Council gives thumbs up to summer events

Some residents expressed appreciation to the Saratoga Town Council after it unanimously approved of several special event applications.

“Our winters are long enough and our summers are way too short. It’s really nice to be able to have, in my opinion, these events. I believe they are a benefit to our community,” Councilman Steve Wilcoxon said before the meeting was adjourned.

The town council approved six applications, including one for the Laura M Farmer’s Market and several events to take place at The Yard this summer.

Before the council voted on any of the event applications, they went into executive session to discuss matters confidential by law. After the councilmembers and town attorney Tom Thompson returned to the open meeting, the council reviewed and approved the event applications.

Councilwoman Sue Howe expressed one concern with an event application for Freedom Fest at The Yard.

Howe noticed the application estimated 300 people to attend, but only 30 cars.

“It just seems like a lot of people for 30 cars,” Howe said in the meeting.

Saratoga resident Cindy Bloomquist, who helps direct the events at The Yard, said most people walk to the event. Those who visit from out of town usually park downtown or walk from hotels.

After the short discussion the town council voted to approve that event as well.

During the public comment section, Chris Shannon, owner of The Yard, and Laura Morrow thanked the council for approving their events.

Other business:

• Andy Van Tol asked the Saratoga Town Council to move the public comment section earlier in the meeting to be more convenient for residents who want to express their opinions.

“If you did that, it would be in accordance with Wyoming Association of Municipalities’ suggestions,” Van Tol told the council.

Councilman Steve Wilcoxson said the public comment section is put at the end of every meeting to get better input from residents. However, Van Tol said he thinks the public comment section will still be better if it took place before correspondence.

• Mayor Pro Tem Judy Welton updated the council and audience on the progress for the upcoming cleanup day. Welton said the town is looking for volunteers to help clean up designated zones of Saratoga. She said the model of cleanup would be similar to Adopt a Highway.

“I see it done on the highways, so I think we can do that in our town,” Welton said.