MARBLETON – Marbleton Town Councilmembers Jeff McCormick and Roger McMannis had the honor of opening two sealed envelopes to compare bids inside with town specifications at the council’s Oct. 9 meeting.

Neither filled the bill, though, and they, councilmember Karen Wenz and Mayor Jim Robinson voted to reopen the search.

One from Fremont Motors in Lander was a brand new 2023 Dodge Ram 1-ton V-8 fitted with a toolbox and bed-liner at a price of $60,636.86. The other from Fremont Chevrolet in Riverton was a 2024 Chevy Duramax that runs on diesel for $45,005.

Public works supervisor Todd Brown commented that his department preferred a gas-fueled Ford or Chevy. “Neither one complied with the specs.”

“Gas motors only,” McMannis said.

Town clerk Shannon McCormick said they did reserve the right to decline any bids.

Robinson asked for a motion to accept either bid; it died for a lack of motion to accept.

“Nothing from Sublette or Lincoln County?” Robinson said. “I’m amazed we didn’t get one.”

Brown said he would prefer to put it back out even out of state. Town attorney Thayne Peterson advised if the town goes that route, to have a public bid opening right before a council meeting so details could be entered into a spreadsheet.

McCormick said the council can request bids just for Fords or Chevys in the next notice. The council, with BJ Meador absent, approved the new notice, 4-0.

Marbleton’s Sam Bixler reported that the state did not approve the town’s grant request for gray-water treatment, calling the state board “overwhelmed” with municipal applications.

However, Rocky Mountain Power Foundation is offering an outdoor recreation grant to $7,500, he said. Staff suggestions included a putt-putt course, water park, a new playground set or new nets at the tennis court.

“How about a gas line and overhead heating for the water line at the fish pond building,” Brown said.

“The place could have a little more heat in wintertime,” McMannis agreed.

Other big-ticket items mentioned could be brought up at next year’s budget talks, staff agreed. The council approved a motion to get a cost estimate for the gas line and overhead heating in the fish pond building.

Brown and Bixler reported that they and others attended the county commissioners’ Oct. 2 meeting in person and online for the bike path discussion. The rec board will do an inventory working with the county and Pinedale, Marbleton and Big Piney.

“It was brought to my attention – it is not going unnoticed that we are good business partners with the towns and county.”

On a different note, Flicks N Pins’ manager Mike Orham reported that bowling and food sales are steadily up but movie ticket sales are down.

“Our market has changed,” he said. “A lot of it is people are waiting three weeks to stream movies at home.”

“This is a huge topic to start with after New Year’s,” he said. “Can we get something else in there? To me, it’s a public building and if movies are not what they want to see, what does the public want?”

The mayor asked if something like video golf could be added to the town’s entertainment center.

Orham said he’s looked at arcade games or perhaps renting out a theater. Going to one theater – each has 100 seats – could limit their “blockbuster” movie choices and timing as well, he added.

“It’s fine to look at everything,” Robinson said. “This is a community quality-of-life issue. I’m all for following the herd to supply the most people with entertainment.”

Peterson asked about simulcasting Ultimate Fighting, which Orham said he can book if the community wants that.

“I think the movie theater is a great asset – anything that makes the quality of life better in the community,” Wenz said.

“There’s no problem looking at an investment,” Robinson said. “That’s our job. I don’t think anything’s off the table right now.”

Councilmembers said they will bring some ideas to the Nov. 13 meeting and Robinson said the council will plan a wide community discussion.

In other news

• The mayor and council read and approved the proclamation of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. They noted that more men speak up now as victims.

• The council approved loaning the fire tower facility as requested by the county’s Cass Urbigkit.

• The council also approved spending up to $500 to survey exactly where the town’s water line runs under a right-of-way by a private building under construction.

• The public hearing and second reading of Ordinance #2023-03, Zone Change Fee to Be Set by Resolution, were approved.

• Brown agreed to contact WYDOT about a wind-blasted “STOP sign that does not say ‘stop.’”

• Robinson encouraged people to speak up against Rocky Mountain Power’s proposed 30-percent rate hike. “If the Town of Marbleton is hit with a 30-percent increase, that will be passed on.”

• The council adjourned into an executive session for the possibility of litigation. No action was taken.