Cheyenne City Council Meeting: November 25, 2024 - Annexations, Parking, Stormwater Fee Debates

The Cheyenne City Council met on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The council approved multiple annexations and zone changes, debated a controversial oversized vehicle parking ban, adopted a stormwater runoff management system and fee, and designated a paid on-street parking district for downtown. The meeting included extensive public testimony.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the November 12, 2024 regular meeting.
• Approved Resolution authorizing the City Treasurer to discharge uncollectible debts (Wyoming Statute § 16-4-502).
• Approved Resolution directing city staff to evaluate a drainage plan for the Bevans Street and Wills Road intersection.
• Referred Resolution for a one-time employee payment from FY2024 savings to the Finance Committee.
• Referred Resolution encouraging public comment on sanitation pickup locations and a meeting with Univerus, Inc. to the Public Services Committee.
• Approved Agreement with Wyoming Office of Homeland Security for Cheyenne Fire Rescue RERT7 Team ($112,651).
• Referred Contract Modification #4 for the sale of surplus land at Morrie Avenue and Lincolnway (adding parking requirement) to the Public Services Committee.
• Accepted Bid for three fire apparatus from Front Range Fire Apparatus ($5,023,363.63).
• Approved Purchase of Flock Safety License Plate Readers and software for Police Department ($146,300).
• Referred Bid for Belvoir Ranch Trailhead and Access Roads to the Finance Committee.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Oversized Vehicles (Item 14): Several residents spoke against the proposed ban, calling it government overreach. Lee File, Gary Everett, Joseph McCord, Jonathan Fraser, Alan Sheldon, John Fulse, William Zaycheck, Gary Hanway, Micah Airmart, and others argued that the ordinance would burden RV owners, business owners, and fixed-income residents with storage costs; they noted that existing laws already address safety concerns. Abigail Bonoines spoke in favor, citing safety issues for children and pedestrians. Online commenters (Daryl Orr, Kathy Sigliano, Daniel Marces) also opposed, with one suggesting the city focus on out-of-state contractors. No speakers supported the final amendments.
• Paid Parking District (Item 23): Representative Daniel Singh expressed opposition, arguing meters harm downtown businesses and burden employees and low-income residents. Carmen Hess asked about free parking and enforcement issues. Xie Brown cited examples from other cities losing business. Corey Lothrie and others voiced concerns about fragile downtown commerce. Danika Mrozenski and Brad Koch (Game Masters) supported the plan, citing data-driven flexibility. Steve Melia, Kathy Sigliano, Micah Airmart, and others opposed as a money grab. Roberta Dunlap asked about impact on churches during events.
• Stormwater Management (Items 15-16): Alan Sheldon opposed as written. No other public testimony.
• North Range Business Park (Items 6-7): Dante Rushton (Cheyenne LEADS) thanked the council for the annexation and zoning.
• Morrie Avenue Zone Change (Item 13): Brandon Swain, the developer, explained his request for MUB with UU overlay, noting a contract modification to guarantee parking.
• Sanitation Relocation (Other Business): Judson Green expressed safety concerns about moving trash collection from alleys to streets in East Ridge subdivision; Joseph McCord supported him.

Discussion Items

• Items 6-8 – North Range Business Park Annexation & Zoning: Second reading approved unanimously. The annexation fulfilled an agreement from 20 years ago when utilities were provided. Zoning: LI Light Industrial and BP Business Park, plus a correction to AG for a parcel in the Leeds Business Park.
• Items 9-12 – County Pocket Annexations (Phases 3 & 4): Second reading approved unanimously. Phase 3 annexed 38 parcels north of Bevans Street, west of College Drive, south of Dell Range. Phase 4 annexed 26 parcels east of Ridge Road, west of Whitney Road, along Dell Range. Zones established for each.
• Item 13 – Morrie Avenue/Lincolnway Zone Change: Approved 9-1 (Mr. Labourne opposed). Changed zoning from P Public and MUR Mixed-Use Residential to MUB Mixed-Use Business with an Urban Use (UU) overlay to allow taller building and reduced setbacks. A contract modification (Item 27a) requires parking to meet MUB standards. Discussion included safety of park access, traffic impact, and parking adequacy.
• Item 14 – Oversized Vehicle Nuisance Ordinance: Approved on second reading as amended, 7-2 (Mr. Cook and Mr. Labourne opposed). Multiple amendments: (1) Changed height limit from 8 to 9 feet (passed 7-2). (2) Exemption for accessible vehicles (ADA) added (voice vote). (3) A proposed seasonal parking allowance (May 5 days before Memorial Day to 5 days after Labor Day) failed. Effective date set for September 7, 2025, for education. Debate centered on enforcement, safety, storage availability, and property rights.
• Items 15-16 – Stormwater Runoff Management System and Fee: Approved on second reading, 8-1 (Dr. Aldridge opposed). The substitute changed "impervious" to "hard pack." The fee funds an estimated $6 million annual need for drainage improvements. Council noted previous failed ballot measures and the legislature granting authority.
• Items 17-19 – First Reading Ordinances: Referred to committees: Item 17 (multifamily facade design) to Public Services; Item 18 (debt reporting by city officials) to Finance; Item 19 (camping on public property expansion) to Committee of the Whole.
• Item 21 – Future Land Use Map Amendment (Morrie Avenue): Resolution adopted 9-1 (Mr. Labourne no), conforming to the zone change.
• Item 23 – Paid On-Street Parking District: Resolution adopted 8-1 (Dr. Aldridge no). Designated downtown district for paid parking. Amendments: corrected "resolution" to "ordinance" in title; excluded Warren Avenue from the district; an amendment to extend district to 26th Street/Carrie failed. Council noted the district is the second step after July's ordinance; police will set zones with 30-day public notice.
• Item 26b – Magic City Enterprises Easement: Approved after failing in committee; substitute allowed Magic City to pay half of $12,000+ in 30 days and half in 60 days. The agreement resolves access for the new transit station.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved without objection.
• Second Reading Ordinances: All six (Items 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) passed. Specific vote tallies noted.
• Resolutions: Future land use map (Item 21) adopted 9-1; Paid parking district (Item 23) adopted 8-1; Sanitation evaluation resolution (Item 22) on consent.
• Contracts/Bids/Purchases: All four (Item 26a, 26b, 27a referral, 28a-c) approved or referred as listed on consent or by separate vote.
• Magic City Easement (Item 26b): Approved with substitute payment terms.
• First Reading Ordinances (Items 17-19): Referred to respective committees.
• Committee Referrals: Several consent items referred to Finance or Public Services.
• Public Hearings: Announced for December 9, 2024, regarding a liquor license and a compliance determination for an annexation.
• Other Business: Council member Johnson praised events funded by WyoLotto revenue.