Councillor
Leaks, is calling in.
Can you hear this, Councillor Maynard?
We are good to go. I will call this meeting to order at 4 p.m. Madam Clerk, would you please do a role call.
Thank you. Mayor, can you text in, here council member, and then there, there.
Councillor Mayor, and here. Thank you. Thank you. If you've all rise for the pledge,
may I call you?
to the life of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,
the one nation under God invisible with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. At this time, if you would please silence all devices and take
phone calls out into the hallway, we'd really appreciate it. Thank you.
Disclosures by city council members. Council members, please see any potential conflicts
of interest regarding items on the agenda at this time. Have any?
Are we approving
the final?
No.
Okay.
That's a discussion, right?
Okay.
Anybody else?
Okay.
Approval of general agenda.
I'll entertain a motion.
Madam, may I move to approve the general agenda as presented?
Thank you.
Second.
Thank you.
Any discussion?
On favor, say if I was saying aye.
Councilman Weeks.
Thank you. Motion carries 5 to 0.
On to our public comments before I read this,
I'm just going to take just a minute because I know we have a full room this evening.
Come on in, there's lots of room. Well, not lots, but there's some room.
So we do have a large audience tonight and it's really nice to see a lot of people here for these meetings.
In the last week or two, we've had quite a bit going on.
One that was considered a water crisis, and I think it's unfortunate that that's the word that we got brought out with our water issue.
We don't see it as a crisis. It has our number one priority. We are working on it.
I hope that you all understand that. There's been many, many things that have happened in the past that we're trying to fix.
and we really do appreciate everybody for consuming less water. It has helped and I hope
that we can continue to do it. The other thing that's happened is we had a resolution that
was read two weeks ago that had to do with council rules. That's a resolution that was passed
by council prior to all of us. All I did was read it. We went over it just to see if we needed
make any changes. One of the words that came out of that was a gag order that is nowhere in this
resolution. There is a chain of command. And the chain of command is just how communication
should work in a high functioning organization. We'll go over it again this evening, but I do
hope that everyone understands that some of the wording that came out is this is not quite correct.
So, on that note, public comments.
Comments regarding any agenda item other than the public hearing should be made at this time.
As a general practice, comments must be five minutes or less,
and the council does not discuss debate or take action on issues raised or comments made under public comment.
Council may refer items to staff for follow-up in order to be heard,
please speak clearly and loudly.
Please state your name and address for the record.
One other thing, I see we do have a large group here, if some of you are here for the
same statement that you'd like to make in for sake of time unless you all have something
entirely different to say we could be here for a long time if you have a spokesperson that
you'd like to stand up and have speak that's perfectly fine or if you each have something
different to say that's fine as well.
So if we have anyone for public comment, yes sir, would you like to come forward and tell
So you are, and if you wouldn't mind signing in, we would appreciate it.
I did.
Oh, well, you're ahead of you.
Yeah, but I'm not as a same person,
sign-in, I consider it signed in for you right there.
OK, so my name is Aaron Moore.
I live at the 627 South Country here,
it was, and I want to speak on the water.
I don't want just to have anything.
Have you guys feel like this has anything to do with how
I feel about you guys, but it needs to be said.
So,
as of about 10 months ago, I decided to drop out of political scene and put my
else effort elsewhere.
When I spoke out of it matter anyways, those I talked to act like they listened, but
I obviously didn't hear what I had to say.
But this issue is developed into disaster mode, due to past councils over the years failures
and priorities set by this board so I couldn't stay silent.
It appears as though your priors need to reset possibly, and safety infrastructure have to be the top two on your list of priorities and water supplies part of infrastructure.
I don't know what is going on in the background or how hard you all are working on this issue, but as a customer of a product you all are producing, all I care about is the water.
Not excuses about passive boards, which is some of some of you were a part of, and now all of a sudden water is top priority.
All that said, this person heard, all that said, I believe we need to put a building more toward him in place until we get this issue completely rectified.
I know it is a drastic move that has plenty of very negative consequences, but are we not
in a position that demands something drastic be done?
Why are we building more homes and commercial businesses if we don't have enough water to
service what we already have?
They may even mention how we were worried about having enough water for firefighting purposes.
That is a safety issue.
This more terrain would include the city and the school systems all areas in and outside
of the town to use water.
Commercial trucking companies that are taking water from our pre-date water has to stop.
They can suck it out of the river.
I have a list of questions that I would like really like you guys to answer publicly, not
tonight at some time.
What are your plans to replace the treatment plan?
Why are we not spending some of that extra rainy day money for this water issue?
Why does the planning takes so long to buy or lease land to drill, move water to town?
Is it us?
The feds, the state, or the Corven Engine engineers that is the problem in why?
When allocating money for the next spending period, are you going to stop all unneeded
projects to pay for what is needed to improve our aging infrastructure?
find sources of water and add more storage.
I would like to explain to everybody what
the more retirement is. A building more terrain or development suspension is a
temporary halt or restriction imposed on building activities. This measure aims to
control and manage urban growth, address environmental concerns, facilitate
comprehensive planning processes or in our case mitigate potential adverse effect
on existing infrastructure.
The purpose and objectives, the primary purpose of implementing a building more
time is to ensure sustainability and well-balanced balance development within a specific
jurisdiction.
By temporarily pausing construction activity, urban planners, and policy makers gain the opportunity
to assess the current state of development evaluate the availability of adequate infrastructure
and contemplate the long-term impact of proposed projects.
They build a more terrain, conservatism, mechanism to protect, valuable natural resources
in this case, or water.
That's all.
Thank you.
Madam Mayor.
Yes.
Mr. Warren?
Yes.
Mr. Warren?
Do you have any email out there?
I do.
We should have some good answers, then we can get back to you on that, and that was well put
Thank you very much.
I don't know about anybody else in this room.
I'd like you to ask those public room.
And I know that you've made a really good attempt
to be transparent on this.
I really appreciate for this for that.
We're trying.
And I think that we would all be happy to answer these questions.
We've really have been trying.
It's difficult in meetings like this,
just because this is just how our agenda works.
I just tried to stress how important I was going to build a more
tournament with a few, but it's not good, but it sure was really fire.
It didn't make us about 20 years ago.
Appreciate it.
Thank you.
Oh gosh.
I don't know.
Yeah.
Watch out.
I didn't.
Oh wow.
We should do it.
Yes.
We'll give it.
Yes sir.
Do you want mine signing in and you're the one that's right?
Yes, that's the first one.
Dennis Loney, 740, South 6th Street here in Douglas.
My concern is traffic.
Folks at my intersection at 6th and Irwin,
we have a lot of stop sign runners.
I've worked with the chief and with Lieutenant Matthews to come up with a plan to do this.
And I do appreciate Chief and all the officers who have sat and watched.
We have to come up with something that we're not seeing any change.
People run that intersection.
Where I live, I live right across the street from a school, the Wyoming Head Start School.
And schools have playgrounds, playgrounds, attract children.
We have probably close to 20 kids in a two-block square block neighborhood.
Now, five of them, six of them are from the same family, but still.
We see a lot of kids coming and going.
We see a lot of older people walking, walking dogs.
We see, you know, just people out and about.
It concerns me, it concerns my wife.
We did have a house get run into or not a house, but they went through their fence.
I think you know who I'm talking about, right across the street from us.
And the young man had several stories and nobody really knew what happened.
But I think he ran the intersection, hit the dip, lost control, and went through their fence.
Nearly hitting 286-year-old people.
So that's where I started to watch my intersection.
They had done the PDA done survey and it turned out that 31% of the people did not stop for the stop signs.
Just this morning we saw a nice close call between a pickup and two bicycles, luckily the kids stopped and everybody was safe.
But that is my concern, it's simple, it's traffic loss, oh, Bangalore, and Chief, our last conversation,
you asked me if I'd ever got it in the morning, 33 years, no, I've had two tickets.
And I learned from, so I believe that that's where we're at.
I think we need to, officer discretion is great, and I do appreciate that.
But we need to see tickets given.
and it happens all over town. I understand that. Not all over town do we have schools
and playgrounds at an intersection that 31% of the people do not stop. I see a lead there
and her older sister. So we get to talk every now and then. That's all I have. I do appreciate
Chief, did you guys are there? I know you can't do more. Being there, just not, it's out of
a question, but I do appreciate you being there. I like to stop, say thank you to the guys
that do show up. I think it was you over there the other morning and I was coming out
and you had to go. That's all I saw around. I kind of thought of that. I kind of thought
that. But again, I do appreciate PD for what they do. I would like to see a little more
enforcement of that intersection. We had talked about flashing stoplights. We had talked about
rumble strips. Have you spoke to John about rumble strips? We got it. Okay, rumble strips just remind
people that they're coming to a stop sign. How do young lady last night? Take a right turn right
in front of my house. Didn't even slow down. I said, that's a stop sign. She turned around and said,
I'm lost and ran this stuff so I'm going straight.
That's not typical, but that is what happens.
Thank you.
This man, if you tell us who you are, if you want my signing in.
My name is Kara Kos.
