Saratoga Town Council puts its foot down

Mayor James Creed signed the proclamation from the Wyoming Food Bank proclaiming September Hunger Action Month at the September 22 meeting of the Saratoga Town Council. Sarah Glandt, an Ambassador from Americorps Food Security, attended as well. She thanked the mayor and the Town of Saratoga for their participation by bringing this issue to the attention of citizens of the Valley.

Councilman Jon Nelson spoke with Danny Burau of Firewater Public House. Burau volunteered to take care of the Odd Fellows park located across from his establishment. Town Council agreed they would need a written memorandum of understanding (MOU) from Burau. McCall Burau was also at the meeting and said, they want to give back to the community. They do not intend to make any changes, just take care of the landscape.

Ellie Dana submitted a letter to the Town Council concerning Valley Village Day Care leasing the Corbett Medical Building. Dana was at the meeting and told council that, as a result of the building inspection performed by Andrew Meyers, they propose the Town be responsible for the repairs outlined in Meyers report. Dana also said that the Town should maintain the building throughout the term of the lease.

The list included: painting the exterior, repair/replace the roof, install gutters, repair/repave the parking lot and repair/replace the pillars.

Dana said that Valley Village and Excel PreSchool would be responsible for installing a fire suppression system for a class I building as designated by fire code. They would also enlarge the attic access as part of the installation of a “dry” suppression system.

Valley Village would install a reverse for an obstruction sensor on the garage door. In order to obtain the necessary insurance, they would also need to fence a portion of Kathy Glode Park as the building does not have enough yard space. The Council had asked Dana to present this report the last time she was at a meeting.

James did agree that the town has a responsibility to take care of these items, but there was no money set aside for the repairs. Councilman Hutchins asked if this was going to be in perpetuity? Hutchins was concerned about the growing cost of Dana’s requests.

Councilmember Nelson said that the building does need to be refurbished. He also said that the benefits to the town are obvious, but he is concerned about the burden this will put on the town budget. Nelson suggested they have public hearings to get input from the public before signing a lease with Valley Village Day Care. Nelson also suggested just selling the building. That brought up the question of how the deed reads and what would need to be done in order to sell the building.

Councilmember Campbell also voiced her concerns.

James said that getting quotes for the repairs would be advisable. Dana wants a 10-year lease with the Town with another 10-year renewal after that.

The Town Council decided to wait for repair quotes before making any decisions.

Next, food trucks were on the agenda again. Councilman Nelson researched the Wyoming Food Freedom Act and gave a report of his findings. The Food Freedom Act was written to allow for the sale and consumption of homemade foods. Essentially, people that make food at home; such as jams, salsa, and jelly, are protected. Nelson went on to say if the Council does draft a proposal for mobile vendors, it should be made clear the permitting process or regulation does not apply to you if you are covered by the Wyoming Food Freedom Act.

The second item brought up was under Title 5, Business Licenses and regulations: farmers, civic and nonprofit organizations are also exempt. Nelson said what they are really talking about, is mobile vending. If you are buying foods to sell and you are not producing your own products; that is what needs to be addressed. It would be helpful to monitor an environment that is otherwise unregulated and prone to abuse. Language that defines what is a food truck or trailer, what are they required to do with waste water and grease and what type of agreement are they required to have with a retailer when they are set up on commercial property is needed. The Council agreed Nelson should draft a permit application to be presented at the next meeting.

The Saratoga Resort attorney, Alan Harding spoke at the council meeting in another attempt to get approval for the 200 square foot sign. Harding argued that the resort would be harmed by not having the larger sign, saying the resort has lost sales due to the absence of the sign.

Councilman Nelson said that if the graphic was removed from the sign it would fall within the 120 square foot limit.

Harding said the option could be explored but feared that the sign would be ruined.

Councilman Hutchins supported the sign variance, saying that the economy has been hard on everyone and the resort is an important part of the town.

Nelson said the Base Camp Shop is open for business and he doesn’t agree that they need such a large sign.

Mayor James called for a vote on the sign variance. Councilmember Hutchins made the motion but there was no second, so the motion failed. The Saratoga Hot Springs Resort will not be allowed to put the sign up. They must alter the current sign or create a new one that falls within the town’s 120 square foot ordinance.

The next Saratoga Town Council meeting will be held October 5, 2022 at 6 p m at town hall.

Other Business

-The third reading of Ordinance 864 concerning raising sewer and water rates took place.

-Sarah Laughlin, Recreation Department, applied for the Carbon County Visitors Council grant or the carnival. Town council approved the submission.

-Councilmember Campbell agreed to continue as the Town Council Representative and complete her term.

-Carbon County’s proposed Fire Protection District meeting schedule:

September 22 at 7 pm at Valley Community Center in Baggs.

September 28 at 6 pm at Encampment Opera House.

September 28 at 7:30 pm at Platte Valley Community Center in Saratoga.

September 29 at 6:30 pm at Medicine Bow Community Center.

October 6 at 6:30 pm at Hanna Recreation Center.

October 13 at 6 pm at Carbon County Higher Education Center, Classroom #1 in Rawlins.

Update: plans for Never Forget Park were given to Jon Winter Friday.