Cheyenne City Council Meeting – August 14, 2023

The Cheyenne City Council met on August 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, public hearings, and votes on several ordinances and resolutions. Key topics included zoning changes, police officer employment terms, a conflict of interest policy, a neglected structure ordinance, and resolutions on animal control, cannabis decriminalization, water-wise landscaping, and a detention pond study. The council also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Cheyenne Rotary Club Foundation for a park donation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the July 24, 2023, regular meeting.
• Approved contract between the City and Laramie County Sheriff’s Office for housing prisoners at the Laramie County Detention Center.
• Approved Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. for the Safe Routes to School Plan Update (not to exceed $282,523.62).
• Approved contract with Laramie County for Youth Crisis Shelter Services ($86,000).
• Approved Professional Services Agreement with Rythm EFX, LLC for Christmas light design and installation at the Depot Plaza (not to exceed $127,480.60).
• Approved Development Agreement with Tru-Grit Land Development, LLC for Harmony Valley Subdivision infrastructure improvements (not to exceed $238,289.41).
• Referred to Finance Committee: Grant Agreement with Federal Transit Administration for Transit Operations; Professional Services Agreement with Wilson & Company for Pershing Blvd./Windmill Rd. intersection and signal design; Professional Services Agreement with Design Workshop, Inc. for Parks and Recreation Master Plan; Amendment to Contract No. 7521 for Animal Control Services.
• Referred to Finance Committee: Resolution re-appropriating Fiscal Year 2023 Budget; Resolution supporting establishment of Urban Renewal Authority Fiduciary Fund.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathy Taber Douglas (Historic Preservation Board) addressed the neglected structure ordinance, apologizing for missing the committee meeting and offering to answer questions.
• Gunnar Mall (Laramie County Commissioner) spoke in support of the animal control district resolution, emphasizing local government’s role in bringing issues to the legislature.
• Zach Padilla (Teton County Libertarian Party chair, small business owner) spoke in favor of cannabis decriminalization, citing medical benefits and police resource allocation.
• Kathy Dister spoke against cannabis decriminalization, citing crime increases in Colorado, and also opposed the water-wise landscaping resolution, arguing it overrides private covenants.
• Seth Lloyd (city planner and resident) spoke in favor of the water-wise landscaping resolution, comparing it to nullification of racial covenants, and also shared a compliment about pothole repair.
• Brent Lathrop (Cheyenne Rotary Club Foundation president) presented the MOU for Rotary Park donation, noting the property’s role in Dry Creek flood control improvements.
• Mr. White (Councilman) expressed opposition to the water-wise landscaping resolution, stating covenants are a civil matter and the city should not intervene.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 3rd Reading – Zoning Change (West of Burlington Trail): Unanimously approved. The change from HI Heavy Industrial, AG Agricultural, and County A-2 to LI Light Industrial supports expansion of a business park and data center.
• Ordinance 2nd Reading – Police Officer Employment Terms: Approved. The ordinance amends the timeframe for the fiscal year 2023–2024 and adjusts court call-out compensation.
• Ordinance 2nd Reading – Conflict of Interest Policy: Approved. Creates a conflict of interest policy for city employees as required by state law.
• Ordinance 2nd Reading – Neglected Structure Ordinance: Approved after debate. The Historic Preservation Board requested time to address council questions. A motion to postpone for two weeks failed (2–6). Council members expressed concerns about funding and property rights but allowed the item to move forward.
• Resolution – Animal Control District: Adopted. Requests the state legislature to reconsider House Bill 0148 (2022) to create a special animal control district, allowing local voters to decide on funding. Commissioner Mall noted the need for local options. The motion passed on voice vote.
• Resolution – Cannabis Decriminalization: Adopted 5–2. Asks the state to reconsider decriminalization and reform the Wyoming Controlled Substance Act. Councilman Johnson noted it aligns with earlier city council discussions and WAM resolutions. Dr. Aldrich and Councilman Seagrave opposed, citing mixed messages and social costs.
• Resolution – Waterwise Landscaping Covenants: Adopted (majority vote). Requests the state to nullify covenants that restrict water-wise landscaping or require water-intensive landscaping. Councilman Johnson argued it parallels nullification of racial covenants. Dr. Aldrich and Councilman Seagrave opposed, calling it an overreach.
• Resolution – Highland Village Detention Pond Research: Failed. The resolution directed staff to research ownership and maintenance of a detention pond. An amendment to delete clauses implying purchase intent passed, but the main motion failed (no ayes). Council members cited concerns about precedent and resource allocation.
• Memorandum of Understanding – Rotary Park Donation: Approved as amended. The Rotary Club Foundation will acquire 12 acres on Dry Creek and donate it to the city for a park, aiding water quality and flood control. The substitute dated August 8, 2023, was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Zoning change (west of Burlington Trail): Approved 8–0.
  • Police officer terms: Approved on voice vote.
  • Conflict of interest policy: Approved on voice vote.
  • Neglected structure ordinance: Approved on second reading after postponement failed (2–6).
  • Animal control district resolution: Adopted on voice vote.
  • Cannabis decriminalization resolution: Adopted 5–2.
  • Waterwise landscaping resolution: Adopted (majority; Dr. Aldrich and Mr. Seagrave opposed).
  • Highland Village detention pond research: Failed (no ayes).
  • Rotary Park MOU: Approved as amended.
• Referrals:
  • DDA special assessment (Item 10) referred to Finance Committee.
  • Frontier Mall zoning change (Item 11) referred to Public Services Committee.
  • Sweetgrass PUD modification (Item 12) referred to Public Services Committee.
  • Plastic bag ordinance (Item 13) referred to Finance Committee.
• Announcements:
  • Emergency procurement for Pioneer Park sanitary sewer repair authorized to Master Mechanical for $78,216.10.
  • Public hearing for West Downtown Urban Renewal Plan scheduled for August 28, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
  • Council and Coffee event on August 19, 2023, at Dosbog (College and Pershing) from 9–11 a.m.
• Other Business: Councilman Johnson raised concerns about non-refundable rental application fees; Councilman Escobel congratulated American Legion Post 6 baseball team for reaching the national semifinals.