Long time Mayor’s Youth Council advisor, Donna Crandall announced her resignation, effective June 1, from the group during Monday’s regular session of the Pine Bluffs Town Council.

"I have very mixed emotions about this difficult decision and I’ve thought and prayed on this for a long time," she said reading from a prepared statement to the council.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to provide a way for our children to be involved in government and a strong voice for the youth in our community," Crandall said.

Crandall expressed her gratitude to the council noting the success of the group was due, in large part, by the support of the governing body.

Mayor Bill Shain thanked Crandall for her years of service to the organization.

"I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say that the success of the group is also due to your efforts and the time and dedication you’ve given it," Shain said.

Shain then asked Crandall if a replacement was ready to step into Crandall’s shoes.

"Gary Nadeau and Ann Lansden continue to be active in the organization and Cindy Shroyer has recently stepped up her role," Crandall said. "So I feel confident that the council is in good hands."

In other business, council heard from resident Jerry Sander concerning the tree in his front yard.

"I wanted to thank Alan (councilmember Alan Curtis) and Tom (Tom McDonough, public works director) for coming out and taking a look at my tree," Sanders said.

Specifically Sanders was concerned that digging in his yard in conjunction with the water meter replacement

project would damage the tree in his front yard.

"We sort of knew these sort of landscape issues may arise and it’s always been our intent to replace any damage done," said Shain.

"Well, that old tree is rather sturdy and I don’t think it will harm it, but just in case, I wanted to get something from the council saying they would replace it," Sanders said.

Members of council agreed they would put in writing, an agreement to replace the tree should it die due to the digging in Sander’s yard.

Also before the council was a land purchase contract for the lots where the old Care and Share building, until recently, occupied.

Under the terms of the contract, the town will acquire the four lots from Norma Jean Anderson for $20,000 to use as part of the new day care center project.

Town attorney Alex Davison explained that once council approved the contract, he hoped to have the deal closed by Feb. 19.

"When this gets to the title company, they may require a formal resolution from the council approving the contract," Davison said adding, "I’m hoping that the minutes of this meeting will be adequate."

Unanimously, council approved the contract and directed Davison to move forward on closing the purchase.

In the reports of directors and committee chairs, town clerk Cate Cundall said plans for Cheyenne based Needs Inc. to open a facility in Pine Bluffs were moving forward.

According to their Web site, Needs Inc. is a non-profit multi-service agency that has been serving Cheyenne and Laramie County residents in times of crisis for over 35 years. Specifically the organization provides food, clothing and other essential items to those in need.

Cundall explained Needs had identified the Masonic Lodge as a their location and expected to open by March 1.

"One of the really nice benefits of this is that 50 percent of all food purchased is bought locally," Cundall said.

Cundall also explained that Needs Inc. would be hiring several senior citizens to work the store front, providing much needed jobs in the area.

"We have no budget for this project and we’re still looking for shelves and racks to hold all of the items, so if anyone is willing to donate those, please contact me," Cundall said.

Cundall also announced discussions with the Cheyenne Recycling Center were finally bearing fruit.

"We will be very soon offering recycling here in town," said Cundall (see full story on page 12.)

With no new business before the council, council adjourned to executive session for matters of personnel. There were no announcements following the executive session.

As established Wyoming State Law, executive session allows city governments to hold discussion in private. The guidelines for executive session are very narrow and typically only cover matters of personnel, potential litigation and contract negotiations.

With the next regular meeting of council falling on the President’s Day holiday, council decided to move their next regular meeting to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 at town hall.