Cheyenne City Council Meeting – January 9, 2023

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.