And I am here to propose a cost sharing program with the residents, citizens of Douglas and
the city to create a screen on dumpsters. I own the blue buffalo motel and we're the dumpsters
set. It's just very unsightly. And I'm in the process of trying to clean it up and I wanted
to, I want to, like, fence in the dumpster area. And I know that the city has other cost share
programs like with the sidewalks or you know anything like that. I don't imagine it would be an
exorbitant.
I think that there are definitely some areas in town where it would just look a little more aesthetically pleasing.
And I was told that it would be more effective if I came and suggested it myself to you.
Do you actually need my address on here?
District email.
Okay.
Thank you. Anyone else?
Hi, guys.
Sally O'Bam, six, eighty-eight Williams. I'm here about the water because I'm very concerned.
Sorry.
Okay, so I'm just I'm wanting to see if we're going to continue on kind of like
Mr. Clause was talking about the building moratorium. I'm very concerned that
I mean, we saw in the news just a few years ago about Hawaii and LA and Fort Collins how the fires just ripped through those towns and they couldn't be stopped if we're low on water
How are we gonna stop the fires and if we're giving out more water to new developments the rec center different things like that
Very concerned about not having enough water for the people who are here
Are you gonna stop the rec center and other new projects?
and are we going to put all of our financial resources towards our biggest challenge as a business
owner. I have to prioritize my spending all the time and I want to have all the fun new
gadgets and the put presses and all this cool stuff that I have to spend my money on new
grinders and making sure that my employees are happy. I put a ton of resources into my employees.
I can't pay for people to do their golf tournaments if I can't run a business. I feel it's
with us. We can't have new people coming in, be able to support them. If our resources are solo,
anyway, that's might very grave concern at this point. Thank you.
Yes, I'm Tony Razzles.
I'm 11339 North Forestry.
Council on Weeks. Can you hear? Council on Weeks. Can you hear us?
I'm here to speak about the resolution that you have before us, my understanding is with the ethics, I saw the previous one you were looking at and the one you're proposing I believe is six pages and you talked about following chain of command.
Well my question, one of my questions on this, no chain of command, is can a city employee
E come forward and talk to a city council member at any time if they have a question or
do they have to follow a chain of what you call chain of command?
If they have a question or a concern, can a city employee come to a council member and just
ask that question?
This is the way, so in my opinion, how should work if an employee has a question about work,
about city work, with their job, they should go through their change of manner.
If a city employee was also a residence of Douglas Wyoming, has a question that has to do with things outside of work,
then they are more than welcome to the city council member.
just like any other citizen is more than welcome to go to any city council member and ask
a question.
But when it comes to their job, their specific job duties, they should follow a chain of
demand.
The military does it, the police force does it, every job I've ever been in does it.
When you're asking about the job duties at hand.
Again, there's that fine line you've got to play with because every one of them, city employees,
is also a citizen, and they're more than welcome to come ask questions as well.
correct. So if they have a thought and after work, I would
they aren't on work, on the clock anymore. They're not on a clock.
That they can, this week, say you meet one of them at St. Fair, and they have a question
regarding, say, a city job and to ask a project, it is okay for them to come forward
and talk to you instead of what you're saying, chain, a command.
Can they openly talk to you?
No, not job duties.
Just a, but it'd be a safe ask you a city related question.
Then they're a citizen.
So they can't, they can do that.
Okay, thank you.
And I am, I'm here.
I'm going to defer to our attorney, but again, I think it's a very fine line.
Yeah, I would say that if someone in public works has a question about something on public works related,
I don't have no problem with them coming to a council member if they're a citizen,
but if they're coming to you with complaints about their supervisor or things like that,
those are things that need to run through the chain of command,
rather than going to a council member directly.
Well, if person feels it, or could possibly be retribution towards them, I'd want to talk about an F size, like, free in the speech, can't they just come forward for you and talk to a council member, basically on any issue or any matter?
Mr. Reynolds, I think we could probably have this discussion at length for a long term, and for safe contact.
Okay, then I like to talk about water and I know you said it's been an issue for many years.
I've part true, I was on council years ago, and I know it was discussed at that time,
but when I was on council, we were never in a situation such as we are now, spring line
produced a lot more water back when I was on council.
But now with projects that are going out and it's brought up very good presentation by Mr.
Or any of some of these big projects, buildings, motels, everything being built.
I don't have enough water today for the needs of the people.
I mean, there's been restrictions.
You know, we've been told basically you can water three days a week.
Do not water between 10 am and 6 pm.
Okay, I can understand the heat of the day of the watering, but as far as engineers come
out and seeing a project to build, to draw it up, to have a project and actually complete
it, and I believe it was came out last Friday, we're talking five years down the road before
it would be up online and running. Is that correct?
Okay, it could be. Okay, and one
and I can help it say is, okay we've not only have a water issue and yes we haven't been
able to solve it, but these seven and a half percent water rate increases annually when we're
actually getting less product. There's less product for the people. We haven't had these restrictions
for a number of years. I wouldn't have hoped that the city would not have a water rate increase
Until this problem can be solved, it's like we're paying more for a product that we're getting less off.
And, you know, it's something I wish Council would really consider, because I know in speaking with a few people,
they said, well, the city said they're being proactive, they're looking for sources, they're looking for water, possible wealth, possible treatment, facility, and I understand what they said.
But the common I've heard from a few people is, well, the only thing when it comes to water that I know the cults is actually proactive at, is raising our rates, and I'm not going to stand in point fingers at anybody, but that comment is pretty darn hard to disagree with.
greats have gone up they've gone up and we have less product today and I'd be
more unhappy to entertain any questions for many of you.
Thank you.
I could please tell us who you are if you don't mind signing in.
Yeah. Hi I'm Mariah McCree and I am the executive director of the enterprise and I just
wanted to make a comment regarding some of the stuff that is on tonight's agenda charter
ordinance number 1060. Madam mayor and council members, as your economic development director,
I urge you to support this ordinance 1060. Our current state mandated quotas fail to account
for the real demands of Douglas, particularly our vibrant energy workforce tourism, inflow,
and regional draw. For example, just recently, our only available Martin Girl License was
awarded to a hotel project shelving a promising local brewery, an outcome, an outcome not,
or sorry, an outcome driven not by community needs, but by statutoryly, statutoryly, fixed
limits, allowing local discretion over licensing won't create entitlement, introduces responsible
flexibility, preserves public safety standards, aligns licensing and actual conditions,
and supports a broader range of economic actors.
Our region ranging from our other regions,
ranging from rural Massachusetts to Idaho,
our recognizing similar needs,
and moving towards local control or reform.
Douglas has always been led
with practicality and independence.
This ordinance continues that tradition
equipping us to response strategically
to community development opportunities.
And I believe it will yield meaningful long-term benefits
for businesses and residents alike,
that's a lot of to say. Thank you.
Anyone else?
Yes,
sir.
I guess my name is Michael and back. I wanted to go and say thank you to Councilman
Councilman that I talked to, particularly to Matt Smith, for contacting the ordinance lady and
everything she called me today, we do have employment to go and meet at, and I remember
I was trying to go and see what's going on over there, so I just, instead of just complaining
all the time, I wanted to go and say thank you for that.
The water issue has already been brought up, so I don't need to bring that up again.
But I do, when I go and readress, one thing that was talked about last time about the contractor,
And I was just wondering if you can let us know what actually happened or because it was being taken care of the contract or the cut by lines or whatever lines.
So that's all that I have.
Do you have any report?
We do have an update on that.
That has been released, but not everybody does social media and so we can update you on that.
Thank you.
Anyone else?
Thank you.
We appreciate it.
Thank you.
Okay.
On to our approval of consent document.
All of you in the items listed under the consent document are considered to be routine items
by the governing body and will be enacted upon by one motion unless requests made to take
up an individual item separately, in which case the item will be placed under council action items
on intertain motion.
Madam Mayor, I move to approve the consent document as presented.
Thank you.
Second.
second and any further discussion.
All in favor, City of Barbosa and I.
All right.
Thank you.
Motion carries five to zero.
On to our first presentation, we have a new employee.
Michelle Carter, human resource director,
staff report, City Manager Cups.
So you're going to know that.
I don't want to ask you anything.
That's like that.
I get afternoon mayor members of Council members of the public.
It's my extreme pleasure to introduce to you our new HR director.
Michelle Carter. Michelle is a native of Douglas board and raised here. She has over 11 years of leadership and management experience.
She has a master's degree in organizational management and also a master's in business administration in VA.
She's been married for 18 years. She has a son who's a sophomore in Douglas High School.
and a stepdaughter is in juvenile who is a juvenile probation officer in Nebraska.
Michelle her words is exciting.
It's just a pleasure to be a part of the organization and I'm very happy to be here. Thank you.
Thank you.
Next, we have a water update, staff report, water waste water chief, operator, overlander.
Good afternoon, Madam Mayor and Council.
As I was introduced, I'm Dr. Belender.
I'm the water and wastewater frequency supervisor for Douglas.
And I was asked to just provide a very brief update
on the water system for Douglas.
As everybody in the community is painfully aware,
we did run a little bit of short on water in July
due to the surface water plant being inoperable
because of a storm event that made the river dirty.
That has since been corrected as a river's cleaned up.
More now, back up to our normal production rate
from all three water sources this year.
As we have indicated with the community previously,
we've had some declines this year in our groundwater
resource availability due to low snow pack
and low ground water recharge this winter.
