Cody staff report rapid storm response; city releases capital-plan notebooks outlining $150M-plus 10-year needs

City staff told the City of Cody council on March 17 that crews, contractors and volunteers mounted a quick response after a recent windstorm and that most power outages had been restored within a day.

Tony (staff member) thanked crews and volunteers and highlighted ongoing work to finalize the city’s capital plan. "The response ... was amazing. It was seamless," Tony said, thanking contractors and volunteers. He noted the city has distributed capital-plan notebooks and will present the capital plan at an upcoming meeting.

Philip Bowman, reporting on utilities, said the city initially estimated "approximately 350 residences and businesses" without power after the event but, after review, reported the final tally closer to 380 outages; city crews, with help from Garland Light and Power, had reestablished power to most customers by about 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Bowman said crews replaced six power poles on Thursday night and identified two additional poles for likely replacement after testing. He reported the city’s crews and contractors removed or addressed about 20 fallen or damaged trees in city parks and public spaces. Bowman said the city currently knows of one private service still without power and staff have been unable to reach that property owner.

Tony also told council the capital-plan notebooks outline a roughly 10-year capital plan and that, across all funds, the plan lists "a little over a 150 some million dollars over 10 years," a planning-level compilation rather than an appropriation for the coming year. He said the capital plan is intended to inform budget conversations and project sequencing going forward.

Council members thanked staff and volunteers for the response. The mayor adjourned the meeting after brief closing remarks.