Cheyenne City Council Meeting Summary – April 24, 2023

The Cheyenne City Council met on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Municipal Building, 2101 O'Neil Avenue. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor and included roll call, a quorum was confirmed, and the pledge of allegiance. The council addressed a consent agenda, several public hearings, multiple ordinances on second reading, resolutions, and other routine items. Key actions included approving a land exchange for greenway access, granting a bar and grill license for the reopening of Dog Haus Restaurant, adopting the Annual Action Plan for 2023, annexing and rezoning land, amending the contract approval threshold, adjusting solid waste fees, naming the Airport Fountain Park, approving appointments, and accepting various bids and contracts.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda items as a single motion, with Mr. Johnson voting no. Items included minutes from April 10, 2023, budget reappropriation, several resolutions (rural transit grant, water development grant, outside water/sewer service, Annual Action Plan adoption), leases, contracts, contract modifications, bids, licenses, and other routine actions. Also approved: appointment of Brian Casey to the International Fire Code Board of Appeals, reappointment of Brandon VanTassell to the same board, and accepted the voucher and revenue reports.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dog Haus Restaurant (Bar & Grill License): Applicants Arlena and Charles Schultz, principal owners of FAFO Restaurant Group, spoke in favor of reopening the Dog Haus at 3838 Atkins St. They expressed excitement to hire approximately 40 local employees and projected reopening by end of May or early June. They discussed their management experience, commitment to daily on-site presence, and plans for a patio enclosure with glass garage doors. They described special events for Mardi Gras and Frontier Days, and hiring from local schools.
• Annual Action Plan 2023: Deanne Widoff, from the Cheyenne Housing and Community Development Office, explained the plan, which allocates $448,011 in CDBG entitlement and $107,091 in recaptured funding for six projects. She mentioned that eight grant proposals totaling over $570,000 were received, and a 30-day comment period yielded no written comments. She commended the advisory council’s dedication. Dr. Aldrich expressed appreciation for the staff and council’s hard work.
• Airport Fountain Park Naming: Several public speakers spoke: Seth Lloyd, a resident, stated he was neutral on naming but noted his family used the space, emphasizing its recreational value. Milwaukee Simpson, chair of the Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board, spoke in support, noting a petition drive and $132,684.08 raised for restoration, with interpretive signage planned.
• No other public speakers addressed other items.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing – Land Exchange (Sun Valley Estates LLC): No public testimony was offered. The hearing was closed.
• Public Hearing – Dog Haus Liquor License: Council members expressed support and asked about experience. Dr. Aldrich and Mr. Escobel welcomed the applicants, and Mr. Escobel asked about patio plans.
• Public Hearing – Annual Action Plan: Dr. Aldrich praised the efforts of staff and the advisory council. No objections were raised.
• Ordinance #7 & #8 – Annexation and Zoning (Ridge Road): Council discussed the applicant’s withdrawal. Mayor Collins explained state law prevents withdrawal once a petition is filed. Aaron Fagan, planning staff, confirmed the city is now the applicant. The annexation and MR zoning were approved.
• Ordinance #9 – Zone Change (Twin 22 Subdivision): Brandon Swain, applicant, explained the change from MR to NR-2 to allow two detached single-family homes; he said it does not increase density. Dr. Aldridge asked about separation distance (10 feet). Approved.
• Ordinance #10 – Contract Approval Threshold Increase: TJ Bartelboard, purchasing manager, explained Senate File 164 raised the bidding threshold to $75,000. The ordinance aligns internal approval thresholds with this change, raising from $35,000 to $75,000. He noted purchasing policy quote thresholds would also change. Council discussed inflation and efficiency; Dr. Aldrich asked about justification, and Mr. Escobel supported. Approved with Dr. Rennie voting no.
• Ordinance #11 – Solid Waste Fee Schedule: Vicky Nemichek, Public Works, explained the annual fee adjustments based on a full-cost accounting process. Residential rates will increase by 1%, commercial by 3%, commercial recycling by 5%, and other fees by 2-3%. Council discussed cost recovery and enterprise fund status. Approved.
• Resolution #13 – Airport Fountain Park Naming: Council debated the name and maintenance responsibilities. Some members (Seagrave, Cook) opposed, citing maintenance costs and lack of funds for CRE. Others supported, noting the fountain’s history and public support. An amendment to remove the word “Park” failed (no vote tally was clear). The resolution was ultimately approved with opposition from Seagrave, Johnson, and Cook.
• Item 18A – Land Exchange Agreement: The council approved the exchange of 15,365 SF from the City to Sun Valley Estates LLC and 15,366 SF back, each valued at $100,000, to facilitate greenway access.

Key Outcomes

• Approved land exchange with Sun Valley Estates LLC for greenway access.
• Approved bar and grill license for FAFO Restaurant Group d/b/a Dog Haus Restaurant.
• Approved Annual Action Plan 2023 for the Community Development Block Grant.
• Approved annexation of land west of Ridge Road between Jackson and Douglas Streets, and rezoned it to MR Medium-Density Residential.
• Approved zone change for Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Twin 22 Subdivision, from MR to NR-2 Neighborhood Residential - Medium Density.
• Approved ordinance raising contract approval threshold from $35,000 to $75,000 (second reading, Dr. Rennie dissenting).
• Approved updated Solid Waste Fee Schedule with varying increases (approved without dissent).
• Approved naming of median area as Airport Fountain Park (with opposition from Councilmembers Seagrave, Johnson, and Cook).
• Approved appointments of Brian Casey and Brandon VanTassell to the International Fire Code Board of Appeals.
• Accepted consent agenda, including numerous bids, contracts, and licenses.
• Announced public hearing for restaurant liquor license for Stella Polare LLC d/b/a L’Osteria Mondello on May 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
• Other business: Councilmembers announced events: Habitat for Humanity’s Jump into Jules fundraiser on Saturday, Arbor Day celebration at Holiday Park on Friday at 1 p.m., and tree planting volunteer signup at rootedincheyenne.com.

The meeting adjourned without additional business.