That has reduced the overall water production available for Douglas.
So now, currently with all three water resources
that we have available running,
we're at about 3 million gallons per day of production.
Water use, in July, prior to having to enact water conservation
measures we'd see in days up to 2.7, 2.8 million gallons per day, which is above the 2.4,
2.5 million gallons per day that we can produce from a round order. That being said,
we do have several projects that we are working on for resource development for the community
primarily for different directions or for paths that we're taking.
And those are non-tributary well-fueled development in the four Union Aquifer in Northeast
of Douglas, working out either rehabilitating or replacing the surface water treatment plant,
working on a raw water irrigation system, and then in the more short term, this year looking
at trying to replace the pump and motor set in the sheet mount well, because as you know,
with the lower groundwater table on that aquifer
that pump is having to work harder to try
to push the water back up to the surface
and that has led to a decline in the instantaneous pumping
rate for that facility.
So the other thing that we have
is we have a public meeting on August 20th
for the draft level one water system report,
HDR will be putting that on that will be here
in the council chambers.
And that'll help also they'll be here
To explain some of the background work for projects for the water system for the next planning
period that 10 to 20 years out,
I understand the need for water for the community.
Myself and my staff, we have been working tirelessly to make sure that Douglas is not in
a position where we can't provide water to the residents.
We did, we did have some issues with the Surface Water Plant this last month, and I cannot express the gratitude that I have for the community for pulling together and helping out the water system.
I mean we went from, like I said, 2.7, 2.8 million gallons a day, all the way down to 1.7 to 1.9 million gallons a day, and that is awesome.
So I cannot think that was enough for their help.
It is unfortunate that we are short on water.
We know that we are one thing that I have to ask for is time.
Madam Mary, you did an excellent job on Friday, kind of explaining some of the background work for the surface water plant.
And I've provided some other kind of historical data references, you know, for Douglas and how we've managed different water sources over the years.
Water resource and development is incredibly expensive and it's incredibly time consuming.
And while there is pressure to move fast, we're not in a position to make another mistake with a surface water facility that doesn't do the job that it's supposed to do.
We are working with the engineering firm that we have selected right now that's analyzing the conditions in the North Black River.
And we're trying to shorten that project up to see where we can save time and meaningful ways to get a surface water plant online for the community faster.
Part of
what we have to look forward to in the future is as we develop water resources,
we know that those are going to be very expensive to bring online.
And so we have to plan and prepare for that ahead of time through modest rate increases now,
so we don't have catastrophic rate increases in the future as we bring those sources online.
So, I will, in the next month or two, be coming to you, providing more information for that
service work, for the sheet mountain number one well, for the costs associated with replacing
that pumping equipment, and I will be bringing up HDR, the engineering firm that's doing
the assessment on the surface water plant before the end of this calendar year, and we
We will have base level costs associated with the treatment, the type of treatment that would
be required for that plant, and a very preliminary timeline for bringing that facility
online for the four union well-field development.
We have been working with our groundwater consultant.
And we have identified potentially three sites on three different parcels of land owned by
different individuals.
We've made contact with one of the land owners and they have responded back and so we're
beginning to schedule a meeting with those good folks to talk about potential for groundwater
development,
even kind of walking back with some of the previous
developments that we've seen with the water system, even, you know, handful years ago with
the little box owners spring, for us to replace that springhouse building and replace that
pipeline into town, that project alone, for existing infrastructure for Douglas, that took us
in order of eight years to get everything lined up. And that's talking with landowners on the
requirements to drawing up plans and paperwork and getting all of the background work and
then getting the projects completed. And so it's as much as I wish that we could
instantaneously or very, very quickly solve these problems. They are labor intensive and
time intensive and I just rest assured we are doing everything that we can to try to move everything along.
if there's any specific questions.
I don't know.
Okay.
First off, thank you for everything you've done for our city lately.
I mean, it cannot be easy meeting in your position.
So you've done an amazing job and we thank you for all of your updates.
So start with my 30 correct questions.
Yes?
We were not in a drought for the last two years.
Would we be in as a bad of a position that we are today?
That is a very good question, Councilman Hirschberger, and the short answer to that is no.
Douglas relies heavily on groundwater.
And so between our two groundwater sources, that makes up roughly 80 to 85 per, well,
between the little box elder spring and the sheep out and well, 90 to 95 percent of all of the water that Douglas uses in the year.
The other 5 to 10% is surface water from the treatment plant.
We've seen declines in flow rates so, like with a little box elder spring,
in a peak year with good recharge, that spring will flow at 1,400 gallons per minute.
This year, right now, on my reports that I saw yesterday, we're bringing in roughly 950 gallons per minute.
The Sheet Mountain Welles adjudicated for 1,200 gallons per minute with the pumping equipment
with the lower groundwater table were pumping about 9 to 950 gallons per minute.
And so that drought absolutely affects groundwater resources.
One thing that we have noticed is that overall in the last year we implemented the water-wise
program started working with our Parks Department, large water users, and we actually have
seen at an overall horror in total consumption use within the city, which has been a huge benefit
to the water system this year.
So, we even went to the drought, had we not had the massive storm at Clark's Aquabaria
and it's a bit of a tragedy on the river, we wouldn't have had the massive issue we had in July
with water treatment plant, had a not been for that massive storm, even with the drought.
The surface water plant is a difficult facility to manage.
There were some decisions made for the construction of that facility that really hamper
how effective and how efficient that is in operation.
The design point of that treatment facility was 2.0 million gallons per day.
Currently treatment plants now, if we can operate that facility at roughly 0.5 to 0.6 million gallons per day.
So 25% of what it was designed to do.
One of the other operational issues that we run into is typically in treatment facilities.
You see like lead and standby equipment.
So you'll have one pump and sort of as one pump and standby.
When you're running like filtration equipment or treatment trains, you'll typically see a series of filters in service and a series of filter in standby.
So that way when you have cumulative head loss or plugging on the filters, you can switch over to the standby equipment.
This facility was constructed with three filters.
And so we don't have an opportunity to run filtration equipment and lead standby format that's standard in the industry.
So then any time we have to take a filter down for cleaning, and I guess for the group to
these are quite a bit larger than you would think of for a filter, a three filter
base, each filter is like 68 feet by 120 feet. So they're quite large. Every time a filter
has to be cleaned, the water has to be pumped off of the top of the filter, the sand has to be
off at the top of the filter before it's placed back in the service and so
excuse me so just with the time of taking a filter down to pump it down to
clean it to bring that filter back online make sure that the filtered water
qualities acceptable for drinking water and put back into service you even if
you don't have issues with the other two filters you reduce the flow rate
through that plant by 30% so you cut your production down to 350,000 or 0.35 MDD with one filter out of service.
So I'm going to jump ahead and jump back real quick.
So are we giving you or are you being able to get everything you need to make sure that our plant is 2050 ready?
Are we giving you the resources or is there something we can do better to give you the resources to make sure that that facility is 2050 ready?
Could you explain to me what 2050 ready is?
Our plant used to be able to get us to 2050 and right now our plant can't do that.
Correct.
So are we giving you resources and things we need to get us to that point?
So the planning number that I'm working for right now for probable cost of construction for a surface water treatment facility
is somewhere in the neighborhood between 20 to 30 million dollars.
This fiscal year in our capital plan,
I had asked to reserve roughly four million dollars
to set that aside so that way we can accumulate money
as we're working through the design of the facility.
So we have money more funding available
when that facility were to come online.
And through that, yes, the City Council has shown
that they do have a priority for construction
for surface water treatment plan.
Okay, so if there's anything else we can do,
please let us know.
Yeah, so then I'm gonna jump backwards,
and I think I only have three more questions.
So, she found it all number two has been drilled,
they've got water out of it, but the contaminants
in it are so bad that it is not
feasibly usable for us.
The short version, yes.
Okay.
Do we have somebody working with the state?
Because I know that a long time ago we were allocated so many acre feet,
while I'd make her house it said.
Aker feet.
Aker feet per year, we'll say.
Because I know that was done a long time ago.
Is somebody working with the state to find a way to allocate us more acre feet per year?
So, the answer to that question, Councilman Hirschberger, what you're referring to is the PRIP program, the Plap River Recovery Implementation Program.
So, three states came together, Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado, to mitigate depletions on the river, the North Plap River,
because the North Plap River is over-appropriated, and as you hit the downstream reaches, there are endangered species that were at risk.
And so the federal government gave the states the choice.
You can either manage the river system internally or we can come in and manage the river for you.
And so the states opted through a Tri-State Compact, formed that Plap River Recovery Implementation Program,
and they benchmarked all users on the North Plap River System.
And so they looked at how much water was historically used, and you are correct.
was quite a few years ago. This was in three years like 1994 to 1997. And for municipalities,
they added a percentage increase onto that benchmark, but where we are currently allocated
is 920 acre feet net depletion in the summer and 288 acre feet net depletion in the winter.
So that's everything that we withdraw from the river system minus the return flows through
our wastewater treatment facility.
And those benchmark allocations for all practical purposes are set in stone.
And so they're because they're not making more water for the river, the only other option
to try to mitigate those depletions is to acquire additional surface water rights, which
is something else that we've been.
