Washakie County Conservation District Manager Amanda O’Keefe and Education Coordinator Janet Hofmann made an appearance at the June 6 Worland City Council meeting to advocate for the resurrection of the town composting system.

O’Keefe pointed out that the last effort to create a workable compost lot at Newell Sargent Park was headed by the Conservation District, City and University of Wyoming Extension Office starting in 2015. In 2019, a new composting lot was opened, but since then, the composting setup has fallen into disrepair and disuse. With an estimated $325,000 of taxpayer dollars going toward dumping fees each year, O’Keefe reasoned that it would be in the city’s best interest to reduce food waste and create usable compost fertilizer in the process.

“We live in an agricultural community, and we know how much manpower, resources, fertilizer and fuel goes into producing food,” Hofmann said. “We know how much effort goes into that, so it’s a really sad cycle to see those resources just going into the dump.”

Efforts have already begun at the Conservation District, where compost bins and educational materials are available. In the future, O’Keefe hopes there will be a working group formed between the public, governing entities and local businesses to pursue food waste reduction and recycling. Particularly, she would like to see the hospital and schools involved. The end goal is to assist the city in reopening the compost lot, which O’Keefe predicted could be done through grant funding. She asked that the city consider reopening the compost center and participate in the working group.

Council member Rebecca George asked that a working group be formed to learn more about the potential expenses and actions needed for the composting plan to be up and running. No motion was made on the matter.

In other business Tuesday night, Ruth Dugger, executive director of the Worland-Ten Sleep Chamber of Commerce, approached the council to ask that part of Eighth Street be shut down for a parade and Crazy Days on July 29, as well as allowing the Washakie County Library and City Hall parking lot to be used for food trucks that day. The council approved her request. Dugger noted that entries are open for the parade, and any businesses wishing to participate in the 90’s-themed Crazy Days are welcome to join.

City Attorney Kent Richins presented an addendum to the Worland Aquatic Center Joint Powers Board dissolution, already signed off on by Washakie County School District #1 and Washakie County. The addendum removed the requirement for the Attorney General to sign off on the dissolution, as it is not part of that office’s duties. The council approved the change, with Wendy Fredricks and Mike Neufer in opposition.

Brittany Baker of Travelodge in Worland requested appointment to the Visitor’s Council, which the council voted to approve.

Mayor Jim Gill informed the council that entertainment for Worland Community Center Complex’s Culturefest, funded by the city, would no longer be offered by Willie LeClair of Riverton, as the Shoshone entertainer recently passed away. Wind River Dancers, led by Darell LoneBear, will instead offer their services.

Airport Manager Lynn Murdoch presented a change order for Worland Municipal Airport’s pavement maintenance project, as state wage requirements increased May 18. The council approved a $1,000 increase to the project’s expenses.

City engineer representative Mike Donnell reported progress on both the street project and sewer project, as well as work to reroute three intersections’ runoff into the storm drain system on 15th Street.

Council members William Worley and Neufer reported calls from concerned citizens about rain from the weekend’s storm running down the same route on Yellowstone Avenue, despite gutter changes. Superintendent of Public Works Nick Kruger suggested that this could be caused by a blockade put in to prevent excess water from crossing new concrete in the area and added that the city crew would test the new drainage system with their water truck to make sure it is in working order.

Valerie Bjorhus presented Green Hills Golf’s report, noting that the grounds saw 1,904 rounds in May, 335 rounds more than last year. On May 19, the Cowboy Joe Series Golf Scramble was hosted there, with 19 teams and 76 players. The 33rd annual Debonya Tournament will be held June 16-18, with less than five open slots available.

“We have players coming from Colorado, Texas, Sheridan, Cody and Billings in addition to players from the Worland area,” Bjorhus said. “That’s good for the town, because they’ve got to stay somewhere, they’ve got to eat somewhere, so that’s really good overall.”

The city’s budget was approved on second reading, which will be covered in next week’s edition of Northern Wyoming News.