Casper City Council Regular Meeting – May 5, 2026

The Casper City Council held its regular meeting on May 5, 2026, addressing a range of administrative actions, public comments, and infrastructure approvals. The meeting opened with proclamations recognizing Nurses Week and Professional Municipal Clerks Week, followed by public testimony on community services and urban renewal. The council approved multiple contracts, a zone change, a blight designation, and liquor licenses, and adjourned to executive session for attorney-client privileged matters.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the April 21, 2026 regular meeting and executive session (unanimous).
• Approved the May 5, 2026 bills and claims as audited (unanimous).
• Set May 19, 2026 as the public hearing date for consideration of demolition costs and lien at 1169 North Jackson Street, adoption of FY2026 budget amendment #3, and a new bar and grill liquor license for Gruner Brothers Brewing dba Sparks (Councillor Pollock abstained on the liquor license item; motion passed with all others voting aye).
• Approved consent resolutions including change orders for crosswalk replacements, a waterline easement, a blight resolution (10B3), change orders for Washington Park Phase 2 and pickleball courts (unanimous).
• Approved consent minute action rejecting the sole bid for sale of vacated parkland in Stone Ridge addition (Councillor Sweeney voted nay; motion passed).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Becky (last name not stated), representing a new adult day services center and related foundation: Described a gap in services for seniors and those with dementia, noting that her sister-in-law's early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis inspired the project. The center, located at 1744 South Poplar Street, is 5,000 square feet, ADA compliant, and awaiting state licensing. It will serve people 50+ needing supervision, socialization, and healthy meals. She stated that Medicare does not cover adult day services and Medicaid reimbursement is very low ($25/half-day), so the center will be private-pay. A separate foundation (Still Me Foundation) will provide grants for eyeglasses, dental care, hearing aids, transportation, and day services for those who cannot afford them. She invited the council to an open house May 16–17 and a Chamber ribbon cutting June 18.
• Martin Axelund, Chief Operating Officer of Brick and Bond's downtown development division: Expressed thanks for the council's leadership and focus on Casper's future regarding urban renewal authorities (URA) and keeping the city moving forward.
• Casey Wita, City of Casper: Thanked the council for approving a blight study and encouraged the city to move forward with redeveloping and revitalizing areas identified in the study to eliminate hazardous areas and improve livability.
• Mr. Steinslin (last name unclear): Thanked the council for a hearing assistance device he received, joking that he might now regret hearing everything. He appreciated the city's responsiveness.
• Council members responded positively to the speakers, with Vice Mayor and others thanking them for attending and expressing support for the adult day center and other initiatives.

Discussion Items

• Nurses Week Proclamation: The council welcomed members of the Wyoming Nurses Association. Mayor Pacheco read a proclamation designating May 6–12 as Nurses Week with the theme "The Power of Nurses." A representative (Bernard Vino Madsen, Dean of Health Sciences at Casper College) noted that the college's nursing program recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and that approximately 50–60% of nurses in Natrona County are Casper College graduates. Councillors shared personal anecdotes about the value of nurses, including school nurses.
• Professional Municipal Clerks Week Proclamation: Mayor Pacheco read a proclamation designating May 3–9, 2026 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week. The proclamation cited 2025 statistics: the records technician fulfilled 187 public record requests and added 1,844 documents; the licensing specialist processed 355 health business licenses, 99 liquor license renewals, 149 catering permits, 52 malt beverage permits, 102 open container permits, 84 special events permits, 21 other permits, 34 mobile vendor parking permits, and 32 unsolicited salesman permits. The council thanked the clerk's office for their work.
• Liquor License Public Hearing: Application for new restaurant liquor license #53 for Dickies Barbecue Pit (Breezy Barbecue LLC) at 325 South Durban Street. No public testimony for or against. Council approved the application (Councillor Pollock abstained; motion passed).
• Ordinance – Zone Change (Second Reading): Approved on second reading for Lot 4 of the Methodist Subdivision (unanimous). No public comment.
• Missouri Avenue Improvements Resolution: Authorized an agreement with Installation and Service Company Inc. for improvements on Missouri Avenue between East 15th and East 21st Street, including street work, water main, ADA accessibility, and sidewalk/curb/gutter repairs. Total contract amount with contingency: $1.8 million. The city received eight local bids. Vice Mayor noted the high local interest. Approved unanimously.
• Marian Criner Pool and Park Improvements Resolution: Authorized a contract with SCS Inc. for the Marian Criner Pool and Park Improvements Project. Three bidders; total contract with contingency: $1,146,307. The project will improve one of Casper's lowest-admission aquatic facilities. Approved unanimously.
• Consent Resolutions (including Blight Designation): The council adopted consent resolutions including a resolution (10B3) pursuant to Wyoming Statute 15-9-106 finding that blight exists within the city and that rehabilitation or redevelopment is necessary for public health, safety, morals, or welfare. This resolution was requested by public commenter Casey Wita. Also approved change orders for crosswalk replacements, a waterline easement, and Washington Park improvements.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamations Issued: Nurses Week (May 6–12) and Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 3–9) proclaimed.
• Contracts Awarded:
  • Missouri Avenue Improvements: $1.8 million to Installation and Service Company Inc.
  • Marian Criner Pool and Park Improvements: $1,146,307 to SCS Inc.
• Blight Designation Approved: Council adopted Resolution 10B3, declaring blight exists in the city and authorizing rehabilitation/redevelopment.
• Liquor License Approved: New restaurant liquor license for Dickies Barbecue Pit (Councillor Pollock abstained).
• Zone Change Approved: Second reading for Methodist Subdivision lot.
• Bid Rejected: Sole bid for sale of vacated parkland in Stone Ridge addition rejected (Councillor Sweeney dissented).
• Executive Session: Council voted unanimously (with two-thirds majority) to adjourn to executive session for attorney-client privileged matters, with plans to reconvene solely for adjournment.
• Next Steps: Public hearing scheduled for May 19, 2026 on demolition costs, budget amendment, and a new liquor license. The adult day center open house is May 16–17 with a ribbon cutting June 18.