Cheyenne City Council Meeting - November 24, 2025

The Cheyenne City Council held its regular meeting on November 24, 2025, beginning with the administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Councilmember Lawrence J. Wolf for Ward One. The governing body addressed a range of administrative, zoning, and community safety items, with significant deliberation surrounding proposed amendments to solicitation ordinances and the approval of affordable housing initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the consent agenda, with items 15 (discharge of uncollectible debts), 16 (water service agreement amendment), and 21A (Safe Harbor contract) removed for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Seth Floyd (Ward One Private Citizen): Expressed strong preference for separating commercial soliciting from non-commercial activities in the proposed code amendment. Mr. Floyd argued that a "no soliciting" sign clearly means no sales but should not prohibit religious, political, or educational pamphleteering unless the sign specifically forbids those topics. He emphasized the need for First Amendment consistency across all non-commercial speech, including the right for politicians and religious figures to leave literature.
• Representative Lee File: Stated that item 5 of the proposed ordinance (door-to-door canvassing) should be amended or removed entirely. She argued that political canvassing is a fundamental First Amendment right for listening to constituents, distinct from commercial soliciting. She warned that leaving the restriction in place could lead to legal challenges under Supreme Court precedents.
• Lynn Heiler (Director, Safe Harbor): Provided testimony on the operations and need for the children's justice center, highlighting the complexity of child abuse cases and the necessity of forensic interviews for case success. She noted rising abuse statistics and the importance of the city's partnership in funding these critical services.
• Mayor Patrick Collins: While expressing gratitude for community support, the Mayor expressed concern regarding the potential for littering and environmental issues if pamphleteering is allowed, noting the difficulty candidates face in hand-delivering materials without using plastic bags on doorknobs.
• City Attorney John Brody: Stated that while private property owners have the right to prohibit access, the city must ensure the ordinance remains content-neutral to avoid constitutional issues. He noted potential conflicts with existing codes regarding handbill distribution.
• Councilmember Paul Dr. Aldrich: Expressed frustration over constituents being inundated by hailstorm roofers and reaffirmed her stance that "no soliciting" means "no soliciting" for all, including candidates. She questioned the wisdom of allowing pamphleteering and suggested "no trespassing" signs for total privacy.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 269 (Solicitation): Extensive debate occurred regarding an amendment to the municipal code concerning door-to-door solicitors. Councilmember Michael Escobel moved to delete Sections B4 (religious organizations) and B5 (political activities) entirely from the "no soliciting" restrictions, arguing that these sections create an incumbency advantage and hinder grassroots campaigning for new candidates. Councilmembers Dr. Aldrich, Mr. Moody, Mr. Labourne, and Mayor Collins opposed the amendment, citing the need to respect homeowner privacy, safety, and the legal consistency of the code. The motion to delete sections 4 and 5 failed.
• Affordable Housing Grant (Item 17): Dr. Aldrich provided a detailed explanation of the strategy to utilize the 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, contrasting it with the limited 9% credit availability in Wyoming. She noted the partnership with the Wasatch Group and the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and a specific gift from Related Digital to leverage the grant, aiming to build 184 affordable units.
• Compost Operations Plan (Item 21D): Councilmembers Mr. Labourne and Mr. Moody expressed concern over hiring HDR Engineering for a plan without a confirmed site location. They argued that the ideal relocation site next to the transfer station was known, and the city should define the location before approving funds. Staff clarified the plan is not site-specific but will evaluate operational improvements either at the current 18-acre site or a future co-located site.
• Water Service Agreement (Item 16): Council discussed a substitute amendment to the agreement with Wyoming King Gold Mining Company to include a remediation clause. The amendment, proposed to address the property's condition upon lease termination, received support from Councilmember Dr. Aldrich regarding past environmental issues in mining operations and was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Oath of Office: Lawrence J. Wolf sworn in for Ward One.
• Annexations: Approved second reading for four items: annexing 20 properties south of Laramie Street east of T Bird Drive; establishing zoning MR, MUB, and CB for annexed land; annexing 20.41 acres south of Story Boulevard; and establishing AG, CB, and NR3 zoning for the latter parcel.
• Camping Ordinance (Item 12): The ordinance to increase camping fines died without a second.
• Solicitation Ordinance (Item 13): The main motion to approve the solicitation ordinance failed because the amendment to remove political/religious restrictions failed, and without that amendment, the Council could not agree to pass the measure in its current form. The item did not advance to third reading.
• Uncollectible Debts (Item 15): Resolution adopted to discharge debt totaling $136,820.03.
• Water Agreement (Item 16): Agreement approved as amended with the remediation clause.
• Affordable Housing Grant (Item 17): Resolution adopted to apply for the Wyoming Business Council grant.
• Safe Harbor Agreement (Item 21A): Agreement approved up to $20,000.
• Compost Plan (Item 21D): Professional services agreement approved for up to $93,580.
• UDC Report (Item 24A): Report regarding tree canopy and small lot development acknowledged; no code changes proposed at this time.
• Senior Activity Center: Public recognition given for increased participation and successful Thanksgiving feast.
• Traffic Safety: Discussion led by Councilmember Mr. White regarding a recent incident where two children were hit by a car while crossing a street, prompting calls for further crosswalk safety measures.