Cheyenne City Council Regular Meeting - June 24, 2024

The Cheyenne City Council met on June 24, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. All nine council members were present. The meeting covered consent agenda items, multiple ordinances on third and second reading, resolutions, bids, appointments, and public comment. Key actions included approval of police officer terms and conditions, amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC), establishment of critical traffic control areas, adoption of the Jolly Rogers Urban Renewal Plan, and approval of funding for the VA Cemetery Road project.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (items designated [CA]) with three items removed: Item 15 (Resolution of appreciation for building maintenance), Item 18A (LEADS economic development services agreement), and Item 20B (Bid for VA Cemetery Road project). These were considered separately.
• Items approved under consent included: minutes of June 10, 2024; ordinance on police officer terms and conditions (3rd reading); ordinance amending UDC temporary use (3rd reading); ordinance amending child care requirements (3rd reading); ordinance creating critical traffic control areas (3rd reading); ordinance on zone change (2nd reading); resolutions for property transfer at 2014 Dell Range Boulevard, Jolly Rogers Urban Renewal Plan, Greenway path grant application, and airport control tower rehabilitation support; leases/contracts for utility easement, Frontier Days MOU; contract modifications for janitorial services; bids for Fire Station 1 roof replacement and Norris Viaduct lighting; and voucher and revenue reports.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kevin Steele (citizen) expressed gratitude to the council and staff for their response to neighborhood speeding concerns, specifically applauding the creation of the critical traffic control areas ordinance (Item 9). He stated, "you guys never gave up on it."
• Larry Pach (representing Commander Gallabotti) praised the council for the VA Cemetery Road project (Item 20B). He delivered a message of "Bravo Zulu" (well done) and noted that the city's commitment positively influenced the Veterans Administration to address further needs at the cemetery.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 6 – Police Officer Terms and Conditions (3rd reading): Approved unanimously. No public comment. Motion by Dr. Aldridge, seconded by Mr. White. All members voted yes.
• Ordinance No. 7 – UDC Temporary Use (3rd reading): Approved unanimously. Adds a minimum of 14 days for temporary uses. Motion by Mr. Royble, seconded by Mr. Seagrave.
• Ordinance No. 8 – Child Care Requirements (3rd reading): Approved 8-2. Councilman Labourne declared a conflict and abstained. Dr. Rennie and Dr. Aldridge voted no. Discussion centered on parking requirements. Dr. Aldridge expressed concern that reducing parking for child care centers could be problematic, noting state licensing ratios. Mr. Seagrave argued the change aligns with state standards and makes it easier for providers. Staff clarified that in-home child care parking requirements remain unchanged; only commercial centers see slight reductions.
• Ordinance No. 9 – Critical Traffic Control Areas (3rd reading): Approved unanimously. Council members thanked staff for providing a template to address neighborhood speeding concerns.
• Ordinance No. 10 – Zone Change from MUB to CB (2nd reading): Approved unanimously. Owner-requested for efficient building placement.
• Ordinance No. 11 – Parking Violation Hearings (1st reading): Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Ordinance No. 12 – Paid On-Street Parking Districts (1st reading): Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Resolution – Jolly Rogers Urban Renewal Plan: Approved with Mr. Labourne voting no. No public comment.
• Item 18A – LEADS Agreement: Approved unanimously for $100,000. Council members praised LEADS for their economic development efforts, noting 30+ active prospects and significant return on investment.
• Item 20B – VA Cemetery Road Bid: Approved unanimously for $329,161.57 to STC Construction Co., Inc. Council thanked Director Cobb and staff. Mr. Cobb confirmed the project includes sidewalk, curb and gutter, and three ADA ramps on the parking side; cemetery-owned issues (ADA compliance, bathrooms) are being addressed by the VA separately.
• Appointments: Lorrell Walter and John Karajanis to Downtown Development Authority Board; Rebecca Ogletree to Community Action of Laramie County Board – approved unanimously.
• Reappointments: Rob Graham to Urban Renewal Authority; Trey Rinne and Kevin Marquardt to Cheyenne/Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board; John Brodie, Kimberly Skoutary-Johnson, and Jay Sullivan to Laramie County Juvenile Services Joint Powers Board; Stephanie Reece to Visit Cheyenne Board; Dave Teubner to Downtown Development Authority Board – approved with Dr. Rennie declaring a conflict.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Ordinance 6 (Police terms): Unanimous approval.
  • Ordinance 7 (UDC temporary use): Unanimous approval.
  • Ordinance 8 (Child care requirements): Approved 8-2 (Labourne conflicted, Rennie and Aldridge no).
  • Ordinance 9 (Critical traffic control): Unanimous approval.
  • Ordinance 10 (Zone change): Unanimous approval on second reading.
  • Ordinance 11 and 12: Referred to Public Services Committee.
  • Jolly Rogers Urban Renewal Plan: Approved (Labourne no).
  • Resolution 15 (Building maintenance appreciation): Adopted (Johnson no).
  • LEADS Agreement: Approved unanimously.
  • VA Cemetery Road bid: Approved unanimously.
• Next Steps: Ordinances 11 and 12 will go to Public Services Committee. The VA Cemetery Road project will proceed with construction; the pool at Johnson Park is expected to open by noon on June 25, 2024. The council recognized multiple staff members for their work on building maintenance, aquatics, and community events. An executive session was held pursuant to Wyoming Statute §16-4-405(a)(x) on confidential matters.