Cheyenne City Council Meeting – April 8, 2024

The Cheyenne City Council met on April 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 2101 O'Neil Avenue. The meeting covered consent agenda approvals, multiple public hearings on liquor license transfers and annexation compliance, third-reading ordinances for zoning changes and annexations, first-reading referrals, a final plat approval, a resolution on the municipal building west entryway (which failed), and other business including storm damage updates and community announcements. An executive session was held afterward.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the March 25, 2024 regular meeting were approved.
• CA items included: adoption of the Cheyenne/Laramie County Emergency Operations Plan (referred to Public Services Committee); final plat for Carey Cottages (referred to Public Services Committee); final plat for Sun Rise Hills North Subdivision, 3rd Filing (referred to Public Services Committee); grant agreement for Belvoir Ranch Trail (approved); professional services agreement for 15th Street Master Plan (referred to Finance Committee); contract modification for recycling services with Waste Management (approved, not to exceed $250,000); bids for six trucks (accepted from Ken Garff Cheyenne, $364,251), three police motorcycles (accepted from Northern Colorado Powersports, $76,493.34), and the Powderhouse & Carlson Intersection Signal Project (accepted from Knife River, $1,229,369); purchase consideration for daily cover foam at Happy Jack Landfill (referred to Finance Committee); bid for 2024 Surface Seal Project #1 (referred to Finance Committee); bid for rear-load dumpsters (referred to Finance Committee); bid for bituminous asphalt hot mix (referred to Finance Committee); restaurant liquor license for Mr. Jim's Pizza (approved); winery license extension for The Blue Stem Wine House (approved). All consent items were adopted by one motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 6a – Retail liquor license transfer of location (Scooter's Scoreboard Bar): No public comment. Councilmember Seagrave noted the license will remain in park status at the new location (619 E. Lincolnway). The item was referred to the Finance Committee.
• 6b – Retail liquor license transfer of ownership (The Lamp Lounge): John Coverdale, representing the new owners (including Cheryl Lyle, Michael Jordan, Tony Derez, Connie Kevin Snow), stated they plan to change the bar to a lounge and package store without DJs, dance floor, or bands, focusing on a safe environment with appetizers. Dr. Aldridge thanked him for the investment in South Cheyenne. The item was referred to the Finance Committee.
• 6c – Annexation compliance for High Plains Road (7.23 acres): Connor White (Planning & Development) presented that the petition was certified on February 16, 2024, and public hearing notices were mailed March 8, 2024. The road is 8.3% continuous to city limits. No comments from adjacent neighbors. Dr. Aldridge asked about city services; it was noted a water line exists in the right-of-way, but the north side is in the South Cheyenne Sewer and Water District. The purpose of the hearing was met; the ordinance advanced to first reading.
• 6d – Annexation compliance for 9.3 acres east of Saratoga Street and west of Whitney Road: Connor White presented the petition certified February 16, 2024. The land is 12% continuous to city limits. The annexation will create a county pocket for an adjacent landowner. Councilmember Cook expressed concern about creating new county pockets while the city has worked to eliminate them. Staff responded that the developer petitioned to annex only their parcel, and the county requested the entire Laramie Street right-of-way be included to ensure proper maintenance. Councilmember Cook noted the adjacent landowner may not fully understand the impacts. No public comment. The hearing concluded.
• 6e – Annexation compliance for 1.60 acres at 4204 Dell Range Boulevard: Athan Morse (Planning & Development) presented the petition certified February 16, 2024. The property is inside the urban service boundary, zoned urban residential. No public comment or council questions. The hearing concluded.

