We're starting at 603.

Hold on, just hold on one more minute.

Hello.

Commissioner Mall, is that you?

Yes, can you hear me?

I can hear you.

Okay, we're good to go.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Ready to go?

Okay.

Good evening, everybody.

I'd like to call the October 13th meeting of the governing body to order.

Madam Clerk, would you take the role?

Mr.

Escobelle?

Chair.

Mr.

Leborn.

Chair.

Mr.

Moody.

Present.

Dr.

Rennie.

Mr.

Seagrave.

Present.

Mr.

White.

President.

Dr.

Aldrich.

Present.

Mayor Collins.

Present.

Dr.

Emmons.

Present.

Mr.

Royble.

Ladies and gentlemen, would you please join me in honoring Councilman Scott Royball by observing a moment of silence?

Thank you.

You know, I spent a good part of yesterday calling Scott's colleagues and friends preparing for tonight's meeting.

And I have to tell you guys, I spent a couple hours laughing as he shared stories about Scott and his adventures and his misadventures that he'd had with him.

It felt good to dwell on the positive impact he had on all of us who knew him.

The words that people shared with me about Scott were calm, steady, he was even-tempered, compassionate, trustworthy, and respectful.

But everyone talked about Scott's sense of humor and how he would use that sense of humor to lighten often very tense situations.

He used it to reset the discussion to block the noise and to get to the heart of the matter.

His sense of humor made it so fun to work with him.

Someone who knew him for 50 years told me they'd never once seen him mad.

Of all these stories, make me think of Scott's resourcefulness.

But that was so Scott.

Resourceful.

Well, Scott supported many things.

Opening the Bellboard Ranch was a passion of his.

A city staff member shared with me how Scott had the ability to let everyone feel like they were seen and appreciated in the room.

He would take a minute to say hi, share a bit of gossip, and make you feel like you're part of his life and a part of the business at hand.

Scott did not take himself too seriously.

He was the same guy before and after he was elected.

One of Scott's former council members, Dickie Shaner shared, Scott was known for being affable, but don't mistake his friendliness for him being a pushover.

He was an independent thinker and committed to his positions and beliefs about the future of our city.

He was motivated to serve and would always come to the table to discuss tough issues and make his case.

He will be missed on the council.

When he was asked how he kept going, Scott said he didn't want to let the old man in.

And he lived his life young.

Scott's mom Mary is here tonight, along with his brother John and some of their friends.

And Mary, your son was a loved and valued member of our team here at the city and a friend to all of us who knew him.

Thanks for being here today.

Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen, would you please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance?

Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.

Item number four, consent agenda.

All items listed with the designation of CA are considered to be routine items by the governing body and will be enacted by one motion.

There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a member of the governing body sub-requests and support by two other members is received.

Any item removed from the consent agenda will be considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

All right.

Are there any items a member of this governing body would like to remove from the consent agenda?

Yes, sir.

Doctor.

Uh 13, please.

Sir Concurrence?

Concur.

All right.

Number 13 is taken off.

Anyone else?

Mr.

Mayor.

Mr.

Lady.

18B.

Concur.

Concur.

All right.

18B has also been removed.

If there's no others, I'd entertain a motion.

So move.

Second.

The move by Mr.

Seagrave and seconded by Mr.

White.

Um, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Those opposed.

The consent agenda is approved with items 13 and 18b removed.

They'll be considered in their normal sequence on the agenda.

Item 6A, public hearing to receive comments and input for the Bell Building Urban Renewal Plan and Project as required by Wyoming Statute 15-9-109.

All right, we'll uh open this public hearing.

Um is there anybody here in the audience who would like to speak to the uh uh public hearing on the Bell Building Urban Renewal Plan and Project?

How about from the governing body?

Mr.

Mayor, yes, sir.

This particular building was uh really a mess.

It was uh contaminated, it was long in the process.

It was uh a lot of work for the uh various people involved uh to get that brownfield GPA grant lined up and begin that process following that.

We've seen the windows go in, and we know that uh this building is actually well on its way to being salvaged, and it was one of the worst buildings downtown, and I don't know how many of you are in it before this all began, but it was it was just really uh classic case of asbestos lead paint um neglect that really needed a lot of attention.

So um, I'm certainly glad that it has received that, and some people might not understand how critical that building between two other downtown buildings was and how there hadn't been this effort, it was definitely headed for demolition.

So now when we can look at it, we can confidently say, and I'm I'm we obviously haven't reached the point of approval approval uh yet of the further effort, but uh this really is uh part of uh something people need to understand about downtown buildings.

It's easy to love them, it's hard to fix them up, and this was a case of a lot of different uh people, different programs that EPA Brownfield is critical.

So I'm certainly uh believing that we will uh see some good results in the not too distant future.

Thank you.

Anyone else want to speak from the government body?

None, the purpose of the public hearing has been met.

Thank you.

Item number seven, ordinance third reading annexing to the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, various tracts of land completely surrounded by current city limits situated in eastern Cheyenne, generally located south of Dell Range Boulevard, west of Dry Creek, east of North College Drive, and north of Cheyenne Street.

All right, this is part of a city council goal that we started back in 2021, if I remember correctly.

This is the seventh iteration of a county pocket annexation, and this one includes 35 properties.

Um, is there anybody in the audience here today to speak to this uh city initiated annexation of those 35 properties?

Hearing none, Mr.

Seagret, Mr.

Mayor, the recommendation of the public services committee is to approve on third and final reading, and I so move.

Second it's been seconded by Mr.

White comments on the annexations by governing body, Dr.

Aldridge.

Uh Mayor Collins through I'm just wondering if um there have been any uh new public comments that have been made by anyone since this was um introduced and that the um public meeting was held um and since our last meeting.

Mr.

White, mayor and members the council of Conorway Planning and Development Department.

Uh through you, Mayor, no, there has not been any additional comments uh since public service committee last week.

Thank you.

Anyone else in the governing body?

Mr.

