Public Meetings - Cheyenne, Wyoming

The Cheyenne City Council met on March 13, 2023 at 1:00 PM for a regular meeting. Key items included a high-profile zoning dispute, approval of several ordinances, and extensive public comment on a proposed lease for a new animal impound facility. The meeting ran approximately four hours and included public hearings, multiple readings of ordinances, and committee referrals. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (items marked [CA]) was approved unanimously. This included approval of the February 27, 2023 meeting minutes, a resolution to discharge uncollectible debts, a resolution prioritizing downtown 6th Penny Tax projects, a resolution regarding Impact Assistance Funds for the Gold King mine application, a labor agreement with Cheyenne Firefighters, a professional services agreement with McGee, Hearne & Paiz (not to exceed $180,850), several agreements and leases (HollyFrontier sponsorship, umpires, right-of-way license, gymnastics facility plans, fiber optic easement, Meals on Wheels lease), and several bid awards (sanitation transfer station reroof, used SUVs, litter fences, refuse carts, fire engine). Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing – Annexation at 908 Southwest Drive: Staff reported the 3.47-acre property met annexation conditions. No public comment. Councilman Aldrich inquired about neighbor notifications; staff confirmed 300-foot notification was sent for the associated zone change with no comments received. - Public Hearing – Zoning Change for Ridge Road/Holland Court: Over 25 residents and stakeholders spoke. Most neighboring residents opposed the high-density NR-3 zoning, citing drainage concerns, traffic (estimated 279 additional cars on Holland Court), compatibility, and property values. Speakers supporting the project included the SE Wyoming Builders Association, Gateway Construction/Bedrock Development representatives, and several professionals who argued the housing shortage and need for workforce housing justified the density. The developer offered to reduce building height to two stories for the first 120 feet and committed to addressing drainage. - Public Comment on Animal Shelter Lease: During “Other Business,” nearly 20 residents spoke against the city’s plan to sign a lease for a new impound facility and cancel the contract with the Cheyenne Animal Shelter (CAS). Speakers included representatives from Black Dog Animal Rescue, CAS staff and volunteers, and residents who praised CAS’s services and urged renegotiation. No one spoke in favor of the lease. Discussion Items - Zoning Change – Ridge Road/Holland Court (Item 7): The council considered third reading of an ordinance to rezone 10 acres from A-1 Agriculture to NR-3 (Neighborhood Residential High Density). Councilman Laybourne explained his no vote, citing neighborhood compatibility and the planning commission’s 4-3 denial. Councilwoman Aldrich and Councilman Escobel supported the project, citing housing needs and the developer’s community engagement. Councilman Cook moved to amend to MR (Medium Residential), but that amendment failed 4-5. The main motion for NR-3 then failed 7-2 (with one absence counted as no), needing 8 votes. - UDC Enforcement Amendments (Item 8): Ordinance to strengthen enforcement of site plan landscaping requirements, with a substitute removing revocation as a penalty. Approved unanimously. - Zone Change – Old Happy Jack Road/Lincolnway (Item 9): Third reading to rezone from MUB and CB to CB. Approved unanimously. - Sunnyside Annexation and Zoning (Items 10, 11): Second reading to annex five county pockets and rezone them from County MU to MUB and CB. Approved unanimously. - Final Plat – Dell Range Addition (Item 15): Resolution to approve final plat consolidating parcels. Approved 8-1 (Councilman Laybourne opposed). - MOU with Granite Peak/Swan Ranch (Item 19c): Memorandum of Understanding to pay past development fees and restate agreements. Approved with a substitute clean-up. - MOU with Downtown Development Authority (Item 19d): Agreement for city to provide administrative and marketing staff to DDA. Approved with a substitute removing a $250,000 mill levy transfer. - Liquor License Renewals (Item 21a): Renewed all except Poor Richards (ownership change) and Dog House (permanent closure). Those two died without a second. - Union Pacific Railroad Donation (Item – Reconsideration): Reconsidered and approved a donation agreement for four railroad cars, with a substitute incorporating Union Pacific’s requested changes (virtual closing, Wyoming choice of law, etc.). Approved 8-2 (Councilman Laybourne and Aldrich opposed). - Novo Benefits Prescription Drug Program (Reconsideration): Moved to postpone for two weeks to address employee concerns; approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - NR-3 Zoning Change Denied: The requested high-density residential zoning for the Ridge Road/Holland Court property failed to achieve the required supermajority (7-3). The land remains without city zoning, pending further action. - Seven Ordinances Approved: Amendments to the UDC (Item 8), zone change at Old Happy Jack Road (Item 9), annexation and zoning for Sunnyside pockets (Items 10-11), final plat (Item 15), MOU with Granite Peak (19c), MOU with DDA (19d), and Union Pacific donation (reconsidered) all passed. - Liquor License Renewals: All eligible renewals approved; two removed. - Novo Benefits Postponed: Program for specialty prescription drug advocacy delayed two weeks for further review. - Next Steps: The animal shelter lease (Item 19j on the agenda) was not voted on; public comment urged negotiation. Council President Johnson noted it would likely be discussed at the March 20 Finance Committee and March 27 regular meeting.

The City Council met on February 27, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, two public hearings, several ordinance readings, and resolutions. Key topics included a contested zone change for a proposed high-density residential development, amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) enforcement, and a new prescription drug assistance program for city employees. The meeting lasted several hours with significant public testimony. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the regular meeting on February 13, 2023, and special meeting on February 16, 2023, were approved. - Item 23F (Professional Services Contract for Board of Adjustment) and Item 23C (Memorandum of Understanding with Arts Cheyenne) were removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion. All other consent items (Items 15–20, 23a, 23b, 23d, 23e, 23g, 23i, 23j, 23k, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 25a) were approved en bloc. Public Comments & Testimony - Liquor License Renewals (Item 7a): City Clerk reported excellent compliance; no public testimony offered. - Annexation Public Hearing (Item 7b): No public testimony was offered regarding the 9.87-acre Sunnyside Addition annexation. The hearing was closed. - Zone Change for Ridge Road/Holland Court (Item 9): Numerous residents spoke in opposition to the proposed NR3 (Neighborhood Residential-High Density) zoning. Concerns included increased traffic (estimated 1,396 daily trips, with 698 on Holland Court), drainage issues in Thomas Heights, property values, and neighborhood character. Several speakers urged adoption of the existing MR (Medium Density Residential) zone. The developer, Jason Stephens of Bedrock Development, spoke in favor of NR3, noting that the site cannot support single-family housing due to sewer line elevation and that 210 apartments (reduced from 300) would provide needed workforce housing at rents of $1,600–$1,800/month. The City Planning staff recommended approval. - UDC Enforcement Amendments (Item 10): No public testimony. - Zone Map Amendment (Item 11): No public testimony. - PaydHealth Resolution (Item 21): One city employee expressed concerns about the program's voluntary nature and business practices. - Arts Cheyenne MOU (Item 23c): Bill Lindstrom, Executive Director of Arts Cheyenne, spoke in support of the MOU and funding. Discussion Items - Annexation Ordinance (Item 8, Third Reading): Owner-initiated annexation of land southwest of Ridge Road and Holland Court. Approved unanimously (9-0). - Zone Change (Item 9, Third Reading): Proposed change from County A-1 Agriculture to NR3. Council debated at length. A motion to amend to MR failed (4-7). The main motion to approve NR3 received 7 votes in favor, but needed 8 affirmative votes (supermajority) and therefore failed (7-3). Subsequently, a motion to postpone the zoning item for two weeks was approved, allowing the developer to evaluate the MR zone option. - UDC Enforcement Amendments (Item 10, Second