Cheyenne City Council Meeting - September 23, 2024

The Cheyenne City Council met on September 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered a range of agenda items including ordinances, final plats, a 201 agreement exception, a liquor license transfer, and a board reappointment. Several items generated substantial discussion, particularly around pedestrian access, parking, and environmental commitments.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously by voice vote. Routine items included approval of minutes from September 9, 2024, several resolutions regarding budget re-appropriations, a memorandum of understanding for sidewalk repairs, contract modifications, and bids for various city projects, all of which were referred to appropriate committees or approved as noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jaden Smith (Wasatch Development Group) spoke during the Scenic Development final plat discussion. He opposed condition C (pedestrian easement along the east side of the plat) and condition B (dedication of an existing street) as recommended by the Planning Commission. He argued that phase one sidewalks already provide connectivity to Walmart without an easement and that the road shown in Connect 2045 does not touch their property. He was open to a pedestrian easement but requested flexibility on its location.
• James O'Connor (property owner at 4614 East Pershing Blvd) requested an exception to the 201 agreement to install a septic system due to a $316,000+ sewer connection cost versus a $15,000 septic system. He noted the property's assessed value ($222,000) and his willingness to participate in a future improvement district.
• Jack Studley (land surveyor for O'Connor) supported the exception, highlighting the financial hardship and the applicant's commitment to join an improvement district if formed.
• Mr. Johnson (applicant for liquor license transfer at 1734 Meadowland Dr) spoke briefly online, standing for questions.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance on Second Reading – BP Business Park Zone District: Public Services Committee recommended approval. No public comments or council debate; passed unanimously.
• Final Plat – Scenic Development, 5th Filing: The Planning Commission had added conditions B (dedicate an existing street as shown in Connect 2045) and C (pedestrian easement on east side of plat). After discussion, Councilman Dr. Rennie moved to amend: drop condition B (based on city engineer feedback that the road alignment is being reconsidered) and replace condition C with a requirement for a pedestrian easement “to be added to the site, whether it be phase one or phase two, to make connection with Walmart.” The amendment passed on a voice vote (with Mr. Seagrave, Mr. Johnson, and Mayor Collins voting no). The main motion as amended passed 6-2 (Mr. Seagrave and Mr. Johnson opposed).
• Final Plat – Andiamo Subdivision, 2nd Filing: An amendment by Dr. Rennie required prior to signing: (1) a letter from all utilities signing off on the alley vacation, and (2) correct land ownership listed on the plat face. The amendment passed unanimously. The main motion then drew extensive debate on parking concerns, particularly from Councilman Layborn and Dr. Aldridge, who noted the project's 78 parking spaces (versus 116 if standard zoning applied) and potential strain on street parking. Councilman Seagrave and Dr. Rennie supported the project for downtown vitality. The main motion passed 7-1 (Councilman Layborn voted no).
• Exception to 201 Agreement – 4614 East Pershing Blvd: The applicant and surveyor detailed the $316,000 sewer cost vs. $15,000 septic system. Councilman Seagrave opposed, citing the city's obligation under the 201 agreement to eliminate septic systems and the risk of setting a precedent. Dr. Rennie, Dr. Aldrich, and Mr. Johnson argued the financial burden would force the family out of their home. The resolution passed with only Councilman Seagrave voting no.
• Transfer of Retail Liquor License – 1734 Partners, LLC: The Finance Committee had deadlocked (lack of a second), so no recommendation. After discussion, Dr. Aldrich moved to approve. Councilman Seagrave noted the license is a full retail license (not bar and grill) and the future use is unknown. Dr. Rennie argued the license must revert to the owner to be active. Dr. Aldridge cited community saturation concerns and opposition to reliance on gambling and alcohol revenue. The motion passed 6-3 (Mr. Johnson, Dr. Aldridge, and Councilman Layborn voted no).
• Reappointment of Lori Schoene to Cheyenne Housing Authority Board: Unanimously approved. Mr. Johnson noted a disagreement with her over the Housing Authority's corporate structure but voted yes.
• Voucher and Revenue Reports: No discussion from public or council. Mr. Johnson noted that historic horse racing generated over $1 million for the general fund January–June 2024.
• Other Business: Mr. Johnson thanked Councilman Jeff White for helping with tree planting. Mr. Seagrave reported that general fund operating budget reserves increased to 247 days, up from 67 days four years ago. Dr. Rennie added that departments underspent by $3.9 million this fiscal year.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance – BP Business Park District: Approved on second reading unanimously.
• Final Plat – Scenic Development, 5th Filing: Approved as amended (6-2) with pedestrian easement requirement; amendment passed (voice vote with three nays).
• Final Plat – Andiamo Subdivision, 2nd Filing: Approved as amended (7-1).
• Exception to 201 Agreement: Approved (8-1).
• Liquor License Transfer: Approved (6-3).
• Reappointment – Lori Schoene: Approved unanimously.
• Executive Session: The council voted to enter executive session per Wyoming statute; no further business after.

Meeting concluded with executive session, after which the governing body adjourned.