OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Casper City Council Regular Meeting - May 20, 2026

City Council — Wednesday, May 20, 2026
BodyCasper, Wyoming
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, May 20, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:32:55

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Good evening, everyone.

0:04

Sorry, we're a few minutes late tonight.

0:07

Before we begin, I'd like to remind everyone to please silence your cell phones and also remind everyone that council meetings are live streamed on the city's YouTube channel.

0:16

I now call call the May 19th, 2026 regular council meeting to order.

0:21

Please note that Councillor Bond and our city attorney are attending the meeting remotely.

0:27

The chair would entertain a motion to buy consent by consent minute action, excuse the absence of Counselor Larson.

0:36

Move by Councillor Pollock, seconded by Councillor Haskins.

0:39

Please cast your vote.

0:46

Councilor Bond, how do you vote?

0:48

Aye.

0:49

Please record the vote.

0:51

With all counselors voting aye, the motion passes.

0:54

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:20

Please read the consent minute approval titles.

1:24

Approving the minutes of the 26th regular council meeting and the May 5th, 2026 executive session.

1:30

Thank you.

1:30

The chair to entertain a motion to approve the consent minute action agenda items just read.

1:37

Move by Councillor McIntosh, seconded by the Vice Mayor.

1:40

Any abstentions?

1:42

Please cast your vote.

1:44

Councillor Bond, how do you vote?

1:49

Aye.

1:50

Please record the vote.

1:51

With all counselors voting aye, the motion passes.

1:54

The chair would entertain a motion to approve by minute action the May 19th, 2026 bills and claims as audited by City Manager Jordan.

2:02

So moved.

2:03

Moved by Councillor Pollock, seconded by Councillor McIntosh.

2:06

Any abstentions?

2:08

Please cast your vote.

2:10

Councillor Bond, how do you vote?

2:13

Aye.

2:14

Please record the vote.

2:15

With all counselors voting aye, the motion passes.

2:20

Tonight we would like to welcome Ryan McCormick, uh, Casper Community Tennis Association president and all the other members of the tennis association that are here and the community to our meeting tonight.

2:32

Um ask you to come forward, say a few words, and then I will read a proclamation.

2:42

Good evening.

2:43

Good evening, Mayor, Counselors.

2:46

Uh I'm gonna turn the mic over to Ryan in just a couple of minutes.

2:51

I did want to take this opportunity during National Tennis Month to uh give a shout out to a project that's very near and dear to my heart, Washington Park Revival.

3:03

So of course, you all know that I've been working on the Washington Park Revival since 2022 when we submitted our very first grant application to the land and water conservation fund to begin important work in that park.

3:15

Through those funds and and other contributions, we've been able to replace the ball field lighting at Washington Park Ballfield, convert two of the existing tennis courts into pickleball courts, uh, which will be surfaced quickly.

3:28

Um, and right now we're wrapping up the construction of uh the tennis courts, of course.

3:34

Uh Washington Park Banchell is under design right now for uh a groundbreaking that's anticipated next summer.

3:42

Um, and we are also anticipating an award for phase four of the Washington Park revival later this year, uh which will improve the sled hill in the west side of the park.

3:52

Um, and although all of those things are very exciting and and we love Washington Park as a whole, because it is National Tennis Month, we want to focus a little bit on the courts.

4:01

So as we celebrate National Tennis Month, we're reminded that tennis is much more than a game.

4:06

It's a powerful, accessible way to build healthier, stronger communities, especially for our youth.

4:11

The city of Casper, particularly my part, my department in Parks and Rack is deeply committed to providing low barrier access to sports and healthy activities for all of our residents.

4:21

Tennis plays a vital role in that mission.

4:23

Unlike many sports that require expensive equipment, travel teams, or facility fees.

4:28

Tennis is one of the most affordable and accessible activities in the country, often played on public courts at little to no cost for families.

4:38

At the same time, tennis delivers tremendous value as a public investment compared to many other sports facilities.

4:45

Tennis courts are relatively low maintenance, long-lasting.

4:48

In fact, they're expected to last 25 to 40 years with proper care and can support a wide range of programming for all ages and abilities without significant ongoing costs.

5:00

That makes tennis not only a healthy choice for individuals, but a sustainable choice for our community.

5:04

Health benefits of tennis are undeniable.

5:07

Studies show that tennis improves cardiovascular health, coordination, and strength while also sharpening focus, building confidence and teaching discipline and sportsmanship.

5:15

Like other youth sports, tennis also creates safe structured environments where young people can grow, connect, and thrive.

5:21

Here in Casper, interest in youth tennis continues to grow with hundreds of young athletes participating in schools, city programs, and tournaments each year.

5:30

But the community's ability to meet that demand has been changing by a shrinking inventory of public courts.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████24%
Parks and Recreation█████████9%
Public Engagement█████████9%
Gaming Regulation█████████9%
Public Health██████6%
Budget Equity Analysis██████6%
Economic Development██████6%
Community Engagement██████6%
Zoning████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Casper City Council Regular Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Casper City Council held its regular meeting on May 19, 2026 (adjourned shortly after midnight on May 20). The council adopted several consent agenda items, held public hearings on budget amendments and a new liquor license, and discussed proposed changes to downtown open container boundaries. Two proclamations were presented, and council members provided updates on community events and regional meetings.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes of the April 26 regular meeting and May 5 executive session (unanimous).
  • Approved the May 19, 2026 bills and claims as audited by City Manager Jordan (unanimous).
  • Established June 2, 2026 as the public hearing date for an ordinance on a temporary moratorium on new gaming/gambling uses and an ordinance amending mobile vendor parking code (unanimous).
  • Adopted consent resolutions: Safe Routes to School Plan update, contract amendment with Dewberry Engineers, facility rental agreement with Casper Baseball Club for Mike Lansing Stadium, M3A access permit for 123 West First Street, and improvements agreement with Wade H. Kendall for water main on Bryan Evansville Road (unanimous).
  • Approved appointment of Stephanie Whitfield to the AMICO Reuse Agreement Joint Powers Board (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ross Shriffman: Questioned government addiction to revenue from smoking, drinking, and gambling; urged council to closely review a $16,000 taxpayer-funded survey on the optional 1% sales tax (general purpose tax) and offered to conduct future surveys for free.
  • Kylene Stevenson Braxton and Christy Bussey (co-presidents, Downtown Casper Business Association): Proposed two changes to open container policy: (1) adjust the boundary to include retailers on Center and Walcott between 2nd and 1st Streets (currently excluded), and (2) redefine “premises” to mean the open container boundary rather than individual establishment, allowing all liquor license types to participate equally. They argued the current rules create confusion for patrons and businesses.
  • Ben Gruner (applicant for Sparks bar and grill): Spoke in favor of a new bar and grill liquor license, noting plans for a full kitchen and expressing concerns about regulatory burdens (architectural review) on small projects.

Discussion Items

  • Open Container Boundary and Hours: Council members responded to the DCBA proposal. Councilor Pollock (recusing from votes) argued the boundary should be defined by retail density, not by bar locations, and questioned the premise/off-premise distinction. Councilor Sweeney supported revisiting the boundary. Councilor Haskins suggested bringing the matter to a work session. After debate, council agreed to: pass the scheduled June 2 resolution extending open container hours (Thursday/Friday 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday extended hours) without boundary changes, and hold a work session to discuss boundary expansion.
  • Public Hearing – Budget Amendment (Third Amendment FY2026): Ross Shriffman commented on increased subsidies for the Ice Arena ($111,630) and Hogadon ($450,000), urging focus on revenue generation. Councilor McIntosh noted the Ice Arena shortfall was partly due to the War Birds scheduling controversy. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
  • Public Hearing – Demolition Lien: No public comment. Resolution authorizing a $7,024.50 demolition lien on 1169 North Jackson Street adopted unanimously.
  • Public Hearing – New Bar & Grill Liquor License #14 (Sparks): Applicant Ben Gruner answered questions about the kitchen and architectural review delays. License approved with Councilor Pollock abstaining, all others in favor.
  • Third Reading – Zone Change: Ordinance approving zone change for Lot 4, Methodist Church Addition Subdivision passed unanimously with no public comment.
  • Mineral Royalty Grant Agreement: City Manager reported an $800,000 state grant for replacement of 1,100 feet of water main on Jim Bridger Drive and 645 feet between Dismas and Belair Streets, bringing total water main replacement to $2.85 million. Resolution approved unanimously.

Proclamations

  • National Tennis Month (May 2026): Mayor Pacheco read a proclamation highlighting tennis participation growth (27.3 million players in 2025, 6% increase) and the new Washington Park tennis courts (6 courts replacing 14 aging ones). Ryan McCormick (Casper Community Tennis Association president) thanked the community for donations and grants.
  • ALS Awareness Month (May 2026): Proclamation honoring John D’Nafrio, who passed from ALS in March 2025, and encouraging awareness and support for those affected.

