Casper City Council Regular Meeting - August 19, 2026

The Casper City Council held a regular meeting on August 19, 2026, to address a vacant council seat, approve prior minutes and bills, and consider several major items including the CH Bixby Hotel urban renewal project, amendments to the municipal liquor code, and a subdivision ordinance. The meeting featured extensive public testimony, discussion, and multiple votes.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the absence of Councillor Pollock (motion passed unanimously).
• Approved the minutes from the August 4, 2026 regular meeting and special session.
• Approved August 18, 2026 bills and claims as audited by the City Manager.
• Established September 1, 2026 as the public hearing date for a lease transaction ordinance related to capital improvements.
• Adopted eight consent resolutions (items 10A1–10A8) covering purchase card services, sales tax priorities, trail acceptance, water services contract, firefighter uniform allowance MOU, facility rental with Warbirds Hockey, professional services amendment, and GIS enterprise agreement renewal (all passed unanimously).
• Approved three consent minute actions (items 11A1–11A3) authorizing purchases of MSA gas detectors ($65,000), a digital forensics workstation for police, and 10 Scott SCBAs and bottles ($180,868.90) (all passed unanimously).

Public Comments & Testimony

Support for CH Bixby Hotel Urban Renewal Project (no opposition):

• Mark Christensen (AVI PC) explained the sequential steps of the urban renewal process and introduced the project.
• Aaron Johnson (KJ Hospitality, proposed developer) expressed excitement about the Hilton Tapestry collection hotel, highlighting its customization, brand strength, and community gathering amenities.
• Martin Axelend (Brick and Bond) addressed parking concerns, stating the project complies with code and that nearby lots are underutilized; he submitted nine letters of recommendation.
• Pete Maxwell (Gaslight Social owner) supported the project as fulfillment of a decade-old vision for a live-work-play downtown.
• Kelly Ivanov (Wyoming Plant Company) spoke in favor, citing increased foot traffic and his commitment to being a responsible community member.
• Corey Polis (The Drinkery) expressed support, noting that parking is not an issue and that the hotel will boost activity.
• Melissa Hugo (Casper Downtown Development Authority) supported the project as the culmination of the 2013 Downtown Strategic Plan which called for a downtown hotel.
• Justin Farley (Advance Casper) endorsed the project on behalf of his board and personally supported the rooftop lounge.
• Annette Pitts (Visit Casper CEO) supported the project, emphasizing that a downtown hotel would attract visitors and strengthen the local economy.

Opposition to Resort License Catering Amendment (part of liquor code changes):

• Pete Maxwell (retail liquor license holder) opposed allowing resort license holders to cater off-premises, arguing that retail licenses cost $200,000–$300,000 while resort licenses cost only $1,500; he supported the drive-through window provision.
• Corey Polis (retail liquor license holder) asked council not to expand catering privileges to resort licenses without formal notice to affected license holders and economic impact analysis; he supported the drive-through change.
• William Wynn (Brick and Bond, also associated with the hotel project) spoke in opposition, stating that fairness demands maintaining the existing licensing structure and that his team does not intend to cater beyond the hotel.

Discussion Items

CH Bixby Hotel Urban Renewal Project (Resolution):

• The resolution approved the project within the Downtown Hotel Urban Renewal Plan area.
• Councillor Jensen expressed emotional gratitude for the community support.
• Councillor Sweeney thanked speakers and noted that positive feedback is rare. The resolution passed unanimously.

Liquor Code Amendments (Ordinance Second Reading):

• The ordinance proposed two changes: (1) allowing resort liquor license holders to obtain catering permits (amending Section 5.08.140), and (2) removing restrictions on drive-in/window liquor sales (amending Section 5.08.260).
• Councillor Haskins stated she would vote no on any expansion of alcohol availability.
• Councillor Larsen moved to remove the resort catering portion (Section 5.08.140 amendment). The motion passed 5-2 (Councillors Bond and Sweeney dissenting).
• The amended ordinance (drive-through provision only) then passed 5-2 (Councillors Haskins and Gamroth dissenting). Council noted the resort catering issue could be revisited later.

Robertson Road Subdivision (Ordinance Third Reading):

• The ordinance approved a vacation, final plat, subdivision agreement, and zone change for Robertson Road Edition No. 2. No public comment; passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• CH Bixby Hotel Urban Renewal Project Resolution adopted unanimously.
• Liquor code amendment (drive-through sales) adopted on second reading (5-2).
• Resort catering provision removed by amendment (5-2).
• Robertson Road subdivision ordinance adopted on third reading unanimously.
• All consent calendar items approved unanimously.
• Council directed that any future consideration of resort catering permits involve notification and impact analysis.