Casper City Council Regular Meeting – July 8, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on July 7, 2026, but the official record reflects July 8, 2026. This summary uses the date provided in the instructions.

The Casper City Council held its regular meeting on July 8, 2026, addressing a consent calendar, public comments, first and third readings of ordinances, and multiple resolutions. Key topics included a six-month moratorium on new simulcasting establishments, the annexation and replat of Shepherd of the Hills subdivision, and the purchase of a new fire rescue apparatus. Council members also heard public concerns about the 1% sales tax survey and a proposed data center.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes and Conflict Claims: Approved the minutes of the June 16, 2026, regular meeting and executive session. The conflict claims audit was approved with Mayor Pacheco, Vice Mayor Gamroth, and Councilor Sweeney abstaining; all others voted aye.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Shriffman (public comment): Expressed concerns about the 1% sales tax survey, noting 608 surveys were returned at a cost of $16,000 ($25 per survey). He argued the survey was a "push poll" because Question 1 listed past projects funded by the tax, and 96% of respondents said they planned to vote in the general election, skewing results toward likely voters. He urged council to be transparent about spending priorities before the November election.
• Dakota Miller (public comment): Opposed a proposed data center (Prometheus Hyperscale project) in the area, citing water usage, environmental harm, and negative impacts on the community. He urged the council not to approve such projects. The Mayor and Vice Mayor noted the project is outside city jurisdiction and suggested Miller address the county commission.

Shepherd of the Hills Subdivision Ordinance (First Reading)

• Dale Borin (church elder): Explained that the church seeks to transfer its 1.4-acre columbarium (60 niches) to the city as a park to ensure perpetual care. The city will manage the columbarium as part of its cemetery system. The ordinance approves annexation, replat, and zone change. Council members expressed support, and the ordinance passed unanimously.

Simulcasting Moratorium (Third Reading)

• City Manager Report: The gaming working group recommended (1) updating zoning codes to reflect new state statutes, (2) creating a local permit for simulcast establishments, and (3) allowing neighborhood-based land use restrictions upon request.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Sweeney opposed the moratorium, citing legal concerns about restricting competition and referencing a Wyoming Supreme Court case. He suggested studying Rock Springs’ ordinance instead. Councilor Pollock and others argued the moratorium is a necessary tool to develop a data-driven framework, given the public health concerns and the recent passage of Senate File 45. Councilor Jensen opposed the citywide scope, preferring a narrower geographic restriction. Councilor Haskins supported the moratorium, noting it allows time for proper planning and that the working group can end it early if work is completed. The motion passed 5-2 (Councilors Jensen and Sweeney nay).

Mobile Vending Ordinance (Third Reading)

• Passed unanimously with no public comment or discussion.

Purchase of Fire Heavy Rescue Apparatus (Resolution)

• City Manager Report: The current rescue vehicle is 16 years old and at end of life. Council appropriated $900,000 from the 1% sales tax; the actual cost is $869,981, purchased through a cooperative procurement program. The resolution passed unanimously.

Consent Resolutions (19 items)

• Approved unanimously, covering contracts, easements, professional services, and funding applications for various infrastructure and community projects.

Council Reports & Updates

• Councilor Bond: Reported on the Metro Animal Shelter quarterly meeting, highlighting a 60% reduction in euthanizations over five years and a fivefold increase in adoption revenue in two years under shelter director Jody. Also noted that weekly Metro updates will be included in council packets.
• Councilor Pollock: Reported on the Fifth Cent Task Force, where survey results showed no major shift in community sentiment; she expects discussion of the resolution in August. Also thanked staff for help organizing a community event.
• Councilor Haskins: Reported on the Homelessness Coalition meeting, noting a sharp increase in food and clothing insecurity. Cited a Reuters article showing Wyoming’s SNAP utilization dropped 11.6% due to federal cuts, despite a 4.6% error rate (below the 6% federal threshold). She noted that few clothing resources remain in the community.
• Councilor Jensen: Welcomed the Air Force Academy Band and noted upcoming CBC and BBP task force meetings.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Consent calendar, conflict claims, Shepherd of the Hills ordinance, mobile vending ordinance, fire apparatus resolution, and consent resolutions all passed (with noted abstentions or nays on conflict claims and simulcasting moratorium).
• Moratorium: 5-2 vote in favor; six-month moratorium on new simulcasting establishments begins immediately.
• Future Meetings: Work session on July 14, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.; regular meeting on July 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Council adjourned into executive session for attorney-client privileged matters.