Cheyenne City Council Meeting - May 27, 2025

The City Council met on May 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing on a forced annexation of 95 parcels (44.56 acres) in northeast Cheyenne, second reading of the FY2026 budget with amendments, third reading of a home occupation ordinance, and several other items. The annexation hearing drew significant public opposition. The budget was amended to add $100,000 for speed and noise enforcement and $7,894 for council employee compensation; a $10,000 amendment for park trash cans failed.

Youth Council Recognition

• The 2024-2025 Mayor's Youth Council was recognized, and Chairwoman Molly Madsen delivered the State of the Youth Address, expressing appreciation for the program and the importance of community service. Six graduating seniors were highlighted.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved, with items 17 (Downtown Development Authority budget), 19 (Board of Health fee schedule), 21 (Sutherland's outside user agreement), 22 (Icerock outside user agreement), 28A (Dry Creek Union Pacific Railroad feasibility study), and 28C (Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan) removed for separate discussion.
• Items approved en bloc included minutes, a Memorandum of Understanding with Cheyenne Frontier Days for public safety services, the Cheyenne Transit Program grant application, and several other routine resolutions and agreements.

Public Comments & Testimony

Annexation Public Hearing (Item 7a):

• Daniel Sing (Representative, House District 61, speaking for his parents and neighbors): Asked the council to "hit the brakes" on the forced annexation. He argued that residents did not vote for council members, that their property rights and businesses (like his father's auto dealership) would be jeopardized, and that the city would not recover the cost of services. He requested a pause for further reflection.
• Mary Simons (resident of the area for 30 years): Opposed forced annexation, stating she bought property specifically to be in the county. She noted she was already on city water/sewer due to septic issues and would receive no benefit, only higher taxes. She threatened to file a court petition if the annexation proceeded.
• Kevin Tanner (resident on Green Court): Strongly opposed, citing smaller government, landowner consent, concerns about city services (trash collection, police response), and potential legal issues with contiguity. He argued the annexation was a "tax grab."
• Jared Hazenauer (resident): Opposed, stating he purchased his property because it was in the county and had not voted for any council member. He requested a vote by the affected residents before moving forward.
• Councilwoman Lexie Brown (Ward 2): Urged the council to vote no, calling it a property rights issue. She said the only beneficiary is the city through tax revenue, and no additional benefits would accrue to residents.
• Staff (Mr. White) clarified that the public hearing was required by statute; no vote was taken that evening. The annexation will be referred to committee and will return for a future vote.

Budget Amendment for Speed/Noise Enforcement (Item 9):

• Lisa Rattery (resident off Manwall): Spoke in favor of the $100,000 amendment, describing extreme noise pollution from motorcycles and modified cars near her home. She requested more enforcement and potential speed bumps. Mayor Collins noted that in a recent 56-hour enforcement period, police made 112 stops and issued 16 noise tickets.
• Josie Foreign (resident): Supported the amendment and suggested using traffic cameras. She expressed concern for safety of pedestrians, especially near schools.

Discussion Items

• Annexation Public Hearing (7a): The public hearing was held to determine compliance with Wyoming Statute §15-1-402. Staff reported that the 95 parcels are 100% contiguous to city limits, services will be extended, and certified mail was sent to landowners. Councilwoman Aldrich asked about current outside user agreements—residents annexing will see their water rates reduced from 150% to 100% of city rates. No questions from other council members. The hearing was closed after public testimony.
• Restaurant Liquor License (7b): Public hearing for Cheyenne Hokkaido Ramen at 1720 Capitol Ave. No public comment; item referred to Finance Committee.
• Home Occupation Ordinance (Item 8) – Third Reading: Amended UDC sections to allow more home businesses and add definitions. Councilman Moody and Planning staff were thanked. An amendment was added to clarify that apprentices are not allowed in home occupations (to prevent having non‑resident workers). A substitute was adopted limiting auto detailing to three vehicles per day and requiring no street parking. The ordinance passed 7‑2 (Layborn and Rennie voting no).
• FY2026 Budget (Item 9) – Second Reading: The budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, was amended to:
  • Add $100,000 from General Fund Reserves for speed and noise enforcement overtime (wages and benefits). Passed.
  • Add $7,894 for council employee compensation (offset by a reduction in miscellaneous insurance). Passed.
  • A $1,000 reduction for council professional development failed (lack of second).
  • A $10,000 addition from reserves for park trash cans (Community Recreation & Events) failed (voice vote: ayes 2, nays majority). The budget passed on second reading as amended.
• Water/Sewer Rate Ordinance (Item 10) – Second Reading: Proposed increases: $3/month base water rate, $2/month sewer, 4% system development fees. Councilwoman Aldridge questioned whether the rates cover infrastructure. Board of Public Utilities staff said they are still catching up on deferred maintenance but this budget is the best in years. The ordinance passed.
• 201 Exception (Item 15): Granted an exception to the 201 Agreement for a property south of High Plains Road. A substitute added a condition that the property must connect to city sewer when it becomes financially feasible. Passed, with Councilman Seagrave voting no.
• Downtown Development Authority Budget (Item 17): Approved for FY2026 at $728,450. Councilman Moody declared a conflict and recused. Passed with Aldrich and Layborn voting no.
• Board of Health Fee Schedule (Item 19): Adopted revised fees after a 45-day public comment period with no comments received. Fees are set at 60% of usual and customary rates. Passed with Moody voting no; Dr. Emmons recused.
• Outside User Agreements (Items 21 & 22): Both approved with substitute requiring inclusion of a consent-to-annex condition. Item 21 (Sutherland's Fun Family Fitness at Whitney Road) was approved. Item 22 (Icerock Wyoming LLC) was approved with Seagrave voting no.
• Outside User Agreement Modification (Item 23): Modified conditions for Oh Hail No LLC to extend the annexation petition deadline from 180 days to 18 months. Approved with Moody voting no.
• Professional Services Agreements (Items 28A & 28C): Item 28A (Dry Creek Union Pacific Railroad feasibility study for $246,972.80) approved with Moody voting no, citing his preference for Union Pacific's written sign-off. Item 28C (Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan for $250,000) approved. Councilman Layborn praised the MPO for bringing forward the grant.
• Appointments (Items 32A & 32B): Keith Zabka reappointed to Board of Public Utilities; Dixie Roberts, Candice Wisdom, and Bradley Ray appointed to respective boards. Approved.
• Urban Renewal Authority 2024 Annual Report (Item 32C): Acknowledged receipt. Report showed tax increment balances for various project areas.

Key Outcomes

• Annexation of 95 parcels (northeast Cheyenne): Public hearing held; no vote taken. Item will proceed to committee and then to a future council meeting for a vote.
• Home Occupation Ordinance (3rd reading): Approved 7-2 (Councilmembers Layborn and Rennie opposed).
• FY2026 Budget (2nd reading): Passed as amended, with $100,000 for speed/noise enforcement and $7,894 for council employee compensation. The $10,000 park trash can amendment failed.
• Water/Sewer Rate Increase (2nd reading): Approved.
• 201 Exception (Item 15): Adopted as amended.
• Downtown Development Authority FY2026 Budget: Approved ($728,450).
• Board of Health Fee Schedule: Adopted.
• Outside User Agreements (Items 21 & 22): Approved with consent-to-annex conditions.
• Outside User Agreement Modification (Item 23): Approved extending annexation deadline to 18 months.
• Professional Services Agreements (Items 28A & 28C): Approved.
• Board/Commission Appointments: Approved.
• URA Annual Report: Acknowledged.
• Police Department reported 1,443 traffic stops in May for speeding and noise (as of meeting date).