Cheyenne City Council Meeting – March 11, 2024
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Cheyenne City Council Meeting – March 11, 2024
The Cheyenne City Council met on March 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on annexation, multiple ordinance readings, resolutions supporting airport grants, approval of a transit bus purchase, liquor license renewals, and reconsideration of a resolution regarding 5% alcohol sales in grocery stores. The meeting began with a moment of recognition for former Councilman Floyd Lopez, who passed away at age 85.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the consent agenda (items 5, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22a-f, 23a-b, 25a, and 25b) with the removal of items 17, 18, and 24.
- Items removed: Resolution supporting FAA grant for snow removal equipment (17), Resolution supporting FAA grant for airport master plan (18), and Renewal of liquor licenses (24).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Public Hearing on Annexation (Item 6a): No public comments were offered. The hearing was closed after staff presentation.
- Liquor License Renewals (Item 24a): Mike Mosier of the Wyoming State Liquor Association spoke against creating a new license type for 5% alcohol sales in grocery stores, arguing it would be a handout to corporate chains and increase accessibility without need.
- Reconsideration of 5% Alcohol Resolution (Other Business): Mr. Mosier again opposed the resolution, stating it would undermine small businesses and that existing full retail licenses are available for grocery stores. Councilman Johnson explained his rationale for the proposal, citing tourism convenience and Utah’s model.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance 7 – Eliminate Jail Sentences for Code Violations (3rd Reading): Debate focused on amendments to solid waste and noise ordinances. An amendment was adopted to change “shall” to “should to the maximum extent practical” regarding trash containment areas. A second amendment struck “and sanitary” from container maintenance requirements. The ordinance was approved on third reading as amended (7-2, Johnson and Cook dissenting).
- Ordinance 8 – Public Defender Appointment Procedures (3rd Reading): A substitute was adopted removing juvenile reimbursement provisions. Approved on third reading (8-1, Johnson dissenting).
- Ordinance 9 – Vehicle Impoundment (2nd Reading): Codified the number of tickets required for scofflaw status and appeals process. Approved on second reading.
- Ordinances 10, 11, 12, 13 – Zoning Map Amendments and Annexation (1st Reading): All referred to the Public Services Committee.
- Airport Resolutions 17 and 18: Removed from consent for discussion. Director Tim Bradshaw explained the snow removal equipment grant ($1 million entitlement) and the master plan grant. Both resolutions were adopted.
- Bid 23C – Transit Buses: Accepted bid from Model One Commercial Vehicles, Inc. d/b/a Creative Bus Sales, Inc. for ten 20-passenger buses at $1,661,767.40.
- Liquor License Renewals (Item 24a): Dr. Aldridge raised concerns about a specific licensee with multiple emergency calls. City Attorney and Clerk clarified options for suspension or conditions. After discussion, all renewals were approved.
- Reconsideration of 5% Alcohol Resolution: Councilman Escobel moved to reconsider the vote that failed on February 26, 2024. The motion passed (vote count not specified, but ayes prevailed). Then Dr. Rennie moved to postpone for two weeks; the motion passed (6-3, with White, Labourne, and Aldridge dissenting).
Key Outcomes
- Annexation Public Hearing: Purpose met; no action taken.
- Ordinance 7 (Jail Sentences): Approved on third reading as amended (7-2).
- Ordinance 8 (Public Defender): Approved on third reading as amended (8-1).
- Ordinance 9 (Vehicle Impoundment): Approved on second reading.
- Airport Resolutions 17 & 18: Both adopted.
- Transit Bus Bid #E-12-24: Accepted at $1,661,767.40.
- Liquor License Renewals: Approved.
- Resolution on 5% Alcohol Sales: Reconsidered and postponed for two weeks (to March 25, 2024).
- Next Meeting: Council and Coffee scheduled for March 16, 2024, 9-11 a.m. in Ward 3.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to call the March 11th, 2024 meeting of the governing body to order. Madam Clerk, would you take the roll? Mr. Johnson. Present. Mr. Leahorn. Dr. Rennie. Present. Mr. Royble. Present. Mr. Seagrave. Present. Mr. White. Present. Dr. Aldridge. Present. Mayor Collins. Present. Mr. Cook. Here. And Mr. Esquebell. Here. All members are present, Mayor. We do have a quorum. Will you please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Before we jump into our agenda, I just wanted to acknowledge the passing of uh Councilman Floyd Lopez. He and I were uh elected, uh, Mr. Seagrave also uh in 2001 for our first term on the city council, and I really enjoyed our service with Mr. Lopez. He was 85 years old and passed away this last week. His funeral will be this Thursday at 10 o'clock at the Holy Trinity Church. I just want to acknowledge his service to the city and uh send our condolences to his family for his loss. Thank you. Next item is four consent agenda. All items listed with the designation of CA are considered to be routine items by the governing body and will be enacted by one motion. There would be no separate discussion on these items unless a members governing body so request and support by two other members is received. Any item removed from the consent agenda will be considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. Mr. Cook.
openpublica.com