First Regular Meeting of Cheyenne City Council – January 6, 2025
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First Regular Meeting – Cheyenne City Council, January 6, 2025
The Cheyenne City Council held its first regular meeting of 2025 on January 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included administration of oaths of office to Mayor Patrick Collins and newly elected council members, welcoming comments from the mayor, unanimous approval of city officials, and election of council leadership for the year.
Oath of Office and Welcoming Comments
- Mayor Patrick Collins was sworn in by Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Kate Fox. Justice Fox also administered the oath to newly elected council members: Ward I – Pete Laybourn and Jeff White; Ward II – Dr. Kathy Emmons and Tom Segrave; Ward III – Dr. Michelle Aldrich and Mark A. Moody.
- Mayor Collins delivered welcoming remarks, reviewing the past governing body's accomplishments (biased crimes ordinance, storm water management, three new fire stations, housing code changes, etc.) and outlining major challenges ahead:
- Water resources: Two-thirds of Cheyenne's water comes from the Colorado River drainage, which is facing a decades-long drought; a shortage of up to 7,000 acre-feet is expected. He urged making new water resources a top priority.
- Housing: The WCDA quantified a housing deficit; the city needs more affordable housing (targeting 30% of income). A bill before the legislature would provide additional tools.
- Infrastructure projects: Reed Avenue project, 15th/State Rail Experience (target installation summer 2026), pump house restoration, and opening Belvoir Ranch to the public with over seven miles of trails (ribbon cutting scheduled next year).
- Road maintenance: Cheyenne has 370 miles of roads (1,400 lane miles); it requires about $10.5 million per year for a decade to reach satisfactory condition. The fifth-penny sales tax dedicates about $7 million annually (80% of its revenue).
- Flood mitigation: A recently passed ordinance will fund mitigation work; organizational structure for billing needs to be installed.
- Community focus: He encouraged the new council to stay focused on Cheyenne-specific issues, use social media positively, and ensure all diverse residents feel welcome.
Approval of City Officials
- The council unanimously approved the appointment of 12 city officials listed in the agenda: Charles W. Bloom (Planning & Development Director), Bradley M. Bowen (Assistant City Treasurer/Board of Public Utilities), John A. Brodie (City Attorney), Thomas D. Cobb (City Engineer), Mark Francisco (Chief of Police), Ronnald J. Jeffrey (Juvenile Court Judge), John B. Kopper (Chief of Fire Rescue), Robin L. Lockman (City Treasurer), Vicki Nemecek (Director of Public Works), Jason M. Sanchez (Director of Community Recreation & Events), David E. Singleton (Senior Municipal Court Judge), and Kylie Soden (City Clerk/Assistant City Treasurer). The motion was made by Councilman Escobel, seconded by Councilman White. Councilwoman Aldrich expressed appreciation for city employees. Vote: all ayes.
Oath of Office for City Officials
- Justice Fox administered the oath of office en masse to the appointed city officials.
Election of City Council President and Vice President for 2025
- Council President: Dr. Rennie was nominated by Councilman Roybal. Councilwoman Aldrich spoke in support, noting Dr. Rennie's extensive experience. Vote: unanimous ayes. Dr. Rennie was elected President.
- Council Vice President: Scott Roybal was nominated by Dr. Rennie and seconded by Councilman Escobel. Vote: unanimous ayes. Mr. Roybal was elected Vice President.
Adjournment
- The meeting adjourned with an invitation for cookies and juice. The next public service meeting was scheduled to begin one hour later.
Meeting Transcript
Of office to Mayor Patrick Collins by the Honorable Justice Kate Fox, Wyoming Supreme Court. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. It's an honor to be here, though. He did not tell me there would be a diatribe. But uh appreciate you, ma'am. Thank you. Repeat after me. I state your name. I Patrick Collins. Do solemnly swear or affirm. Do solemnly swear or affirm. That I will support, obey, and defend. That I will support, obey, and defend. The Constitution of the United States. The Constitution of the United States. And the Constitution of the State of Wyoming. And the Constitution of the State of Wyoming. That I have not knowingly violated any law. That I've not knowingly violated any law. Related to my election. Related to my election. Or caused it to be done by others. Or caused it to be done by others. And that I will discharge the duties. And I will discharge the duties. Of my office with fidelity. With fidelity. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you, Mayor. Administration of Oath of Office to newly elected City Council members by the Honorable Justice Kate Fox, Wyoming Wyoming Supreme Court. Ward one, Pete Labour, and Jeff White, Ward 2, Dr. Kathy Emmons and Tom Seagrave. Ward 3, Dr. Michelle Aldrich and Mark A. Moody. Yeah, you gotta get up. And repeat after me. I state your name. I Jeff White. Do solemnly swear or affirm. Solemnly swear or affirm. That I will support, obey, and defend. And I will support, obey, and defend. The Constitution of the United States. And the Constitution of the State of Wyoming. And the Constitution of the State of Wyoming. That I have not knowingly violated any law related to my election. Any of my law related to my election.
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