Cheyenne City Council Regular Meeting - August 26, 2024

The Cheyenne City Council met at 6:00 p.m. on August 26, 2024 in Council Chambers. All nine council members and the Mayor were present. The meeting covered multiple second-reading ordinances, a consent agenda, a climate action plan contract, a firefighter labor agreement, a liquor license transfer, appointments, and community announcements. Key decisions included approval of several annexations and zoning changes, expansion of the Downtown Development District, and approval of the climate action plan contract, while a controversial zone change for an LED sign at a church failed.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the August 12 regular and special meetings.
• Approved second reading of ordinances for annexation and zoning of land west of Converse Avenue and north of Dell Range Boulevard (8.8 acres for apartment expansion).
• Approved second reading of annexation and zoning for a 0.035-acre parcel east of US-30 and north of East Pershing Boulevard.
• Approved second reading of a zone change from Light Industrial to Community Business at Hutchins Drive and Industry Drive (to allow a dog wash).
• Approved a resolution re-appropriating the FY2024 budget (referred to Finance Committee).
• Approved a resolution for sanitary sewer service for Oh Hail No LLC (referred to Public Services Committee).
• Approved multiple contracts and agreements (items 17b-17d, 18a, 19a, and referrals for 17f-17k, 20a? Actually 20a is separate).
• Note: Item 17a (Professional Services Agreement for CCAP) was removed from the consent agenda by Councilman Layborn and considered separately.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 13 (Forest Drive Zone Change): Nancy Loomis (3323 Forest Drive) opposed the zone change from Low-Density Residential to Community Business, citing incompatibility with the neighborhood, traffic hazards at the intersection of Pershing and Forest, and concerns about the proposed LED sign facing homes. David Evans (2837 Deming Boulevard) read a letter from him and his wife opposing the zone change, arguing the church could seek a variance for the sign and that commercial zoning could alter the neighborhood's character. Victoria Pike (2857 Deming) expressed opposition, noting other neighbors could not attend but shared her views.
• Item 17a (CCAP Contract): No public comments.
• Item 20a (Liquor License Transfer): Mr. Ridgeway, representing 307 Racing Management, explained that the liquor license transfer would allow them to control alcohol service in a gaming facility, enhancing safety. He stated denial would not halt their gaming operations but would require alternative arrangements.
• Other Business: Jenna Campo asked about the YMCA's roof and gas issues, and was directed to address the YMCA directly.

Discussion Items

• Items 7-9 (Annexation and Zoning – Converse/Dell Range): Bracken Atkinson of Wasaj Development Group described the second phase of Ridgeview Apartments, expanding an existing complex with a mix of apartments and townhomes. Councilman Cook asked about price points (similar to phase one). The ordinance was approved on second reading.
• Item 13 (Forest Drive Zone Change for LED Sign): The owner requested a change from LR to CB to install an LED sign. Planning staff recommended the zone change as the most likely path, but neighbors and several council members opposed it due to potential future commercial redevelopment and sign distraction. A motion to postpone to September 9 failed 5-5 (Mayor voted no). The main motion to approve the zone change failed on second reading.
• Item 14 (Downtown Development District Expansion): Charles Bloom (Planning Director) explained the expansion adds 6 parcels (5 taxable, plus St. Mary's and a residential property) contiguous to the existing DDA. Benefits include access to DDA grants and services. Councilman Layborn supported the expansion as aligning with the Reed Avenue corridor plan. Councilman Cook questioned staff capacity; Mr. Bloom confirmed no major burden. Dr. Aldridge asked about tax-exempt properties; Mr. Bloom noted they could apply for grants but contributions would be considered. Approved with Dr. Aldridge voting no.
• Item 17a (Professional Services Agreement for Comprehensive Climate Action Plan): Renee Smith (Economic Resource Administrator) described the process: a greenhouse gas inventory, followed by recommendations. The $299,985 contract is funded by an EPA grant with no city match. Councilman Layborn expressed support for a responsible community assessment. Dr. Aldridge noted the funding source. Approved.
• Item 17e (Firefighter Collective Labor Agreement): The renegotiated agreement for 2023-2025 was presented. Approved without discussion.
• Item 20a (Liquor License Transfer – 307 Racing): Councilman Seagrave supported the transfer but urged future consideration of license types. Dr. Aldridge opposed, citing constituent concerns and frustration with state preemption on gaming siting. Dr. Rennie opposed, noting the current license holder's past advice against corporate sales and lack of community demand. Mr. Ridgeway clarified the transfer only concerns alcohol service; the gaming is approved regardless. The transfer was approved with Mr. Layborn, Dr. Rennie, and Dr. Aldridge voting no.
• Appointments (21a, 21b): Alane West and Brandon Gilchrist appointed to Housing and Community Development Advisory Council (Mr. Johnson voted no). Rita Meyer reappointed to Revolving Loan Fund Committee; Joseph Bainbridge and Justin Huntley reappointed to Housing and Community Development Advisory Council (approved unanimously).
• Other Business: Seth Latis (Planning) clarified he did not guarantee the church a zone change, only offered the most likely path. Council members thanked community volunteers for Edgefest, school zone safety, and food drives.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved with item 17a removed (vote: aye unanimous).
• Items 7-12 (annexations and zoning) approved on second reading.
• Item 13 (Forest Drive zone change) failed on second reading.
• Motion to postpone item 13 to September 9 failed (5-5).
• Item 14 (DDA expansion) approved on second reading (Dr. Aldridge voted no).
• Item 17a (CCAP contract) approved (amount $299,985, no city match).
• Item 17e (firefighter labor agreement) approved.
• Item 20a (liquor license transfer to 307 Racing) approved (3 no votes: Layborn, Rennie, Aldridge).
• Appointments: 21a approved (Mr. Johnson no); 21b approved (unanimous).
• Voucher and revenue reports received.
• Announcements made: public hearing on another liquor license transfer on September 9, 2024; committee schedule change due to Labor Day.