Cheyenne City Council Meeting – October 9, 2023

The Cheyenne City Council met on October 9, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The council considered several ordinances and resolutions, including zoning changes, annexations, traffic control measures, and contract approvals. Notable actions included approval of two zoning reclassifications, postponement of a wastewater code update, rejection of a proposed traffic control resolution for Gardenia Drive, and adoption of infrastructure and safety equipment bids.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the September 25, 2023, regular meeting.
• Approved [CA] Resolution certifying compliance for annexation of various tracts in northwest Cheyenne (item 11 was removed from consent and considered separately).
• Adopted [CA] Resolution requiring a study of speed and red‑light violations on city roadways.
• Referred [CA] Resolution for transitioning the Downtown Parking Program to a contract or professional services model to the Finance Committee.
• Referred [CA] Resolution authorizing consent to a partial assignment of a wind energy lease to the Public Services Committee.
• Approved [CA] agreements and bids for bench/shelter placement, transit services with Laramie County, WYDOT rural public transportation grant, juvenile housing, greenway landscaping (referred), SHSP grant (referred), and Saddle Ridge property acceptance (referred).
• Approved [CA] bids for furniture for fire stations, loose equipment for fire apparatus, purchase of emergency blue light call stations (item 18D removed and considered separately), and police interceptors and landfill compactor (both referred).
• Approved [CA] appointment of Bryan Thomas to the Planning Commission.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cheryl Steele (resident near Gardenia Drive) requested a timeline for installation of traffic control devices, noting ongoing speeding problems. She also suggested adding "speed limit strictly enforced" signs.
• Bonnie Cruz (resident near Gardenia Drive) emphasized the presence of 600 children in the gymnastics program, 200 in daycare, and students in a dance center, urging the council to prevent loss of life due to speeding.
• Doug Redding (resident) spoke under other business about school zone safety at ARP Elementary and East Carey Junior High. He questioned the lack of school zone markings and advocated for speed cameras, noting that 12 other states use them. He expressed frustration that a state bill for school zone cameras was denied.

Discussion Items

• Item 6 – Zoning Change to Public District (Back 40 Subdivision): Approved on third and final reading (unanimous vote) to rezone from MUB (Mixed-Use Business Emphasis) to P (Public) for a new gymnastics location.
• Item 7 – Zoning Change to Mixed-Use Business (Hitching Post Plaza): Approved on third and final reading (unanimous) to rezone from CB (Community Business) to MUB to facilitate residential and commercial development.
• Item 8 – Wastewater Treatment Code Amendments: Postponed for two weeks at the request of council member Segrave, who noted that staff requested time to correct language. The motion to postpone passed unanimously.
• Item 9 – Mobile Storage Containers on Public Right-of-Way (second reading): Approved with a substitute amendment (dated October 6, 2023) adding regulation of roll‑off dumpsters, extended permit times, emergency exemptions, and insurance provisions. An amendment proposed by Councilman Rennie to impose a $50 fee for the initial 30‑day permit failed (only Rennie voted in favor). The main motion passed 9‑1 (Rennie opposed).
• Item 10 – Mayor’s Office Employment Status: Referred to the Public Services Committee on first reading.
• Item 11 – Annexation of County Pockets (northwest Cheyenne): Adopted after being removed from the consent calendar. Councilman Aldridge voted no; the resolution passed 9‑1.
• Item 12 – Annexation Near F.E. Warren Air Force Base: Councilman White noted a letter from the base commander expressing concerns and triggering federal review. A substitute correcting the legal description was adopted. The council then voted to postpone consideration to the October 23, 2023, meeting (moved by Councilman Cook, seconded by Councilman Roybal). Passed unanimously.
• Item 13 – Temporary Traffic Control Devices on Gardenia Drive: Councilman Cook explained that the proposal (temporary stop signs) was illegal under state traffic control standards and encouraged defeat. Councilman Segrave called it a “lame effort” but noted that staff are pursuing other solutions. The resolution failed unanimously (0‑10).
• Item 18C – Concrete Repairs at Yellowstone Road & Central Avenue: Bid awarded to Reiman Corp. for $935,576.50. Councilman Laybourne questioned concrete quality and the impact of de‑icing chemicals. Approved unanimously.
• Item 18D – Emergency Blue Light Call Stations: Bid approved for $145,301.60 for 12 stations in parking structures. Councilman Laybourne praised the Clean & Safe team’s work. Approved unanimously.
• Executive Session: The council voted to enter executive session under Wyoming Statute §16‑4‑405(a)(iii) to discuss confidential legal matters. The meeting adjourned after executive session without additional business.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 6 (Zoning – Back 40): Approved on third reading (unanimous).
• Ordinance 7 (Zoning – Hitching Post Plaza): Approved on third reading (unanimous).
• Ordinance 8 (Wastewater Code): Postponed for two weeks (unanimous).
• Ordinance 9 (Mobile Storage Containers): Approved on second reading as amended (9‑1; Rennie opposed). The fee amendment failed (1‑9).
• Ordinance 10 (Mayor’s Office): Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Resolution 11 (Annexation of County Pockets): Adopted (9‑1; Aldridge no).
• Resolution 12 (Annexation near Air Force Base): Postponed to October 23, 2023 (unanimous).
• Resolution 13 (Gardenia Drive Traffic Control): Failed (0‑10).
• Bid 18C (Yellowstone/Central Concrete): Awarded to Reiman Corp. for $935,576.50 (unanimous).
• Bid 18D (Blue Light Stations): Approved for $145,301.60 (unanimous).
• Appointment of Bryan Thomas to Planning Commission: Approved (unanimous).
• Executive Session: Motion passed to enter executive session.