Moody.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor, through you.

And just for uh the public record, has there been any property owners opposing annexation?

Get your steps in tonight, Mr.

Mayor through you.

Uh again, Connor White Planning Development Department at the public meeting.

I wouldn't say everybody was thrilled about it, but we haven't had any comments where people have opposed it or called us opposing it.

Um I recently had a phone call where actually I guess this is a comment, but it was more they were just wondering when they need to switch over their trash collection.

So I just directed them to sanitation to find that out, but they didn't call opposing it or anything, they were just basically wondering when that was all going to take place.

Otherwise, I haven't had any direct comments that have said I don't want to be annexed, we don't want this.

Besides, maybe I guess the people at the public meeting we had to start for the QA session.

Yes, people were not thrilled about it.

Um, but nobody's come to any of these meetings, nobody's called us since that time.

There's been no additional comments.

Thank you, Mr.

Any other comments from members of the governing body.

Hearing none, Madam Clerk, would you take the vote?

Dr.

Emmons?

Yes.

Mr.

Escabel.

Aye.

Mr.

Leborn.

Aye.

Mr.

Moody.

No.

Mr.

Seagrave?

Yes.

Mr.

White?

Yes.

Dr.

Aldrich?

Yes.

Mayor Collins.

Yes.

The annexations are approved on third and final reading with Mr.

Moody voting no.

Number eight, ordinance, third reading.

Amending the official zoning map of the city of Cheyenne, establishing the zoning classifications of AR, agricultural residential, MR, medium density residential, M U R, mixed use residential, and MUB mixed use business for land annexed to the city of Cheyenne, generally located south of Dal Range Boulevard, west of Dry Creek, east of North College Drive, and north of Cheyenne Street.

All right.

I say this all the time, but when we annex land, state law says we've got to give it a city zone.

And so we try to establish a zone that's the closest to the underlying county zoning, uh, which is what we're doing here today.

And I'll go out to the audience if anybody wants to speak to the zone changes or the assignment of zoning before us.

Hearing none, Mr.

Seagreg.

Mr.

Mayor, the recommendation of the public services committee is to approve on third and final reading.

And I so move.

Second.

Second by Dr.

Emmons.

Comments for members of the governing body.

Hearing none, Madam Clerk.

Mayor Collins.

Yes.

Dr.

Emmons.

Yes.

Mr.

Escabel.

Aye.

Mr.

Labourne.

Aye.

Mr.

Moody.

Aye.

Mr.

Seagrave?

Yes.

Mr.

White?

Yes.

Dr.

Aldrich?

Yes.

The assigned zones are approved on third and final reading.

Item number nine, ordinance, second reading.

Amending section 2.2.8 assigned zoning of the Cheyenne Unified Development Code to conform with the comprehensive revisions of the Laramie County zoning regulations.

All right, just talked about when we annex pieces of property, we have to give it a city zone.

And in the past, we've had a one-to-one where it made it really easy for us to assign our zones.

But recently the county has changed their zoning rules, and our uh zones don't match exactly.

And so we're coming up with the process to uh be able to sign the zones for newly uh annexed pieces of property.

We'll go out to the audience and see if anybody in the audience wants to speak to this new process.

Mr.

Mayor, members of council.

Um my name is Seth Lloyd.

I'm with the city of China Planning and Development Department.

Um I had a presentation ready to go for this council meeting, but obviously technology has defeated me.

Um you guys have a paper copy of that presentation.

Unfortunately, the public does not have access to that public um presentation if they're in the room.

The ones on Zoom might have some access to that presentation.

Um my Zoom failed on my computer as well.

So um just going with it.

The Mr.

Lloyd, would it be better just to take this is on second reading, maybe bring that to the committee meeting?

And then if there's questions on the next meeting, we could do that.

Mr.

Chair, if that's council's preference, I could make that presentation at the committee meeting instead.

That way everybody can be part of it.

Is that okay with the committee?

Thank you, Mr.

Lake.

Anyone else in the audience?

All right, hearing none, Mr.

Seagrave.

Mr.

Mayor, the recommendation of the public services committee is to approve on second reading, and I so move.

Second.

It's been seconded by Mr.

White.

Comments on the uh ordinance from members of the governing body.

Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

The ordinance is approved on second reading.

Number 10, ordinance, second reading, amending section 8.60.050 weeds as a nuisance of the municipal code of the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, to revise and clarify provisions and specify conditions under which vegetation does not constitute a nuisance.

All right, this is a UDC amendment.

Um currently, most vegetation that's more than six inches tall is considered a nuisance, and uh maybe that doesn't make a lot of sense in some cases, and so uh we have an ordinance that would maybe give us some flexibility in that uh six inches and above.

Is there anybody here in the audience want to speak to this?

A point of clarification, yes, ma'am.

Uh you said this is an amendment to the UDC.

I believe actually it's an to the city code.

You're right, it is.

Thank you.

Anyone here to speak to that?

Hearing nine.

Uh Mr.

Seagreg.

Mr.

Mayor, the recommendation of the public services committee is to approve on second reading and I so move.

Second.

Second by Dr.

Emmons.

Do we have comments from members of the government body?

Comments, Mr.

Moody.

Uh thank you, Mr.

Mayor, for you.

Just a question.

Fire fire mitigation and prevention.

We know that if we allow leaves to be too tall, especially some industrial areas, that could be problematic.

Is there anything in here that could uh be problematic with regards to that?

Chief, do you want to take that?

Is there anything that you're concerned about with this ordinance?

And you thought you were getting off easy tonight.

Through you, Mr.

Mayor.

No, there's nothing in that ordinance at this time.

Thank you, Chief.

Anybody else on the government body?

All right, hearing that.

All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Those opposed.

This ordinance is also approved on second reading.

Item number 11, ordinance, second reading.

Amending the official zoning map of the city of Cheyenne, changing the zoning classification from P public and MUV, a mixed use business, emphasis to CBD Central Business District for land located between O'Neill Avenue and Carrie Avenue, north of West 19th Street and south of West 22nd Street.

