Cheyenne City Council Meeting – August 11, 2025

The Cheyenne City Council met on August 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered consent agenda items, a public hearing on an annexation, multiple third-reading ordinances on annexations and zoning changes, first-reading ordinances, and a resolution authorizing a memorandum of understanding with Cheyenne LEADS for a Large Projects Gap Finance Program using voter-approved 6th Penny Sales Tax funds. Key discussions included the Heinz Hole redevelopment project.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously, with item #16 (MOU with LEADS) removed for separate consideration. Items approved included: minutes of July 28, 2025; Resolution authorizing application for Federal Transit Administration assistance; fence installation license agreement; Professional Services Agreement for High Plains Arboretum Greenhouse (not to exceed $154,243); bids for Ice Slicer Building demolition/construction ($627,700), Fire Rescue mid-size trucks ($144,614), SUVs ($274,676); referral of bids for sanitation containers and baseball field lighting to Finance Committee; transfer of liquor license for Bella Fuoco.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marin Staub (public comment on item #16): Proposed turning the "Heinz Hole" into a sunken park with stairways, trees, benches, and flowers, citing a similar project in Reno, Nevada. Expressed frustration that prior suggestions about Steamboat were "stonewalled." Mayor Collins clarified the land is privately owned and the owner has a development plan for retail and apartments.
• Dante Rushton (Director of Real Estate, Cheyenne LEADS): Expressed support for the MOU, stating he would be the dedicated project manager. Highlighted his background in city planning and experience with large projects. Confirmed that the $3.5 million in 6th Penny funds would be used as gap financing ("last dollar in") and that LEADS would provide oversight and accountability. Councilmembers noted public support for the project.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing – Annexation Condition Compliance (Item 6a): Staff report by Councilman White on 18.62 acres northeast of Frontier Mall Dr. and Rue Terre Ave. Owner requested annexation, filed June 17, 2025; certified June 20, 2025. Adjacent property owner (hotel) had no concerns. Council clarified that the northern 1.8 acres will be rezoned to residential in a future annexation. No public testimony. Hearing closed.
• Ordinance 7 – Third Reading: Annexation of County Pockets: 38 parcels south of Dell Range Blvd., east of Dry Creek, west of Whitney Rd., north of Charles St. Approved on third reading 9-2 (Moody and Aldrich voted no). Councilmember Seagrave moved, White seconded.
• Ordinance 8 – Third Reading: Zoning for Annexed Land: Established AR, MR, HR, CB, MUR zones for the annexed parcels. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 9 – Third Reading: Zone Change from LI to BP (south of I-80, west of Roundtop Rd.). Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 10 – Third Reading: Police Officer Employment Terms for FY2025-2026. Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 11 – Third Reading: Zone Change from HI/AG to BP (east of S. Greeley Hwy., north of Chalk Bluff Rd.). Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 12 – First Reading: Annexation of land northeast of Frontier Mall Dr. and Rue Terre Ave. Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Ordinance 13 – First Reading: Zoning for annexed land (CB). Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Ordinance 14 – First Reading: Zone change from AG to NR-2 (southwest of Holland Ct. and Ridge Rd.). Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Ordinance 15 – First Reading: Vehicle mufflers, noise, and graduated penalties. Referred to Public Services Committee.
• Resolution 16 – MOU with Cheyenne LEADS for Large Projects Gap Finance Program: Extensive discussion. Councilmembers expressed support for using $3.5 million in 6th Penny funds as a revolving loan fund to redevelop the "Heinz Hole" building. Confirmed that the funds would be last-dollar-in, with benchmarks and reporting. Councilman Laybourn recused himself due to his son's potential interest in renting space in the Heinz building. The resolution was adopted unanimously (Laybourn recused).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved with item #16 removed.
• Public Hearing (Annexation): Condition compliance determined; annexation proceeds.
• Ordinance 7 (Annexation of County Pockets): Passed 9-2 (Moody and Aldrich opposed).
• Ordinances 8, 9, 10, 11: All passed unanimously on third reading.
• Ordinances 12-15: Referred to Public Services Committee on first reading.
• Resolution 16 (MOU with LEADS): Adopted unanimously (8-0, with Laybourn recused).
• Other Business: Councilmembers announced upcoming events: Council and Coffee (Aug 16, 9-11 AM at Dosbog), Last Fridays on the Plaza (Aug 15, headliner The Wallflowers), farmers market, and reminder of upcoming 2026 primary election and 6th Penny ballot questions.