DIAMONDVILLE — On Monday evening, the Diamondville Town Council passed the first reading to adopt ordinance 461, regulating the traffic of intoxicating beverages. Earlier this year, the state legislature passed five new bills changing the state’s liquor licensing laws; they will take effect July 1. 

The most significant change concerning booze was that legislators removed provisions regulating the hours of operation, leaving it in the hands of local municipalities. Also, liquor licenses will be issued for the entire building, whereas before, a license would be issued for each dispensing room.  

“[The] Wyoming State Legislature gave the power back to the people,” said Diamondville Mayor Eric Backman.

It is going to be up to the local authorities to regulate hours of operation. If they don’t, establishments can sell liquor 24 hours a day.

“It will be a free-for-all,” Backman said. 

The Town of Diamondville has, more or less, copied the state statutes and made them their own new local ordinance. It will need to pass two more readings before final adoption.

In other business, council also continued discussions on revising ordinance section 4.30 regarding abandoned property. Many residents who attended the meeting voiced their concerns with the number of “junk cars” that have accumulated around town. The council debated on the definition of “abandoned” and continue to work through the details of this ordinance. 

Any person found guilty of violation of chapter 4.30 shall be charged with a Class D misdemeanor.

The department heads provided updates to the council. Police Chief Mike Thompson stated the department had 147 events and issued 34 citations and one shoplifting charge in the month of April. Thompson completed his firearms instructor recertification last week.

Thomas notified the council about two disaster preparedness training events that are coming up; many local first responders and EMS will be attending. In Montpellier on June 10, there will be a “wobble training” to help prepare for a possible earthquake. On June 17 they will be performing a mock exercise in Snake River Canyon of a tourist bus rollover incident. 

David Waldner of the streets and parks department stated they have begun spring clean-up.

They have purchased new lights for the concession area, installed a new hot water heater in Diamondville Park, moved the dugout to make more room for access, cleaned and tested the carwash bays showing proper functionality and will be upgrading the size of town sign posts to 10x10 to strengthen the foundation. The Diamondville baseball field has been prepped and is ready for the season. 

Local animal shelter Paws and Claws’ request for a waiver to allow pets in Diamondville Park on August 19, for its annual Bark in the Park fundraiser event, was approved.

During the public comment section resident Rosalie Tratnik of the Diamondville Museum Committee presented a proposal to fund a small addition to the Miner’s Park.

“Several years ago a group of us thought a museum would be a great tourist attraction,” said Tratnik. “We have decided that a museum isn’t financially possible to build.”

The committee had raised $19,000 and would like to use the funds to build a patriotic or miner’s theme project to enhance the park as a tourist attraction. 

The council agreed to donate $500 to the Fireworks Committee. The next budget workshop is scheduled for May 9, at 6 p.m., when the council will try to balance the budget, which is currently $14,000 in the hole. 

Council members thanked the department heads and residents for attending the meeting.

“It is nice to see people in the audience,” said councilman Charles Smith. The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.