All right, this is a zone change for the municipal building complex and a few blocks next to that.

That will help bring those uses into conformity and maybe help with the further development of some of those areas.

Is there anybody in the audience who would like to speak to the zone change?

Hearing none, Mr.

Seag.

Mr.

Mayor, the recommendation of the public services committee is to approve on second reading and I so move.

Second.

And seconded by Mr.

White.

Anyone in the governing body would like to speak to the zone change?

Hearing that, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Those opposed.

This ordinance is also approved on second reading.

Number 12, ordinance first reading, amending sections 1.4.3, 1.4.4, 5.1.4, 5.7.10, and 5.8.2 of the UNA Unified Development Code to define recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds, designate zone districts for their operations, create specific use standards for recreational vehicle parks, campgrounds, and revise manufactured home and parks regulations as necessary.

We'll send this item to the public services committee.

Number 13 resolution directing the planning department to review the unified development code and provide a recommendation to the governing body regarding the allowance of a greater variety of trees and smaller tree sizes in new residential developments.

All right.

Jeremy, do you have one that you could give to our clerk also?

I think so.

There's extra copy.

Okay.

Yep.

Um wanted to discuss the tree requirement currently by the UDC code.

Um the tree, the 13 different trees that are on the list.

Um, once we started um having the inspections done by the city forestry service, we have found out these trees are quite large on our smaller lots.

Uh the lot sizes, um, talking about specifically over in Saddle Ridge.

Um, a few of the members have met me out there as counsel.

So I appreciate you taking time.

But um at the end of the day, um I think property rights, you know, just people should be able to landscape how they shall be.

Um, the tree location is kind of got me confused there.

Um, I was told we have to move a tree, which we will do tomorrow on this specific lot that I've been emailing you guys about over there in Saddle Ridge.

Uh soil conditions for these trees.

Um all these um, all the subdivisions, the new subdivisions are all scraped.

Um, there is clay soil over there.

Um, not great for any trees, but I I think we should have some kind of trees in the subdivision, and I think that should be up to the subdivisions, the ACC committees and stuff like that.

Um, we talked about during the public service committee insurance concerns um with these trees.

Um, and then again, just the size of lots and uh in my handout, you'll find uh just different pictures of the uh the trees that you know we're being asked to plant our trees 39 inches from the uh sidewalks.

Um, some of the pictures that you'll see has caused damage over on Miss Betty's house.

You'd received an email on Miss Betty a few months ago about her water, but those trees had caught them caused damage to to the sidewalk.

Um, no different than my house, too, um, up in the point.

Um, we have a tree that's 14 years old that's caused at least um $1,500 worth of damage.

So um, I guess my question would be who who's paying for the damage down the road if we're asked to plant trees um in locations that we feel as homeowners that they shouldn't be.

Um again, thanks for um taking this uh situation up and uh look forward to it.

Thanks.

Anyone else?

Okay, bear with me here, Smith.

Yes, I'd just like to remind that this is just directing the planning commission to study it.

That's the topic to understood.

Thank you.

We'll call point of order.

I'd be happy to rely on that.

Mr.

Bowling, you should be able to unmute yourself and speak.

Good afternoon.

Can you guys hear me?

Okay, give me just a minute.

Hold on.

Okay.

I don't know if this is gonna work.

Do our best, Jennifer.

That's all we can do.

I have it up all the way.

Can you go ahead, Mr.

Bowling?

Good afternoon, everyone.

I think I might be better if I just interest to you and you listen.

I I don't I'm sorry.

Go ahead, sir.

Good afternoon, sir.

My name is Philip Bowling, and I'm today speaking on behalf um of the board of realtors as their president.

But I just want to let you guys know that I'm in agreement with Jeremy and agreements with um working with the board to or working with the community to find a better way that works.

Um, I want you guys, I don't want to emphasize that we continue to see codes increase and ways to make homes less sustainable.

And we don't believe this ordinance is a solution to attainable housing.

Therefore, the Shine Board of Realtors is an agreement to find a different way due to the costs and the complications it creates, but we are also committed to discussing solutions and working with the city to find a balanced resolution that sort of supports both attainable housing and also homeowners' rights as well.

So I just want to let you guys uh as a board, we are in favor of finding a different route for this information or this ordinance.

Okay, thank you very much.

Thank you, sir.

Jennifer.

So the gentleman spoke basically is from the board of uh realtors, and uh um is mostly concerned about the amount of regulations and wishing that uh um I think he's speaking in support of of doing this review.

I did not catch his name though.

Uh his name is Mr.

Bowling.

I had his full name up here, but I don't have it now.

That's fine.

Thank you.

Philip Bowling.

Ma'am, did you want to speak to us?

Yeah.

Good evening.

Um, Nancy Loomis.

Don't have to give the address where I live.

I'm in um district three, I guess.

Um so I have a strong sense that the resolution before the council is going to pass.

So I hope that councilman, councilwoman Aldridge is correct when she says the current resolution is an opportunity to have a broader discussion.

Um, much like our urban forester Mark Allison, I have a specialized landscaping focus.

Mark's focus is on trees and the urban tree canopy.

Mine is on managing stormwater runoff on site through the planning of bioswales, like the one that flows through Civic Commons Natural Area and the infiltration basin, like the detention pond at the Laramie County Library.

On smaller residential properties, the same type of features are commonly called garden rails and rain gardens, respectively.

I tell these, I tell you this because I would like to share another informational element for the broader discussion.

Up to this point, the positive attributes at the urban tree canopy have focused on the summer season.

However, those features that we love in the summer, such as shade and cooler temperatures, continue into the winter months and can cause stormwater drainage issues and hazardous icy conditions.

Mr.

Mayor.

I would call a point of order.

The resolution is just simply directing the planning department to do the review.

I think all of this comes up during the review process.

Can you help us, Nancy, and just maybe try to stay focused on the purpose of this?

