Cheyenne City Council Meeting - January 22, 2024

The Cheyenne City Council met on January 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting began with a moment of remembrance for former planning commissioner Philip Griggs, who passed away earlier that week. The council addressed a substantial agenda including third reading of a comprehensive animal ordinance, multiple annexations and zone changes, human services funding agreements, and other administrative items. The meeting was adjourned shortly after 7:00 p.m.

Consent Calendar

The following routine items were approved by unanimous consent: Minutes of January 8, 2024; Resolution certifying Planning Commission action on Future Land Use maps for property east of Converse Avenue and south of Storey Boulevard; Resolution authorizing a Final Plat for The Bluffs, 12th Filing; Resolution supporting the Cheyenne Soccer Club’s fundraising efforts for an indoor soccer complex; Purchase and Sale Agreement for the BEAST Foundation Facility (purchase amount not to exceed $4,250,000, with a $750,000 donation to the City); Professional Services Agreement for Cheyenne Depot Museum Improvements; Contract Modifications #1 for Gymnastics Facility Site Development, Charles Street improvements, and Dell Range Design Services; Acceptance of Bids: Civic Center LED Lighting Retrofit (Consolidated Electrical Distributors, $331,500), two five-deck rough mowers (LL Johnson, $172,816.60), Gymnastics Facility construction (Richardson Construction, $5,434,182); and referral of the Spiker Parking Garage Restroom Renovation bid to the Finance Committee.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amber Ash, representing the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, expressed gratitude for the council’s work on the updated Title 6 animal ordinance and requested support for the substitute and amendment on third reading.
• Chris Lovis, agent for the property owner (Lovis Engineering), spoke on the zone change at Dell Range Boulevard and Bluegrass Circle, explaining that the current Neighborhood Business (NB) zoning does not allow the required setbacks for a drive-thru lane, and that the requested Community Business (CB) zone would accommodate a proposed coffee shop.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 6 – Third Reading (Title 6 Animals): The council adopted a substitute ordinance (dated January 11, 2024) and an amendment that changed references from “animals” to “livestock, birds, and non-human primates” in two sections. No public opposition was voiced. The ordinance passed unanimously on third and final reading.
• Ordinance 14 – First Reading (Council Compensation): An ordinance to clarify the computation of council member compensation (amending Ordinance 4431) was introduced and referred to the Finance Committee on a motion by Mr. Esquibel.
• Item 18a – Human Services Agreement with United Way: Approved in an amount not to exceed $197,524 for a two-year period. Councilmember Johnson questioned why only a portion of available overage funds ($474,146) was allocated; staff explained the need to retain a reserve for emergencies. The motion carried without recorded opposition.
• Item 18b – Cooperative Agreement for Human Services Advisory Council: Approved in an amount not to exceed $42,000 for four years. Councilmember Johnson voted no.
• Announcements/Reports: Councilmember Aldridge raised concerns about snow removal on city sidewalks along Dell Range Boulevard, noting that some stretches are city property and are not being cleared. The mayor acknowledged the challenge, stating that snow removal is often the responsibility of adjacent property owners, but that city-owned parcels should be maintained by the appropriate department. He offered to help identify responsible parties.
• Revenue Report: Councilmember Johnson requested details on net profit from the Mannheim Steamroller event at the Civic Center on November 16, 2023; staff agreed to provide the numbers by email.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 6 (Animals): Approved on third reading with substitute and amendment (unanimous: 10 ayes).
• Ordinance 7 (Annexation – Douglas & Ridge): Approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 8 (Zoning AR): Approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 9 (Annexation – Converse & Storey): Approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 10 (Zoning AG & LR): Approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 11 (Zone Change to CB & MR): Approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 12 (Zone Change to CB at Dell Range): Approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 13 (Zone Change to CB on Pershing): Approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 14 (Council Compensation): Referred to Finance Committee on first reading.
• Item 18a (Human Services Agreement): Approved.
• Item 18b (Cooperative Agreement): Approved (Councilmember Johnson opposed).
• Item 21a (Reappointment of Milo Vigil to Building Code Board of Appeals): Approved.
• Voucher Report and Revenue Report: Accepted without objection.