Reading): Staff explained the amendment would allow enforcement of approved site plans without a time limit. Councilmembers debated whether to impose a timeline; no amendment was made. Approved 8-1 (Rennie opposed). - Zone Map Amendment (Item 11, Second Reading): Reclassification from MUB/CB to CB. Approved unanimously. - Annexation First Reading (Item 12) and Zone Map First Reading (Item 13): Referred to Public Services Committee. - Final Plat – Dell Range Addition (Item 14): Associated with Item 8/9; postponed two weeks. - PaydHealth Resolution (Item 21): After discussion about data privacy and program structure, a motion to postpone failed. Adopted 8-1 (Escobel opposed). The program is expected to save the city approximately $500,000 annually through alternative funding for specialty prescription drugs. - Preliminary Plat – Hill Heights Addition (Item 22): Developer requested amendment to allow up to 10 lots (previously 8). Approved as amended. - Memorandum of Understanding with Arts Cheyenne (Item 23c): Approved 5-3 (Johnson, Cook, Rennie opposed). Funding of $50,000 (unrestricted) will support public art management, inventory, and interpretation. - Professional Services Contract – Board of Adjustment (Item 23f): Amended to correct reference amount to $7,200; approved unanimously. - Donation Agreement – Union Pacific Railroad (Item 23h): Amended to accept four railroad cars (removed exhibits A and C). Approved 7-2 (Layborn, Aldridge opposed). Key Outcomes - Approved: Annexation (Item 8), UDC amendments (Item 10), zone map amendment (Item 11), PaydHealth resolution (Item 21), Hill Heights preliminary plat (Item 22), Arts Cheyenne MOU (Item 23c with $50,000), Board of Adjustment contract (Item 23f), Union Pacific donation (Item 23h). - Postponed: Zone change for Ridge Road/Holland Court (Item 9) and associated final plat (Item 14) for two weeks. - Referred: Sunnyside annexation (Item 12) and zoning (Item 13) to Public Services Committee. - Next Steps: Public hearing announced for March 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. regarding 3.47 acres at 908 Southwest Drive.

The Cheyenne City Council met on February 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The agenda included a public hearing on a retail liquor license transfer for a tourism-oriented off-track betting facility, three ordinance readings on annexations and zoning changes, a resolution to direct staff on an open space maintenance MOU, and several bids and contracts. Public comments were heard on multiple items, and the council deferred action on the Ridge Road/Holland Court annexation and related items to February 27, 2023. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the regular meeting of January 23, 2023, and the special meeting of February 6, 2023. - Adopted resolutions reappropriating the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, expressing support for naming a new road segment after USS Cheyenne (SSN-773), and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign final plats for Dell Range Addition, Sixth Filing, Back 40 Subdivision, Third Filing, and Centennial Heritage, 2nd Filing. - Approved professional services agreements with Trihydro Corporation (landfill methane mitigation, not to exceed $56,213), and with Overstreet Homar & Kuker for legal services for the Contractor Licensing Board and Board of Adjustment. - Approved a real estate purchase agreement with Keizer Inc. for 4.009 acres for greenway expansion (not to exceed $168,000). - Accepted bids for 50 trash receptacles ($58,000 from Conserv Flag Company), 2023 City Overlay Part 1 (not to exceed $2,098,178.40 from JTL Group/Knife River), and other items referred to committees. Public Comments & Testimony - Liquor License Transfer (Horse Palace): Nick Hughes, President of Wyoming Horse Racing, presented the proposal for a tourism-oriented off-track betting (OTB) facility at Swan Ranch. He stated the facility would include a 300-unit gaming area, restaurants, a stage, and potential hotel. Estimated annual tax revenue for Cheyenne: $2.6 million; $700,000 in purse money for Wyoming-bred horses. Total investment: $25.3 million. 60 full-time and 150 temporary construction jobs. 76% of customers expected from out of state. The transfer of the retail liquor license from Poor Richard’s is needed for the entertainment center. Council members asked about security, emergency response, and starting wages ($16/hour plus tips). No public opposition was voiced. The item was assigned to the Finance Committee. - Annexation and Zoning (Ridge Road/Holland Court): Multiple residents spoke. John Pike (Sage Bridge Avenue) expressed support for annexation but asked about drainage and infrastructure. Rebecca Murchy (3222 Thomas Road) asked when developer plans would be shared with neighbors. Josh Applegate (Thomas Road) opposed the high-density zoning, arguing it would lower property values and increase traffic, and expressed frustration with the two-week postponement. The developer representatives (Cooper Perryman of AVI Engineering and Matthew Casper of Gateway Construction) requested the postponement to gather more public input and refine designs. - Other Business: Zem Hopkins (1317 Jesse) asked about the city’s snow removal policy, particularly plowing of baseball parking lots. Jason Sanchez, Community Recreation & Events, explained that lots are plowed for staff access to maintenance buildings and to prevent damage from vehicles doing donuts. Mayor Collins noted the city’s snow plan prioritizes arterial roads, bus routes, and downtown. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Liquor License Transfer (Horse Palace): The council heard from Nick Hughes and asked questions. No objections from the public. The item was assigned to the Finance Committee for further consideration. - Ordinances – Annexation and Zoning (Ridge Road/Holland Court): Items 8, 9, and 15 (annexation, zoning change to NR-3, and final plat) were postponed by a 9-0 vote to the February 27, 2023 meeting, after the Public Services Committee meeting on February 22, 2023 at noon. The developer requested the postponement to work with neighbors on design concessions. - Ordinance – Annexation and Zoning (Southwest Drive/I-80): Items 10 and 11 were approved on third reading. The annexation of land east of Southwest Drive north of I-80 and the corresponding zoning change to LI Light Industrial were both passed unanimously (9-0). - Ordinance – Vacating West 19th Street: Item 12, vacating a street platted but never built, was approved unanimously (9-0). - Resolution – Saddle Ridge Open Space MOU: The council debated a resolution directing staff to prepare an MOU for the city to accept ownership of three tracts as open space in Saddle Ridge 18th Filing, with the HOA responsible for maintenance. Developer Brad Edwards argued for city ownership to maintain consistency, provide governmental immunity, and allow public access to sledding and picnic areas. Councilmember Seagrave opposed, stating the city gains no benefit and staff is not interested. Councilmember Escobel supported the unique recreational opportunity. The resolution was adopted on a voice vote, with Councilmembers Aldridge and Seagrave opposed. - Bid – 17th Street Lighting Improvements Phase II: The council approved the bid from Pole Mountain Electric, Inc. for $476,989.38, with an amendment to fund the balance of $282,341.38 from the 2021 Specific Purpose Option Tax Fund for downtown projects. Councilmember White congratulated staff on completing the project. The bid was approved on a voice vote after the amendment passed. - Appointments: Sheriff Brian Kozak and John Brodie were appointed to the Laramie County Community Juvenile Services Joint Powers Board unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Liquor License Transfer: Assigned to Finance Committee (no vote on transfer). - Ridge Road Annexation/Zoning/Plat: Postponed to February 27, 2023 (motion passed 9-0). - Southwest Drive Annexation: Approved 9-0 on third reading. - Southwest Drive Zoning Change: Approved 9-0 on third reading. - West 19th Street Vacation: Approved 9-0 on third reading. - Saddle Ridge Open Space MOU: Adopted on voice vote; two opposed (Aldridge, Seagrave). - 17th Street Lighting Bid: Approved with amendment to fund balance from 2021 SPOT; voice vote, no opposition. - Appointments: Approved unanimously. - Emergency Procurement: Noted for fleet maintenance sanitary sewer repair ($84,995). - Upcoming Meetings: Finance Committee on February 21, 2023 at noon; Public Services Committee on February 22, 2023 at noon; next Council meeting February 27, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. (including public hearings on liquor license renewals and annexation compliance).

