Pinedale local news summary

Town Faces Difficult Decisions on Community Funding

Council Discusses Failed Concrete on New Section of Charles Street

Officials Raise Alarm Over Youth Bike and E-Scooter Safety

Council Debates Spay/Neuter Policy for Town Animals

Jorgensen Associates Recommended for Wastewater Treatment Plant Project

1. Town Faces Difficult Decisions on Community Funding

PINEDALE - The Pinedale Town Council heard presentations from nine local non-profit organizations requesting a total of $101,000 in funding for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the council has only budgeted $67,500 for these “contract for services,” a figure tied directly to a downturn in the town’s revenue. Organizations that presented included youth services like the Children’s Discovery Center and Pinedale Preschool, senior support from Rendezvous Pointe, and animal welfare groups like Happy Endings Animal Rescue (HEAR). The mayor cautioned the groups that the town faces “difficult decisions and choices” and will likely have to provide harder answers than in previous years. These contracts are considered beneficial to the town’s population, helping to make Pinedale more livable and increasing the quality of life. The council will make its final funding decisions at a future meeting. 

2. Council Discusses Failed Concrete on New Section of Charles Street

PINEDALE - A section of Charles Street, built last year as part of the Dollar General development, has failed to hold up through its first winter. The concrete surface has significantly spalled off after the initial tests on the concrete failed to meet town standards. During a discussion, the town’s public works director explained that the contractor has proposed a solution for the faulty road. Rather than a complete replacement, which would cost over $100,000, the plan is to wait through a second winter to ensure no further structural issues arise. Afterwards, the contractor will mill the top two inches of the damaged concrete and pave over it with asphalt, a repair estimated to cost between $20,000 and $30,000. Town officials believe this will result in a stronger final product, as the remaining concrete will serve as a “fantastic base material”. 

3. Officials Raise Alarm Over Youth Bike and E-Scooter Safety

PINEDALE - Citing scary and dangerous behavior, town officials expressed urgent concern for child safety, particularly regarding bicycles and e-scooters on Pine Street and near the library on South Tyler. Council members and the sheriff’s office noted that many children on bikes and scooters are “flying by” without looking or stopping, creating a “disaster” waiting to happen. The problem seems especially prevalent among middle school-aged children using e-scooters and e-bikes. The conversation included plans to release a public safety message and to work with school principals and resource officers to provide safety education for students when school resumes in August. The proper use of the HAWK crossing lights was also highlighted as a key area for public education, as officials believe most kids are unaware they are required to use them. 

4. Council Debates Spay/Neuter Policy for Town Animals

PINEDALE - A debate over animal welfare policy emerged when a council member questioned the town’s practice of adopting out animals without first spaying or neutering them. The discussion arose during a presentation by Happy Endings Animal Rescue (HEAR), which advocated for the town to adopt such a policy to help control the pet population. The mayor explained that the town has not made it a mandatory policy because they have encountered residents who specifically want to adopt an animal that is not fixed, sometimes for breeding purposes. The conversation, which touched on issues of cost and misinformation about spaying and neutering, concluded with an agreement to have a more in-depth discussion about the issue at a future council meeting. 

5. Jorgensen Associates Recommended for Wastewater Treatment Plant Project

PINEDALE - The town council’s staff has recommended hiring Jorgensen Associates, Inc. as the engineering consultant for the upcoming Wastewater Treatment Facility project. Jorgensen was one of two firms interviewed for the crucial role in the multi-phase infrastructure project. According to the scoring summary, Jorgensen’s team and knowledge of the program were particularly strong, earning them a score of 92 out of 100, compared to the other applicant’s 84. The mayor praised their presentation as “seamless” and a model for how such interviews should be conducted. The town will now move into contract negotiations with the firm, with a final contract to be brought before the council for approval at a later date. 

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