Swearing in the newly elected

At the January 4 meeting of the Saratoga Town Council, Mayor Creed James began by asking for a moment of silence for EMT Tyeler Harris and his family. Harris was killed while responding to an accident on the interstate on December 21, 2022.

James thanked the exiting Councilmembers for their service and hard work before proceeding to the oath of office for Mayor. Newly elected Mayor, Chuck Davis, was sworn in by outgoing Mayor, Creed James.

Mayor Davis then called the newly elected council members one by one and expediently administered the Oath of Office to Michael Cooley, Jerry Fluty and Jacob Fluty. The oath includes an vow to support, obey and defend the constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state; the full oath can be viewed on the Town of Saratoga's YouTube channel.

The newly elected council took their seats and continued on with the regular meeting.

Ellie Dana, board member of Valley Village Child Care was at the meeting to give an update to the new town council. She said the attorneys have come to an agreement concerning the deed language for the new childcare facility. Most of the restrictions in the deed have been removed and it was suggested they be addressed as resolutions. The land survey has been completed and a meeting with the appraiser will take place this week. The final design for the interior has been finished. An insurance quote has been received but needs to be revised. The operating agreement between Valley Village and Excel should be completed be ready by next week according to Dana.

Mike Morris was appointed by the town council as the new Saratoga Chief of Police. Morris was the under sheriff for several years at the Carbon County Sheriff's office and ran for Sheriff in the last election. With his health issues resolved, he wants to get back into law enforcement and the council had discussed this in the past weeks.

Mayor Davis provided an update for the Department of Public Works. He wanted to make it clear that when they fill the position of Public Works Director it will be a dual position that will include the planning and zoning department.

Richard Raymer of the Carbon County Saratoga Joint Powers Board reported there has been some issues with the contractor not coming back to town to take care of their obligations concerning plowing snow, accessible sidewalks, etc. Raymer says that according to the contract the town shouldn't touch the project. Raymer said that the contractor is supposed to be sending someone tomorrow, depending on the road closures. Raymer will meet with them tomorrow and make suggestions to overcome this issue such as having a local contractor handle the plowing when they can't get here.

South Central Wyoming Emergency Medical Services (SCWEMS) Board representative Marie Christen gave the council an invoice for $12,675.00 for ambulance fee for citizens for the Town of Saratoga. This is paid every quarter by each municipality that uses SCWEMS.

The next Saratoga Town Council meeting will be n Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Saratoga Town Council - Other Business

Approvals

Fiscal Year 2022 excess revenues budget amendment to be transferred to reserve accounts; $134,065.36 to airport fund, $140,077.80 to sewer fund, $40,779.74 to weed and pest funds and $15,413.49 from ARRA meter project fund to water.

Saratoga Sun designated as the official newspaper.

Kylie Waldrip appointed as the town's legal council.

RNB State Bank designated as official depository.

Dan Massey as Municipal Judge.

Purchase in the amount of $4,300 for Ice Slicer, the salt added to the sand for treating the roads.

Purchase of two water valves for the hot pool. The valves had frozen when the water was turned off.

Fee for a returned check will go up to $30.

Pay App #4: $20,971.18 to Lewis and Lewis.

Purchase of two meters for the water pumps at the wells at a cost of $9,000.00. These meters were damaged from a breaker blowing and the heat going off.

Transfer of $42,664.79 to WyoStar for the Fire Department.

Resolutions

Resolution 2023-01 WYDOT Financial Assistance for Communities was adopted by council and signed by Mayor Davis.

Saratoga Police Department

Department meeting to be held Wednesday.

Appointments

Michael Cooley as Mayor Pro-tem for at least one year.

Councilwoman Beck as the representative for the Recreation Board.

Councilman Jerry Fluty as representative for the Department of Public Works.

Councilman Beck as representative for the Community Center Board.

Mayor Davis and Councilman Jacob Fluty as representative for Water and Sewer Joint Powers Board and the Airport Board

Sgt. Tyler Christen as representative for Emergency Management Coordinator.

Marie Christen as representative for SCWEMS.