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WORLAND — Wanting the new council members on board and new mayor-elect seated, the Worland City Council opted to hold off on a decision regarding whether to continue to keep Third Street closed around the Schlumberger property.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Dave Duffy reported that they had received a letter from Jim Michael Greear, Clark, King representing Bower Farms, the primary owners of property on Third Street between Big Horn and Coburn, regarding the Schlumberger (who leases the property) yard and fence. The letter outlined five options for the council to consider and included an invitation to tour the property to see how it is being used.

The options include

—Vacation of Third Street inside the fence that is currently there, and demarcation of the utilities.

—Leave the fence and gate up and pass a new resolution to continue the current situation as long as the enclosed yard is leased by a commercial tenant.

— Leave the fence and gate up and pass a new resolution to continue the current situation as long as the lease is in effect, including extensions.

—Leave the fence and gate up and pass a new resolution to continue the current situation until the end of the current lease with Schlumberger.

—The last alternative is to remove the fence and gates.

Duffy said, “I would not be truthful if I didn’t say I was kind of disappointed with what they’ve proposed. They didn’t address the reasons why. That’s one of the things we talked about [when he and City Attorney Kent Richins met with Schlumberger representatives].

He said he didn’t have a problem with a tour, adding that when he and Richins toured the area you get a completely different perspective from inside of the fence.

Richins said upon receiving the letter, he and the mayor met with department heads from the city.

“We’re at a timeline here where I don’t feel comfortable trying to push this thing through when we have a new council and mayor coming on board,” Richins said.

He suggested that the city reply to Michaels letter stating they would like to do a tour, but the city should also have a public hearing regarding the future of Third Street between Big Horn and Coburn. “This is a public thing and that’s who we represent and I’d like to know their opinions. So far the public’s been pretty silent but I’d like to know how they feel.”

He said he would also like to know what’s there, infrastructure including utilities, condition of streets and sidewalks so if the city decides to “take it back” they know exactly what they are getting.

“When this was done back in 2001, it was a ‘we were going to lose Schlumberger if we don’t do something’ type of concept. We rushed into it and did because we wanted to protect a business and a lot of jobs. Well we’re kind of beyond that at this point and we’re in a new era. We need to reflect on where we’re headed,” Richins said. “We need to take some time and I’m guessing the next administration will have to make this decision.”

Councilor Dennis Koch said he could see the benefit of touring if that’s what the council decided but added that it’s not necessary to form an opinion regarding the issue. He said the council knows the area and the city has lived with the street closure for 15 years.

Mandy Horath wondered what the major problem to the city was having the area closed down and it is utilities access with the main Wyoming Gas 12-inch natural gas line running down Third Street. Mayor Duffy added they would have to address some water lines that run through the area as well.

Richins said they have sought comment from the utility companies on the issue but have not received any at this time.

Councilor and Mayor-elect Jim Gill said he agrees with a tour and would like to accept Richins’ recommendations, including waiting for the new council and having a public meeting. New council members to be sworn in in January will be Jacquelyn Ernest and Michael Neufer.

“Schlumberger has been a good business in this community and could be again, you don’t know [what the future holds],” Gill said.