Council Reports & Other Business

  • Councilors reported on various meetings and events: Hogadon user group feedback (60-70% decline due to poor snow, but praise for staff), regional water rate model (preliminary 3% annual increase), WAM board meeting (new professional development programs for elected officials), Funky Junk downtown event (high attendance), police block party, and upcoming CNFR and July 4th celebrations.
  • Councilor Haskins moved to postpone the open container boundary vote to a work session; consensus was to adopt the hours extension on June 2 and discuss boundaries later.

Key Outcomes

  • Vote 1: Consent agenda (minutes, bills) – unanimous.
  • Vote 2: Public hearing dates for gambling moratorium and mobile vendor code – unanimous.
  • Vote 3: Budget amendment (third) – unanimous.
  • Vote 4: Demolition lien – unanimous.
  • Vote 5: Bar & grill liquor license #14 – approved (Pollock abstained).
  • Vote 6: Zone change (third reading) – unanimous.
  • Vote 7: Mineral royalty grant agreement – unanimous.
  • Vote 8: Consent resolutions (safe routes, contract amendment, stadium rental, access permit, water main improvements) – unanimous.
  • Vote 9: Appointment to AMICO Joint Powers Board – unanimous.
  • Decision on Open Container: Council will pass the June 2 resolution extending hours as drafted; boundary discussion will occur at a future work session.
  • Next Meetings: Budget work session May 26–27, special meeting May 27, regular council meeting June 2 at 6 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Sorry, we're a few minutes late tonight. Before we begin, I'd like to remind everyone to please silence your cell phones and also remind everyone that council meetings are live streamed on the city's YouTube channel. I now call call the May 19th, 2026 regular council meeting to order. Please note that Councillor Bond and our city attorney are attending the meeting remotely. The chair would entertain a motion to buy consent by consent minute action, excuse the absence of Counselor Larson. Move by Councillor Pollock, seconded by Councillor Haskins. Please cast your vote. Councilor Bond, how do you vote? Aye. Please record the vote. With all counselors voting aye, the motion passes. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. Please read the consent minute approval titles. Approving the minutes of the 26th regular council meeting and the May 5th, 2026 executive session. Thank you. The chair to entertain a motion to approve the consent minute action agenda items just read. Move by Councillor McIntosh, seconded by the Vice Mayor. Any abstentions? Please cast your vote. Councillor Bond, how do you vote? Aye. Please record the vote. With all counselors voting aye, the motion passes. The chair would entertain a motion to approve by minute action the May 19th, 2026 bills and claims as audited by City Manager Jordan. So moved. Moved by Councillor Pollock, seconded by Councillor McIntosh. Any abstentions? Please cast your vote. Councillor Bond, how do you vote? Aye. Please record the vote. With all counselors voting aye, the motion passes. Tonight we would like to welcome Ryan McCormick, uh, Casper Community Tennis Association president and all the other members of the tennis association that are here and the community to our meeting tonight. Um ask you to come forward, say a few words, and then I will read a proclamation. Good evening. Good evening, Mayor, Counselors. Uh I'm gonna turn the mic over to Ryan in just a couple of minutes. I did want to take this opportunity during National Tennis Month to uh give a shout out to a project that's very near and dear to my heart, Washington Park Revival. So of course, you all know that I've been working on the Washington Park Revival since 2022 when we submitted our very first grant application to the land and water conservation fund to begin important work in that park. Through those funds and and other contributions, we've been able to replace the ball field lighting at Washington Park Ballfield, convert two of the existing tennis courts into pickleball courts, uh, which will be surfaced quickly. Um, and right now we're wrapping up the construction of uh the tennis courts, of course. Uh Washington Park Banchell is under design right now for uh a groundbreaking that's anticipated next summer. Um, and we are also anticipating an award for phase four of the Washington Park revival later this year, uh which will improve the sled hill in the west side of the park. Um, and although all of those things are very exciting and and we love Washington Park as a whole, because it is National Tennis Month, we want to focus a little bit on the courts. So as we celebrate National Tennis Month, we're reminded that tennis is much more than a game. It's a powerful, accessible way to build healthier, stronger communities, especially for our youth. The city of Casper, particularly my part, my department in Parks and Rack is deeply committed to providing low barrier access to sports and healthy activities for all of our residents. Tennis plays a vital role in that mission. Unlike many sports that require expensive equipment, travel teams, or facility fees.

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