Should we do a review of our uh our code on the recommendation for planting trees?

Um, so my uh my thoughts are that yes, if it leads to a broader discussion.

If it does not, then I think that it should not be addressed at this time until um other concerns can be directed within the resolution that other citizens have brought up.

And so I think it depends on if it's going to lead to a broader discussion.

I mean, that's been brought up by council members.

Um, I have concerns that if it's solely concentrated on the resolution as it stands, then my recommendation is no, it does not move forward.

Thank you, Nancy.

Anyone else?

I do have one more person online.

Um, I'm gonna try it this way.

Do you have your computer up?

That's what I was gonna try.

I saw you doing that.

Okay.

So Krista, and I'm gonna unmute you.

Okay, we'll give it a shot.

She can sort of solve.

Okay, can you hear me?

Chris, you can go ahead.

Okay, can you hear me?

I think when I do that, so we don't okay.

I just want to make a comment regarding the proposal and looking into it.

Um, I have reached out to a couple of different uh members and had a couple different conversations since May.

And I am requesting once again that in reviewing this code that we bring in landscape and tree companies that do the work here in Cheyenne um so that they can be part of the the conversations instead of just um the the after portion of when things have already been decided.

Thank you, Krista.

Anyone else in the audience?

Please, sir.

Your timing was perfect.

I know right.

Um good evening, everyone.

I appreciate your time.

I was actually a gentleman that was on the phone since it wasn't working.

I was driving by, I was like, I'm just gonna pull over and stop in real quick.

So love it.

Um just to give you guys a heads up, Philip Bowling.

Yes.

Uh my name is Philip Olin, and I'm the president of the Shining Board of Realtors.

And so we are in favor of looking at this in a different way and sitting down to have the conversation.

So I don't want to repeat Jeremy's points because I know that's a lot of information, and we're not speaking on that part.

We're speaking on the fact that we want to move forward with looking at different ways, but I do want to emphasize that we continue to see codes increase in ways that make homes less attainable.

And we don't believe this ordinance is a solution to attainable housing.

Therefore, the Shining Board of Realtors is in favor of looking at other options and routes to go due to the cost of complications it creates, but we are committed to discussing solutions and working with the city to find a balance of resolution that supports both attainable housing, um, the community goals and also property right for homeowners.

So if you guys do want to visit with us, we're open for that as well too.

So appreciate you stopping by and doing that.

You're welcome.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

All right, Mr.

Seagrape, we have a motion, please.

There's somebody else.

One more.

So someone's got to speak for for the shape.

So I'm gonna try to do that.

Uh we're on the resolution, Mark, for uh, you know, whether or not to have the uh big discussion, right?

Right.

Identify yourself.

Yep.

Uh Mayor Collins, uh members of city council.

Um, as far as this resolution goes.

Mark, can you identify yourself?

Uh, sorry.

My name's Mark Ellison.

I'm the city forester here and also the president of rooted in Cheyenne.

Um as far as the resolution goes, I think it's a good idea to look at a greater variety of trees.

Um, through the past um nine years with rooted in Cheyenne, we've been planting several different variety varieties of trees.

So we're always looking for better species, right?

Species that can withstand our harsh climate here because Cheyenne's like no place on earth.

I've lived in a lot of places, and this is the hardest place to grow trees.

So I really like the idea of looking into um greater variety of trees.

I think we're already doing that, but I think bringing together a diverse group might help.

As far as the new uh the the tree sizes, um, I don't believe that we should be allowing small trees for street trees.

And so that's where I would say to vote no on this resolution.

Um so in the case of Saddle Ridge, in the case of these smaller lots where this discussion started, um, we typically are requiring one shade tree, one shade tree for a street tree.

And street trees are a infrastructure, right?

It's very similar to a sidewalk, right?

Within our code, when uh builder builds a new house, he's required to build a sidewalk.

So, along with that is the street tree.

One street tree planted by a professional is gonna cost less than a thousand dollars.

Um, by planting an ornamental in this situation, you're really reducing those benefits to the neighborhood.

I think you all probably saw my presentation about shade trees and how important they are and the benefits that they provide over ornamentals, right?

Bigger is better in terms of trees as as street trees.

Mr.

Mayor, uh, how's this related to the resolution?

Can we get back to the resolution?

Okay, so yeah, all these reasons are are really why that uh I think you should should vote no on this on this resolution.

Thank you, Mr.

Okay, thank you.

Anyone else in the audience?

Last call.

All right, Mr.

Seag.

Mr.

Mayor, the recommendation of the public services committee is to adopt and I so move.

Second.

Second by Mr.

Flight.

Comments from members of the governing body on the resolution.

Yes, sir.

Okay, doctor.

Uh Mayor Collins for you.

I you know, I am one of the sponsors on this resolution, and um I believe that any time we can have a conversation um to discuss our codes and our UDC and involve all the people that this impacts.

Um, I don't see any uh damage from that conversation.

Um, I think it leads to better understanding, um, a better educated um constituents as well as a better educated uh city services.

And um I would urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

Um by uh no vote, you're voting no to have a conversation, and I think that that's not where any of us want to end up.

Thank you.

Mr.

Seagret, Mr.

Mayor, I just want to make sure that the uh audience and the folks at home understand that this resolution is asking the uh planning department to review the variety of trees and the size of trees.

It's not opening up all the landscaping regulations, um, all the other things that that possibly could go into a uh a yard or a commercial uh property, simply the variety of trees and the size of trees.

That's all we're going to study if we pass this resolution.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

Mr.

Mayor, Mr.

Labor.

This is a particularly difficult issue, and I'm seeing uh particularly difficult discussion occurring here that is precluding a lot of the testimony that I heard in the public service committee in regard to the broader issue of trees and site plans and where they should go and what we can do to maintain them.

So I'm certainly not in opposed to conversation, but I am opposed to this kind of a conversation.

I suppose we'll have to bring some sort of further action, but I think we all know and has been pointed out here, this is a difficult place to raise trees.

