Cheyenne City Council Meeting - March 25, 2024

The Cheyenne City Council met on March 25, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Key actions included the approval of a 923-acre annexation to accommodate a new 400-acre Microsoft campus, the adoption of a parking ordinance update, and the failure of a resolution requesting state legislation to allow 5% ABV alcohol sales in grocery stores. The meeting also saw routine consent agenda approvals and public hearings.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the March 11, 2024 regular meeting.
• Approved the Development Agreement amendment for Niobrara Energy Park (COLL-IND, LLC).
• Approved Final Plat for Cheyenne Terrace, 2nd Filing (referred to Public Services Committee).
• Approved resolution for studying the Municipal Building west entryway improvements (referred to Public Services Committee).
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding for the Laramie County Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program Policy Coordinating Group.
• Referred Professional Services Agreement with Atmos Technologies for landfill cover foam to Finance Committee.
• Referred Grant Agreement for Wyoming Outdoor Recreation grant (Belvoir Ranch Trail) to Finance Committee.
• Referred Contract Modification #2 with Waste Management for recycling services to Finance Committee.
• Referred Bid #E-11-24 for six trucks, Bid #E-13-24 for three police motorcycles, and Bid #S-8-24 for the Powderhouse & Carlson Intersection Signal Project to Finance Committee.
• Referred extension request for The Blue Stem Wine House LLC winery license to Finance Committee.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 15 (Grocery store alcohol resolution): Mike Mosier, representing the Wyoming State Liquor Association, testified in opposition. He argued that creating a new liquor license type would glut the market, noting Laramie County has over 50 unissued full retail licenses. He emphasized that alcohol accessibility concerns have united law enforcement and substance abuse groups against such legislation, and that the Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM) should prioritize other issues like affordable housing and funding over this proposal.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing – Restaurant Liquor License for Mr. Jim’s Pizza: No public comment. The license application was referred to the Finance Committee.
• Ordinance – Parking Impoundment Updates (3rd Reading): Lieutenant Hickerson from the Cheyenne Police Department explained clarifications, including adding the owner to the Scofflaw list, clarifying appeals, and transitioning from windshield barnacles to wheel-based immobilization devices, saving approximately $15,000 annually. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
• Zoning Change – Cottage Lot Development (2nd Reading): Councilmember Dr. Aldridge praised the planning office’s work, noting the new NR-2 zoning will enable smaller cottage lots suitable for downsizers and young professionals. Approved unanimously.
• Annexation – 923 Acres for Microsoft Campus (2nd Reading): An owner-initiated annexation of land southwest of the I-25/I-80 interchange to bring a new 400-acre Microsoft campus into the city. Approved unanimously.
• Zoning – Establish City Zones for Annexed Land (2nd Reading): Established AG, LR, MR, HI, and CB zones to match current county zoning for the 923-acre annexation. Approved unanimously.
• Zone Change – Data Center Campus (2nd Reading): Changed zoning to AG and LI to accommodate a proposed data center campus and agricultural holding. Approved unanimously.
• Budget Reappropriation – FY2024: Resolution to balance the budget per Wyoming statutes. Approved unanimously.
• Final Plat – North Row: Allows 10 cottage lots with open space at 4612 Van Buren Ave. Adopted with two planning commission conditions (add utility easement and block number). Approved.
• Resolution – WAM Support for 5% ABV in Grocery Stores: Council debate centered on whether WAM should spend political capital on this issue. Councilmembers Dr. Aldridge, White, Seagrave, Roybal, and Labourn opposed, citing more pressing legislative priorities like affordable housing and direct distribution. The resolution failed (4-5).
• Designation of Voting Delegates: Dr. Rennie named official delegate and Mayor Collins alternate for the June 6, 2024 WAM Summer Convention in Pinedale. Approved.
• Announcements: Several public hearings scheduled for April 8, 2024, including liquor license transfers, annexation compliance hearings, and a Calcutta for Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative. Councilmember Seagrave thanked Fire Chief and personnel for the grand opening of Fire Station 5. Councilmember Labourn highlighted the 25-year partnership with LEADS economic development. Councilmember Johnson thanked Board of Public Utilities for the first annual water summit.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent agenda items as listed (voice vote unanimous).
• Approved restaurant liquor license referral to Finance Committee.
• Approved parking ordinance on third reading (unanimous).
• Approved zoning change for cottage lots on second reading (unanimous).
• Approved annexation for Microsoft campus on second reading (unanimous).
• Approved establishment of city zones for annexed land on second reading (unanimous).
• Approved zone change for data center on second reading (unanimous).
• Approved budget reappropriation (unanimous).
• Approved final plat for North Row with conditions (unanimous).
• Resolution to request WAM to support 5% ABV grocery store legislation failed (4-5; Councilmembers Seagrave, Roybal, Aldridge, Labourn, and White voting no).
• Approved voting delegates Dr. Rennie and Mayor Collins (unanimous).