Okay, so but the spring down the sheet mountain well also are included in that because they flow into the river correct. Okay, so we can't no matter what we do, we're
Yes, so
So
This is why we're working on the well field north east of Douglas because it's outside of the green zone and we're currently talking to one person so we can possibly drill some more wells
get more allocated, outside of the green zone, allocated two ducks.
And I try to paint things very broadly with a simple brush, and I always try to say, you know,
the cheap easy to get too water is gone.
When we start looking out north and east of Douglas for water, we're looking in a completely
different groundwater compartment.
We're not looking in the Paleozoic aquifer system anymore.
We're going to be looking in the most likely the Fort Union aquifer.
One of the things that was very beneficial for the city of Douglas was the sheet mountain well.
That well in the sandstone limestone formation where it was drilled has excellent water quality in a very high yield.
And so, currently right now we have a 200 horsepower pump and motor combination.
I can hit the go button on that well and we're making 1,000 gallons minute.
And that well, we'll make it all day long as long as I can keep the power on.
And as we start moving north from Douglas, the type of rocks in the ground change.
We start looking for, they're more tightly cemented sandstones.
They don't have any like cars, their solution openings in them.
And so what you see is very deep wells.
Like the sheet mount number one well is drilled to approximately 1150 feet.
The wells that were kind of targeting out north.
Most likely the drilling depth is going to be between 2,000 and 2,600 feet.
The number one well, the drawdown, the difference between the pumping rate and the static water level in the well, is roughly 10 feet.
When we start pumping these wells, if they're successful and we drill them in all that,
the drawdown can be as much as like 6 to 800 feet.
And so that can really negatively affect pumping rates.
The instantaneous yield per well is going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 to 150 gallons per minute per well.
And that drawdown or that cone of depression that each well makes
to mitigate the impact from each well, to the other wells within that well field,
they'll have to be almost a mile apart. And so initially when we were trying to figure out how to
create financial viability because we have long transmission lines and a lot of boreholes that
have to be drilled, that well field becomes very expensive. And so kind of minimum target yields
what we're looking at is, is five to 600 gallons a minute, 10 months out of the year, estimated
pipeline transmission line length is between seven and 10 miles plus all your laterals
for each connecting well.
And it's going to be a very expensive endeavor in itself, water quality in the four
in and can be real mixed.
And there's a very high probability of WC, they're having to perform blending between individual
wells and or providing treatment from that well field before it comes into Douglas to be
used as drinking water. But yes, you are absolutely correct. That water is considered
on tributary to the North Plot, so it will not count against us for our depletions, which
is another critically important factor as we look forward for additional supply.
So I mean, no matter what we do, this is going to be timely.
I mean, we're at five to ten years out, obviously, no matter what we do, I'm guessing
if we could be doing something that would be great.
My last question to you would be, if we were to put two to three more tanks in, would
it help at all.
And that's initially, you know, a very initial thought is, do we have enough water storage?
So right now Douglas has four water storage reservoirs for the community.
Some are true storage reservoirs like the Sheet Mountain tank is we actually utilize that as
more if a buffer for a start and stops on the well.
Out of that 6 million gallons of storage you can't keep every tank full, you know 100% of
the time and we have to reserve a fair amount for fire supply plus you have to keep a certain
elevation in the tank to maintain adequate pressure within the distribution system.
So out of that six million gallons of potential storage availability, there is roughly
seven, six to seven to eight hundred thousand gallons at any given minute that's available for
drinking water supply. And so you say, well,
yell, let's throw another tank in. And in summertime, when water use is really high in
That could be a possibility, and so we can say you've got 6 million gallons of water storage
and Douglas uses 3 million gallons of water a day. Your water age then is roughly two days.
As we back down from peak demands in the summertime when we start heading into the low winter baseline demands,
your water age can creep up to 6, 7, 8 days and that's one thing that water does not
like to do is be kept held captive for too long and you can actually start to get some
negative impacts to your water quality if you hold it for too long and so we do have to
find kind of that perfect balance between what is enough water storage and what is too much.
We have identified one water storage tank, the cemetery tank that sits just about
washington park. It sits lower than the rest of the distribution system. It really
doesn't supply adequate demand for the community. And so we actually, part of what
we're doing for our capital master plan, as we would like to replace that water
storage reservoir with a newer one at the proper elevation. So it will match the
a tank for pressure, and then we'll have two water storage tanks that are balanced for the
largest pressure zone in Douglas. Right now, staff's recommendation is to increase
that storage reservoir from a 2 million gallon tank up to a 3 million gallon tank. So that
will increase a little bit of supply, but then having one additional tank balancing on the
just pressures on and Douglas will help attenuate daily fluctuations in demand greatly.
Thank you for running me. I appreciate it.
Thank you. Thank you. Good job.
Just like I like to echo, I can't remember who's produced.
Thomas, he's done a great job with all this.
I appreciate all your work.
Two things, the public hearing years talking about
with the water treatment study.
The draft report for example.
This one is good.
I understand that we maybe have some staff comments on that report.
We offer those comments before the public hearing or...
Yeah, so if you can just compile them,
I will get those sent to you to the water development commission.
Do you expect what they update the draft in before the community or...
I suspect not.
Okay, those people have the comments from the staff and they'll support those, maybe.
Yeah, and the public hearing for the draft report is also for public comments on the draft report.
And then so then after that, then the report will be revised for what will be the final edition of the report.
The other question I had was regarding the water treatment plan.
It's been quite, I hope they haven't been in other communities where this water treatment
plant does this treat to a water and in fact those are limited the way it is.
Do you know if the improvements that are being talked about if we could get back to the two million
gallons per day and if we could treat higher-turvish waters?
Yes.
That's perfect.
So, the very short answer, so the type of treatment that we have, sorry, I don't mean to hijack this evening at all, but the type of water treatment that Douglas has is what they call a slow-sand water filtration plant.
And that's a very fancy long way of saying, for every square foot of filter media that you have, you're passing less than one tenth of one gallon per minute per foot of filter media.
And so when you look at like a rapid sand or a conventional filter filtration plant, you're passing as much as 3 to 5 gallons per minute per square foot to filter media.
When those filters in a conventional plant reach head loss or become plugged, you can turn on the pump, you backwash the filter, it cleans, you can recirculate that water back through, get that filter bed settle, and put that filter back in operation in a matter of hours compared to days like we can with the slow sand plant.
Just by their nature, slow-sam filtration, because it is such a large filter media, they are
not in-quiet, they don't like to operate with large changes and flow rate to the plant.
And so we always kind of equate it to the crock pot of treatment facilities.
Once you turn it on and you get it go and you just kind of let it do its business, that
being said, they don't like big swings in changes in source water.
So when we have stormwater events, any time the river, what we would consider is mildly
turbid, 50 NTUs, or greater, that facility has to be taken offline and we wait for conditions
in the river to pick up, normally, you know, in this kind of ties back to Councilman
Berger's question, our groundwater supplies are providing additional water to Douglas, you know,
and it may not seem like a lot, but if the spring is making 300 gallons a minute lower and I
can pump 100 gallons a minute more out of the sheep out and well, that typically is enough for us
to get by when we have to shut the surface water plant down. This year, because of the drought conditions,
because of low snow pack, we did not have that additional groundwater supply available for us.
And so we did have to enact conservation measures and again I can't think the community enough for coming together.
But that being said we did do some jar testing for the surface water plant just as very weak.
And we had retained some buckets of water from when the river was really dirty.
And so that water that we had in those buckets was over 3,000 NTUs.
It looked like chocolate milk.
And we found some treatment chemicals to pre-treat the water.
That actually brought that water down from 3,000 NTUs down to 2.
And so that water is treatable.
There is a way to do it.
There is filtration equipment that can do it.
We just need to work through the process of insuring
that we can adequately treat the water in the black river that it meets the conditions for the treatment
facility and we will absolutely get a treatment plant design and constructive that Douglas eats.
Thank you.
All right.
On to our discussion items, seducate, compensation, strategy, staff, reporter, to card.
Yes, thank you.
Madam Mayor and Councilman.
So you received a copy of the compensation strategy summary from the employees, they provided
a thoughtful and candid feedback on the organization's compensation strategy, emphasizing
the need for our consistency and the current method, cost of living support and recognition
and exceptional work. Key things that the summary are consistency in the current process
that works for its predictability and for siege fairness. The importance of a reliable
colette to keep pace with the rise and living costs and exceptional contributions that are
meaningful, we recognize by increases above three and a half percent. Employees also noted that
any shift in the current method could impact morale. Recommendation, so based on the feedback gathered
from employees regarding the current and potential fee.
Your compensation strategy. The following recommendations are offered to the Council's consideration.
Maintain the current merit system as a basis for all employees in support of consistency and predictability.
Introduce a COLA component as a hybrid approach if a lowered tiered system or put in place with a current model.
We reward high and exceptional performers with an increase above the standard 3 and a half percent when funding allows.
And ensure that the performance based and color components are financially sustainable by evaluating them annually.
I reckon they're taking any questions if you have them.
What's your definition of morale?
I would say definition of morale for the employees that submitted feedback are just consistency in what we're offering for benefits.
for them on a yearly basis. I believe from the summary, some of the benefits have been given
and then taken away and that just affects their performance at work, how they can live their
life cost of living. I mean it encompasses a lot. How they're coming to work in a happy manner
or going home and trying to live paycheck to paycheck, it really comprises a lot for them.
