Shut off notices and possible rate increase discussed at Manderson Council meeting

The full council and mayor attended the Manderson council meeting on Jan. 11. Mayor Rod Patrick, plus Councilpersons Troy Chambers, Judy Bury, Julie Williams, and Tim Patrick.

Dennis Chambers gave an update from the Big Horn Regional Joint Powers Board. He said there would likely be a rate increase to the town from the Board.

Mayor Patrick opened a discussion about the town increasing their rates to their customers. 

Councilman Patrick reminded the council they voted to increase the town’s rate by 2% each year, which Williams noted is unlikely to cover the increase from the Joint Powers Board.  

The council voted to table the discussion until they received confirmation of a rate increase from Joint Powers. 

Williams noted there are several water accounts that may be receiving shut off notices. She stated Manderson gives more leeway to their residents than other towns.

Councilman Patrick said it was important to get those notices out, and Mayor Patrick agreed. He further expressed concern that the town would not have enough money coming in for water to pay the Joint Powers bill. 

GOAT ORDINANCE

Williams suggested changing the goat ordinance. She believes wether goats should be allowed. A wether is a ram or billy goat that has been castrated. The current ordinance states only female goats are permitted.  

She explained wethers are typically better behaved than does. Councilman Patrick asked if the change can be reviewed at the next town council meeting to give the rest of the council time to research what she is proposing. Williams agreed. Wall asked if the public would have an opportunity to read the change before codification. Councilman Patrick replied, “Absolutely.”

OTHER BUSINESS

• A resident complained to Williams that a fluffy white dog has been roaming the streets of Manderson and, in some cases, been aggressive. It was suggested that the resident take a picture of the animal and fill out an official complaint form. 

 • Paul Thur from the county provided a Memo of Understanding [MOU] regarding septic tanks. The county permits all tanks in the county that are outside of the nine incorporated towns.  The council passed a motion to accept the MOU.

• Williams gave the clerk report as the town has not hired a clerk, for which they are still taking applications. She noted the Department of Audit would be at the town Jan. 22-26. 

• Dog licenses are due. Current rabies vaccination and proof are required to obtain a license. Wall offered to contact Saam Vet to set up a rabies shot clinic for residents. 

• Tim Patrick gave a maintenance report. He suggested residents should leave a faucet dripping as cold weather is coming in. The town will advertise for a maintenance person in March. In the interim, he and Randy Brown will fill in.

• Clerk of Court Janet Reasoner gave a department update. 

• Officer Steve Coleman gave the police department update. 

• Study addressed the council regarding a portion of land next to his home: this is the fourth time he has come before the council and he would like the council to deed the land to him. There is a street between his property and a neighbor without a listed property owner’s name. He has done a survey. The mayor and council told Study that they cannot deed something the town does not own. 

• Signage from WYDOT for the boat ramp area was discussed. Two signs would be placed on U.S. Highway 16/20. One southbound, the other northbound. A third sign would be placed on Wyoming Highway 31. The cost would be just over $1500. The town plans to research other options that may cost less.

• Chambers noted that the flow test results were not on a drive provided to the Fire District. Councilman Patrick stated he would get the results again, and send them to the District and the Fire Department. Bury asked if the town had purchased a static flow meter as discussed previously. She was told not yet. 

•  Thea Saunders put all the town ordinances she has in her possession online; if requested, she can email them to interested parties. Councilman Patrick thanked her. Saunders also noted that the white dog roaming town is not hers.