Cheyenne City Council Meeting - October 14, 2024

The Cheyenne City Council met on October 14, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a special presentation, consent agenda, multiple ordinances and resolutions, an appeal of a planning commission decision, contracts, and public comment. The council took action on a new business park zone district, a reappropriation of the FY2024 budget, an appeal of a preliminary plat denial, and several agreements related to affordable housing and infrastructure.

Special Presentation

• Ed Galavotti and Cassie Pickett were recognized for their work on the road and entrance improvements at Cheyenne National Cemetery. A letter of appreciation was presented to Cassie Pickett. Additional improvements including bathrooms, a walkway, and a statue for Vernon Baker were noted. Ed Galavotti also thanked the council for donations that raised enough funds for the Vernon Baker statue and travel for his wife.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with the removal of items 18A (Memorandum of Understanding between City and Downtown Development Authority for sidewalk repairs) and 19B (Contract Modification #1 for alleyway design services). Approved items included: minutes from September 23, 2024; resolution reappropriating FY2025 budget; resolution supporting temporary construction easements for Storey Boulevard and Summit Drive Extension and East Dell Range Construction projects; resolution authorizing final plat for VOANR Cheyenne East; two resolutions certifying compliance for annexations of tracts in northeast Cheyenne; resolution accepting real property from Stephanie White; resolution repealing enacting resolutions and dissolving inactive committees; memorandum of understanding for transit services under Title III-B Program; two urban renewal development agreements for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in West Downtown and Jolly Rogers areas; contract modification for lease extension at 6725 Faith Drive; contract modification for alleyway design (removed); bids for two trucks (Weed & Pest), four trucks (Fire Rescue), ten police interceptors, and bid for Childs Draw South Tributary Drainage Improvements (referred to Finance Committee).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elsa Arneson, owner of Outcast Vintage in downtown Cheyenne, spoke against proposed paid parking in downtown. She stated that nearly all her customers have said they would not pay for parking, and that her business and others would see a dramatic decrease in traffic and may be forced to leave. She suggested offering discounted permits for downtown workers, short-term permits for loading goods, and better security at the parking garage.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance – 3rd Reading – BP Business Park Zone District: The council approved on third and final reading an ordinance amending the Unified Development Code to create a new BP Business Park Zone District, providing more flexibility in business mix. The vote was unanimous (all 10 members present voting yes).
• Ordinance – 1st Reading – Urban Use Overlay District: An ordinance to add the Urban Use Overlay District to land north of East 21st Street and east of Warren Avenue was referred to the Public Services Committee.
• Ordinance – 1st Reading – Contractor Licensing for Fire Extinguisher Services: An ordinance authorizing the Contractor Licensing Board to regulate portable fire extinguisher, hose station equipment, and hood system cleaning professionals was referred to the Finance Committee.
• Resolution – Reappropriating FY2024 Budget: The council adopted the final reappropriation of the FY2024 budget as required by state law. Councilmember Johnson declared a conflict and did not vote.
• Appeal of Planning Commission Denial – Edgar Subdivision Preliminary Plat: The council voted to overturn the Planning Commission’s denial of the preliminary plat for Edgar Subdivision (located at 5192 Panorama Drive) and approved the plat with an exception for block size, as recommended by the Public Services Committee.
• Memorandum of Understanding – Sidewalk Trip Hazard Repairs (18A): The council approved an MOU with the Downtown Development Authority to coordinate repair of sidewalks identified as trip hazards, using 2021 Specific Purpose Option Tax funds, in an amount not to exceed $100,000. Councilmember Layborne spoke in favor, noting this could be a model for broader efforts. City Construction Manager Doug Klon confirmed that the two pilot sites could be completed this winter if coordination is completed quickly.
• Development Agreement – Sanitary Sewer Services (18B): The council approved a development agreement among the City, South Cheyenne Water and Sewer District, Cheyenne Fox Farm Village LLC, and Cheyenne Fox Farm LLC for sanitary sewer services. The agreement saves the developer approximately $1 million and enables construction of 31 homes this winter and potentially up to 200 more. Jason Stephen of Gateway Construction thanked the council and noted that the Board of Public Utilities had also approved the agreement. Councilmember Rennie praised the collaboration.
• Memorandum of Understanding – Habitat for Humanity Pronghorn Crossing (18C): The council approved an MOU with Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County to manage grant funds from the state for the Pronghorn Crossing affordable housing project, which will build 12 affordable homeownership units. Habitat Executive Director Dan Dorse thanked the council, noting a tight timeline to use ARPA funds.
• Contract Modification – Alleyway Design (19B): The council approved a contract modification with William H. Smith and Associates to add a fourth alleyway to the Cheyenne Three Alleyway Project, in an amount not to exceed $39,639.67. Councilmember Layborne spoke in favor, noting the alley has serious grease and drainage issues that need evaluation. The vote was 9-1, with Councilmember Cook voting no.
• Bid – Pronghorn Crossing Site Infrastructure (20D): The council considered a bid from S&S Builders, LLC for the Pronghorn Crossing Site Infrastructure Project. Dr. Aldridge moved to accept the bid in an amount not to exceed $2,808, with funding not covered by ARPA coming from the 2021 sixpenny large project fund. He then amended the motion to have the excess funding covered by Habitat for Humanity instead, following passage of the MOU (18C). The amendment was approved, and the main motion passed as amended. Dan Dorse confirmed Habitat would cover costs over the grant award.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved with the removal of items 18A and 19B.
• Ordinance creating BP Business Park Zone District approved on third reading (unanimous).
• Reappropriation of FY2024 budget approved (Mr. Johnson recused).
• Planning Commission denial of Edgar Subdivision preliminary plat overturned; plat approved with block size exception.
• MOU for sidewalk repairs with DDA approved ($100,000).
• Development agreement for sewer services with Fox Farm approved.
• MOU with Habitat for Humanity for Pronghorn Crossing approved.
• Contract modification for alleyway design approved ($39,639.67, Mr. Cook voted no).
• Bid for Pronghorn Crossing site infrastructure approved as amended (funding from ARPA and Habitat).
• Public comment against paid parking received; no council action taken.

Announcements & Reports

• The voucher report was presented with no questions.
• An announcement was made about a Calcutta benefitting Make-A-Wish Wyoming on November 8-9, 2024 at Red Lion, 204 W. Fox Farm Rd., Cheyenne.
• Councilmember Aldridge reminded that Council and Coffee will be held Saturday from 9-11 AM at Dos Banderas.
• Councilmember Johnson thanked engineering for the HAWK system installation at Pershing and Bags and for relocating old equipment to Sunrise; he also noted the passing of Ginny Macy, owner of The Emporium, and praised her contributions to the community.
• Councilmember Layborne thanked the Historic Preservation Board for co-sponsoring a tour of historic downtown churches.