At 6 PM on January 23, 2023, the Cheyenne City Council convened in Council Chambers to address a lengthy agenda covering annexations, zoning changes, a contested Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resolution, public safety agreements, and other routine business. All ten council members were present (Mayor Collins, Messrs. Cook, Escabel, Johnson, Layborn, Royble, Seagrave, White, Drs. Aldrich and Rennie). Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from the January 9, 2023 regular meeting. [CA] - Approved Ordinance (3rd Reading) updating the Cheyenne Police Department pay plan for FY2022‑2023 (cost‑of‑living adjustment). [CA] - Adopted resolutions for: (13) Water/sewer services for UMC Properties (outside user agreements); (14) Final plat for Maltese Cross subdivision; (16) Reappropriation of FY2023 budget (referred to Finance); (17) MOU directive for Saddle Ridge open space (referred to Public Services); (18) Support for naming a road segment after USS Cheyenne (referred to Public Services after correction from Finance); (19) SLIB ARPA grant application for flood control at East Dell Range/Van Buren (referred to Finance). [CA] - Approved Leases/Contracts/Professional Services Agreements: (b) Storey Boulevard Extension design ($175,747.50); (c) Southwest Drive Corridor Plan ($116,480.00); (d) MOU with Dozzer, LLC for platting; (e) Sub‑award for community paramedicine services; (f) Real estate purchase from Keizer Inc. (referred to Finance); (g) Landfill methane mitigation work plan (referred to Finance). [CA] - Approved Contract Modification 1 for Cheyenne Public Safety Center finishing (referred to Finance). [CA] - Approved Bids/Purchases: (a) Cemeteries Irrigation System Replacement ($2,068,800 – originally removed for separate vote); (b) 50 trash receptacles (referred to Finance); (c) 17th Street Lighting Phase II (referred to Finance); (d) 2023 City Overlay Part 1 (referred to Finance). [CA] - Item 22A (cemetery irrigation bid) was removed from consent by Councilmember Layborn and later approved unanimously after discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Annexation/Zoning – Ridge Road & Holland Court (Items 7 & 8): Numerous neighbors spoke in opposition. John Cecil (adjacent resident) questioned drainage planning, parking capacity (1.5 spaces per unit), and school impacts. Peggy Escamilla and Sharon Tuggle raised concerns about traffic, crime, and neighborhood character. Rebecca Murchy read a letter from a neighbor citing safety, pipeline hazards, and loss of trust. Jeanette Wallace spoke in favor of the developer (Jason Stephen/Gateway Construction), emphasizing his local track record and need for middle‑income housing. Christy Barrelman noted traffic already problematic at Ridge/Story. Roger Alexander provided density calculations (207 units on 10.7 acres = 58 people/acre vs. 20 in Crestridge) and argued incompatibility. Multiple others echoed traffic, drainage, and property value worries. Brad Emmons (AVI agent) noted a petition triggered a supermajority requirement (eight votes) for the zoning change on third reading. - CDBG Resolution (Item 12): Dan Dorrse (Habitat for Humanity) urged keeping the grant, citing lack of local replacement funding. Brenda Burkle (My Front Door) asked for more time to retool the program. Julie Gleam (Cheyenne Landlords Association) provided historical figures ($3.9M+ in early decades) and warned against following Casper’s regretted decision. Pastor Steve Gannison shared a personal story of CDBG help after a sewage flood, stressing the program’s importance. Scott Hoversland (online) clarified allocation formulas. Discussion Items - Annexation at Ridge Road & Holland Court (Item 7): After public comment, Councilmember Cook moved to approve on second reading, seconded by Seagrave. Several council members supported the annexation as part of the