City projects continue on track

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Sundance City Council heard updates on ongoing projects ranging from the new park to water tanks and the Old Stoney restoration.

Karla Greaser of Trihydro reported that the project to replace the Sundance Kid water tank on the other side of the interstate is ongoing, with the city engineers still working with Abandoned Mine Lands officials to finalize the environmental assessment requirements.

Clerk Treasurer Kathy Lenz mentioned that geologists have visited the site to perform core drilling and expressed concern over raven habitat near the town. They are now talking about a full-blown NEPA process, she told the council, but this will not be a cost for Sundance as, “They said they’d pay for it.”

The council expressed surprise there could be ravens in the vicinity and Mayor Paul Brooks expressed further surprise – and a little annoyance – that it could impact a project of this nature. With a smile, Greaser pointed out that, “The good news is everyone is being very thorough and we’re following any and all federal requirements.”

According to Public Works Director Mac Erickson, the Sundance West water tank replacement project has now started, and contractors “will take advantage of this nice weather to get as far as we can on the underground stuff.”

Lenz discussed a work order for additional engineering observation from Trihydro, due to the length of the pipe being installed and the requirements of the Wyoming Water Development Commission that someone observe the process. This had not been budgeted for, she said.

The work order was not presented, however, as the city has asked the commission for a higher grade of engineer to perform the observation due to the intricacy of the work, and discussions are ongoing regarding this fee.

Lenz also reported on Old Stoney, which is now in its final stages. Renters are moving in, the heating system is being readied for winter and all is looking good.

The park next door is also coming on well, said Erickson. Some items such as concrete are taking a little more time than expected but overall things are still moving.

The council approved a change order of $21,400 for contractors AML for moving the Sundance Kid statue to the park, which had not been included in the original bid. This amount will include the demolition of the base and pouring concrete to restore the county property on which it stood.