Nevertheless, uh the commitment to the community over the years has been uh substantial, meaningful, and long term.

So when we look at those and attempt to balance those issues, I think we all have driven by or understand um places where uh there are big problems.

I guess we'll have to uh bring some further resolution here, but I want to make it clear that I've been to this particular site uh that was of concern.

Um I think that there is a good reason to uh visit about it and discuss, and it really gets into a lot of different issues, but if we don't when and how we get to the larger question, I think is really critical.

We all know that those site plans are planted, they're not maintained, and then that happens.

And I think the correspondence that we have here, uh very detailed correspondence tells us that this is a larger issue.

So I hope everyone understands that uh certainly, and I and I do want to make the point that uh I don't think we can shrink these lots any further.

I think this is about it.

And so when we look at that and the costs associated and all the things that have been brought up, I think that uh certainly it's important to have that conversation, but uh members of the council, it is really important we have that broader conversation, and that's why I'm gonna be a vote, uh no vote on this.

It is really important that we look at uh that big picture, certainly um to one that uh the discussion that I heard in committee, Mr.

Mayor was um surprising to me.

The idea seemed to be that we were prairie and we could go back to prairie.

And I think that that's uh an interesting idea, but not one that we should pursue.

And certainly, as we see more rocks and less trees, more heat, uh, more issues.

Um, I look forward to doing what we can to have that broader discussion.

And uh that's the reason I'm gonna be voting no tonight.

Is not that I think this conversation shouldn't happen, and that these uh certainly there are improvements that can be made, but I think that uh I'm seeing uh a real concern, uh, a broader concern, and I look forward to uh attempting to deal with that in the future.

Thank you.

Anyone else in the governing body?

All right, hearing none.

All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

And those opposed, no.

The resolution is adopted with Mr.

Laborne voting, no.

Number 14 resolution declaring a vacancy in the office of a city council member for ward one and establishing procedures for filling said vacancy.

All right, with Mr.

or Mr.

Royble's recent passing, the state law requires that we have to declare uh vacancy before we can fill his place.

And so that's what this resolution does here today.

If there's anybody in the audience who'd like to speak to that declaration of vacancy, please come forward.

Hearing none, Mr.

Seagrave.

Mr.

Mayor, this item was reviewed under other items for the agenda at the October 6th, 2025 Public Services Committee meeting.

Therefore, provisions of Title II of the city code have been met.

Mr.

Mayor, the recommendation of the public services committee is to adopt, and I still move.

Second.

Second by Dr.

Emmons.

Comments from members of the governing body.

Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

And those opposed.

I just if I could for just a second.

Um state law also says that once we we pass this and uh our clerk gets it through the process that we have, I believe 30 days to uh uh make a selection.

So I believe we'll have a uh press release will go out maybe tomorrow that talks about the process.

And uh I think we'll have until is it the 20th uh for those applications to come in, and uh those will go to our city um council office and Jennifer.

Um so if anybody's interested, you can sure let them let her know.

She'll let you know the process that we need to go through, and then Mr.

White and Mr.

Um Leborn will hold some interviews and then the governing body will will uh uh ratify the selection that comes out of that.

So um we have until the 20th NTB getting your applications in.

Thank you.

Next item, please.

17A professional services agreement between the city of Cheyenne and Plan One Architects for the municipal building renovations design project.

All right.

Last six penny, we put some money on the in the the six penny to uh um do a design for our municipal building that was built in the late 1970s, which is in need of an upgrade.

And so I believe this is the uh the contract that would allow us to begin that process.

So anybody in the audience would like to speak to that.

Hearing none, Mr.

Labor.

Mr.

Mayor, the recommendation of the finance committee is to approve an amount not to exceed 1,474,550 and ISO move.

Seconded by Mr.

Seagrave.

Comments from members of the governing body.

Yes, sir.

Mr.

Moody.

Oh, thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Through you, I just had uh two additional questions more of after the finance committee.

Um, are we utilizing the plans that were presenting during the wharf session in December 2024?

So essentially what they presented is that going to be the architectural plan with this contract.

I'm happy you're here to answer that question.

Mr.

Mayor, um Adele Bartel with Public Works.

Um that was our spatial analysis, basically estimating what we would need in a design, and this will be the actual design.

Okay.

Dr.

Aldridge.

Mayor Collins for you.

Uh first and foremost, I wanted to make sure that this 1,474 uh dollars, that is only for the design.

That is not for the renovation because I the Tribune Eagle reported that was the cost of this renovation.

Mr.

Mayor, if you um yes, that's just for design.

So it's strictly design.

And the design, uh, my understanding is the design um would be very aligned with the spatial analysis that was done as far as public and private places.

Yes, it will be used as a reference to what each department needs in the design.

And lastly, the spatial design, uh, Mayor Collins for you that was done done the spatial study, um, only looked at City Hall.

It didn't take into account, I don't believe all of our other facilities and where we might be able to um better utilize um space in all of our um current locations for offices.

Is that correct?

Yes.

Thank you.

Anybody else in the governing body?

Mr.

Mayor?

Mr.

Labour.

Well, I certainly speak in favor of this uh matter, and I can't imagine it could be more anything could be more timely than us meeting over here instead of at the city building itself.

So it really is uh um surprising uh the long history of the troubles that we've had there.

But uh I I believe that the spatial analysis was correct.

I believe that this design will give us that opportunity.

And so I think that uh people should be the community should be aware that um this just has to be done.

Thank you.

Anyone else in the government body?

Mr.

Moody.

Oh, thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Through you, um, I'm gonna be a no vote on this.

I mean, I realize it was approved by sixpenny, but just I re-watched the uh war session from December, it just really concerns me.

We're saying private spaces, we're not talking private offices, which are zero private spaces, but a whole floor that would apply more to a corporation, not a city hall.

It just concerns me that constituents might think, you know, what is the city trying to hide?