council’s goal to eliminate 65 county pockets. Mayor Collins noted health/safety benefits. Dr. Aldrich stated she would vote for annexation but would decide on zoning later. The ordinance passed on second reading. - Zoning Change to NR3 for Same Property (Item 8): The Public Services Committee had no recommendation (motion to approve failed). Councilmember Cook moved to approve; seconded by Royble. Extensive debate followed. City Engineer Cobb reviewed the traffic study (Level of Service D at Story/Ridge) and noted ongoing discussions about limiting Holland Court to fire access only. Developer Jason Stephen offered to cap building heights at two stories within 120 feet of the west property line to mitigate visual impact, but emphasized that single‑family homes were not financially feasible. Dr. Aldrich, Escabel, Rennie, and Layborn opposed the zoning due to density, traffic, and compatibility. The motion passed on second reading (6–4). The final (third) reading will require a supermajority if the petition is certified. - Annexation and Zoning – Southwest Drive/I‑80 (Items 9 & 10): No public comment. Councilmember Cook moved to approve both on second reading. Passed. - Street Vacation – West 19th Street (Item 11): No public comment. Moved and approved on second reading. - CDBG Resolution (Item 12): Councilmember Royble moved to adopt the resolution (i.e., decline the CDBG entitlement). The Finance Committee had no recommendation. Dr. Rennie questioned whether oversight could be improved; Ms. Smith explained HUD’s two‑year review lag and eligibility risks. Councilmember White noted Casper’s city manager said they do not regret relinquishing the grant. Dr. Aldrich urged voting no, arguing the program can be revamped within the current five‑year cycle. Layborn stressed that no public speaker supported ending the grant and warned of lost services. The motion to adopt failed (3–6? Actually the recorded no votes were White, Cook, Aldrich, Rennie, Royble, Layborn – six opposed; the three ayes were likely Johnson, Seagrave, and one other). The resolution was rejected, meaning the city will retain its CDBG entitlement status. - MOU for Law Enforcement Assistance (Item 20a): Councilmember Royble moved to approve; seconded by White. Dr. Aldrich offered a substitute to ensure compliance with state billing statutes. The substitute was approved, then the main motion carried as amended. - Cemetery Irrigation Bid (Item 22a): Councilmember Royble moved to approve the $2,068,800 bid from Cheeney Landscaping. Layborn and White spoke in favor, noting the project used voter‑approved funds and included low‑water grass options. Approved. - Appointments (Items 23a, 23b): Robert Jarosh appointed as Administrative Hearing Officer for a contested‑case hearing. Robin Bocanegra appointed to the Housing and Community Development Advisory Council. Both approved. Key Outcomes - Annexation of Ridge Road/Holland Court property approved on second reading (final reading scheduled for three weeks). - Zoning change to NR3 approved on second reading (6‑4). Third reading will require a supermajority if a petition is certified (29% of adjacent residents signed). - CDBG entitlement grant retained – the resolution to decline it failed (6 opposed, 3–4 in favor). The city will continue the program for at least the current five‑year cycle. - Police pay plan update approved on third and final reading. - MOU with Cheyenne Police Department and Laramie Police Department approved as amended for extraterritorial assistance. - Cemetery irrigation replacement project awarded to Cheeney Landscaping for $2,068,800. - Street vacation, Southwest Drive annexation, and related zoning all approved on second reading. - Two appointments confirmed. - Council went into executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss union negotiations and property acquisition (no votes taken).

