Cheyenne City Council Meeting - May 8, 2023

The Cheyenne City Council met on May 8, 2023 at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered a wide range of routine consent items, public hearings, third-reading ordinances, and several pulled items that generated discussion and amendments. The council approved most items, with specific votes and amendments noted.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with two items removed: Item 23H (Climb Wyoming MOU, pulled by Mr. White) and Item 23D (Carebridge EAP, pulled by Dr. Aldridge). Dr. Rinne recused himself from Item 24C (Delta Dental renewal) and President Johnson recused himself from Item 23D (Carebridge) due to conflicts.
• Routine approvals included: minutes from April 24, 2023; resolutions for water development grant, outside user agreement, Annual Action Plan 2023, Stadium View Addition plat, Airport Board budget, Wyoming CLASS participation, and airport boarding bridge; leases with Union Telephone, Laramie County School District #1, Cheyenne Frontier Days, and Carebridge (subject to amendment – see below); professional services agreements for Dry Creek Dredging and Public Works Improvements; contract modifications for East Cheyenne Community Park and Dry Creek environmental services; renewal of Delta Dental insurance; bids for Junior League storage facility, 2023 Miscellaneous Concrete Project, and 3-phase power at Countryside Fire Station (with several other bids referred to Finance Committee); liquor license for Dog Haus Restaurant; and designation of voting delegates (Dr. Rinne as delegate, Mayor Collins as alternate) for the Wyoming Association of Municipalities convention.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stella Polare LLC d/b/a L'Osteria Mondello: Applicant Yassmin Agovich introduced himself and his wife Annika, who took over the restaurant in January 2023. He requested a restaurant liquor license to enhance the atmosphere, noting the menu would be 65-70% Italian with European specialties from Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, Austria, and Germany. Council asked clarifying questions and wished him luck. No public opposition. The item was referred to the Finance Committee.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 7 – Annexation (Third Reading): Land west of Ridge Road between Jackson and Douglas streets. No public comment. Mr. Cook moved approval; unanimous vote (10-0). Approved.
• Ordinance 8 – Zoning for Annexed Land (Third Reading): MR Medium-Density Residential for 5224 Ridge Road. Unanimous approval.
• Ordinance 9 – Zoning Change (Third Reading): From MR to NR-2 Neighborhood Residential for Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Twin 22 Subdivision. Unanimous approval.
• Ordinance 10 – Contract Approvals Amendment (Third Reading): Amending chapters 2.04 and 12.04 of Municipal Code. Unanimous approval.
• Ordinance 11 – Solid Waste Fee Schedule (Third Reading): Annual update. Approved 9-1 with Mr. Cook voting no.
• Ordinance 12 – Budget Appropriation (First Reading): For FY 2024. Referred to Committee of the Whole.
• Ordinance 13 – Water and Sewer Rates (First Reading): As recommended by Board of Public Utilities. Referred to Finance Committee.
• Ordinance 14 – Zoning Change (First Reading): From MR to MUB Mixed-Use Business Emphasis for Lot 29, Block 1, Eastridge. Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Ordinance 15 – Major Street Plan Update (First Reading): Updating map with Connect 2045 and other amendments. Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Item 23D – Carebridge Corporation EAP Agreement: Dr. Aldridge pulled from consent to discuss an AI/chatbot component. He expressed concern that using AI for mental health crisis intervention could be risky, especially if trigger words (e.g., suicide) are not detected. After hearing from HR Director Darren (who stated the chatbot is optional and removal would not affect cost or service), Dr. Aldridge moved to remove the AI component. Amendment passed 7-2 (Councilors Seagrave and Roybal opposed). The main motion then passed unanimously.
• Item 23G – Samson Exploration Pipeline Easement: Mr. White moved to postpone for two weeks to allow completion of appraisals. No opposition; postponed to May 22, 2023.
• Item 23H – Climb Wyoming MOU: Pulled by Mr. White. Angie, business liaison with Climb Wyoming, thanked the council. Dr. Aldridge expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. Mr. White moved a substitute amendment changing the internship duration from 12 weeks to 40 hours over six weeks. Amendment approved; main motion passed.
• Urban Renewal Authority 2022 Annual Report (Item 27B): Charles Bloom, Planning and Development Director, presented the report. He noted zero dollars received so far due to tax collection timing, with expected increments: Hitching Post ($3,700), 15th Street ($7,700), Heinz in the Hole ($1,200). He explained that increment will increase with property improvements. Council discussed canceled meetings, delinquent taxes, and liens. The report was acknowledged unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Liquor License for L'Osteria Mondello: Referred to Finance Committee for further consideration.
• Five Third-Reading Ordinances Approved: Annexation, zoning for annexed land, zoning change to NR-2, contract approval amendments, and solid waste fee schedule (with one no vote).
• Carebridge EAP Agreement Approved as Amended: AI/chatbot component removed by vote of 7-2; main motion passed.
• Samson Pipeline Easement Postponed: To May 22, 2023.
• Climb Wyoming MOU Approved as Amended: Internship duration changed to 40 hours over six weeks.
• Urban Renewal Annual Report Acknowledged: No formal action.
• Executive Session: Moved by President Johnson for pending litigation under Wyoming Statute §16-4-405(a)(iii); approved. No further action taken after session; meeting adjourned.