Cheyenne City Council Meeting - July 28, 2025

The Cheyenne City Council met on July 28, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine consent items, a public hearing for a liquor license transfer, multiple ordinances on second and third reading, a contract modification, city voucher and revenue reports, and a state audit report on credit card usage. Notable discussions included a city-initiated annexation of county pockets and a contract modification for the Belvoir Ranch trail project.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from July 14, 2025 regular meeting.
• Approved Resolution certifying compliance for annexation of land in east Cheyenne.
• Approved Resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with Cheyenne LEADS for a Large Projects Gap Finance Program (referred to Finance Committee).
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Laramie County School District #1 for School Resource Officers Program.
• Approved Professional Services Agreement with GLM Design Group for Clear Creek Inline Stormwater Detention Facility (not to exceed $403,742.16).
• Approved Right-of-Way License Agreement with First National Bank of Omaha.
• Referred Fence Installation and Access License Agreement with Richard Menkin to Public Services Committee.
• Referred Professional Services Agreement with TDSi for High Plains Arboretum Greenhouse to Finance Committee.
• Approved Contract Modification #1 to Contract #8098 with Full Tilt Services for Belvoir Ranch Trailhead and Access Roads (not to exceed $120,556.50).
• Approved Purchase with Schneider Electric for Modular Power Revitalization Service (not to exceed $92,526.00).
• Referred Bid #S-28-25 for Ice Slicer Building demolition/steel structure to Finance Committee.
• Referred Bid #E-3-25 for two mid-size trucks for Fire Rescue to Finance Committee.
• Referred Bid #E-19-25 for mid-size and full-size SUVs to Finance Committee.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brennan Coswitz, applicant for the restaurant liquor license transfer for Bella Fuoco, stated he has worked in the restaurant industry for eight years, including four years at Bella Fuoco, and had the opportunity to buy the business. He expressed enthusiasm for becoming the new owner. No opposition was voiced.
• Trish Morris, owner of 6212 Laramie Street, expressed concerns about being annexed into the city, specifically about potential costs for curb and gutter, and about losing the freedom of county living. She questioned whether future councils could overturn grandfathering provisions. Mayor Collins and Mr. White clarified that city ordinances eliminate requirements for curb/gutter/sidewalk for existing properties, that grandfathering is codified in city ordinance, and that the primary reason for annexation is public safety (emergency response). Ms. Morris also noted appreciation for responses from council members.
• Mark Morse, a property owner in the annexation area, expressed frustration with the county's handling of road ownership and felt “railroaded.” He stated he and his neighbors (except two) did not want annexation, arguing they moved to the county voluntarily and the city “moved around them.” He vowed to address the state legislature about forced annexation laws. Mayor Collins noted public safety benefits and that property taxes would increase by a net 5%.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance #7 (3rd Reading) – Weapons Code Update: Amended multiple sections of Chapter 9.24 to conform to new state laws effective July 1, 2025. No public comment. Approved unanimously on third reading (8-0).
• Ordinance #8 (2nd Reading) – Annexation of County Pockets: City-initiated annexation of 38 parcels completely surrounded by city limits (south of Dell Range Blvd). After public testimony, Council members Dr. Aldridge and Mr. Moody stated they represent property owners who spoke against the annexation and would vote no. The ordinance passed on second reading with Dr. Aldridge and Mr. Moody voting no (6-2).
• Ordinance #9 (2nd Reading) – Zoning for Annexed Land: Established zoning classifications (AR, MR, HR, CB, MUR) for the annexed area to match closest county equivalents. Dr. Aldridge and Mr. Moody explained they would vote yes despite opposing the annexation because zoning must be assigned. Approved unanimously on second reading (8-0).
• Ordinance #10 (2nd Reading) – Zoning Change to Business Park: Changed zoning for 419 acres south of I-80 and west of Roundtop Road from Light Industrial to Business Park to allow more flexibility for development. No public comment. Approved unanimously on second reading.
• Ordinance #11 (2nd Reading) – Police Department Terms and Conditions: Annual update of employment terms for sworn officers for FY 2025-2026. No public comment. Approved unanimously on second reading.
• Ordinance #12 (2nd Reading) – Zoning Change to Business Park (Chalk Bluff): Changed zoning for property east of South Greeley Highway and north of Chalk Bluff Road from Heavy Industrial and Agricultural to Business Park. No public comment. Approved unanimously on second reading.
• Contract Modification #16a – Belvoir Ranch Trailhead: Modification for additional work to move access roads away from wind turbines due to safety concerns (blade maintenance, ice throw). Total amount $120,556.50. Dr. Aldridge questioned the oversight; Mr. Cobb explained the original plan did not account for turbine proximity and the operator (NextEra) flagged the issue during field review. Mr. Moody asked about maintenance frequency. The modification was approved with Mr. Moody voting no (7-1).
• State Audit Report (Item 18c) – Credit Card Usage: Brian Wilson and Suzanne Moreno from the State Department of Audit presented a performance audit of the city’s credit card function for FY24. Results showed “no identified inappropriate usage” and adequate internal controls. Three minor findings: one transaction lacked a description in the P-Card module, five of 213 transactions had receipts with insufficient detail, and no formal training program for cardholders. Purchasing Manager TJ Bartlewart stated corrective actions are being implemented. Council acknowledged the report unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Liquor License Transfer: Referred to Finance Committee for August 5, 2025 (noon, Room 104) with applicant to attend.
• Ordinance #7: Approved on third reading (8-0) – will update weapons code to conform with state law.
• Ordinance #8 (Annexation): Approved on second reading (6-2) – will proceed to third reading.
• Ordinances #9, #10, #11, #12: All approved on second reading (8-0 each) – proceed to third reading.
• Contract Modification #16a (Belvoir Ranch): Approved (7-1) – contract amount increased to $120,556.50.
• State Audit Report: Acknowledged by council; no formal action required.
• Announcements: Public hearing scheduled for August 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. regarding annexation compliance for 18.62 acres. Upcoming community events: Tour de Tune Donut Race (Aug 2), Ride for Sight (Aug 3), Botanic Garden miniature golf tournament (Aug 17).