The Cheyenne City Council met on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. The meeting covered multiple annexations, zoning changes, building and fire code updates, a cost-of-living adjustment for employees, and several contracts and agreements. Key discussions included a proposed ordinance to standardize board and commission procedures, which failed on second reading, and a resolution to decline Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which was postponed for two weeks. Consent Calendar - Approved: Minutes from December 27, 2022, January 3, 2023 (sine die and first regular meeting), resolutions declining CDBG funds (Item 24 – removed), certifying annexation compliance, approving water/sewer agreements for North Range Business Park, authorizing a final plat for Maltese Cross, and several contracts/agreements (Items 28b–28e removed). All remaining consent items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Ridge Road Annexation (10.7 acres, Item 8a): John Cecil (3217 Smith Place) raised concerns about drainage and sewer capacity, stating the area is a bowl with no outlet and the only drainage path goes through his yard. He also cited existing sewer mains at capacity. Rebecca Murchy (3222 Thomas Road) opposed the annexation, arguing that three three-story apartment buildings would not fit the single-family neighborhood and would decrease property values. Peggy Eskamy (3231 Smith Place) echoed concerns, stating the proposed 203–207 apartment units would add 400+ vehicles and severely impact quality of life and property values. - Southwest Drive Annexation (7.68 acres, Item 8b): No public testimony. - Poor Richard’s Liquor License Transfer (Item 8c): The applicant withdrew the request; no testimony. - Building Code Updates (Item 13): Joe Patterson (Homes by Guardian) thanked staff for collaboration and provided cost details: fourplex sprinkler systems cost approximately $19,360 per fourplex (splitting domestic line) or $16,941 (separate fire line), averaging $4,235–$4,335 per unit. He noted 2018 costs were lower. Eric Adams (Gateway Construction) estimated lower costs ($11,000 additional per fourplex with split domestic line). Both expressed support for the code updates. - CDBG Resolution (Item 24): Amy Speaker (Laramie County Community Partnership) stated affordable housing is the top need and that CDBG funds provide about $300,000 annually to community partners; losing entitlement status would hinder access. Aaron LeBlanc (Laramie County Senior Center) described past CDBG-funded projects (windows, HVAC) and noted that applying to WCDA would be highly competitive and less favorable for nonprofits. Taylor Albert (Needs Inc. Food Pantry) reported that CDBG grants supported 94 households per day (up from 31 pre-pandemic) and that the grant process, though onerous, is worthwhile. Brenda Brook (My Front Door) said CDBG helped purchase a building serving multiple nonprofits, enabling events and first-time homeownership programs; she emphasized generational benefits. Steve Gannon (CDBG board member since 1999) urged the council to find ways to use the funds rather than return them, citing past successes like the Depot project and funding for parks and low-income areas. Discussion Items - Annexations and Zoning (Items 9–12): City-owned properties (south of Atlantic Drive/Taft Avenue and south of 6th Street/College Drive) were annexed and rezoned for future greenway development. All passed 10-0 on third reading. - Building and Fire Code Updates (Items 13–15): Three ordinances updating building and fire codes to align with state adoption. Opposition (Councilors Johnson, Seagrave, Rennie) argued they increase multifamily housing costs by requiring fire suppression systems, counteracting affordable housing goals. Councilor Aldridge noted that not adopting would risk losing the city’s authority to conduct inspections. Item 13 passed 7-3 (Johnson, Rennie, Seagrave no). Items 14 and 15 passed similarly. - Boards and Commissions Ordinance (Item 16): A proposed ordinance to set minimum standards for boards and commissions (training, Robert’s Rules, conflict of interest) faced significant debate. Councilor Dr. Rennie argued many provisions were problematic (mandatory training with potential $750 fine/6 months jail, staff liaison requirements, conflict recusal language). Councilor Aldridge defended the need for consistency and transparency. A motion to postpone for two weeks failed 5-5. The ordinance then failed on second reading (likely 6 no/4 yes). Supporters (Cook, Labourne, Escabel, Seagrave) indicated they may bring a resolution instead. - Police Pay Plan (Item 17): Ordinance updating sworn officer