Cheyenne City Council Meeting – December 9, 2024

The Cheyenne City Council met on December 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The agenda included numerous ordinances, resolutions, public hearings, and a contentious third reading on an oversized vehicle parking ordinance. Key outcomes included approval of several annexations, adoption of a stormwater management system and fee, approval of an employee bonus, and passage of an amended oversized vehicle ordinance after extensive public testimony and multiple amendments.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the regular meeting of November 25, 2024, were approved.
• CA Items: Routine items approved en bloc included:
  • Resolution amending the 2024 Annual Action Plan (refer to Finance Committee).
  • Resolution authorizing final plats for 5th Street Towns and Edgar Subdivision (refer to Public Services Committee).
  • Resolution designating local banks as depositories (refer to Finance Committee).
  • Resolution regarding easement corrections on Belvoir Ranch (refer to Public Services Committee).
  • Memoranda of Understanding: transit services with Laramie County (refer to Finance Committee) and LEAD Program Policy Coordinating Group (refer to Finance Committee).
  • Contract Modification #4 for sale of surplus land at Morrie Ave & Lincolnway (approved).
  • Bid #S-7-25 for Belvoir Ranch Trailhead and Access Roads ($672,507.50 accepted).
  • Purchase of gymnastics equipment for new facility (refer to Finance Committee).

Public Comments & Testimony

Public Hearing – Bar & Grill Liquor License (Nellie's Grub and Pub):

• Kathy and John Brandt, applicants, said they are opening at 4020 Airport Parkway on December 10, 2024, serving sandwiches, flatbreads, pastas, and seeking beer and alcohol. Hours: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday; Sunday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Dr. Aldrich asked for update on remaining bar & grill licenses. Staff confirmed this would be the 17th awarded out of 21.

Public Hearing – Annexation Condition Compliance (0.13 acres north of Cheyenne St & Ridge Rd):

• Connor White (Planning) gave staff report: property ~75% contiguous, petition filed Oct 25, 2024, certified Oct 28. All services will be provided; area is inside urban service boundary. Notice sent Nov 1, 20 business days before hearing.
• Mayor clarified this is for water/sewer access; property is in a county pocket.
• No public speakers; hearing concluded.

Public Testimony – Oversized Vehicle Ordinance (Item 15):

• Many residents spoke against the original ordinance (banning oversized vehicles on streets) and offered alternatives. Key points:
  • Donald Jones: supports enforcement of existing laws; concerned about permit costs and time limits (Memorial Day–Labor Day too short).
  • Joe McCord: opposes, argues utility trailers are also a safety issue; claims discrimination against travel trailers.
  • Gary Everett: existing ordinances not enforced; creating more rules won't help.
  • Caitlin Wilson: proposed annual parking permit ($100–$150) as compromise.
  • Steve Manning: announced I-25 RV Storage facility opening March 2025 with 650 spaces.
  • Ed Belco: surveyed his block – 23 vehicles, only 3 RVs; permit system costly; hunting season extends beyond Labor Day.
  • Alisa Kristall: presented petition with 322 signatures; warned ordinance would affect trucks and create economic hardship.
  • Tom Fuller: bought property specifically for RV parking; changing rules after purchase.
  • Daryl Frank: calls nuisance designation unfair; permit process vague.
  • Gregory Barrow: moved west for outdoor lifestyle; prefers compromise.
  • James Windsinger: owns over 30 vehicles, including work trucks; says legally parked vehicles should not be restricted.
  • Therese Johnston: surveyed 15 RV storage facilities – few spots available, average $150/month.
  • Wayne Gazinski: opposes size limits.
  • Georgia Broyles: former councilmember, spoke in favor – safety and snow plowing reasons; notes this is third attempt in 25 years.
  • John Poles: opposition – existing ordinances not enforced; feels targeted by Councilman Roybal.
  • Alan Sheldon (online): opposes, asks for enforcement of existing code.
  • Others echoed similar concerns.

Public Testimony – Stormwater Fee (Items 16 & 17):

• Tim Bradshaw (airport): announced $320,000 annual fee impact; asked for postponement to discuss formula.
• Kevin Paintner (airport board chair): learned of impact only hours before; asks for delay.
• Seth Lloyd: resident, spoke in favor due to flooding experience in Idaho.
• Ken Richardson (Trails End Mobile Home Park): represents 65 homes, many elderly/disabled; additional fee would be unaffordable.
• Kathy (HOA VP): asked if fee would manage existing culverts; prefers vote of people.
• Alan Sheldon (online): opposes without voter approval.

Public Testimony – UDC Amendment (Item 18):

• Dan Dorsch (Affordable Housing Task Force chair): supports amendment to remove 30% brick/stone mandate; says it lowers costs and still allows quality design.

Public Testimony – Camping on Public Property (Item 20):

• Kathy (District 1): questioned permit locations and 48-hour retention of property.
• Mark Moody (Ward 3): supports ban but raised concerns about trespass vs. camping, slippery slope, penalty language, and needle cleanup.

Public Testimony – Employee Bonus (Item 27):

• Seth Lloyd (employee): grateful but asks for COLA to address inflation.
• Bill Gonzalez (Public Works): thanks council on behalf of employees.

Public Testimony – Sanitation Rerouting Resolution (Item 28):

• Mark Moody: supports transparency.
• Carrie Anson: opposed sudden change from alley to street pickup; wants public discussion on hardship for elderly.

Public Testimony – MOU with County on Permits (Item 34a):

• Lee Filer: raised issue of temporary land use permits not covered by MOU; affects his project.

Discussion Items

Oversized Vehicle Ordinance (Item 15) – Extensive Discussion & Amendments:

• Councilman Escobel moved to approve the substitute dated Dec 4, 2024 (summer allowance plus permit system).
• After further debate, Dr. Aldrich proposed an amendment to remove the summer exception and make the ban year-round (effective July 1, 2025). That amendment failed 5-5 (Dr. Aldrich, Mr. Layborn, Mr. Seagrave, Mr. Cook, Mr. Johnson opposed? Actually vote: aye 5? Need to count. Transcript shows hands: