Sixth Street Speeders

Council hears concerns regarding dangerous rates of speed in town

The Basin Town Council heard concerns about speeding on South Sixth Street at its September 25 meeting. 

Roxanne Brewer, a resident of the street, told the council that she and her husband Bob have witnessed dangerous situations due to speeding. Brewer asked if signs or a flashing light could be put up. The Brewers live across from Washington Park. 

She noted that the speeding runs pretty much the entire length of the street, not just where she is located. She continued that the problem is daily, especially during the summer months. 

The speeders are residents, work pickups, semi-trucks and even tourists.  The tourist enters the street off U.S. Highway 16/20 on the north end of town, some allegedly going 50 mph. According to Brewer, Google Maps is directing travelers to turn onto the street to access Wyoming Highway 30 to get to Yellowstone through Burlington and Cody. 

Bob has stepped out several times, waved people down, pointed out there is a park where children are playing, riding bikes or walking to and from the park or library. Twice since they moved to that home, Roxanne has seen people almost get run over at the corner of Murphy and Sixth streets. One was a woman walking. The other was a child on a bicycle. 

Mayor CJ Duncan said Brewer was not wrong but there was no guarantee that people would obey a sign. A flashing light would cost money that would include an electric meter. “Not saying it isn’t important. Not trying to downplay your concerns by any means.  We can put up a sign on every corner. It’s not going to slow them down.” He continued that the police department patrol the entire town and can’t be at a specific location all the time. 

Brewer asked if she would get in trouble if she got a canned horn and blast the speeders when they go by. Duncan replied she could do that all she wants. He reminded her that she has a responsibility to maintain safety as well. She can’t do things like throwing a ball into the street that might cause an accident. He told her she is welcome to put out a “caution children playing” sign on the corner of her lawn. He also noted that he is not saying the town won’t put up a sign. 

Chief of Police Kyle McClure stated he sat on the street in August but didn’t have any speeders on that day. He wondered if yield signs at various intersections might help people drive more cautiously. He reported he will have some of his officers do extra patrols. 

Also discussed was a crosswalk or a speed dip. Duncan thanked Brewer and said he hoped this discussion would make people more aware of the issue when they drive that street. 

BASIN HERITAGE COMMONS 

Danae Bales informed the council about the nonprofit Basin Heritage Initiative. They have partnered with the Town of Basin Beautification Committee and South Big Horn County Conservation District to create a commons in Basin.  The vacant lot that once housed the Eagles will become the Basin Heritage Commons. It is at the southeast corner of Fourth and C Street. The groundbreaking ceremony is Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. She invited the council and mayor to come to the event. 

Bales explained they are raising $20,000 for the materials. Currently, they have raised just under $4,000. They are selling engraved bricks and pavers for the walkways and garden paths. “The reason is that Basin Heritage Commons is about our heritage, our history and celebrating the people of this town, community, area. When you think about what makes Basin great it is the people.” 

She continued that her best memories growing up in Basin were the people she knew, the teachers she had, families that have been here for multiple generations. The commons give a place to go to celebrate our history. 

The Conservation District is providing plants, flowers and bushes that are native to the area. They are also providing plaques that explain about the plants and why they are important for water conservation, science and how they were important throughout the history of this area. There will also be historical photos throughout the commons. 

The long-term goal of the initiative is not only the commons but eventually to develop a museum for the area to commemorate the history.

Bales noted the location of the commons is nicely central to the downtown businesses. It could host downtown celebrations, community events that could help with foot traffic in those businesses.  

She provided information regarding the cost of the bricks and pavers. The 4x8 bricks are $100 each unless two or more are purchased. Then they are $75 each. The pavers are 8x8. They are $200 each or $165 for two or more. It is not just about commemorating people that have passed on. Families, high school classes, Veterans, organizations, businesses are all welcome to have a brick. Bricks may be ordered in person at the water district and/or online at basinhertiageinitiative.org. 

OTHER BUSINESS

• Councilman Chuck Hopkin gave an update for the rec district. It included pricing for the potential ice rink at Lions Park. A new one would cost around $5,700 plus shipping. Kevin Curt is the new at-large board member for the district. 

• Councilwoman Linda Weeks presented the activities committee report. She noted that Home for the Holidays is Nov. 29. The Basin City Arts Center is showing an afternoon movie. Weeks said the committee was working on having additional activities prior to the lighted parade. Businesses in the area will be running food specials, having open houses and possibly having displays, like Christmas villages, that people can come in and look at. 

•Weeks also provided the Beautification Committee report. Improvements have been made at Russell Park. A new large Town of Basin flag will be ordered to fly there. The town crew is moving one of the benches at South Park to Russell Park. Yard of the month in October will be for the most “spooktacular” decorations. Three homes will be chosen. In November the yard theme is fall-themed. December theme is Christmas. Some committee members will approach building owners to paint holiday scenes on the windows. Specifically empty buildings. A grant for the mural is due Oct. 1. 

• Town Clerk Tony Harrison gave the South Big Horn County Joint Powers Board update. 

• Duncan said he was unable to attend the Big Horn Regional Joint Powers Board, but there wasn’t anything new. 

•An executive session was held to discuss contract negotiations regarding funding for the sewer project.  After executive session, the Council voted to move forward with signing the Letter of Intent and the Request for Obligation with USDA/Rural Development.     This does not obligate the Town to utilize the loan, it just means that should the funds be needed, they would be available for them to access.  

• A building permit was approved for a fence on South Fifth Street/Hoffman. A permit for a shed on skids was approved for Dallman Properties on West F Street. 

• Carmen Olsen from the BCAC asked the town to pay 1/3 of a $3,000 bill for the fire inspection and work. Duncan noted there is a $1,000 line item in the town’s budget for the Center. The council moved to pay the $1,000. Olson also thanked the town’s electrical department for fixing a light at the center. 

• McClure asked for an ordinance clarification regarding mobile vs. manufactured homes. 

• Harrison told the council there was damage at the Basin Boat Ramp Park. The damage included a picnic table and wall items in the women’s bathroom. A person (s) entered the old electric shop as well. Both are under investigation. 

• Town Administrator Deaun Tigner explained there is a workshop on Oct. 2 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to do an assessment on all the town’s buildings. They will discuss how best to use the buildings to be more functional and cost effective. The workshop and testing of the buildings for lead, asbestos, etc. was paid for with a grant.