Road access, building punch lists discussed

by Cat Urbigkit

Doug Mason, attorney for the Mantle Ranch, spoke with Sublette County Commissioners Tuesday about his clients' need for access to their private property, which is land-locked. He explained that the Mantles, from Pavillion, purchased what is known as the old Hicks ranch near Little Half Moon Lake. Mason explained that access to the property has been by historic prescriptive access, but no legal access was ever granted.

The Mantles seek a private easement for use of an existing road through the Main Pass Ranch, but the property owner has declined to grant an easement.

The commission listened to Mason's presentation, and following a procedure outlined in state statutes, appointed three road viewers to review the situation and report back to the commission with their recommendation. Appointed were Gordon Johnston, Paul Hagenstein and Monte Skinner, should they agree to serve. The commission also chose several alternates.

In county construction project business, the commission hosted a discussion of problems with the Big Piney Library. Construction manager Rick Foley explained that crews have addressed items on the punch list for the building.

Mechanical engineer Randy Logan and architect Brad Waters discussed the heating and cooling system at the library, acknowledging that the system doesn't appear to be working properly. Logan said he'd be conferring with the mechanical construction company that installed the system about resolving the problems. Waters discussed the possibility of bringing in an energy inspector to audit the building to identify problem areas.

Waters said he would recommend ventilation of the building's crawl space. Foley said that four or five gaps have appeared in the floating tongue-and-groove wood floor in the building, but are fairly easily adjusted. Foley also agreed to get price estimates for changing out the floor outlets in the library.

As for the courthouse construction project in Pinedale, Foley said the refurbished building would not be ready in time for the Feb. 10 move they had anticipated for the county clerk's office. The move will be about two weeks later, Foley and Waters explained. The county treasurer's office should be able to move by March 2 also.

The next construction project subject to discussion was the Rendezvous Pointe project and the list for completion of that building. Building construction contractor Tony Chambers noted that some of the items on the punch list weren't contractual items in the first place and were actually more suited to a wish list. One item was a warranty issue, Chambers said, noting the punch list has been completed.

"The bottom line is Tony has done an excellent job," Waters said. If additional items or work are needed, the county should request a cost estimate from Chambers, Waters said. The commission agreed to do so.