Cheyenne City Council Meeting – June 23, 2025

On June 23, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, the Cheyenne City Council convened for a regular meeting. Key actions included approval of several third-reading ordinances, a contentious annexation of county pockets, a postponed resolution on the historic pump house, and approval of multiple contracts and appointments. The meeting adjourned to executive session at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the June 9, 2025 regular meeting.
• Approved numerous routine items including contracts, bids, and resolutions, except for items removed for discussion: 20A (CRAFT Minimum Revenue Guarantee), 20C (18th Street Reconstruction), 20D (VOA storm sewer license), and 20G (South Cheyenne Water and Sewer Agreement).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Dors (Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County) expressed support for the 2025-2027 Consolidated Plan and commended CDBG program staff.
• Mary Simons (resident of the county pocket) opposed the annexation of County Pockets (Ordinance 9), questioning the legality of a 30-year-old outside user agreement and citing property rights. She also took issue with comments made by Councilmember Rennie at a prior meeting.
• Representative Brown (Wyoming State Representative, district area) acknowledged the annexation likely would pass but asked the council to take care of the residents. He questioned the validity of a 1995 contract and urged council to respect property rights.
• Councilmember White (speaking as a council member) expressed concern that annexation should be voluntary and questioned the benefits for residents.
• Richard Johnson (612 McGovern Avenue) argued that any address with a Cheyenne ZIP code should be annexed into the city.
• Zach (Ward 3 resident) presented a petition with over 20 signatures supporting the extension of the feeding prohibition to seagulls (Ordinance 14). He asked about enforcement evidence requirements.
• L.F. Parish (2949 Kelly Drive) supported the seagull prohibition, describing a two-year nightmare of early morning squawking and bird excrement.
• Richard Johnson (again) supported the seagull ordinance, noting numerous failed attempts to address the problem through other means (Audubon Society, Game and Fish, compliance).
• Millward Simpson (Chair, Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board), Randy Byers (1610 Pioneer Avenue), Stephanie Lowe (President, Historic Cheyenne Inc.), and Maren Callis (Vice President, HCI) spoke in favor of preserving the Historic Pumping Station (Resolution 16), urging the council to consider the building's historical significance and potential for tax credits, and to avoid premature sale.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing – 2025-2027 Consolidated Plan & 2025 Annual Action Plan (CDBG): Amy Gorby (Community Development Manager) presented the plans. The city received a HUD allocation of $416,112 plus $298,580 in repurposed CDBG funds. Priorities include public infrastructure, affordable housing, supportive services, and job training. The 2025 Action Plan allocates $250,000 for Alta Vista Elementary safe routes to school, $60,000 for sidewalk improvements at Smith Manor, and $20,000 each for HealthWorks, Meals on Wheels, and Safe House. The public comment period runs through July 8. No formal vote was taken on the hearing itself.
• Ordinance 7 – Park Impact Fees (3rd Reading): Amended to substitute language including school exemptions and a fee payment deadline change to September 30. Approved as amended (unanimous voice vote).
• Ordinance 8 – Signage Code (3rd Reading): Increased allowances for window signs and clarified prohibited signs. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 9 – Annexation of County Pockets (3rd Reading): Extensive debate. Councilmembers Dr. Aldrich and Mr. Moody voted no, citing property rights and opposition from residents. Others supported, citing jurisdictional clarity and eventual city growth. Approved 9-2.
• Ordinance 10 – Zoning for Annexed Land (3rd Reading): Established AG, MR, MUR, and CB zones. Approved unanimously (Dr. Aldrich explained she voted yes after annexation passed).
• Ordinances 11 & 12 – Annexation and Zoning for Bison Business Park (2nd Reading): Approved on second reading (unanimous voice votes).
• Ordinance 13 – Traffic Violation Offense Level (2nd Reading): Clarified parking tickets as civil. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 14 – Feeding Prohibition (Seagulls) (2nd Reading): Extended to all city property and included seagulls. Approved on second reading (unanimous).
• Ordinance 15 – Firearms Code (1st Reading): Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Resolution 16 – Sale of Cheyenne Auxiliary Pumping Station: Extensive discussion. A substitute amendment adding historic preservation conditions was adopted (7-3; Seagrave, Roybal, and Mayor Collins voted no). The main motion was postponed for two weeks by a vote of 9-1 (Dr. Rennie voting no) to allow a council tour and further information gathering.
• Agreement 20A – CRAFT Minimum Revenue Guarantee: Approved in an amount not to exceed $253,572.
• Agreement 20F – Animal Control Services with Laramie County: The motion failed in Finance Committee, but council moved to approve $156,850. Approved.
• Agreement 20G – Combined Water and Wastewater Agreement with South Cheyenne Water and Sewer District: Approved. Highlights include a 2% assessment fee, boundary adjustments, system development fees, and an annexation clause.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved with four items removed (20A, 20C, 20D, 20G).
• Ordinance 7 (Park Impact Fees): Approved on third reading as amended (unanimous).
• Ordinance 8 (Signage): Approved on third reading (unanimous).
• Ordinance 9 (Annexation of County Pockets): Approved 9-2 (Moody and Aldrich no).
• Ordinance 10 (Zoning for Annexed Land): Approved unanimously.
• Ordinances 11 & 12 (Bison Business Park Annexation/Zoning): Approved on second reading (unanimous).
• Ordinance 13 (Traffic Violation Level): Approved on second reading (unanimous).
• Ordinance 14 (Feeding Prohibition): Approved on second reading (unanimous).
• Ordinance 15 (Firearms): Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Resolution 16 (Pumping Station Sale): Amended to include historic preservation conditions; main motion postponed for two weeks (9-1).
• Agreement 20A (CRAFT): Approved.
• Agreement 20F (Animal Control): Approved ($156,850).
• Agreement 20G (Water/Wastewater): Approved.
• Appointments: Andrew Dykshorn confirmed as Fire Chief; reappointments and appointments to various boards approved (with one no vote on reappointments by Mr. Laybourn).
• Executive Session: Approved (moved to discuss land purchase under Wyoming Statute §16-4-405(a)(vii)).