Cheyenne City Council Meeting – August 25, 2025

The Cheyenne City Council met on August 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine consent items, second‑reading ordinances, a public hearing on a noise ordinance that was postponed, appointments, and announcements. The meeting concluded with a move into executive session under Wyoming Statute §16-4-405(a)(vii).

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the August 11, 2025 regular meeting.
• Approved Resolution authorizing Federal Transit Administration grant applications.
• Approved Resolution authorizing a Federal Mineral Royalty Capital Construction Account Grant application for a wildland brush truck.
• Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Laramie County for transit services.
• Approved an agreement with the Wyoming Department of Health, Aging Division for Title III‑B Program Grant.
• Accepted bids for sanitation containers (Kustom Koncepts, Casper, WY, not to exceed $95,564) and for Dutcher Baseball Fields lighting installation (Mortensen Electric, not to exceed $662,000).
• All consent items were approved by a single motion without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Howard Bauer (Fifth Avenue and Moore) asked for clarification on whether the proposed noise ordinance covers pedicabs during Frontier Days and also mentioned an open‑container enforcement issue. The Mayor clarified that pedicabs could be ticketed under the ordinance and that the open‑container law is still in effect in the DDA district.
• Don Knuth (car collector) opposed the noise ordinance, stating his stock 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 exceeds the proposed decibel limit despite being DOT‑legal. He argued the ordinance is a stepping stone to more restrictive laws and that existing disturbance‑of‑peace laws are sufficient.
• Vic Contrado supported the noise ordinance, citing the need for noise abatement to protect shift workers and first responders.
• Mr. Sheldon (online) opposed the ordinance as written, citing lack of a decibel limit, reliance on officer discretion, and the potential for jail time after three violations. He suggested aftermarket exhausts that are legal should not be penalized.
• Don Edmonds (public comment under Other Business) raised concerns about the Heinz building restoration costs, the historic pump station, energy consumption of data centers, and water resources. He urged the city to use budget savings for the pump station.

Discussion Items

• Second Reading – Annexation (Item 6): Ordinance to annex 18.62 acres northeast of Frontier Mall Drive and Rue Terre Avenue for a potential grocery store. Approved on second reading.
• Second Reading – Zoning Map Amendment (Item 7): Establishing CB (Community Business) zoning for the annexed land. Approved on second reading.
• Second Reading – Zoning Map Amendment (Item 8): Changing zoning from AG (Agricultural) to NR‑2 (Neighborhood Residential – Medium Density) for land southwest of Holland Court and Ridge Road to accommodate a housing development. Approved on second reading.
• Second Reading – Noise Ordinance (Item 9): Ordinance creating Section 10.24.200 (Vehicle Mufflers, Excessive Smoke and Unreasonable Noise) and repealing Section 8.56.050, with a graduated penalty structure. Following public comments, Councilmember Seagrave moved to postpone to the September 8, 2025 meeting to allow further community input and refinement. Dr. Aldrich supported the postponement to ensure the ordinance is enforceable and workable. The motion passed unanimously.
• Appointments (Items 14a & 14b): Reappointments of Jennifer Jo Barley‑Dunning to the Housing and Community Development Advisory Council, and Aaron Bentley and Dominic Valdez to the Revolving Loan Fund Committee. New appointments: Ashley Jeffrey and Lexi Leckemby to the Housing and Community Development Advisory Board, Stan Hartzheim to the Downtown Development Authority Board, and Scott VanHorn to the Tourism Promotion Joint Powers Board. All approved.
• Announcements:
  • Due to Labor Day (Sept 1), committee meetings rescheduled: Public Services Committee on Sept 2 at noon, Finance Committee on Sept 3 at noon.
  • Public hearing on Sept 8 at 6:00 p.m. regarding compliance of annexation conditions for 35 parcels (20.19 acres) in east Cheyenne.
  • Public hearing on Sept 8 at 6:00 p.m. for a bar & grill liquor license for Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse.
• Other Business – Oversized Vehicle Ordinance Reminder: Mayor reminded that the oversized vehicle ordinance (vehicles over 25 ft length, 9 ft height, or 8.5 ft width) will take effect after Labor Day through Memorial Day, requiring off‑street parking.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 6 (Annexation) approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 7 (Zoning CB) approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 8 (Zoning NR‑2) approved on second reading.
• Ordinance 9 (Noise Ordinance) postponed to the September 8, 2025 meeting for further public input and potential amendments.
• All appointments approved.
• Executive session moved pursuant to Wyoming Statute §16-4-405(a)(vii) to discuss confidential information regarding potential building purchases. No further business was conducted after the session.