Council agrees to cost-share for new subdivision

At last week’s regular meeting, the Sundance City Council agreed to a cost-share deal with Josh Kammerer for the subdivision of “starter homes” he intends to build on the south end of 21st Street.

In exchange for the 240 feet of new sewer infrastructure that Kammerer will install for the nine lots, the city agreed to waive the tap fee on those lots.

This was decided upon in lieu of the agreement between the two parties that had originally been on the agenda, with Kammerer suggesting it would be an easier way of doing things that would require a lot less tracking. Council Member Randy Stevenson, who made the motion, agreed that this would avoid a “heavy burden of bookkeeping”.

“We are gaining infrastructure in this,” added Mayor Paul Brooks, expressing approval of the deal. There are plenty of current septic tanks in that part of town that may wish to tap into the city system in the future, which this additional infrastructure could help with, he added.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Bridget Helms on behalf of Crook County Natural Resources District approached the council to request support for the upcoming electronic recycling event, as the city has provided every year.

However, she said, due to changes in where the items are being taken and successful negotiation of a new contract, the amount needed is half what the district has asked for before.

The council was pleased to approve the requested $1000 donation for the event.

Helms also mentioned that there will be no charge this year for the extra weight on loads over 100 lbs.

In departmental reports, Deputy Josh Throckmorton told the council that things have been slightly slower than normal and that the Sheriff’s Office has been working leads on a recent burglary in town and they are “looking fairly promising”.

He also responded to a question from the mayor about concerns from residents that someone may have been siphoning gas from their vehicles. While he has not heard of any such reports, he said, and does not believe this to be possible in vehicles made after a certain year, he said he would keep an eye and would like to hear from any residents to whom this has happened.

Public Works Director Mac Erickson reported that the 3rd Street water project has gone out to bid and a few contractors have downloaded the plans. The bid opening will be on August 27.

Erickson has also continued to take an inventory of the lead pipes within town, which is required by the EPA, and is down to 180 accounts remaining.

Meanwhile, he said, the municipal pool appears to have a leak and the heater “has lived its last day”. Fortunately, he said, it’s been a good year to be without a heater, and he has someone coming in to locate the leak.

Erickson was also directed to look into the possibility of installing a water refill station next to the concession stand in Sundance Square.

Jeremy Holt reported that the Economic Development Committee would soon be signing the letter of acceptance for the grant to explore the idea of connecting 21st Street and will then send out requests for proposals.

Clerk/Treasurer Theresa Curren told the council that a new state-run grants management office has opened and her office has been taking webinars and working on needs assessments to identify the kind of grants that Sundance might be looking for. An updated master plan and community assessment may be necessary for this, she said.