Cheyenne City Council Meeting – October 28, 2024

The Cheyenne City Council met on October 28, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting covered a consent calendar of routine items, two second-reading ordinances, two Tax Increment Financing (TIF) development agreements, a bid for drainage improvements, and miscellaneous announcements. Several members of the public and developers spoke in support of projects.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: Minutes of October 14, 2024; Final Plat for VOANR Cheyenne East; two city-initiated annexation certifications (north of Bevans Street and along Ridge Road/Whitney Road); acceptance of real property from Stephanie White; repeal of inactive committees/commissions/resolutions; acknowledgement of Rotary Park Master Plan Report (referred to Public Services Committee); resolution on Innovation and Entrepreneur Advisory Council (referred); resolution directing staff to initiate UU zoning map amendment on Warren Avenue (referred); resolutions directing staff to study paving Birch Place and Ridge Road (referred).
• Contracts approved (all referred to Finance or Public Services as noted): Title III-B Grant for senior transportation; MPO Long-Range Transportation Plan update; utility easement to BOPU; Memorandums of Understanding with National Forest Foundation and World Resources Institute; agreements with Safe Harbor, Cheyenne Housing Authority, Volunteers of America, Viaero Fiber Networks, and land exchange with Black Hills Energy; contract modifications for hazardous waste disposal (Veolia) and electronics recycling (I.T. Refresh); bid for mobile laptops.
• Item 20A removed from consent for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elizabeth Valverde Bartlett (applicant, 2113 Warren Ave) spoke in support of adding the Urban Use Overlay to her property, describing a planned coffee bar and community space. She answered questions about parking plans (employees to park in back after garage demolition).
• Mark Christianson (AVI PC) spoke on behalf of the TIF applicant for the West Downtown project, noting removal of land cost request after guidance from city staff.
• Nathan Stenzel (Stenzel Group) spoke in favor of both TIF projects, stating they would not be feasible without TIF assistance. He provided details on timeline (start in 2024, completion in 2026) and amenities.
• Brandon Swain (developer) spoke in support of the TIF projects and later under Other Business thanked planning staff for progress on his own project.

Discussion Items

1. Ordinance – 2nd Reading – Urban Use Overlay on Warren Avenue (Item 6)

• Applicant Elizabeth Valverde Bartlett requested the overlay to reduce parking requirements for a mixed-use commercial/residential project.
• Councilman Johnson presented parking citation data: 28 citations on the block face in 2021, 7 in 2022, arguing no traffic problem exists.
• Councilman Lyborn and Seagrave opposed, citing parking congestion near the hospital and neighboring businesses.
• Councilwoman Aldrich supported, noting existing commercial creep and need for consistency.
• Vote: Passed on second reading 7-2 (Lyborn and Seagrave opposed).

2. Ordinance – 2nd Reading – Contractor Licensing for Fire Extinguisher/Hood Cleaning (Item 7)

• Fire Chief Mason and Compliance Director Fountain explained the move from Clerk’s office to Contractor Licensing Board for better enforcement. Councilman Johnson expressed concern about potential delays for new businesses; staff clarified the process remains similar.
• Vote: Passed on second reading 7-2 (Johnson and Cook opposed).

3. TIF Development Agreement – West Downtown (Item 18b)

• For a 100-unit apartment building at 19th & O’Neil. Requested ~$2.6 million TIF over ~18 years.
• Planning Director Bloom detailed current tax revenue ($6,041/year on the five lots) and projected post-development tax ($140,000/year).
• After committee discussion, the applicant agreed to remove land costs from eligible expenses; a facade easement was added to ensure maintenance.
• Vote: Approved unanimously as amended.

4. TIF Development Agreement – Jolly Rogers (Item 18c)

• For a 194-unit apartment project on the former Jolly Rogers site. Requested ~$4.7 million TIF over ~18 years.
• Similar discussion; land costs removed and facade easement added. Traffic study referenced; one entry/exit initially with potential future connection to Whitney Road.
• Vote: Approved unanimously as amended.

5. Bid – Childs Draw South Tributary Drainage Enhancements (Item 20a)

• Contract with Pine Bluffs Gravel & Excavating, Inc. for $465,104.75 to address drainage issues in Thomas Heights (Cordier Bioretention Pond).
• Councilman Lyborn expressed disappointment that original subdivision designers did not contribute to the cost.
• Vote: Approved 8-1 (Dr. Rennie opposed).

6. Appointment to Planning Commission (Item 21a)

• Lonnie Olson appointed to the Planning Commission.
• Vote: Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Zoning Overlay: Ordinance passed on second reading, adding Urban Use Overlay to land on Warren Avenue (east side of 2100 block).
• Contractor Licensing: Ordinance passed on second reading, transferring regulation of fire extinguisher/hood cleaning professionals to Contractor Licensing Board.
• TIF Approvals: Two development agreements approved as amended, paving way for 294 total apartment units downtown and on Jolly Rogers site.
• Drainage Bid: Accepted for Childs Draw improvements.
• Appointment: Lonnie Olson seated on Planning Commission.
• Next Council Meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. due to Veterans Day holiday, including public hearings on three annexation proposals and a land exchange with Black Hills Energy.
• Councilman Johnson raised concerns about a racist incident at South High School, urging the school district to cooperate with law enforcement and take stronger action.