So it didn't have that design at DNI, but with that design in mind that's from that warp session, that's why I'll be a no-boat.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Dr.

Emmons.

Mr.

Mayor, if this money was set aside from the sixpenny and we don't use it in the way in which it was intended for the vote.

What kind of impact or implications does that have?

I think that's a really good question, Dr.

Emmons.

I think worst case scenario would be that we'd have to turn it back to the county to be redistributed throughout the the county.

But uh my hope would be we'd find a different way, I mean, to uh use those dollars on that building.

And follow up, um, I just want to be also clear that there are a lot of office buildings at the city, county, state, loc um, local level that have private offices.

And I I want to make sure that people realize that just because you have a private office doesn't mean you're doing anything and toward it.

It it could be for confidentiality issues, which are really critical to make sure that we're respecting people's legal rights as well as employment law, uh employment rights and the um kinds of issues that are being handled on a daily basis.

And Dr.

Emmons, if I could follow up on that, I think you know, a lot of the thoughts that went into the new design is uh, you know, when the building was built, we didn't have a lot of the security risks and things that that we have today.

And so the thought was that we would put as many public facing um departments on the main floor where people could come in the main floor and uh and do business with the departments they needed to, the floors up above would not be ones that you could just go into without uh being escorted or um or being invited up into them.

Um so, like if Mr.

Moody had a uh an office on the third floor and wanted to meet with the constituent or uh a resident, you know, that doesn't mean we couldn't do that, but we're just not going to give people wide open access to our building.

Where we see every day in the news where terrible things happen, and we're just trying to make sure that when we redo this building, we do it also with security in mind.

Anyone else?

All right, hearing none.

All those in favor of the professional services agreement, please signify by saying aye.

Aye and those opposed.

No, the uh professional services agreement is approved with Mr.

Moody voting no.

Item 18B consideration of bid number S 2-26 for an agreement between the city of Cheyenne and Richardson Construction Inc.

for the depot reserve renovation project.

All right, this is the second phase of our depot renovations.

We just completed the first phase and uh let's go out to the audience and see if anybody wants to speak to this uh bid before us.

Hearing none, Mr.

Labourne.

Mr.

Mayor, the recommendation of the finance committee is to accept the bid in an amount not to exceed 1,874,421 and ISO move.

Second.

Second by Mr.

Moody.

Comments from members of the governing body.

Mr.

Labour.

Um thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um, can we have an explanation of uh this is going to be a pretty big and uh important project?

So I believe inside and out of the depot.

So maybe we could get a review of what this amount of money is going to buy.

And of course, I do want to know that this is coming from our sixth penny uh collection.

So a lot of six penny discussion tonight.

Mr.

Sanchez, welcome.

Mr.

Mayor, Jason Sanchez, community reckoning events.

Uh so this project, the second phase consists of a few uh areas.

We're going to uh remove all the carpet from the second and third floor.

We'll be repainting both floors.

We'll be opening up some office space where the chamber of commerce currently resides.

Uh right now they have some half walls and they're pretty congested.

So we'll be opening that up.

There's a conference or a break room uh area on the second floor that we will uh use a part of that room to create a second office space, and then we'll remodel the the break room area.

We'll be repainting all of the window trim on the exterior, the dark green that we did in phase one on the back doors.

We'll be removing some of the uh concrete through the plaza.

Right now we have some trip hazards, so that would be remedied through this, and we'll be replacing that with brick.

The brick would match the pattern we have on a portion of the plaza.

We would also have a design of like some railroad tracks that lead from the depot to Capitol Avenue.

And it would also include a uh shade structure on the east side of the splash pad.

Uh currently we have a white tents that we set up uh to uh throughout the summer.

Uh right now the the tent on the the splash pad or to the east of it, it it drops down a foot in elevation facing the stage because of the steps that we have.

The new shade structure would be actually would elevate on that side, given a clear uh view of the stage and our Friday performances.

Um that's primarily what this would cover.

Thank you, Mr.

Sanchez.

Mr.

Lagorn.

Uh thank you.

I just uh thought folks ought to understand this is gonna be a big expenditure and um a big important move on what I consider to be our pride and joy, which is the depot and the plaza.

So uh we'll sure be noticing it.

And uh I want to thank community recreation events for the first phase that has been so successful, and I look forward to this second phase.

Thank you.

Dr.

Alden.

Uh, mayor collins are you?

I was curious uh if perhaps um Jason, you can tell us uh have we talked to the tenants and what will be the accommodations we'll be making with the tenants while we do this renovation because it's hard to renovate while you're living in the space.

Mr.

Sanchez.

Uh Mr.

Mayor, through you to Dr.

Aldridge.

So prior to starting this phase on the design, we did meet with all of the tenants.

We explained uh what the thought process was what they would want to see in a uh renovation.

Um at that time, the majority of the tenants uh spoke of when the pandemic was taking place and they were able to work remotely.

Uh some of them have expressed that they would have that option again.

Uh what we're if this is approved tonight with your approval, we're going to meet with our contractor next week and kind of uh build our schedule of how this would work.

But our plan would be to move uh the folks that are in there in the building, uh, the tenants to some of their office furniture to the hallway while we renovate certain areas.

There will be some disruption, obviously.

Uh, but I think we have a plan.

Uh we've been working, Christy uh McCarthy, the director of the depot has been meeting with all the tenants.

And uh, while it's not perfect, it is a good game plan.

And I think everybody um in the building is in support of the renovation.

And my last question, Mayor Collins, uh, through you is uh once this if this uh bid is um approved tonight, what will the remaining amount be in that 2021 specific purpose option tax fund that was designated that we've been taking all these improvements downtown out of?

You had that number, Mr.

Sanchez.

Uh Mr.

Mayor, um, I had uh I figured this question would come up, so I asked Robin uh for that number, and the balance would be approximately 460,000.

Thank you.

And of the questions, Mr.

Mayor.

Mr.

Seagret, maybe not a quote.

I guess I can form it as a question.

