Cheyenne City Council Meeting – February 10, 2025

The Cheyenne City Council met on February 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Plan of Development, second readings of three ordinances updating building and fire codes, and first readings of ordinances on paid parking and work camps. Several members of the public commented on downtown issues, particularly paid parking.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items marked [CA]) was approved unanimously. This included approval of minutes from January 27, 2025; a lease with Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming; professional services agreement with TDSi for Depot projects; contract modifications for aging services, recycling, bridge design, Frontier Park, and Microsoft Office 365; bids for synthetic turf replacement, trash carts, and in-car cameras for police; and a resolution on the DDA Plan of Development (referred to committee).

Public Hearings & Testimony

• Public Hearing on DDA Plan of Development: Charles Bloom, Planning Director, presented the plan, developed over 18 months with Logan Simpson consultants, costing approximately $108,000. The plan covers the DDA boundary, identifies catalyst projects (e.g., Pump House, 17th Street lighting, alley enhancements), and includes an implementation matrix with priorities (immediate to 7 years). Key goals: management of development, landscaping, public events, business recruitment, and economic improvement.
  • Councilmember Aldrich questioned DDA outreach to business/property owners who fund the DDA via mill levy. Bloom stated outreach targeted property owners but could not provide contact numbers.
  • Councilmember Laybourn emphasized snow removal as an immediate priority and suggested better communication with property owners.
  • Councilmember Moody asked about parking striping; Bloom said DDA would consider support.
  • Councilmember Roybal noted DDA is interviewing for a director vacancy.
  • Public comment: Astrid, owner of Plains Hotel, said she was never contacted by Logan Simpson despite providing email, and claimed pedestrian traffic is down 75% in 10 years. She urged study of crime and economic impact of Core Civic.
  • Glenn Garrett, a downtown office owner, asked if staff added requested details about the Heinz building and Holl to the plan as directed by a joint meeting. Bloom responded that items were added but deferred specifics to the next committee meeting.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 2nd Reading – Building Code Update (Item 7): Amends chapters of Title 15 to adopt updated International Building Codes. Councilmember White provided history on fire sprinkler requirements. Approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 2nd Reading – Fire Code Update (Item 8): Adopts updated International Fire Code with local amendments. Fire Marshal Mason explained exceptions for domestic cooking in daycares/churches and solar panel access pathways. Discussions on grandfathering existing installations. Approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 2nd Reading – Above-ground Tanks (Item 9): Clarifies regulations for tanks/containers. Approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 1st Reading – Repeal Paid On-Street Parking (Item 10): Sponsored by Aldrich, Laybourn, Moody, White. Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Ordinance 1st Reading – Prohibit Work Camps (Item 11): Removes term and prohibits establishment. Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Announcements: Public hearing on liquor license renewals set for February 24, 2025; committee meetings rescheduled due to Presidents’ Day (Public Services Tue Feb 18, Finance Wed Feb 19, both at noon).

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (unanimous).
• Public hearing on DDA Plan of Development concluded; item to be considered by Public Services Committee on February 18, then final reading on February 24.
• Three ordinances approved on second reading (items 7, 8, 9) by voice vote with no opposition.
• Two ordinances referred to Public Services Committee (items 10 and 11) on first reading.
• Executive session approved (voice vote) under Wyo. Stat. §16-4-405(a)(iii)(x) for confidential information; no further business after.

Public Comments (Other Business)

• Corey Lothrie, representing downtown business collective, opposed paid on-street parking, stating 94% of businesses held the same position since 2022. He presented over 400 customer letters collected in a week indicating refusal to use an app. He noted 7 businesses closed in the last 2.5 months.
• Scott Hahn (Cheyenne Elks) opposed paid parking, citing lack of communication and app difficulties.
• Astrid reiterated concerns about downtown fragility and urged data collection on foot traffic and sales tax.
• Michelle Schimman (307 Made) said parents would not visit if app required; noted issues with parking garage.
• Virginia Brinkerhoff (Just Andy) reported foot traffic decline, snow removal problems, and said a Greeley customer avoided downtown there due to app-based paid parking.
• Veronica asked how the app works; Mayor Collins explained the system (free 2 hours then pay). She had identity theft concerns.
• Councilmember Aldrich announced Ward 3 Council & Coffee on February 15, 2025.