnstone said. "Is this something we can do during construction (of the highway)?"

It was noted by Kline that the ease

ment would have to come from the UP and/or WYDOT and now is a good time for the discussion on the issue to begin.

Pierce also asked if a sleeve for utilities to be run through could be included in the highway construction. He noted this would preclude the need to dig under the new highway if and when the need arose for utilities to cross the highway. Kline and company agreed that was a good idea.

With no further discussion, council voted to approve the petition and bring a resolution at its next meeting for a vote.

In his police report, marshal Nick Dotter updated council on a diesel fuel spill on 4th Street. Dotter said the property affected was to be cleaned up by the county. That clean up includes skimming dirt from land on the north and south of the road.

In his report to council, Oakes showed a collection of letters sent to him from Burns Elementary School third-graders. He said they were learning to write persuasive letters and letter writing skills.

"They are very good," Oakes said. "The number one concern is they would like the town of Burns to have a restaurant."

Oakes said he would be sending a response to the class.

Oakes shared a formal request from Laramie County School District No. 2 seeking removal of the one way designation on the alley behind the transportation garage as it makes fueling difficult for some buses. Dotter said only two buses are affected, and there is not enough room for the buses to make a legal and safe turn into the alley from 4th Street. It was also pointed out damage has already been done by the buses to the new concrete poured during the construction of 4th Street and if the change was allowed more would likely be incurred.

Oakes asked three times "Do we have a motion?", and there being none there was no action.

A letter will be sent to the district to explain the town’s position.

Oakes invited Jim Clark to give a report on the county census efforts. Clark has been attending meetings with the Laramie County Census Committee to develop ways to engage residents to participate in the census which runs from April 1 through July. Clark emphasized the need for people to fill out the census cards they will receive in the mail and return them.

"Ten questions, 10 minutes," he said of the process.

Following Clark’s report, Oakes gave an update on the school transfer. Council held a work session at the old school during which a plan was made for where town offices would be located.

Oakes said in the coming weeks — including during Monday’s meeting — there would be executive sessions, as required by law, to hash out the details of the transfer agreement with LCSD2.

"It is not my policy to do that, but we have to," Oakes said.

Oakes announced LCSD2 has begun a feasibility study on land owned by the town and Burns Recreation Board to see if the land is good for construction of a new transportation garage.

A walk-though of Main Street has been done by Oakes and engineers to get an estimate on work needed on the road. Oakes said he is waiting on the estimate due to the amount of work needed, which includes repair of broken concrete and erosion problems.

Oakes asked council to consider a repeal of an ordinance prohibiting business being conducted on Sundays. Council agreed to consider the repeal. An ordinance to that effect will be presented at the next council meeting.

During council reports, councilwoman Jan Gray said Paula Dennis is resigning from her volunteer position as youth recreation coordinator.

"We need someone to step up and be there for our kids," Gray said.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact town hall at 547-2206.

Johnstone reported one of the computers purchased from the state is set up with the rest to follow soon.

She also explained a change to the town’s employee policy which was then voted on to take effect. The item ensures the town has complete records on licenses and certifications in each employee file.

Johnstone said she has been talking with veterinarian Bill Shain about having a vaccination clinic in Burns in conjunction with pet owners getting their licenses. Council agreed to have the clinic on Feb. 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Burns Community Center. In addition, those who get their dog licenses at the clinic will have the fine for late purchase of the license waived.

Grants were next on Johnstone’s report. She said an application has been submitted for $260,701.97 of which about $120,000 would be used to complete projects not covered by a previous grant the town will be receiving for energy efficiency improvements to the former West Elementary School. The rest will be used for energy improvements throughout town.

"We will reduce wattage and output by some very easy fixes in every building and street lights," said councilman Harvey Humphrey.

Johnstone has also applied for a grant from LCSD2 for $9,000 — $5,000 for purchase of gym equipment and the remainder for refinishing the gym floors in the old school buildings.

She also announced the possibility of additional State Loan and Investment Board money being available as some projects by other communities were not completed. Burns will be trying to get $109,000 to replace a metal water pipe.

Wrapping up the meeting, Pierce gave a report from the utility board concerning the water meter project. Contractor Town and Country Plumbing requested a winter shut down and was approved a 30 day extension by the state to complete the project.

Following Pierce’s report, the council voted to adjourn into executive session to discuss land transfer and personnel issues.

The next meeting of Burns Town Council will be Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. at the community center. Immediately preceding that meeting will be a meeting of the Burns Day Committee at 6 p.m. All are welcome and urged to attend both meetings.