Buffalo Wyoming City Council Meeting Minutes 11/03/09
Dec 15, 2009
Recorder:Julie Silbernagel

CITY OF BUFFALO
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
November 3, 2009
The Buffalo City Council met in Regular Session in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Present were Mayor Johnson, Councilwoman Reid, Councilman Hancock, Councilman Humphrey and Councilman Hepp. Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilwoman Reid made a motion to approve the October 20, 2009 Regular Council Meeting minutes with a second from Councilman Hancock. The Mayor and all Council members voted aye.
The Commerce Joint Powers Board request for clarification regarding the ownership of the sewer line and sewer lift station at the Mountain Meadow Wool location was again presented for Council consideration. City Planner, Brian Grubb, stated the Board was considering having easements for public utilities held in the utility company name. City Attorney Kirven recommended the City hold any additional easements in case the Board ceased to exist. Councilman Hepp requested further research into past lot splits in the area and how ownership was defined.
Ordinance #1337 – An Ordinance Creating Chapter 14-13A.1 and 14-13A.2 of the Code of the City of Buffalo, Wyoming, pertaining to penalties for violations of municipal codes, including fines, probation and community service as well as the power to punish for contempt of Municipal Court was presented for Council approval on third and final reading. There being no public comment Councilman Hepp made a motion to approve Ordinance #1337 on third and final reading with a second from Councilman Humphrey. Mayor Johnson and all Council members voted aye.
The HIB Annexation was presented for Council discussion. Mayor Johnson and Councilwoman Reid recused themselves from the discussion and left the Council chambers. City Attorney Kirven advised Council that a letter had been submitted by HIB LLC stating their intent to pursue annexation at the November 24th planning board meeting. Kirven added that as long as HIB pursues annexation it would be appropriate to remove this item from the Council agenda. Councilman Hepp explained why he had recused himself at the last Council meeting and why that action was no longer necessary. Hepp also questioned whether HIB LLC was in compliance with the water connector’s agreement. Tonia Hanson, HIB LLC attorney, made a formal objection to Councilman Hepp not recusing himself and stated a conflict of interest still existed as a result of a sibling in the partnership. Councilman Hepp made a motion to remove the HIB annexation from the Agenda unless reasons can be shown that he should be recused from discussion. Councilman Humphrey seconded the motion with Vice-Mayor Hancock and Councilmen Hepp and Humphrey voting aye.
A liquor license transfer from Warren Shroefel dba Short Stop to Maverik Inc. was presented for Council approval. Shon Shroefel advised Council that there had not been a closing on the property at this time but stated he supported the transfer. Councilwoman Reid made a motion to approve the transfer with a second from Councilman Humphrey. Mayor Johnson and all Council members voted aye.
Dave Palmerlee, Buffalo Trails Board, updated Council on the proposed Tie Hack extension of the trails system. Palmerlee presented cost estimates and outlined agreements that would have to be secured between various organizations. Palmerlee advised that City support would need to be attained at some point in the future. Councilman Hepp questioned Palmerlee about the priority of this trail and City liability and maintenance of the trail. Palmerlee and Councilwoman Reid both expressed appreciation for the project and the support from the agencies involved.
Mayor Johnson presented the following appointment for Council approval:
Paul Jarvis – Alternate Judge
Councilwoman Reid made a motion to approve the Mayor’s appointment with a second from Councilman Humphrey. All Council members and the Mayor voted aye.
Mayor Johnson announced a resignation from the Buffalo-Johnson Recycling Center Joint Powers Board. Johnson also read an invitation from the Big Horn Mountain Coalition for a meeting at the YMCA of the BigHorns on November 4th.
Brian Grubb, City Planner, updated Council on the Clear Creek vegetation enhancement project. Grubb also advised Council of a grant award for the Cemetery Road Path in the amount of 189,867. Grubb stated the City match in the amount of 47,000 would have to be considered next budget season. Grubb also updated Council on a proposed multi-family housing development project and answered Council questions regarding Section 318 funding and proposed phases of the Buffalo Ridge development.
Tom Hulick, Building Inspector, presented Council with a letter from Johnson County to lease property adjacent to the Courthouse for a temporary Assessor’s office. A brief discussion followed regarding easements for the power company.
Les Hook, Public Works Director, presented engineering design contracts for Grizzly Engineering for the Mayor’s signature. Hook updated Council on the tree grinding project and answered Council questions regarding contracts on the project. Hook also advised the costs were being split by the City of Buffalo, Johnson County and the Johnson County Solid Waste District. Mayor Johnson directed City Attorney Kirven to draft a simple agreement for the tree grinding. In closing, Hook answered Council questions regarding street cuts and pothole patching. Councilman Humphrey confirmed the Spray Park had been winterized and a City employee had been present to learn the winterization procedures.
Michael Chapman, Police Chief, announced the Monster March had an estimated 720 children participating. Chapman also presented travel and training requests for Council approval. Councilman Hancock made a motion to approve the travel requests with a second from Councilwoman Reid. Mayor Johnson and all Council members voted aye. In closing, Chapman invited Council and Mayor to view the Dodge Charger recently purchased by the Department.
City Attorney Kirven visited briefly with Council regarding Tetra Tech RTW invoices and a letter to Johnson County clarifying location of the new Justice Center and land ownership and usage.
Bob Snowden, Commerce JPB, requested Council direction on who would own and maintain the sewer lift station and sewer line at the Mountain Meadow Wool location. Kirven advised the agreement for the Joint Powers Board defined the City would own and is responsible for the lift station and sewer line but further defines that the Joint Powers Board would pay to maintain the system. After a brief discussion Councilman Hepp made a motion that the sewer lift station and sewer lines become the City’s responsibility after the completed project and warranty period. Councilwoman Reid seconded the motion with all Council members and Mayor Johnson voting aye.
Councilman Hepp requested discussion regarding the Mayor’s replacement and subsequent Council vacancy. Council requested that letters of interest for the Council vacancy be submitted.
Mayor Johnson announced the Department Head strategic planning seminar November 6th at the County Planning Office as well as the Department Head meeting November 24th @ 9 a.m. at City Hall. Johnson also announced the Northeast Wyoming Municipal Leaders Group Meeting Saturday November 7th @ 8:30 a.m. in Wright and the City/County breakfast on November 17th @ 7 a.m. at the Best Western.
The following bills were audited and approved for payment: Aflac, agreement – 1,495.72; Linda Betz, service – 398.50; Blue Cross/Blue Shield, insurance – 43,796.87; Buffalo Development Association, agreement – 7,500.00; Buffalo Golf Club, agreement – 13,750.00; Buffalo Senior Center, agreement – 2,536.84; Family Crisis Center, agreement – 3,500.00; Nancy Hall, service – 180.00; Johnson County Commissioners, supply – 579.68; Jo. Co. Solid Waste District, supply – 19,705.50; Johnson County YMCA, agreement – 1,587.00; Joint Powers Fuel Facility, supply – 3,716.71; Leader’s Edge Consulting, supply – 1,295.00; NCPERS Group Life Ins., insurance – 224.00; Nebraska Child Support, agreement – 179.00; Rockhurst University, supply – 144.00; St. Francis Animal Shelter, agreement – 3,560.00; Valuations Northwest, agreement – 1,115.00; Visa, supply – 1,435.56; WY Child Support Enforcement, agreement – 425.00; WY Educators’ Benefit Trust, insurance – 385.88; WY Retirement System, retirement – 25,112.22; WY Water Development Commission, loan payments – 246,364.69; Hillary Zimmerschied, service – 260.00.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

Mayor
ATTEST:

City Clerk