Wind project seeks input

Saratoga Town Clerk Marie Christen presented a letter received from Two Rivers Wind, LLC. This letter was sent to inform the public that they are beginning applications for permits required to construct and operate Two River Wind project on a private ranch and BLM lands in Carbon County, Wyoming. The project will include up to sixty turbines, with a total capacity of 280 megawatts, located on 15,657 acres.

The project will be on the Two Rivers Ranch in Carbon County north of Highway 30 and the Town of Medicine Bow. Two Rivers anticipates construction to begin this year, with commercial operations slated for 2025. The Final project design is still in the works.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Industrial Siting Division issued a permit for the project on November 19, 2019. Two Rivers is also preparing a conditional use permit application to submit to Carbon County early 2023.

Two Rivers invites the public to provide input by email at [email protected], by phone at 844-214-2578 or by mail: 850 Burton road, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware 19904. This letter was signed by Glenn Isaac, Director of Regulatory and Environment and Ricky Davis, Director of Development.

A master service agreement from Engineering Associates was then explained to the Council. Saratoga Mayor Chuck Davis said a copy of the agreement will be on file in Town Hall, but he didn’t print one out for each Council member because it is 100 pages long.

The agreement was explained to Council by Craig Kopasz. He said the agreement “gets all the legal language out beforehand.” It’s a five year term and it’s a task order agreement so they can get all the projects moving quicker. The agreement lists all the fees, what’s provided, insurance, etc. Kopasz said, “It just streamlines the process.” The council approved Mayor Davis’ signature on the agreement.

Jon Nelson, Northfork Engineering, also presented a master service agreement for the Town. The council approved Mayor Davis’ signature on the agreement.

Mayor Davis took a moment to thank the outgoing council for their years of service to the Town.

He then reported that there has been some water leaks, including a few expansion tanks blowing out. Water meters are slowly getting put back together as well.

Ellie Dana, Valley Village Daycare board member, spoke to the council about the public hearing on February 21, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. She explained the surveyor reported an easement on the new Deed, which will be in the name of Valley Village, is needed to give access to the building on the west side parking area. The easement is already noted in the current deed. This would just change the name from ANCO to Valley Village. This easement is necessary to legally have access to the parking spaces.

A letter from the town’s attorney was explained by Mayor Davis. Jane M. France has been the Town’s attorney and will continue to represent the Town concerning Stevens v. Town of Saratoga and finalizing transfer of Corbett Medical Building to Valley Village Child Care. The Town will retain Patrick M. Brady for handling all aspects of Saratoga Municipal Court and criminal prosecution. The council approved the Mayor’s signature on this letter accepting the conditions.

Saratoga Police Chief Mike Morris updated the council on what has been happening in the police department. He said things are going fairly smooth. However, they have one vehicle with possible transmission issues and other vehicles need tires. He said they are reviewing the budget and inspecting equipment.

Davis said they are waiting for the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission to send Morris’ temporary certification. Morris said then he can really “dig in”.

The Saratoga Fire Department sent their report to Mayor Davis via text. Creed James reports they had one call for a CO2 alarm and held elections of officers. Pat Waliser will be the Fire Chief, Tom Westring will be Assistant Chief, Nick Cary will be a Captain, Creed James and Ryan Wells are Lieutenants.

Sarah Laughlin, Director of the Recreation Department asked for a signature on a special events application for Winter Festival to be held February 19. The festival will be located on Veterans Island and include games, ice skating, ice rink games and hot chocolate. The council approved the application.

Laughlin also presented the Wyoming Community Gas grant application to the Council for permission to submit the grant application. The grant would help Laughlin purchase new equipment for the Recreation Center, including yoga pillows, banquet chairs, mats, and dumbbell sets. The total for the project is $2602.35.

Laughlin read resolution 2023-02 to the council for review and approval. The resolution would authorize submission of the grant application to Wyoming Community Gas. The council passed the resolution.

Laughlin then requested permission to purchase three new Kaiser spin bikes for $2,265.00 from Sport and Fitness. Laughlin said they have the money in their budget. The council approved the purchase.

The next Saratoga Town Council meeting is February 7, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Correspondence

Carbon County School District #2 Recreation Board sent the Council a letter notifying of changes to their guidelines.

Approvals

Special events application for the Saratoga Museum’s Frozen Fore fundraiser on Saratoga Lake February 18.

Purchase of two drums of oil at $1,800.00 for Saratoga Public Works.

Payment of a bill from Lewis and Lewis for the airport entrance road was presented for $36,275.05.

A bill from the Saratoga Jet Center for snow removal and mowing for $20,205.00.

Resignation

Craig Kopasz resigned from the Water and Sewer Joint Powers Board.

Appointment

Joe Schwartz appointed to Planning and Zoning Board.

Tabled

A bill from WyDOT for $24,414.72 for the apron expansion project. The grant money is already in the Town account. Mayor Davis asked to table this item for further research.

South Central Wyoming Emergency Medical Services

SCWEMS will be funding two people to go through Emergency Medical Technician training.