Cheyenne City Council Meeting – June 9, 2025

The Cheyenne City Council convened on June 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting covered the FY2026 budget (including a public hearing and third reading), annual water/sewer rate adjustments, annexation of county pockets and a new parcel, amendments to the Unified Development Code for park impact fees and signage, a grant resolution, several contracts and purchases, and public comments on the Cheyenne Gunslingers' performance location. Notable split votes occurred on the budget and water/sewer rates.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (items designated [CA]) with the removal of item 24A (Urban SDK software purchase), which was considered separately.
• Items approved included: minutes of May 27, 2025; resolutions for the Cheyenne Regional Airport Board budget, Cheyenne Transit Program grant application, and uncollectible debt discharge; contracts for stop loss insurance, auditing services, South Lions Park design, gutter bin MOU, and several other routine items; contract modifications; bids for SUVs, snow plows, janitorial services, and more; a restaurant liquor license; and various referrals to committees.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mark Christensen (agent for applicant) – Available for questions on the 199.67-acre annexation public hearing (item 6A).
• Aaron LeBlanc and Katie Brady (Laramie County Senior Center) – Spoke in support of the FY2026 budget, highlighting staff retention, increased meal programs (26% increase in September 2024), and the upcoming move to a new facility at 4100 East Pershing Boulevard.
• Daniel Singh (State Representative, HD 61) – Addressed the annexation of county pockets (item 11), apologizing for prior conduct. He expressed concerns about the democratic process and property rights, noting that many residents oppose involuntary annexation, but acknowledged the city's rationale for public safety and health. He later accepted the mayor's historical explanation.
• Kelly Todd (Wyoming Game & Fish) – Answered questions on the Belvoir Ranch hunting agreement (item 22D), clarifying that deer hunting is archery-only due to adjacent state land restrictions.
• Roger Barnes (Chief Marshal, Cheyenne Gunslingers) – Opposed the proposed relocation of Gunslinger Square for the 15th Street Rail Project, arguing it would reduce foot traffic downtown and harm local businesses.
• Katie Brady (former downtown business owner) – Supported the Gunslingers, citing increased business during their performances.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing & Third Reading: FY2026 City Budget (Item 6B/7) – The $74,517,876 general fund budget was presented. A substitute amendment adding $10,977 for a council intern was adopted (voice vote). Dr. Aldrich, Mr. Moody, and Mr. Labourne voted no, citing inequitable pay raises for executives compared to line staff. The budget passed 8-3.
• Third Reading: Water/Sewer Rate Increases (Item 8) – Approved after discussion of rate study methodology (flat service fee increases of $3 for water, $2 for sewer instead of 9% per-thousand increase). Dr. Aldrich and Mr. Moody voted no, with Dr. Aldrich citing the paradox of conservation reducing revenue needed for infrastructure. Passed 9-2.
• Second Reading: Park Impact Fees (Item 9) – Approved on second reading; a proposed amendment was deferred to the Public Services Committee.
• Second Reading: Signage Amendments (Item 10) – Dr. Rennie moved an amendment to require that 100% window coverage counts toward allowed wall sign area; adopted. The amended ordinance passed unanimously on second reading.
• Second Reading: Annexation of County Pockets (Item 11) – Extensive debate. Mayor Collins explained the history of water/sewer service agreements and public safety (fire response incident). Dr. Aldrich and Mr. Moody voted no (property rights concerns); others supported, citing city services usage and the oath of office. Passed 9-2 on second reading.
• Second Reading: Zoning for Annexed County Pockets (Item 12) – Approved 9-2 (Mr. Moody no).
• First Readings (Items 13-16) – Referred to Public Services Committee: annexation and zoning for 199.67 acres east of South Greeley Highway, and ordinances on traffic violation default level and feeding geese/seagulls.
• Resolution 19 – BOPU FEMA Grant – Adopted 9-1 (Mr. Moody no) for a study blending study through FEMA BRIC funding.
• Contract 22D – Belvoir Ranch Hunting – Approved 9-2 (Dr. Aldrich and Dr. Emmons noted as no, but the vote result shown as approved with 2 no votes) for a 5-year, $40,655 revenue contract.
• MOU 22F – DDA Services – Amended (city planning director replaced by DDA board as hiring authority, title changed to executive director). Mr. Labourne voted no, citing instability and financial management concerns. Passed 9-1.
• Purchase 24A – Urban SDK Traffic Analytics – Approved after Lieutenant Hickerson explained it uses GPS metadata (no sensors), and council members praised its potential for traffic safety. No vote split reported.

Key Outcomes

• FY2026 City Budget adopted (8-3) as amended with $10,977 for a council intern.
• Water/sewer rate increases (flat fee increases) approved (9-2).
• Signage ordinance amended to count window signs toward wall sign area; advanced to third reading.
• Annexation of county pockets (north of Dell Range Blvd) approved on second reading (9-2); third reading pending.
• Zoning for annexed pockets assigned AG, MR, MUR, CB; approved on second reading.
• Grant for BOPU blending study authorized.
• Belvoir Ranch hunting contract approved (5-year, revenue to city).
• DDA MOU approved (9-1) with amendments.
• Urban SDK software subscription for 3 years approved ($105,367.50).
• Public hearing scheduled for June 23, 2025, on the 2025-2027 Consolidated Plan.
• New business: A combined water/wastewater agreement with South Cheyenne Water and Sewer District was referred to Finance Committee.
• Upcoming events: Council coffee (June 21), Wyoming State Fire Academy graduation (June 19), Wyoming Brewers Festival (Father's Day weekend).