Cheyenne City Council Meeting (February 13, 2023)

The Cheyenne City Council met on February 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The agenda included a public hearing on a retail liquor license transfer for a tourism-oriented off-track betting facility, three ordinance readings on annexations and zoning changes, a resolution to direct staff on an open space maintenance MOU, and several bids and contracts. Public comments were heard on multiple items, and the council deferred action on the Ridge Road/Holland Court annexation and related items to February 27, 2023.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the regular meeting of January 23, 2023, and the special meeting of February 6, 2023.
• Adopted resolutions reappropriating the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, expressing support for naming a new road segment after USS Cheyenne (SSN-773), and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign final plats for Dell Range Addition, Sixth Filing, Back 40 Subdivision, Third Filing, and Centennial Heritage, 2nd Filing.
• Approved professional services agreements with Trihydro Corporation (landfill methane mitigation, not to exceed $56,213), and with Overstreet Homar & Kuker for legal services for the Contractor Licensing Board and Board of Adjustment.
• Approved a real estate purchase agreement with Keizer Inc. for 4.009 acres for greenway expansion (not to exceed $168,000).
• Accepted bids for 50 trash receptacles ($58,000 from Conserv Flag Company), 2023 City Overlay Part #1 (not to exceed $2,098,178.40 from JTL Group/Knife River), and other items referred to committees.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Liquor License Transfer (Horse Palace): Nick Hughes, President of Wyoming Horse Racing, presented the proposal for a tourism-oriented off-track betting (OTB) facility at Swan Ranch. He stated the facility would include a 300-unit gaming area, restaurants, a stage, and potential hotel. Estimated annual tax revenue for Cheyenne: $2.6 million; $700,000 in purse money for Wyoming-bred horses. Total investment: $25.3 million. 60 full-time and 150 temporary construction jobs. 76% of customers expected from out of state. The transfer of the retail liquor license from Poor Richard’s is needed for the entertainment center. Council members asked about security, emergency response, and starting wages ($16/hour plus tips). No public opposition was voiced. The item was assigned to the Finance Committee.
• Annexation and Zoning (Ridge Road/Holland Court): Multiple residents spoke. John Pike (Sage Bridge Avenue) expressed support for annexation but asked about drainage and infrastructure. Rebecca Murchy (3222 Thomas Road) asked when developer plans would be shared with neighbors. Josh Applegate (Thomas Road) opposed the high-density zoning, arguing it would lower property values and increase traffic, and expressed frustration with the two-week postponement. The developer representatives (Cooper Perryman of AVI Engineering and Matthew Casper of Gateway Construction) requested the postponement to gather more public input and refine designs.
• Other Business: Zem Hopkins (1317 Jesse) asked about the city’s snow removal policy, particularly plowing of baseball parking lots. Jason Sanchez, Community Recreation & Events, explained that lots are plowed for staff access to maintenance buildings and to prevent damage from vehicles doing donuts. Mayor Collins noted the city’s snow plan prioritizes arterial roads, bus routes, and downtown.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing – Liquor License Transfer (Horse Palace): The council heard from Nick Hughes and asked questions. No objections from the public. The item was assigned to the Finance Committee for further consideration.
• Ordinances – Annexation and Zoning (Ridge Road/Holland Court): Items 8, 9, and 15 (annexation, zoning change to NR-3, and final plat) were postponed by a 9-0 vote to the February 27, 2023 meeting, after the Public Services Committee meeting on February 22, 2023 at noon. The developer requested the postponement to work with neighbors on design concessions.
• Ordinance – Annexation and Zoning (Southwest Drive/I-80): Items 10 and 11 were approved on third reading. The annexation of land east of Southwest Drive north of I-80 and the corresponding zoning change to LI Light Industrial were both passed unanimously (9-0).
• Ordinance – Vacating West 19th Street: Item 12, vacating a street platted but never built, was approved unanimously (9-0).
• Resolution – Saddle Ridge Open Space MOU: The council debated a resolution directing staff to prepare an MOU for the city to accept ownership of three tracts as open space in Saddle Ridge 18th Filing, with the HOA responsible for maintenance. Developer Brad Edwards argued for city ownership to maintain consistency, provide governmental immunity, and allow public access to sledding and picnic areas. Councilmember Seagrave opposed, stating the city gains no benefit and staff is not interested. Councilmember Escobel supported the unique recreational opportunity. The resolution was adopted on a voice vote, with Councilmembers Aldridge and Seagrave opposed.
• Bid – 17th Street Lighting Improvements Phase II: The council approved the bid from Pole Mountain Electric, Inc. for $476,989.38, with an amendment to fund the balance of $282,341.38 from the 2021 Specific Purpose Option Tax Fund for downtown projects. Councilmember White congratulated staff on completing the project. The bid was approved on a voice vote after the amendment passed.
• Appointments: Sheriff Brian Kozak and John Brodie were appointed to the Laramie County Community Juvenile Services Joint Powers Board unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Liquor License Transfer: Assigned to Finance Committee (no vote on transfer).
• Ridge Road Annexation/Zoning/Plat: Postponed to February 27, 2023 (motion passed 9-0).
• Southwest Drive Annexation: Approved 9-0 on third reading.
• Southwest Drive Zoning Change: Approved 9-0 on third reading.
• West 19th Street Vacation: Approved 9-0 on third reading.
• Saddle Ridge Open Space MOU: Adopted on voice vote; two opposed (Aldridge, Seagrave).
• 17th Street Lighting Bid: Approved with amendment to fund balance from 2021 SPOT; voice vote, no opposition.
• Appointments: Approved unanimously.
• Emergency Procurement: Noted for fleet maintenance sanitary sewer repair ($84,995).
• Upcoming Meetings: Finance Committee on February 21, 2023 at noon; Public Services Committee on February 22, 2023 at noon; next Council meeting February 27, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. (including public hearings on liquor license renewals and annexation compliance).