And of course the city where the council's main job is where the watchdogs of the city's money.
Do you guys know that the budget for insurance for all the employees that the city pays for currently is
$2.3 million every year currently?
And then to take care of retirement, which the city also pays for, not 100% there are occasions
when it'll shift between the police department and the city employees depending on the increases.
There may be a small portion that the employee has to pay.
And I'm not that smart, I just met with Mary.
And then so that number is over $800,000 a year.
So total, it's well over $3 million that the city pays.
Two meetings ago are sales tax was way down.
Two millions a good year or a good month.
And it was at $1.1 million, which is significantly less.
And we'll get the next one here pretty quick, but we have to be careful because instead of taking everything away at one time and I've seen that happen I was a city employee when there was no raise at all in any form because the council members at the time didn't think that the city could survive that.
So that's, and the reason when this zero, two, four came out, it wasn't so much the
kite.
It was more to get supervisors at choice because the other choice was 3.5 or nothing.
So some employees were going to get 3.5, some excellent employees were going to get 3.5.
And I think that is more demoralizing than anything to work your butt off and see a coworker
that maybe doesn't work quite as hard, getting the same increase.
And when I made that 024, I 100% said I'm not stuck on those numbers, that's just what
came to me.
But again, that is our primary duty is to make sure that the city stays wholesome with
its money.
But thank you for your definition.
That was good definition.
That is 0, 2, 4 is above me on the collar,
though.
Check that.
It took the place of the 3.5.
That's 0, 2, 4.
But you got your collar, and you got your 2, 4.
So you could get a 6.5.
If there was a collar, yeah.
Yeah, okay.
You know, and I think one thing to tell,
if there's a way, and I know there's a way that county does this,
but if every base to show what we're paying monthly,
medical insurance, which we pay a hundred percent, $3,000 for a family, $1,000 for an
individual, the employee pays zero. We pay 18.67 percent on retirement. We pay a hundred percent
of that. And I think our compensation packages very fair, but I don't think everyone
understands what they're actually getting and I know on the county every
paper you know exactly what they paid for your compensation. If there's a
way that we can do that I think it would be beneficial and I sure don't want
to see it or we just have to say we can't afford anything. I mean we were too
to an app years ago to get things, the compensation prior to then was terrible, and we made
some huge changes to an app years ago, and we sure don't want to go back to that.
But I know showing on the pace to, I think there was something in our programming or something
It didn't work very well, but,
and I do understand in reading through what you've had
Michelle, if all employees know that 3.5% is a target, it is better than maybe not
this and I do understand that.
And so I'm not opposed to leaving that step the way it is, but there could be a possibility
jailstacks, but it drives up that we wouldn't have,
I mean, I invite Erie to adjust the piece of
if Mary would like you. I'm not aware of it ever. Anyone asking that question for it to be on the
piece of it? I did. I did. I did. I did. It is an option for some of it. However, we do
place that shows what their annual events are along with their pay, and they do get that
annually for that, and I can begin to have other options in that.
Please?
The monthly options are the pay period.
Okay.
Anything else on it?
Okay.
I have one comment on the paperwork that you sent out.
And it's just because I have a hard time with this one. It says equal increases for all needs performance standards and for most fairness and reduces bias
And disagree with that comment
I don't know if you can do anything about
And the reason I disagree with that comment is I believe Matt brought it up a few minutes ago
If I am performing a hundred percent all the time
And I'm watching somebody else perform 50% all the time.
If he gets the same pay raise that I get, why should I work any harder?
That's what that's my comment.
And what's being done to bring the 50% up?
May I comment?
That's a question.
Thank you, Councillor.
I appreciate it.
Do I comment?
And I do know that there have been half steps or no steps at all for those that are not
performing.
So, in a way we are doing it to your system, even though some employees get three and a half percent,
some may only jump up by 2% until they can perform in an adequate way.
So, we are offering that to employees and to supervisors and directors.
Thank you.
Okay.
Our next one is travel expenses for the end staff report director Nickle.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Thank you for the council.
So the preparation right is just information on the process
of a podium system, resident and actual payment
of the expenses that employment occurs for meals.
During a training conference that they have.
So I just prepared the information on what
how we would have to pay for a podium.
rather than the regular just payout.
I did include some actual trips comparison,
and where we would pay if we paid per day out.
And just for those few examples,
the increase cost of the city would incur a per day out of the situation
rather than the actual, as I choose.
And I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Just real quick.
What's your current meal per breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
at the current, what you're doing right now.
We don't have a specific amount,
but we do lead that to the departments,
description, and the employees,
and just making sure that they are
concerned about the budget and the process.
We don't have a specific amount that we
require them to be under.
And if you do the, if we switch to Perdiam,
are you going to be able to give them a partial Perdiam
on a trip?
So they'll make sure they have enough money to cover it?
That would create a lot of additional work in the finance department, and it does somewhat go against because all payments are supposed to be approved by council before they're made.
So it does kind of go for, against that we'd have to make some adjustments in our policies and really look at that process to do that.
That's the way council chose to do that.
Okay. Thank you. I'm the one that brought this up. I'm tired of seeing copies bought on the
same credit card. And when I see a three dollar meal, it's not a meal. And it just bothers
me that we're paying for that. And if it was for DM, they could buy 10 copies a day. I don't
care. But it's just troubling that the taxpayers are buying copies. And that's the reason
I did that. And I know that the county and the school I've talked to both of them, they'd
pay the per VM before they ever go on the trip. I don't know what other stuff they had to do.
But if a person's given $20 for breakfast, $25 for lunch and 30 for dinner, whatever.
Once I get the money I could care less if they don't need it all in great selling copies, I don't care.
But I just want that to month, to month, to seeing these three dollars and it just is troubling to me that we're doing that.
And so we see some meals that are really traveling and it wouldn't make any difference if they were paid, they could not eat breakfast and lunch and have a huge meal, whatever, but it's just that's the reason I've brought them.
And real quick, city employees, do you all know what PDM is?
It's a federal system where every location in the United States and even overseas,
they will give you a total amount for your breakfast, your lunch, and your dinner.
So if you go to that area, like Cody, it's going to have a perdiam rate,
and you're going to get that money back when you return,
But it doesn't matter what you buy, you don't have to turn in a receipt.
That's the money you're going to get.
And if you take ramen and eat nothing but ramen, you can pocket that money if you choose to.
The military uses it, a lot of cities use it, and we have not used it.
And the last one we brought it up was to make it a little more comfortable for you,
So you're not worried about, well, if I don't eat breakfast, maybe I can afford a lunch at
this restaurant, you'll know exactly what your amount is, and you can look at the federal
premium rate, you can get it online, you'll see that during front-share days, shy and sky
rockets because hotels go up and meals go up.
So just for your information, I wanted to make sure you all knew what we're talking about.
Anybody else?
Okay.
Ordnance.
Temporary signs.
Staff report.
See you turning Armstrong.
Yeah.
We just brought this back.
It was on a couple of meetings ago.
And I think some council members still want the chance to review it.
But this just brings the sign code into compliance with various Supreme Court presidents on how we can regulate signs in Douglas.
So if you have any questions, I'm happy to answer those.
Madam Mayor, I may.
Yes.
I reviewed the document that might prepare for us and the only change that I have so far
is in Section 594,
B, or sorry, C.
Just putting in language there that requires signs to be removed within 24 hours following
whatever activity or event or promotion was on that
sign so we don't see continuous.
Signs of, like, garage sales all the time, or the political signage all the time, or a house has been sold and that's for the sales thing, sticks up there for the next six months. That's not necessary. So just giving a timeline of removing those signs and appropriate amount of time after the event to promotion as over as only thing I would add. And then furthermore, we will be taking this to the planning commission on Monday, night two for their review and input. So I'll bring that back to you at the next council meeting.
What is the time frame for political science?
I know that there is a time frame that after the election you have so many days,
or what is that time frame?
Because whatever that time frame, I think it should be consistent with all the other
time.
So it was before this, it was within five days after the associated election.
So that's how it was written before.
But we're time political science into temporary science altogether as one category.
So we're not calling out political signs specifically, we're saying all temporary signs have to be
regrouped with that amount of time. And if five days is appropriate, then we can use five days.
I just feel like more than 24 hours, because I mean, if you've got, you know,
Canada is there from good rock or wherever they're trying to give them a little bit of time to get it
here, get their signs down in five days. Five days? I'm fine with that. Okay. I think that's
That's what I'm up here.
Sounds good.
Five days.
Okay.
What section does that include?
It's one that I kind of added in.
I feel like it would fit well under five, nine, four, see.
If you feel like it should go someplace else, I'm happy to.
It just gets tough.
We can't say political signs are treated differently than any other types of signs
because it becomes a context specific regulation.
What we have in there now is a temporary science can be displayed for no more than 90 days
and we've given calendar year.
And it gets tougher, we say, well, now these are event signs, and they have to come down
and have been so much time on the event being over, because then it starts to bleed in
and being a content regulation that a time-maker place regulation.
Is there any way in which we can make sure signs are removed in a timely manner?
I was looking for a more present as tough.