Um director, uh there's been some discussion about the elevator in the building.

Can you just tell us how that's going to be uh repaired and renovated?

Mr.

Mayor, through you.

Uh so the elevator renovation is actually going to be a separate project tackled by the depot by the depot themselves.

Uh they that what I understand is they would have that project uh completed right about the time we complete this project, so spring of 2026.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

All right.

All those in favor of the bid, please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

And those opposed.

This bid is approved.

Next item.

Next item number 19A application filed with the city clerk's office for Apple Colorado LLC doing business as Applebee's neighborhood grill and bar 1401, Del Range Boulevard, Cheyenne, Wyoming, license currently held by AB Cheyenne, Wyoming LLC doing business as Applebee's neighborhood grill and bar.

All right.

We have an application to uh uh transfer a liquor license.

And so is anybody in the audience would like to speak to that.

Welcome back, gentlemen.

It was a short meeting tonight.

Good evening, Mr.

Mayor Brian Profit.

Um, on behalf of the applicant here, Apple Colorado.

I was online last time when we uh met on this matter a few weeks ago with me also this evening, Mr.

Brian Call, our area manager uh for this restaurant.

We understand that this did not pass finance um it passed finance, I'm sorry, but it was not unanimous, and therefore we were asked if we could have someone here this evening if there were any additional questions uh council may have regarding this application.

Very good.

Is there anybody questions that they would like to ask of the applicant?

Anyone?

Dr.

Aldrich.

Uh Mayor Collins through you.

Um I had the opportunity this afternoon to visit with Peyton at your restaurant.

Um just want to say that um I think the employees are very excited about this change and about um the plans that you have.

So um I know they're looking forward to it, and I believe our community will look forward to it as well.

So thank you for being here.

Ms.

Roskabel.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor, through you.

Yeah, it was a no vote on that uh finance, and it was just that I had a stronger feeling about franchises having full retail liquor licenses.

And the community here is doesn't have an abundance of those available to them right now, which it would give us more opportunity to broaden our tax base if we have more of them.

So in cases where franchises have those types of licenses, it's my feeling that a bar and grill license would be more appropriate.

Uh and I don't know how my colleagues feel about that.

I know we have a few more of those available.

I know there's other requirements for them.

And it's just my hope that you and the uh three or four other franchises that currently are holding them uh would be willing to sit down with the city and make that um change.

I don't think it would change your overall bottom line or your operations in any way.

I I appreciate that comment.

Uh it it's a it's a difficult situation for the city, and I understand you know, there are even a handful of those retail licenses currently parked, not being used at all.

Of course, it's never been a situation with Applebee's.

Applebee's for years, maybe even decades.

I'm not sure how long this license has been held at this location, has utilized it virtually every day, um, paying taxes to this city.

One of the difficulties, of course, with a bar and grill license again, is that is not a license that can be transferred.

And I think the city had a difficulty with that in a restaurant recently named Wasabi, which was uh I understand that restaurant changed hands, was not allowed to serve alcohol for some extended period of time, which obviously would be very difficult for a purchase and acquisition like this, because obviously alcohol is an important aspect of this business.

And during this transfer project, um Wyoming and Wyoming law allows us to continue to utilize that license during that period of time, um, thus benefiting everyone uh in Cheyenne, both um as an opportunity, a place to go to enjoy food and drink, but also the city through its tax revenue.

It didn't sit idle during that couple of months, like uh happened uh with a bar and grill uh situation.

And so certainly we'd be interested in sitting down and talking to Cheyenne about those opportunities.

It's a difficult situation, of course, because it is the liquor code, which is not something we can rewrite, although I think there have been a lot of efforts to try to make more of these licenses available, or um alternatively to make bar and grill licenses transferable in such a way that if we were to acquire that license, and then in 10 years of a different opportunity arose and someone wanted to purchase that license from us, a bar and grill license, if that were to happen, uh, that the restaurant wouldn't have to close, or at least be without alcohol during that period of time.

So we'd certainly uh be happy to sit down and talk to the city about those options and opportunities available to us, uh, but uh with the understanding that there are some roadblocks in the way if we were to make that change.

Thank you for that answer.

Dr.

Albridge.

I had one more question that I just thought of Mayor Collins.

I'm just wondering with the new franchise holder or the new holding corporation that's going to be taking over this particular location.

Um the opportunity for off-site catering with uh liquor at your other locations, or it does Applebee's have any type of a uh maybe a national policy or something that um restricts you from being able to do off-site catering uh with alcohol.

It's an interesting question, Ms.

Aldrich.

Um I'm sorry, Dr.

Aldrich, my apologies.

Um, this is the first Applebee's franchise location for my client, Apple Colorado here in Wyoming.

Um, they have, I don't know, is it hundreds of locations?

Yeah, currently we're over 450 locations across the country.

I can't tell you how many of those states allow for off-site alcohol uh catering as you're describing.

I I certainly think it's something that they would be open to, but I think it's something that's a bit new to them coming to um uh Wyoming.

That retail liquor license is kind of a Cadillac here in Wyoming and allows such opportunity, then I think that's certainly something that they would be interested in look into and consider.

Of course, if it made sense and we're safe uh to do so.

Mayor Collins for you, but it's not a restriction.

Uh you you might be able to in this case actually fully utilize this retail liquor license um where maybe the previous owner had did not choose to do that, but if there's no restriction from Applebee's per se that would be keep you from being able to do that in our community.

Or for again, off-site alcohol.

Yes, right.

Yes, thank you.

Um yeah, that is correct from what I understand.

Great.

Thank you.

Anyone else on the uh transfer the liquor license?

All right, hearing none.

All those in favor, please signify by saying I.

Oh, I haven't got a second video motion.

Mr.

Mayor, the recommendation of the finance committee is to approve and I so move.

Second.

Second by Mr.

Moody.

All right.

Let's call for comments.

Any?

All right.

All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Those opposed.

The application for the liquor license is approved.

And good luck to you guys.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

20A voucher report.

