Cheyenne City Council Meeting – September 8, 2025

The Cheyenne City Council convened on September 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered a range of items including multiple annexations, a new liquor license application, a contentious second reading of a vehicle noise ordinance, and routine business on the consent agenda. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding a potential land purchase.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Items included the approval of the August 25, 2025 meeting minutes, a resolution to apply for a Federal Mineral Royalty grant for a Wildland Brush Truck, a resolution updating the Capital Improvement Plan review cycle, a budget re-appropriation resolution, a resolution certifying compliance for another city-initiated annexation, and a resolution directing bids for downtown parking stripes and curb painting.
• Several contracts and agreements were approved or referred: a transit services MOU with Laramie County ($95,790.00), a transit grant agreement with the Wyoming Department of Health ($65,512.00), a lease with Union Telephone Company, and service contracts for the Office of Youth Alternatives.
• Other consent items included a drainage easement agreement with Microsoft Corporation, a contract modification for youth crisis services with Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, bid awards for the High Plains Arboretum Headhouse Roofing Replacement and 2025 Thermoplastic Markings projects, and a request to extend the operational timeline for a retail liquor license.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Annexation Public Hearing (6a): No public comment was offered. Staff from the Planning and Development Department confirmed compliance with Wyoming Statute §15-1-402 for the city-initiated annexation of 35 parcels totaling roughly 20.19 acres.
• Liquor License Public Hearing (6b): Adriana Medina, General Manager of Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse, testified that the new bar & grill liquor license application was for a transfer of ownership within the same family (brother to sister). The City Clerk clarified that the license is not transferable, necessitating a new application which does not alter the total number of bar & grill licenses in the city (four total). Council assigned the item to the Finance Committee.
• Vehicle Noise Ordinance (Item 10):
  • Jesse Eblin (Cheyenne Cowboys and Cars community) requested clarification on how decibels would be measured (startup vs. acceleration vs. idle) and thanked the council for collaboration.
  • Holly Clink argued that police should enforce existing laws before adding new ordinances.
  • Steven Jacobson (online) criticized the ordinance for lacking specific decibel measurement standards and recommended standardized procedures.
  • Kathy Sigliano (online) questioned why the 80-decibel limit was retained over a suggested 90-decibel limit, asked about a potential curfew, and defended car culture as a positive community activity for youth.
  • Ryan Blue (online) argued that the vast majority of car enthusiasts are well-behaved and that car meets provide positive community engagement.
  • Ethan Heinbuck (in person) asked whether decibel testing would be standardized or left to officer discretion.
  • Victor Munoz (on behalf of CEMA) stated that the organization submitted a letter requesting a 95-decibel standard and expressing concerns about potential jail time for offenses.
• Other Business: No public comment was offered.

Discussion Items

• Owner-Initiated Annexation (Items 7 & 8): The council approved on third reading the annexation of 18.62 acres for a new grocery store (located northeast of Frontier Mall Drive and Rue Terre Avenue) and the corresponding CB (Community Business) zoning classification.
• Owner-Initiated Zone Change (Item 9): The council approved on third reading a zone change from AG (Agricultural) to NR-2 (Neighborhood Residential – Medium Density) on 10.94 acres located southwest of Holland Court and Ridge Road. Jason Stephen of Bedrock Development thanked the council and committed to hosting an open house for neighbors.
• Vehicle Muffler and Noise Ordinance (Item 10, Second Reading):
  • The council extensively debated the ordinance designed to reduce vehicle and motorcycle noise and create a graduated penalty structure for recurring offenses.
  • Police Chief Mark Francisco explained that the old ordinance, which relied on measuring 85 decibels at 25 feet, was unenforceable for moving vehicles. The new ordinance focuses on unreasonable behavior (e.g., revving engines late at night) and provides officers broader enforcement discretion rather than relying solely on decibel meters.
  • Councilmember Dr. Aldrich stated that testing by car club members showed their vehicles were compliant with the existing standard, and the club did not push for a decibel limit in the new ordinance. She argued the ordinance’s flexibility is a strength.
  • Councilmember Mr. Moody moved to remove a “catch-all” clause from the ordinance, but his motion died for lack of a second.
  • Councilmember Dr. Emmons acknowledged the difficulty of balancing car enthusiasts’ interests with residents’ desire for quiet, and praised the community for working to police bad actors.
  • Councilmember Dr. Rennie stated the old ordinance was practically unenforceable, necessitating a new approach.
  • Councilmember Mr. Royble reported a noticeable decrease in late-night vehicle noise in his neighborhood since the council began discussing the issue.
  • Councilmember Mr. Escobel, a motorcycle rider, advocated for responsible behavior and respect for neighborhoods.
  • The ordinance was unanimously approved on second reading and will return for a third reading after further public input is considered by the Public Services Committee.
• City-Initiated Annexation (Items 11 & 12): The council introduced on first reading the annexation of 35 parcels completely surrounded by current city limits and the establishment of four zoning classifications (AR, MR, MUR, MUB). Both items were referred to the Public Services Committee.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Item 7 (Annexation): Approved unanimously on third reading.
• Item 8 (Zoning Map Amendment): Approved unanimously on third reading.
• Item 9 (Zone Change): Approved unanimously on third reading.
• Item 10 (Vehicle Muffler & Noise Ordinance): Approved unanimously on second reading; will return for a third reading.
• Item 11 (Annexation): Referred to the Public Services Committee.
• Item 12 (Zoning Map Amendment): Referred to the Public Services Committee.
• Public Hearing (6a): Hearing concluded; compliance conditions met.
• Public Hearing (6b): Hearing concluded; item assigned to the Finance Committee.
• Voucher Report: Approved.
• Executive Session: Council voted unanimously to enter executive session under Wyoming Statute §16-4-405(a)(vii) to discuss a confidential potential land purchase. The meeting adjourned immediately following executive session.