Cheyenne City Council Meeting – July 14, 2025

The Cheyenne City Council met at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers on July 14, 2025, to address a lengthy agenda that included public hearings, multiple ordinances (third, second, and first readings), resolutions, and bid approvals. The meeting ran late into the evening. Key actions included approving a city-initiated annexation of 38 parcels, adopting an amendment to the firearms ordinance, authorizing the sale of the Auxiliary Pumping Station with a January 2026 demolition deadline, rejecting a resolution to preserve the Cheyenne Gunslingers’ current location, and approving a railcar restoration bid despite significant debate.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the June 23, 2025 regular meeting approved.
• Resolution adopting the 2025-2027 Comprehensive Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan.
• Resolution authorizing an application for Transportation Alternatives Program funding for the Pershing Boulevard/Windmill Road intersection project.
• Memorandum of Understanding with Laramie County School District No. 1 for the School Resource Officers Program (referred to Finance Committee).
• Professional Services Agreement with GLM Design Group for the Clear Creek Inline Stormwater Detention Facility (referred to Finance Committee).
• Right-of-Way License Agreement with First National Bank of Omaha (referred to Public Services Committee).
• Contract Modification #1 with Fencetrack Inc. for the Belvoir Ranch Trailhead and Access Roads project (referred to Finance Committee).
• Bid #S-19-25 (Crack Seal Project) accepted for $421,948.90.
• Bid #S-20-25 (Surface Seal Project) accepted for $2,308,936.65.
• Bid #S-27-25 (Aquatic Center Pool Boiler Replacement) accepted for $138,100.00.
• Purchase with Schneider Electric for Public Safety Center power revitalization (referred to Finance Committee).
• License time extension for F&G Corporation d/b/a The Green Door approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pump House sale (Resolution): Millward Simpson (Chair, Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board) urged preservation of the original structure and supported conditions in the resolution. Kathy Sigliano (Ward 3) favored selling to a private party, calling the building a potential money pit. Stephanie Lowe (President, Historic Cheyenne Inc.) urged salvaging historic items if demolition occurs and noted the TDSI design contract would be affected.
• Gunslingers resolution: Victoria Pike submitted a petition in support of preserving the current location. Chief Marshal Roger Barnes testified for the fourth time, stating the group’s location and staging are critical to attracting tourists to downtown; he expressed concern that proposed changes would disrupt their performance and that public trust in the council was eroding. Jessica Forbes (former gunslinger) highlighted the group’s gun safety education and community value. Several downtown business owners (Tyler Garrett, Brian Bau, Dave Tubner, Chad Willett, Brian Casey) spoke in favor of the full 15th Street Corridor project but urged the city to fund the entire plan—including lighting, sidewalks, and parking—and not just the railcars. Alan Sheldon (Ward 2) opposed the railcar restoration and preferred diverting money to roads and infrastructure.
• Firearms ordinance: Alan Sheldon and XA Brown (both Ward 2) supported the ordinance. Mark Jones (National Director, Gun Owners of America) supported the effort to align city code with state preemption law. Bill Bryant (Ward 3) urged removal of all local firearm regulations. Kathy Sigliano (Ward 3) opposed an amendment to retain a dealer recordkeeping requirement.
• Geese/duck feeding ordinance: Zachary Manjin (Henderson Drive, Ward 3) asked about enforcement evidence. Suzanne Slattery (7th & Capitol) complained about goose excrement in Lions Park.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing – City-Initiated Annexation (Item 6a): Connor White (Planning) reported the annexation of 38 parcels (49.86 acres) is 100% contiguous to city limits, all city services will be provided, and certified mailing was sent June 6, 2025 (20 business days before hearing). Two property owners called with concerns, but a majority were satisfied after assurances that legally established county uses could continue. Councilwoman Dr. Aldrich noted a public meeting at Bags Elementary had addressed most questions.
• Ordinance 7 – 3rd Reading (Annexation, South Greeley Highway/Chalk Bluff): Approved 9-0. The 199.67‑acre parcel will extend the Bison Business Park.
• Ordinance 8 – 3rd Reading (AG Zoning): Approved 9-0 to assign Agricultural zoning to the newly annexed parcel.
• Ordinance 9 – 3rd Reading (Traffic Violation Offense Level): Approved 9-0, clarifying Title 10 violations as civil, not criminal.
• Ordinance 10 – 3rd Reading (Feeding Geese/Ducks/Seagulls): Approved as amended. The substitute (dated July 9, 2025) raised the maximum fine to $750 and extended the prohibition to all city property. The amendment passed 9-0, then the main ordinance passed 9-0.
• Ordinance 11 – 2nd Reading (Firearms Code Cleanup): After extensive debate, the council voted down an amendment by Dr. Emmons to retain Section 9.24.120 (dealer recordkeeping) with a vote of “aye” (voices) and “no” (voices); the substitute by Mr. Moody was adopted (8-1, Dr. Emmons dissenting). The main ordinance then passed on second reading as amended (8-1).
• Ordinances 12‑16 – 1st Readings: All referred to appropriate committees (Public Services or Finance) without debate.
• Resolution – Sale of Auxiliary Pumping Station (Item 17): The substitute dated July 11, 2025 (Mr. Seagrave) was adopted after an amendment by Mr. Labourne requiring a cost estimate and funding source before demolition. The timeline sets a January 14, 2026 deadline for sale or lease; if no valid contract exists, the city shall proceed with demolition and site conversion. The main resolution passed as amended (7-2, with Mr. Escobel and Mr. Royble voting no).
• Resolution – Cheyenne Gunslingers Preservation (Item 20): After testimony from Chief Marshal Barnes and several business owners, the resolution failed (3-6). Council members opposing cited the need for flexibility in the 15th Street plan and noted the gunslingers would only be temporarily displaced during construction.
• Bid #S-26-25 – Cheyenne Railcar Project (Item 24c): The council approved the base bid of $987,050 (including $450,000 in EDA grant funds) and an amendment (passed 7-2) to use $387,200 from General Fund Reserves for the alternate restoration of an additional Pullman car. Final vote was 6-3 (Dr. Aldridge, Mr. Labourne, Mr. Moody opposed). Supporters cited the project as a catalyst for downtown development; opponents questioned the tourism return and the financial impact of future phases.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Annexation (38 parcels) – Public hearing concluded; procedural compliance certified.
• Ordinance 7, 8, 9 – Approved on third and final reading (9-0 each).
• Ordinance 10 – Approved on third reading as amended (9-0).
• Ordinance 11 – Approved on second reading as amended (8-1).
• Resolution – Pumping Station sale – Adopted as amended (7-2). City will list property for sale; if unsold by Jan 14, 2026, demolition and site conversion will proceed, with cost estimates to be presented to council.
• Resolution – Gunslingers – Failed (3-6).
• Bid #S-26-25 (Railcar Restoration) – Approved as amended (6-3). Total city expenditure up to $987,050, with $387,200 from General Fund Reserves for the alternate car.
• Voucher report – Acknowledged.
• Announcements – Calcutta fundraiser (July 26, 2025) and public hearing for liquor license transfer (July 28, 2025).