pay plan for FY2022-2023 with cost-of-living adjustments. Approved 10-0 on second reading. - COLA Salary Increase (Item 23): Resolution authorizing cost-of-living increases for eligible full-time employees. An amendment (substitute) adjusted rates to 2%, 4%, and 6% based on wage tier. Approved unanimously after substitute adoption. Councilor Dr. Rennie noted past budget reductions but commended employee stewardship. - Union Pacific Railroad Car Donation (Item 28d): Agreement to accept up to 14 heritage railcars from UP. City Engineer Cobb recommended taking nine cars for planned projects (15th Street Corridor and greenway). After debate on costs, abatement, and storage, an amendment to limit to nine cars failed. The original MOU was approved with no votes from White and Aldridge. - Railcar Storage (Item 28e): Agreement with Cheyenne Rail Hub LLC for temporary storage. Approved with no votes from White, Aldridge, and Labourne after concerns over long-term costs and asbestos abatement. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved with items 24, 28b, 28c, 28d, and 28e removed for separate votes. - Public Hearings Closed: Ridge Road (10.7 acres) and Southwest Drive (7.68 acres) annexations proceed; Poor Richard’s liquor license transfer withdrawn. - Annexations & Zoning (Items 9–12): Four ordinances approved on third reading (unanimous). - Building/Fire Code Updates (Items 13–15): Approved on third reading; votes were 7-3, 7-3, 7-3 (Johnson, Rennie, Seagrave opposed). - Boards and Commissions Ordinance (Item 16): Failed on second reading after postponement motion failed. - Police Pay Plan (Item 17): Approved on second reading (unanimous). - COLA for City Employees (Item 23): Adopted as amended (2%/4%/6% increases), unanimous. - CDBG Resolution (Item 24): Postponed for two weeks to gather additional maps and information. - MOU with Laramie PD (Item 28a): Postponed for two weeks to clarify payment language. - Real Estate Purchase (Item 28b): Approved $195,000 for land at Parsons Place (greenway underpass), unanimous. - Behavioral Health Co-Response MOU (Item 28c): Approved (unanimous). - Union Pacific Railcar Donation (Item 28d): Approved; motion to limit to nine cars failed. - Railcar Storage Agreement (Item 28e): Approved (White, Aldridge, Labourne opposed). - Upcoming Meetings: Finance Committee – Jan 17, 2023 at noon; Public Services Committee – Jan 18, 2023 at noon.

The Cheyenne City Council convened a Sine Die session on January 3, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting was primarily ceremonial, focusing on the swearing-in of newly elected council members, the election of council leadership for 2023, and the reappointment of city officials. All nine council members were present, and Mayor Patrick Collins led the proceedings with expressions of appreciation for city staff, outgoing council president Scott Roybal, and the community. Swearing-In of Newly Elected Council Members - Justice Kate Fox of the Wyoming Supreme Court administered the oath of office to three council members who won re-election in the 2022 cycle: Scott D. Roybal (Ward I), Mark D. Rinne (Ward II), and Jeff Escabel (Ward III). The oath included support for the U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions and faithful discharge of duties. Election of City Council President and Vice President for 2023 - President: Councilman Johnson was nominated by Dr. Rinne and seconded by outgoing President Roybal. The motion passed with all members voting aye except Mr. Seagrave, who voted no. Mr. Johnson was declared elected as City Council President for 2023. - Vice President: Councilman Escabel was nominated by Dr. Rinne and seconded by Mr. Roybal. The motion passed unanimously, and Mr. Escabel was elected Vice President for 2023. Appointment and Swearing-In of City Officials - Pursuant to Title II of the Cheyenne City Code, the council approved the appointment of 16 city officials for two-year terms, including directors of planning and development, city attorney, city engineer, police and fire chiefs, judges, city clerk, treasurer, and others. The motion was made by Mr. Roybal, seconded by Mr. White, and passed unanimously. Justice Kate Fox then administered the oath of office to all appointees en masse. Key Outcomes - Sworn in: Three re-elected council members (Roybal, Rinne, Escabel) took office for new four-year terms. - Elected: Councilman Johnson as City Council President (2023); Councilman Escabel as Vice President (2023). - Approved: Reappointment of 16 city officials for two-year terms, effective immediately. - Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned sine die after the ceremonial items.