Cheyenne City Council Meeting: Noise Ordinance Approved, Downtown Striping Resolution Fails, September 22, 2025

The Cheyenne City Council convened on September 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The meeting covered a consent agenda, a public hearing for a liquor license transfer, debate and approval of a new vehicle noise ordinance, annexation and zoning updates, and a failed resolution for downtown parking striping. Public comment was heard on several items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from September 8, 2025.
• Adopted Resolution amending the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) update cycle.
• Adopted Resolution certifying compliance for annexation of tracts in east Cheyenne.
• Adopted Resolution directing review of Unified Development Code to allow greater tree variety in new developments (referred to Public Services Committee).
• Approved lease with Union Telephone Company for roof mount communications.
• Approved contract with Laramie County for Juvenile Crisis Shelter services (not to exceed $91,237).
• Approved contract with Laramie County for probation/diversion services ($82,194).
• Approved drainage easement agreement with Microsoft Corporation.
• Referred Professional Services Agreement with Plan One Architects for Municipal Building Renovation Design to Finance Committee.
• Approved Contract Modification #1 with Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for youth services (not to exceed $98,458).
• Accepted bids: High Plains Arboretum Headhouse Roofing Replacement ($245,700) and 2025 Thermoplastic Markings ($438,060).
• Referred purchases: George Cox Parking Facility Elevator Modernization and Depot Renovation Project to Finance Committee.
• Approved liquor license extension for 1734 Partners, LLC and bar & grill license for Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Liquor License Transfer (Applebee's): No public opposition. Brian Call (Flynn Group) and attorney Brian Profit stated the transfer involves no operational changes. Councilman Escobel inquired about converting to a bar and grill license; the applicants expressed openness to discussion. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee.
• Noise Ordinance (Item 7): Numerous residents and business owners spoke in opposition, citing concerns about arbitrary enforcement, criminal penalties for minor modifications, impacts on youth and local car/motorcycle culture, and lack of objective decibel standards. Speakers included Philip Bowling, Andrew Aragon, Nick Dodson, Aaron, Chris Shaw, Suzanne Robbins (Cheyenne Cruise Nights), Nancy (cited health concerns), Ariana Simone, Lee Fyler, Alan Sheldon (proposed specific amendments), Jacob Nordenmark, Ash Doty, and Ryan Blue. Others, like Stephen Jacobson, voiced conditional support, recommending time and area restrictions. Several emphasized that existing speeding and reckless driving laws could address excessive noise.
• Downtown Parking Striping (Item 16): Business owners Rob Dickerson and Corey Lothrie expressed frustration over lack of notification and ignored feedback on the striping plan. They requested a clear, inclusive process. The Downtown Development Authority (Sophia Mays) clarified that pilot striping used standard traffic paint and funding came from a joint powers board grant.
• Bell Building (Pump House) – Other Business: A resident spoke in favor of preserving the historic Bell Building, advocating for immediate roof repairs and security upgrades over demolition, and emphasizing its value to the community.

Discussion Items

• Noise Ordinance (3rd Reading): The council debated an ordinance regulating vehicle mufflers, excessive smoke, and unreasonable noise. It replaces an earlier decibel-based ordinance that was deemed unworkable for moving traffic. Discussion focused on officer discretion, penalties (including potential jail time for third offenses), and impact on vehicle enthusiasts. An amendment by Dr. Aldrich to include a one-year review was approved (with two dissenting votes), later amended to set the review date as October 31, 2026. Critics argued the provision conflicts with federal regulations and state law uniformity requirements. Proponents, including the mayor and council members, cited many resident complaints and the need for a new enforcement tool. The ordinance passed on third reading as amended.
• Annexation and Zoning (Items 8-9): The council approved on second reading the annexation of 35 county pockets completely surrounded by the city, east of Cheyenne, and the corresponding zoning designations (AR, MR, MUR, MUB). No public comment.
• Downtown Parking Striping Resolution (Item 16): The resolution directing staff to bid a full downtown striping project was debated. Staff reported a pilot program underway using standard waterborne paint. Council members expressed concern about the scope, timing, and communication with businesses. The resolution failed (vote: 5 no, 5 aye? The chair called for hand count and declared failure). Multiple council members noted the existing process and urged better collaboration with stakeholders.
• Budget Reappropriation (Item 14): The resolution to reappropriate the FY2025 budget was adopted, with one no vote (Mr. Moody). Dr. Aldrich acknowledged savings and stewardship by departments.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Noise ordinance approved on third reading as amended (includes review by October 31, 2026). Vote: all ayes.
• Annexation (7th pocket) approved on second reading.
• Zoning for annexed land approved on second reading.
• Items 10-12 (Unified Development Code, weeds, zoning map change) referred to Public Services Committee.
• Resolution reappropriating budget adopted (Mr. Moody opposed).
• Resolution for downtown striping failed.
• Reappointment: Jennifer Godonis reappointed to Cheyenne Housing Authority.
• Public hearing announced for October 13, 2025, on Bell Building Urban Renewal Plan.