WHEATLAND — Councilmember Tony Montoya and Wheatland town mayor Brandon Graves expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Tabitha Ennis, on the announcement that she will be leaving the safety program. “OSHA complimented our department heads in some areas that needed addressed, and Tabitha has done a great job there,” said Montoya. 

Graves echoed the sentiment by saying that Ennis has contributed greatly to the safety program and often made otherwise boring topics or presentations fun and interesting. “Many crew leaders have mentioned your name to me, so I also want to thank you,” said Graves. 

Drone Concerns 

A complaint or report was made regarding the use of what appeared to be surveying drones on the 500 block of 7th Street in Wheatland. The witness observed two vehicles; one high-profile van pulling a small U-Haul trailer and a red Chevy pickup. The witness watched from his property across the street but did not approach the vehicles. According to the witness, the drivers each placed a drone atop the vehicle, where they commenced operations, and the drones rose overhead and “flew around for a while.”  

The witness commented that this activity and behavior seemed suspicious to him.  Mayor Graves admitted that it seemed unusual. The witness then described a call to police dispatch during which he related what he had just seen. According to the dispatcher, a call was made earlier to inform police that the US military would be in the area. By the time police arrived, the vehicles and drones had left the area, according to the witness.  

“These men were all bearded-up. Are they sleeper cells? What are my rights over my property?” he inquired. He also wondered if any other city officials or authorities had been made aware of “special-ops” in Wheatland. 

Wheatland legal counsel Doug Weaver stated that there are no “rights” in the air over property, just as an airplane could fly right overhead and take pictures or survey. “It’s not illegal to fly drones in Wheatland,” said Weaver. Weaver did ask if the license plate numbers were documented. 

 The witness said he was not close enough to get a good look. “I just wanted to make you guys aware of this activity,” he said. 

Liquor License Transfer 

An application for transfer of a liquor license from Big Dog’s Lanes to the Fast Stop in Wheatland was ultimately denied as councilmembers cited historic decisions of similar weight and objective as their reasoning for the unanimous decision. 

Councilmember Montoya said, “Our decisions here affect everyone in this town. I know everyone in this town and it is sometimes difficult to make certain decisions. Everyone is involved - I know all of you here tonight. But going by past-practice, I don’t see this request being any different, and I would rely heavily on past-practices in this case.”  

Montoya went on to describe a previous request for liquor license from the Maverik station and it was denied; in part due to the fact minors were employed there, and families with children of all ages came and went, making access to liquor seem a bit too convenient. After much discussion and sound points from all sides, the transfer of license was ultimately denied. An additional request to apply for a bar and grill liquor license was then rescinded by Kevin Jenkins, owner of Big Dog’s Lanes. 

National Apprenticeship Week 

A proclamation was made to acknowledge the 9th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW).  This is a nationwide celebration and opportunity for industry, labor, workforce, equity, education, and government leaders to educate and showcase the value and successes of Registered Apprenticeship programs that ultimately helps rebuild the economy, advances equity, and supports underserved communities.  NAW provides a training model that is industry-driven and creates a talented pipeline of human resources to address workforce challenges across the nation.  

Dumpster Complaint 

An additional complaint of damage caused by a rolling dumpster off Banner Health property and into the side of a parked vehicle was addressed. According to the complainant, after a Banner Health employee added trash to the barrel, the dumpster rolled free, hitting her vehicle where it was parked, damaging a taillight and door. The case is currently under investigation with appropriate paperwork underway as well as a request to see videotaped footage of the accident; the question remains regarding fault:  the Town of Wheatland, or Banner Health.  Councilmember Tony Montoya suggested tabling the complaint until video footage could be viewed in its entirety.  

Heritage Month 

Native American Heritage Month in the city of Wheatland during November was proclaimed, which is a designated time that celebrates the individual and combined contributions of all those who have shaped our country. One purpose is to celebrate native tribal peoples by conducting ceremonies, events, and education around the culture.  

Storage/Dump Station Progress 

Conversation regarding the progress of Three Lakes Storage, a privately owned RV storage and dump station was discussed in which lot rental fees, dump fees, and city utility fees were detailed and negotiated. The site is to feature RV as well as boat storage lots in addition to grey and black water dumping. The site is not, as of yet, renting space, but progress is being made.