I stole some model sign codes that came down after these Supreme Court precedents came out,
and they're very generic because the more specific you get, the more you get into those content
and these regulations which are derivative.
That's why I put the 90 days in there for contemporary science during any calendar year.
I know that's tough if a garage sale size up for 9 days.
But it's hard to differentiate those types of science and not get into that content specific.
The regulation will just prohibit you.
It might be a question likely with Clara's suggestion and not working in that premise that if we know
how to up to five days after the event is over, whatever the event might be.
It's closer if we did something like that if we made it events specific.
But then the language says if your sign is related to an event, then we're regulating the
things based on content because it's an event advertising.
It's trying to come up with a word that was all encompassing for all temporary signs.
The words that kind of came over the event, activity, promotion, but it wasn't quite.
Coming up with a good generalized word.
We can work at it and try to angle it and see what other cities have done.
When I saw the model sign code say put out most of them were very short.
And didn't differentiate between the types of signs and how long it could be up.
Now, the most people are going to take their brush size down after the brush set, but, you
know, it gets harder to try to enforce that if they don't,
but we can look at some ways
to try to tweak that, but we're going to now in the next time.
Okay.
Anybody else?
Thank you.
We don't have any public hearings this evening.
We do have a table to item.
It's charter ordinance number 1060, liquor bar, and grill.
We can keep this table,
we can have discussions evening if you'd like.
I thought that we are discussion was we were going to look at the
second.
I believe the manager has an update on that.
So we have, I believe, is 367 additional folks that we need to add to our population or
20, 20 population in order to qualify for another license under that problem, too.
We are currently in the 2019 range of verified additional residents, so that's in process now.
I'm hoping by the next meeting, we will have an answer for you.
And if we ever answer, were you acting with the apartment?
Oh, yes.
Yes.
Here we go.
We're working with the generous and the museum.
She's been contacting all the hotels and the sites where people have temporary housing.
I don't know if they've tried here.
She's talked yet to all the partners.
That's what I'm saying is, just take it some time to get through all of the different folks.
I assume they haven't contacted you yet.
No, they haven't.
Very good.
I'll move on.
Okay.
Council action items 10A.
Resolution 2025-22, a resolution adopting and amendment to the guidelines for conduct
of elected officials at the city of Douglas Stafford City during our
strong.
Thank you Madam Mayor.
So we've made some red lines to this following the previous resolution that was
One question about the mayor's veto power.
The mayor just has a veto power in the reform of the government.
The way that works is just if something is passed by council, the mayor does have the option to veto it.
And the rest of the council can override that veto.
You need all four votes to do so.
But the mayor also has a line.
I am veto power over the budget, which means she can strike specific appropriations in the budget.
And those can also be overruled by council as well with that same forebote.
Threshold.
You know, the only the questions in here, I guess, were,
Chained of Command, we kind of talked about earlier in contact with city staff.
You know, city staff or citizens, and they want to come to the city with general complaints.
Things like that, I don't think there's a problem with that.
The problem becomes is when they start complaining about work duties or things that have
employment that are governed by the personnel manual.
So, this kind of lays out when it's appropriate to discuss items with staff individually.
And the issue kind of becomes is when council reaches out to staff individually, it can feel
like a directive from that council member.
And that can sometimes be inappropriate because the council acts as a collective body.
And if individual council members are reaching out asking for action to be taken on things,
that kind of violates that collective spirit of the manner in which the council should be functioning,
essentially.
If I might, we do have some directors here this evening, and I'm not going to put anybody on the spot,
but it would be really nice to have some feedback from our directors if they felt okay
with responding to that, what might just went over?
I'm here.
Number council?
I'm here.
I believe that the council in the council may have heard you as a direct question about my
operations.
I just, I personally felt it should come from a city manager.
That's my take on it.
Thank you.
Anyone else?
Again, I've got to probably kind of question, you know.
But he kind of directed about the situation with the director.
Manager.
Thank you.
Chief.
Madam Mayor Council.
So I believe it was last week we actually had a round table as the Department
As it kind of discussed this.
So there was no direction given as far as what we should have
shouldn't do just to clarify on that.
But in front of an organizational standpoint,
police Department, I've seen firsthand,
not necessarily the staff contacting Council,
the Council contacting staff.
staff. As far as, as far as issues of why you did or didn't take any force in the action,
specifics have to have to happen on this call for service and some confidentiality is
important to us. So I would make Director Harmargar, I would appreciate those questions
being directed to the city manager, even myself, because a lot of times, you know, we put
out factual data. I try to give Council the city manager factual data based on other opinions
or French else but on facts and statistical driven data and so the lower echelons are the
working people, you know, the patrol officer's got to have opinions and it can kind
of muddy the waters and make the city attorney as it does kind of cloud that fly as far
as it counts remember acting as a whole body or an individual account to remember as that
I would appreciate the consideration to go directly to receive an answer to the program.
Thank you.
You met a mayor. Yes, members council.
So I just see it as if Council goes to staff directly.
We have processes in place for a reason.
We have a lot of internal controls.
We have a lot of systems that are processed in a specific manner for specific reasons.
If a council member goes to staff directly, again, they do think that that might be a directive
rather than an option or just a question.
And so it could really impact our internal controls when it impacts our internal controls
in impacts of our agency and where we sit, so that's.
Thank you.
It can be very easy for a simple conversation whether during work hours or after work hours,
with a leader at our community from one of our individual staff members to turn in to a staff member feeling like they've gotten direction when in reality maybe the intent was just to have a simple conversation.
I don't disagree that it's fine that council members and employees speak on different things.
I think it as council members and the leaders of our community, that it's very important that
you ensure that the staff number doesn't think they're getting direction.
My agree, direction needs to follow theChina Command, it needs to come directly to JD and
then down through that system.
I certainly agree with that.
But if you meet a tractor supply with council members, and it works stuff happens to
I think it's important for both the council member and the individual talking to understand that this is not a directive or
Or any manner of trying to circumvent the the systems that are in place
Thank you. I admit I'm guilty of that. I talk to Josh all the time. I try to talk in in front of his daughter to buy chickens
Thank you
Mr. Armstrong, was there anything else?
Nothing for me unless there's any questions.
And on this resolution, all we're doing is changing gifts and
their duties to ethics and changing dates.
Is that correct?
Everything else is already in place?
I believe so.
I think there was just a couple of references to administrative
and certain managers that correct.
And the president wrote that as well.
Yes, we need to change that.
Otherwise, everything's staying exactly the same.
Yes, sir.
Thank you.
I want to entertain that motion at table.
Oh, I'm sorry. Do you have something else?
I have lots.
Oh, yes, sir.
I actually worked for a lot of the employees.
And we don't discuss this stuff.
When I'm outside of here, I'm not a council member.
When I'm at the ER, and I run into an officer,
and they walk in and say,
councilman, our speaker, I'm like, nope.
different half today. We don't discuss these things. Anyway, I have a lot to go over
on here, if we may. Because I have read this document, the other document that went
out through Rules of Procedure Sound Council, Town of Jackson, Wyoming that was put
out. There is what I'm going to call it, page 3. That's where the bottom non-agenda
items. So most of that is covered and for the public underneath the next page which is
public hearings.
I was doing a designated period of agenda citizens, council members, and staff may bring forth issues. For questions that are not in the meeting, agenda topics should be items requiring action by the city council, study issues for future consideration or question information. Each spiritual will be limited to five minutes.
The majority of that is actually addressed under public hearings, other than there should be a section strictly for the council members to bring things up, but not on the agenda.
But we normally do that towards the end anyway, but since it's in here, it might be something we might want to address.
I don't know if that whole section just needs to be removed in those
sections.
Monogin, I'm sorry.
I'm directly four of the council members.
Because you're also addressed on the public hearing.
That's it.
Thank you.
On the public hearing that says council members will not express opinions,
which I did and I apologize during the public hearing course on the meeting.
So we need to put an endo make sure that we can ask for clarification.
So actually we do not have a public hearing tonight.
That's specifically for example.
Sorry.
That's not public comment.
Public comment.
Yes.
Sorry.
So maybe that maybe we just changed that and then on agenda items of public hearing.
And then do a separate section for council members for the non agenda items.
okay
so we've already covered that we've already covered that
so we've already covered
most of this so all right that's all I had I guess that's we've already covered the rest of it
okay so council and weeks this is requesting that we table this until the next meeting
I'll entertain a motion for that matter I moved your table resolution 2025 to 2022
until the next meeting of the members.
Thank you.
Second.
Thank you.
Thank you for their discussion.
All in favor.
Signify the saying aye.
Aye.
Motion carries by zero.
Thank you.
10B.
Resolution 2025-23.
Resolution authorizing the reimbursement of cost associated with the construction of the Sheet Mountain.
Number two, well, in the amount of 6,10,838 dollars to the Wyoming Water Development Commission, staff report, water waste water chief operator over Leonard.
We couldn't make that any longer, could we?
I'm sorry, guys.
Thank you, Madam Mayor and Council.
At the last meeting, we had brought up representatives from the Water Development Commission and Western Engineering to talk about the outcomes of the Sheet Mountain L.
Number two, drilling efforts.
As a result of that, obviously a successful well was drilled, unsuccessfully, it yielded very low quantities of water and the water quality did not need safe drinking water acc standards.
looking at how to manage the outcome of that project.