Is there anybody here in the audience or on the governing body that would like to discuss the vouchers?

Next item, please.

20B, announcement of a public hearing to be held October 27th, 2025 at 6 p.m.

at the Laramie County School District number one boardroom, 2810 House Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming, and via electronic conference meeting for a barring drill liquor license application filed with the city clerk's office for Red Bones LLC doing business as Ham Bones Pizza 415 West 17th Street, suite 170 and 180.

20C announcement that a Calcutta benefiting Make a Wish Wyoming will be held November 7th through November 8th, 2025 at Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center, 204 West Fox Farm Road, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

10% of all proceeds go to the charity 21 other business.

All right.

Is there anybody here in the audience that came to speak to the governing body under other business?

Hearing not how about from the governing body.

Dr.

Aldridge.

Mayor Collins through you.

First and foremost, I'd like to remind everyone that we will be holding the Ward 3 Council and copy this Saturday at uh DOSBOG from 9 to 11.

So we would love to have people stop in and visit with us if they have any ideas or concerns for our community.

I also wanted to just um I hope people on the and our council members in our community recognize that we did have some awards that were given in our community this week.

Um the um Du Bois or Du Voice, uh however you prefer to say it, uh Historic Preservation Award that went to Samuel and Josephine Carlson for the work on their house on East 19th Street, had the opportunity to drive by there, and um they've done a really nice job and what a great award to be able to be presented by the Historic Preservation Um Board.

And then the community spirit award that was uh recognized by the Tribune Eagle for Dr.

Reverend Hilton McClendon uh senior, who's been a friend, I think, uh to Emmanuel on this council and is doing great things in our community and also works as our chap one of our chaplains for the Cheyenne Police Department.

Um I think that speaks to the quality of the uh his character and his commitment and contribution to our community.

Um, I have the opportunity to serve also as the late the council's liaison to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

And uh this last week we've had um, as many of you know, if you've been reading the um press releases and things that have gone out that we um had a situation that was very taxing on um, I think the animal shelter um staff and also on our um employees.

And so I know that this is not the type of work that most of us would enjoy doing.

Um, it's uh I think hard.

I can't even imagine how hard and difficult and um frustrating it must be to watch um a situation where animals are um put at risk and people are called in to uh rescue those animals and um we had it's some employees that um director fountain uh brought to our attention that I just think that um even though it's a regular job and and they take on a job as a city employee knowing that these are situations that they might have to deal with, you always hope that you're not going to have to deal with them simply because you hope that you're gonna have a pretty quiet day in animal control.

Um, and I don't think that's what last week was at all for our animal control employees.

So we had um Lizzie Wagner, who is our animal control supervisor along with uh Johnny Kinswater, who's an animal control officer, and Peter Kissle, who's also an animal control officer that worked with Ezra Gillis, our risk and safety officer, and John Palmer, our code enforcement supervisor, and David Irwin, uh code enforcement officer, and Anthony Bannon, a code enforcer enforcement officer, that all worked um on this particular um situation.

And um, while again, it's one of their regular um in their job description, so to speak, it's one of those things that you hope you never have to actually do.

And I think that um when our employees go above and beyond um their normal routine or expectation of their job that uh we need to make sure that we provide them with the support and the uh resources to do those jobs.

So I just want to give a huge shout out to those folks that really worked closely with the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

Um, I think our relationship hasn't always been the best with the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

Um, but I think that um in this situation, our employees have worked really well and really closely in order to make the best of a bad situation.

So, on behalf of um Ward 3 and the people that I serve, we appreciate all the work that is done by the compliance office.

Mr.

White.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

First off, welcome back, Treasurer Lockman.

It's great to have you with us.

Um, second of all, Mayor, just uh to kind of comment on what Dr.

Aldridge was saying.

The numbers are staggering from this situation.

Uh, for those of you who don't know, it was an animal hoarding situation at uh at a home.

A hundred and two animals living in deplorable conditions.

And upon uh arrival of our animal control staff.

Many of those animals were deceased.

So it's just a heartbreaking situation of prayers to the staff of uh compliance and code enforcement and animal control.

Um, and then on a night when we paid tribute to our uh colleague, Mr.

Royble, his family uh did mention in his obituary that in lieu of flowers you could make a donate, he would rather want you to make a donation to the animal shelter.

And I think that's incredibly timely because the cost estimate of this particular situation is 150,000.

350.

Excuse me, $300,000.

So yeah, Scott, uh Mr.

Royble would definitely want us to uh support the animal shelter now more than ever.

Mr.

Mayor, Dr.

Hammond.

I also want to make sure that we're including Director Fountain in that list as well.

Um, I know he feels these things very deeply and works really hard to take care of his staff as well as the community.

So I want to thank you for your leadership and taking care of our folks.

Anyone else?

Mr.

Leiborn.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Obviously, this is a unique situation in that it's repeated.

This is not the first time that this individual has done something like this, and now we're faced with these costs and the issues that are related to it.

So I would suggest that it's really time we took a look at lobbying the state of Wyoming and the legislature when they uh make these decisions, because the fact of the matter is we need to have law regarding this matter so that we take full advantage of this really um incredibly awful situation to call their attention to the fact that there needs to be state law dealing with this issue, and it's really time that we started lobbying on behalf of that because it happened once, it's happened twice.

Are we gonna just uh expect it to uh go away on its own?

So I'm certainly interested in seeing what we can do in that regard.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

You'd be also the government body.

I just want to send my uh my thoughts out to our CRE team too uh this evening.

Um today Scott Aker, who is the director of our botanic gardens passed away.

Another um shocking um loss for our community and for our city.

And uh Scott was a uh a real professional, came with a lot of knowledge and uh really made a difference.

And uh he'd been suffering an illness and uh unfortunately we lost him this morning.

So our thoughts go out to the team at the Botanic Gardens and all of the Cheyenne family as we uh moan a second loss in just two weeks.

And with that sad news, we are adjourned.

Thank you.