Traffic complaints

The Saratoga Police Department was confronted by Gary Widemshek at the Sept. 1 Saratoga Town Council meeting regarding commercial truck traffic, specifically across the Bridge Avenue bridge. Widemshek said he “just wanted the issue fixed,” noting that he had been in contact with police chief Tom Knickerbocker for the past 14-15 months.

Councilperson Judy Welton said that signage is better in town, though the issue of truck traffic needs to be further addressed. Councilperson Richard Raymer suggested that the town persuade landowners to work with the sawmill to add a billboard-sized sign alerting travelers that trucks are permitted only on truck routes. Widemshek said the police have been saying the issue comes down to GPS routes, but the council agreed that it is no excuse to break the law.

While there was no resolution to the traffic issue at the meeting, issues of town beautification came into discussion. The Motor Boat Grant, which will add a well and water hook-ups to the Saratoga Lake Campground as well as beautification, has been approved at $28,825 with a match from the town. According to Lisa Burton, director of the Recreation Department, the project will begin in October to be completed in May. Jonathon Moore, assistant clerk, reported that the campground had made $19,000 this summer.

The Good Times Park project, which had previously been limited to landscaping, has received a donation of $10,000 from the Platte Valley Legacy Foundation. According to mayor Ed Glode, the Platte Valley Legacy Foundation is required to participate in local beautification projects, noting that this is only the beginning. Glode said he hopes to use donations from Wyoming Community Gas in conjunction with these monies for the park. Ideas such as improving the bridge across the ditch or a possible mural with a bench were discussed.

The town audit has been completed with no notable problems, Suzie Cox, town clerk, said. It took two-and-a-half days to complete the audit.