It was in staff's test interest that the city maintain ownership of that well.
At least in the interim as a groundwater monitoring point for that groundwater compartment.
And then if funding options do change in the future,
or if treatment costs were to come down substantially,
it could potentially be a viable water source for Douglas.
Thank you.
I'll entertain a motion.
Madam Mayor, I'm going to do a war in the bit
for the water treatment plant.
I'll back it up very soon.
I'm on the wrong way.
Madam Mayor, I'm going to do a few more lessons.
We're at the position of 2025 that's 23 years presented.
Thank you.
Second.
We'll set it up.
Thank you.
any further discussion?
All in favor, signify the saying aye.
Aye.
Any opposed in sign?
Motion carries five-year-of.
Thank you.
Good award.
Water treatment plan intake structure,
slide gate replacement project,
staff report director Harvard.
Mm-hmm.
That's a matter of management.
Council, the city, Doug, a solicitor,
bid for the water treatment plan,
slide gates project.
We received two bids at the high of $50,000,
under $7 from win-coulom construction and a little bit of $34,900 for a wide-deck
energy services.
I recommend accepting the bid for a wide-deck energy services in the amount of $34,905
and furthermore authorize a city manager to sign all social documents under any questions.
Okay, no motion.
Thank you.
Madam Mayor, I'll move to award the bid for the water treatment plant intake structure
slide gate replacement project to why back in is the service of the LLC, the full amount
of 34,95 dollars, not provides a city manager to sign all its okay to document.
Thank you to the second.
Well, second.
Thank you.
Any further discussion?
All in favour?
Signify the sign.
All in favour?
Motion carries five to zero.
Thank you.
On to our financial record.
for June 2025, so you have to report your technical.
Thank you, Madam Mayor, members of the Council.
So we're finalized out June of 25, which is our fiscal year, the end of our fiscal year.
So our fiscal year ended at with cash of 110.6 million dollars.
We had originally estimated that we would end at 99 million.
Our expenditures, we came in.
We had a total of $35.2 million total expenditures for fiscal year, 25.
We had originally budgeted 60 million and then with some project changes and that we estimated
it to change to 42.4.
I do know there are some projects that we thought would be completed before the end of June
that did not get completed, so there will be a little bit, but not a terrible large amount.
I don't believe.
Our revenue came in at $38 million.
We had budgeted originally $30 million, and we had, during the year, we had changed our
projection to be at $36.6 million, so a little bit higher than that.
Majority of that is our additional sales tax that we didn't incur last fiscal year.
And for fiscal year 2425, that is the end of my report.
I would answer any questions.
Thank you.
I'm
going to do public comments again.
I can certainly read this all over again if you'd like to come forward and say anything again you have five minutes and we certainly
interchange anyone who would like to.
On to our city manager report, staff report, city manager comes.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
I have a few updates and then a little story I like to share with you all.
We're going to join you here.
We did have three alges of occurred between June 10 and July 25.
The first two were, as we are a public voice director,
looked into all three alges of occurred.
The first two were due to improper locates that were done
by the by-vives location services.
the third occurred because they drilled in the wrong place, the contract today, so that was the city's contract due to the cost of the third challenge.
So we did provide that information also, we did provide it to our social media and help us as well.
In community development, we had long last year going live with our city works this week.
I can't wait for the department.
This is the one, if you will recall, this automates building from its contractor licenses.
I can do this with use permits, and then like, so that is moving forward.
On kind of a related note, we did send a note to the folks that are heading up the construction
of the addition for the extra Wyoming college.
We still have not received their building plans, and we didn't make them alerted them that typically we received them long before they go out for bed
So they're out for bed already for the project
So we're hopeful that they'll receive responsive and get those in fairly quickly, so there's not a delay in that project
Like to welcome Michelle, one more time is pleasure to have her be a part of the organization
She is already taking a look at our doing an audit of our processes in HR and she also has the HR manual type date draft about ready to go the goal is to send that out tomorrow
Correct?
Correct
And then in the police department, one of our CSOs, as we are from the service officers, has stepped down.
And so we are working on the placement currently this is underway for that.
We are moving forward with the sale of the property that we're referring to as capital Hill.
That was the property we discussed a meeting or two ago.
It's just taking some time to get the documents drawn up to do it properly and go through a public process.
Mike has been working with us along that as well.
So I have an update.
The last thing I wanted to share is also timely with some of the conversations that we're having currently in the community.
This last week, I had the opportunity to attain my 10-min annual training and I went to
city manager conference with the city manager from the Northwest and we engaged in
table-top exercises and one of those is called a future exercise.
Nothing was ever heard of those or not, but the future exercise, what they did was they took
focused back in time to 2010, they gave us the economic circumstances of the community that we were at,
and the assigned us all roles. And our job was to play the roles that we were assigned.
So like I was the police chief for one time as scary as that might be. And then another time I had another role that I played.
And so we had different different sorts of roles that were played that represented different interests and different perspectives in the community.
It was really a fascinating situation to go through.
We had the first scenario that they gave us was that the National Economy was starting to recover.
We reflect back on 2010 and what things were like then.
And we were seeing signs of regional growth, but our hypothetical local economy was still kind of stagnant.
So we were given a couple of options. What we could do and how that would turn out.
So the group that we had in our table, we had someone was assigned to be the mayor.
We had a developer from the community. We had a business leader.
we had, someone that was in Vard Millis, we had someone running for city council, and so we had
these different different scenarios. And so this first question we were asked, well what
is, you know, that's interest to move the community forward. So everyone voted on the two scenarios
that we were given on which way we wanted to go. We wanted to continue to allow forward development
or if we wish to put a stop-blowing on building
and take a look at doing a study first.
So the selection that was done by the group at the time,
it was a four-to-one vote.
The group decided to move forward
with the new subdivisions and property development.
So then we turned in that decision.
We were given back the response from there.
So, we fast forward to 2012 and we're given the results.
The results of the decision that the group made
was that we were moving into a boom in our community.
So, things were going very well.
We were generating extra revenues as a result of that decision.
And the economy team, there was other factors.
And so, then we were faced in 2012 with the decision,
okay, these extra revenues weren't going to do with them.
So there was a movement toward putting more into infrastructure and community facilities.
And then there was another option to give tax breaks back to the people who could be doing more development.
And so our group was very narrowly divided.
Again, we were all playing the role that we were given.
So I was a police chief and I was making decisions based on what I thought the police might have a look at.
But we had an environmentallyously group and we had the others that I mentioned as well.
So, we made the narrow decision our group did to do the tax breaks and see if we had
we had more investment.
What wound up happening from that was we, our community, the result was we wound up in a recession.
The whole thing was a very fascinating...
Experience. Well, it's so brief, but it's also realistic that it applies to what we're dealing with here, and that was today. With all the issues we had to invert before, and this was just last Thursday that we had this exercise.
And I think that the takeaway from me anyway is that if you make a community, if you make
a decision, space the bond, one perspective, one interest, one narrow ideal, you run the
risk of harming the community in the other areas.
So for example, water is one of those.
So we all agree, water is number one, everybody has the strategic doing document that we have.
Water is our number one thing, the Council is an allocated tons of money toward water,
as we should.
But if we only deal with water, what could be the outcome?
We have pure abundant water, but we have city facilities
are falling far, we don't have things for people to do and so on.
So I think, again, the takeaway is we have to deal with all of it.
We have a complex, we need to deal with complex organization, and our problems are not simple,
they're complex.
And so our answers have to need to be thoughtful and circumspect.
And so that's where I think our organization thrives.
And that's why how mean our system in the place that we do,
where these things are run through the company of city staff
and these issues are vetted properly.
It doesn't mean we always agree.
Well, she won't.
But it does mean that hopefully you have well-vetted solutions
in a broad tune before your consideration.
I know there's also a feeling sometimes that, oh, I went to Sydney and they're not listening
to me.
I offer my point of view and they're not listening to me.
We listen, but there's also thousands of other voices in the community too that need to
be listened to as well.
These other perspectives.
And because it's so complex, that's why we go through processes like our one-dimensional
initiative.
That's why we go through our conferences and planning, our Douglas blueprint, so that we can take in all of these different pieces of key back.
We can run it through engineering, and we can make good conscientious decisions as a community.
As you know, I'm sorry, this is when a little bit longer, and I think it's so relevant to what we're talking about today.
We have wicked issues here, and they're not simple, easy answers to any of it.
We, you are dealt with, there are scenarios that have happened that you are dealing with today
that are enough fault of yours, but you're having to deal with them and making the best decisions again.
But we have so population has grown society's 70, we've gone from 4,400 to where we're well over 6,000 people now
and seems to be going a little bit more. That's normal. That's what a community that is on otherwise ought to be doing.
We have an economy that burns primarily on the energy which is great and we love our energy for us
But also that everyone knows that that makes this problem to boom and bust and the more we can diversify our economy
And I know that I'm I'm saying back to what you've talked to me about and what the priorities are
So we have to keep the economy and diversification by in mind
We've talked at late tonight about water. That's such a high priority. We've got to get that fix and it's not the only thing
We have housing because we know we have a shortage of housing so we have to deal with housing as well
Because otherwise people get boxed down if there's not enough housing then the wages that they make they can't afford to live here
So another complex issue we also have an environmental factors that sometimes will play role
We saw that with the with the turbidity in the water
Who would have predicted that that would happen to the water with decent turbid but that kind of thing will happen
then it will happen again in other ways as well, quality of life.