Discussion Items

• Item 7 – Third reading: Zoning map amendment from MR to NR-2 (south of West 5th Street between Patton and Snyder): Councilmember Roybal moved to approve on third reading, seconded by Seagrave. No discussion. Unanimously approved (10-0).
• Items 8, 9, 10 – Third reading: Annexation and zoning for land southwest of I-25/I-80 interchange adjacent to Roundtop Road (business park and data center): Councilmember Roybal moved to approve each, seconded. Councilmember Cook thanked the developers. Each item was unanimously approved (10-0). Item 8 (annexation) approved; Item 9 (establishing AG, LR, MR, HI, CB) approved; Item 10 (changing to AG and LI) approved.
• Items 11–17 – First reading ordinances: All were referred to the Public Services Committee without discussion: (11) Zoning change MUB to CB at Q-B Subdivision; (12) Annexation of High Plains Road; (13) Annexation east of Saratoga Street; (14) Zoning AR for annexed land; (15) Annexation at 4204 Dell Range; (16) Zoning MR for that property; (17) Zoning change from CB to P for Cheyenne Ice & Events Center.
• Item 18 – Final plat for Cheyenne Terrace, 2nd Filing (74 cottage lots): Councilmember Roybal moved to adopt, seconded. He then moved to amend by substitute dated April 1, 2024 to correct the location description (south of West 5th Street between Patton and Snyder, not Converse/Storey). The substitute was adopted. The main motion to approve the final plat was then passed unanimously.
• Item 19 – Resolution requesting study of west entryway to Municipal Building: Director Vicky Nemachek detailed issues: rusted soffits, cracking brick, failed joint sealant, deteriorating pebble walkway, defective doors and security, outdated landscaping, and non-compliance with Unified Development Code (UDC) lighting/signage. She reported ongoing work: soffit painting, concrete replacement for walkways (Phase 1 this summer), door repairs (center doors being removed, ADA hardware added), and planned landscape refresh (approx. $50,000). A continuing maintenance plan is being implemented via OpenGov. The resolution would require a report within 60 days. Councilmember Seagrave noted the resolution failed in committee. He argued a plan already exists and voted no, though he stressed the need for door repairs. Councilmember Cook agreed that a plan is in place and voted no. The motion to adopt failed (noes prevailed).
• Item 23a – Professional Services Agreement with Atmos Technologies for daily cover foam at Happy Jack Landfill: Staff requested the item be allowed to die so it could be resubmitted as a sole source purchase. Councilmember Aldridge noted no recommendation from Finance Committee. A motion to approve was made but failed (defeated). The item was noted as coming back under Item 25d.
• Voucher report (Item 27a): No discussion, approved.
• Announcement (Item 27b): Public hearing for the City's Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2024 will be held April 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
• Other Business (Item 28): Councilmember White asked for an early estimate of storm damage from the recent wind event. Mayor Collins said crews were working and a full report would be sent soon. Councilmember Seagrave thanked staff for prompt response to a tree removal. Councilmember Cook announced April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and noted a proclamation signing on April 18 at 3:00 p.m. at Paul Smith Children's Village. Dr. Aldridge highlighted a successful fundraiser at the BEART facility raising about $10,000. Director Nemachek advised that branches from the storm can be placed curbside (three feet or shorter) for pickup by calling 637-6440; fees may apply for non-compost customers.
• Executive Session (Item 29): Council moved into executive session pursuant to Wyoming Statute §16-4-405(a)(vii) to discuss a potential land purchase. No further business was conducted afterward.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved including minutes, contracts, bids, and various referrals.
• Public hearings for liquor license transfers (6a, 6b) were closed and referred to Finance Committee.
• Public hearings for annexation compliance (6c, 6d, 6e) were closed; ordinances proceeded to first reading.
• Third Readings:
  • Item 7: Approved (unanimous).
  • Items 8, 9, 10: Approved (unanimous).
• First Readings: Items 11–17 all referred to Public Services Committee.
• Final Plat: Cheyenne Terrace, 2nd Filing approved as amended (unanimous).
• Resolution on Municipal Building West Entryway: Failed (defeated).
• Professional Services Agreement with Atmos Technologies: Failed (defeated); to be resubmitted.
• Executive Session: Held; no further action.