Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

WORLAND — In a meeting that lasted less than 30 minutes, the Worland City Council approved the vendor ordinance, set holiday hours and thanked council members for their service.

Mayor Jim Gill thanked outgoing council members Lisa Fernandez, Michele Rideout and Loresa Brinkerhoff for their service and contributions to the city.

City Attorney Kent Richins added, “I want to thank Michele, Loresa and Lisa for your years of service. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”

New council members Kreg Lombard, Melissa Rivera and Delayne Renner will take office next month. The first council meeting will be Jan. 3.

The council adopted a new vendor ordinance on third and final reading Tuesday night. The current ordinance is cumbersome and not being enforced. It requires references, fingerprints, a business plan and more. There is currently a $35 annual fee.

The new ordinance would prohibit door-to-door peddlers with a few exceptions including for local organizations. A temporary vendor under the new ordinance is defined as a structure which is not connected to sewer and water utilities. It is further defined as “any individual or entity engaged in the temporary business of selling and delivering food, beverages, goods, wares and merchandise within the city.”

A permit will be required for temporary vendors with an annual fee of $50. Vendors must show all proper licensure including sales and use tax and health certificates.

Council member Dennis Koch was the lone dissenting vote Tuesday. He had favored stricter regulations and a higher permit fee.

The new ordinance will take effect Jan. 1.

REPORTS

During department reports, City Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Glanz reported that the city had received $40,000 from the Newell Sargent Foundation for renovations to Pioneer Square. Many renovations were completed this summer but the kiosk area will be renovated next.

Glanz also asked the council to close city hall at noon on Monday, Christmas Eve Day and on Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve day. The council approved the request with Mike Neufer stating, “I think that would be a nice gift for the employees.”

The council also approved the purchase of meat and cheese trays for each department for Christmas.

Airport Manager Lynn Murdoch reported that she has been meeting with the airport engineering firm GDA regarding next summer’s project to extend taxilane C. She said the project is moving forward.

Mike Donnell, city engineering representative, said he has been reviewing the rural water and sewer agreements.

Public Works Superintendent Brian Burky said the crews were working on scraping ice from the gutters on Big Horn Avenue and around the schools. “It’s our annual late December ritual,” he said.

He also reported that the new baseball fence on Field 3 and Field 5 are “basically done.”