If we want to have people live here and retain them and attract them, then we have to have
a good quality of life, which you all are also addressing through our big parts we already
have, and also with investments in the new community center that are starting to have coming
down the road.
So my interval that is that we have so much to be proud of in our communities where we are
we are absolutely not in a crisis.
A lot of communities have to deal with conservation.
We haven't asked anybody to cut back all the showers or drink water.
This extra, the lawns might be a little browner.
Our parks might be a little browner, but that's a temporary thing.
And we're not in crisis.
And I think we're far from it.
I think we're a city in motion.
We've got it.
We've got a great plan.
I think that this confidence in and takes all these things in consideration.
And I think if we just focus on one thing, we run the risk of damaging or harming other areas of our community.
And I'd like to share with you what I think I've shared this before, like my German saying,
Honestly, I know that for Bolton, which means everything is connected.
Everything is interconnected.
There are choice.
We make light touch other things as well.
And if we say grounded facts and we committed to balancing vestments and our vision and keep working in the vision, I think we'll just respond to these challenges.
But I think we'll set a standard for how communities we grow and adapt and thrive.
That's my opinion.
Thank you.
Council information, comments, questions and concerns.
Yes, sir?
You brought it up over there and I'm just in my house.
I was contacted earlier about a gag order.
I would just like to bring that to light.
I know nothing about it.
But I was told that the city for a gag order on the employees,
telling them that they could not talk to city council members.
Do you have any idea what they're talking about?
I think we heard from the staff a while ago.
I felt something with her spirit like it was from the director's talking about follow-in chain
or command.
Just mind understand.
Okay.
So, I got some director's here.
We don't have a gag about it, right?
Sitting in boys can't talk to council members.
Just make sure.
And I don't want to bring up and I missed it in the ordinance.
And it's under resolution.
Yeah.
I think the second paragraph needs to be understood quite well by everybody.
The mayor and the city administrator, which does should be city manager, and it was changed
in a new resolution that was enabled tonight, is the official spokesperson designated
to represent the city's position.
And it's very important to note that under council conduct with the media, the mayor and the city manager,
are the official sports players who are designated to represent the city position.
That being said, it also goes on to say individual council members,
it contacted make by the media.
The council members should be clear about whether their comments represent the official city position,
where a personal viewpoint.
So, it doesn't say that we can't talk to the media, what it does say is we have to be very open about what we're representing, whether it be the city's position, was personal viewpoint.
So, I think that's very important for all of us as council members, no.
More than likely, since it says the city of the mayor and the city manager, the official Squirtz versions, when we talk to media, whether it be a social media or a newspaper, that is a personal viewpoint.
in my opinion.
Thank you.
You guys have your own.
Stokesman for police related issues.
Have a very good meal.
She's here.
Hi.
Guys, just wanted to make sure we knew that too, because that's...
I thought you had one, so.
Anybody else?
Okay.
Yes, councilman.
Of
course, the, what is your question I believe is the meeting on the 20th for the water to be recorded, so he can see it, or hear it.
Yeah, I believe that was planned to have that.
Okay.
So yes.
Yes.
It's four or five.
I'll just only hear it.
Yes.
Definitely a quick question.
Have we got all the notifications out on that, Debbie?
On the 20th, maybe possible for him?
Yeah.
If not, I'll choose you.
I'm going to be at that please.
I'm just going to ask that.
Thank you.
Possible form on August 20th at 4 p.m.
Okay.
I believe we're at a circle back recap with our staff report city clerk looks here.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
So we are going to look into traffic on 6th and Irwin streets.
We're going to address the water questions publicly.
I did make a list of those.
We're going to look into a caution program for dumpster screens.
That temporary sign ordinance is going to be worked on.
We're going to continue this citizen count for the liquor license and hope to have that number back by next meeting.
Resolution 2025-22 which was table will be brought back next meeting as well.
We're going to look into the addition of total pay on the pay steps.
We're going to record the water meeting on the 20th and also have a possible quorum for that.
In addition to that, if I may,
I would like to share some statistics with you regarding our social media.
It has been absolutely chaos with the social media,
but I don't know if you can read that.
We had 321,817 views in the last 28 days.
We only have 6,000 residents.
Yeah.
Are we on TikTok?
Can we make a money?
No, no more.
And in addition to that most, we've had some positive reactions to 95 of those, you know, we'll take what we can get.
And then on the last screen, we had 2,402 interactions, which is up 107% from the previous 28 days.
And we now have 3,034 total followers that are following us all the time.
That's pretty good for the city.
I mean, we're talking half of the city and you count in, you know, the older generation
and the kids, the whole nine yards that are in her 6,000.
I'm trading lightly.
I'm saying good.
Matt, if I might.
Absolutely.
You've done an excellent job.
Absolutely.
Thank you.
I mean, every day I see that you, and I know you're giving it your all.
And I work with you on a weekly basis right now trying to get the word out.
You've done great with working with the manager and I because I know we are not photogenic at all.
So thank you for all you've done.
Thank you.
Thanks to all staff for everything that you've done.
Yes.
Much appreciate for all of us.
And the same right back to you guys.
I have utilized several several staff members.
I need to utilize you and you know the City Manager.
I appreciate it because I wouldn't be able to think information out there without everybody stepping in.
Thank you.
I would like to say thank you for reading the comments too
because I keep putting it out there and you save my butt.
I don't know.
Mayor, may I own a circle back, sir?
Yeah, ask you.
Please kind of go into a new format all these up.
You guys like these.
Thank you.
Okay.
We'll keep doing that then.
Okay.
Thank you.
Good people doing good.
Thanks.
We do have a few things I think.
Councilman Hirschburg.
So, one of whom, Ray, shout out to Officer Del Campo.
He has reached out to me every day since the incident Sunday to make sure the baby and I are okay. It means a lot
On the second one. I just want to give you shout out to the city of Douglas with that crazy one that came through yesterday
a tree dropped a huge land on sixth street and they were right there
Maybe we're there right away cleaning it off the street. It's a great job on that
I got a separate one. There was a lady her vehicle at many March
What's the call?
Welcome Doug.
Cars broke down.
She asked Chris Holstead if he could jump or he went over there and didn't have his jumper
cables in the back.
He reached over to the ambulance who was sitting right next to him.
He got a jump cable out of that.
Help, jump state.
Jump start the lady's vehicle got her started and back on the road, so good job to him as
well.
Thank you.
Your new community service officer, great guy.
got back the very next day with a complete description of what was going on
by things we're going to take place. And very polite, tolerated by Alex
Barkin and the entire time he was over. But great guy, he's real personal.
He's been awesome. I'll pass that on.
Okay.
Now I can tell you.
I can tell you.
We're able to take them.
Councilman, we see.
Do you have anything for good people doing good things?
No.
All right.
And Mary, thank you for drawing all those numbers up.
I know you did something wrong.
You did something like.
You were gone.
So I went directly to her.
But.
I really appreciate you doing that, though.
Thank you.
Community update event calendar, please.
Great.
Now here is a listing of your upcoming events.
Strawberry Freezer Jam, Congress County Library Douglas, August 11, 16.
The Wyoming State Fair begins August 12 and ends on the 16th.
Get out there and have some fun.
The cowboy corn hole happening at the Wyoming State Fair, August 12, 11am.
media show watch party happening at Fort Fettermin on August 12th, 7 p.m.
There's an end of Summer Barbecue at Points West Community Bank happening, of course,
at Points West Community Bank August 13th, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The results on removing 9, hosted by Congress County Library Douglas, August 15, 16, Mickey and the Motor Cars happening at Wyoming State Fair, August 15, 7 p.m. The Schmidt Brothers, rocked the Glenn Constra Series, happening at Glenn Rocktown Square, August 15, 7 p.m. The earned in first responder meetup, happening at Flint, August 15, 7 to 9 p.m. The Wyoming State Fair parade happening downtown Douglas, August 16, 10 a.m. The Douglas volunteer fired a
Department Demo Derby happening, of course, at the State Fairgrounds August 16, 16am.
David Tyler Band will be playing at the LeBontie on August 16, 7pm.
Going bad at Congress County Library Douglas on August 18, 530 p.m.
Camp Douglas history walked happening, of course, at Camp Douglas August 20, 545 p.m.
The farmers market where you'll be sure to find some good food for you, happening at
Jack Loves Square August 23rd, 9am.
And finally, Peyton Phillips and Jack Rabbit, the Rock the Glenn Concert series, happening at Glenn
Rock Town Square, August 23rd, 7 p.m. Have a good night and stay safe.
Hey, look at the John Millquake. The streets look really good. I know that a highway department
that has no lines in the road but the curves look good. They're ready for the parade. Thank you.
Sir, any need for executive session? Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.
I'll give you five seconds.
Okay.
We will give that to Council Member Nare.
Any further discussion?
I'll give you a second if I'm saying aye.
All the same side.
Motion carries five.
Zero meeting insurance is approximately six o'clock.
One PM.
Thanks all.