Cheyenne City Council Meeting Summary - December 8, 2025

The Cheyenne City Council convened on December 8, 2025, to hear public testimony, approve land annexations, vote on zoning changes, and address municipal contracts. The meeting featured significant debate regarding a specific annexation site intended for affordable housing and the strategic sale of the historic Auxiliary Pumping Station. A unanimous 3% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees was adopted, and the Council moved into executive session following the adjournment of public business.

Consent Calendar

• Approval granted for the Consent Calendar with Item 22A (High Plains Arboretum contracts) removed for separate discussion. All other routine items were approved unanimously upon motion and second.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Preet Singh (Sok Prit Sang): The applicant and owner of High Market on Lincoln Way addressed the public regarding the transfer of a retail liquor license. He expressed that he had previously been unaware of the license's ability to include catering services but confirmed plans to utilize package sales and potential future liquor service.
• Stephanie Lowe (Historic Cheyenne Inc.): She expressed her position in favor of postponing the resolution regarding the Cheyenne Auxiliary Pumping Station. She argued that the Historic Preservation Board and the public interest group are actively reviewing the resolution language and requested time to facilitate community benefit and preservation.
• Jason Sanchez (Civic Center Staff): Expressing gratitude for the recent cost-of-living adjustment approval, noting the strong appreciation from employees regarding the support.
• Civic Center Attendees (Dr. Emmons & Mr. Escobel): Speakers expressed strong positive feedback regarding the new sound system and the quality of performances, specifically citing the "beautiful performance" of a local play and the "amazing" audio quality of a free concert.

Discussion Items

• Liquor License Transfer (Item 6A): Council members questioned the scope of the license. Dr. Rennie queried if the applicant intended to restrict sales to package sales only. The applicant clarified that while packaging is the current plan, they are open to expanding into service and catering in the future.
• Annexation of County Pockets (Item 7 & 8): Council discussed the annexation of eastern Cheyenne land pockets surrounded by city limits. Staff confirmed there was no public opposition. The Council discussed the establishment of MR, MUB, and CB zoning classifications to match the underlying county status.
• Owner-Initiated Annexation (Item 9): Mr. Moody raised a specific query regarding whether the annexed 20.41 acres south of Story Boulevard were the intended site for affordable housing. Staff confirmed that the site was partially designated for this purpose. Consequently, Mr. Moody expressed opposition based on his prior explanation regarding ties to a private equity firm.
• Affordable Housing Zone Change (Item 11): Council discussed the necessity of changing the zoning from Agricultural (AG) to Neighborhood Residential High Density (NR3) to permit multifamily housing on the Story Boulevard property. Mr. Moody again voted no on the associated annexation and zone change.
• Sworn Officers Employment Ordinance (Item 12): The item was assigned to the Finance Committee for further review regarding employment terms and conditions for January 2026.
• Cost of Living Adjustment (Item 13): Discussion highlighted the complexity of compensation policies. Mr. Moody expressed a position of support for the move but hoped the next budget session would focus more on employees earning under $60,000. Dr. Emmons emphasized that the adjustment is critical for retention and recruitment, noting the high cost of replacing lost employees.
• Auxiliary Pumping Station (Item 14): A debate occurred regarding the sale or lease of the historic building. Mr. Layborn expressed a concern that the previous contract for demolition cost analysis was terminated without a completed review, arguing that the public has a reasonable expectation that a cost estimate be provided before a final decision is made. The Council agreed to postpone the resolution.
• High Plains Arboretum Contracts (Items 22A & 22B): Council members discussed the renovation and demolition contracts. Mr. Moody expressed a position of strong support, viewing the project as a vital investment for historic preservation and tourism potential in Western Laramie County, noting it could potentially become a state park.

Key Outcomes

• Liquor License: Public hearing concluded; matter assigned to the Finance Committee for next Tuesday at 12:00 PM for further consideration.
• Annexation (Eastern Cheyenne): Approved on third and final reading (Vote: 9 Ayes, 0 Noes). Zoning map amended for MR, MUB, and CB classifications.
• Annexation (South of Story Blvd): Approved on third and final reading (Vote: 8 Ayes, 1 No - Mr. Moody). The annexation includes 20.41 acres.
• Zoning Change (AG to NR3): Approved on third and final reading (Vote: 8 Ayes, 1 No - Mr. Moody) to allow multifamily development.
• Zoning Change (AG for Annexed Land): Approved on third and final reading (Vote: 9 Ayes, 0 Noes) to maintain Agricultural classification for the remaining annexed land.
• Salary Adjustment: Resolution for a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment for all full-time and part-time employees adopted (Unanimous Vote).
• Pumping Station Sale: Resolution to repeal previous directives and list the station for sale was postponed until the December 22nd meeting to allow for further review of amended language by the Historic Preservation Board.
• Arboretum Contracts: Agreement with Bighorn Contracting LLC accepted for renovation (not to exceed $2,366,424). Agreement with Rockies Environmental and Demolition Services accepted for demolition/abatement (not to exceed $148,175).
• Future Announcements: Public hearings scheduled for December 10th (SIX penny projects) and December 22nd (Consolidated Plan amendments). A "Make-A-Wish" benefit concert scheduled for January 30-31, 2026.
• Executive Session: Council moved into executive session to consider confidential information, with an agreement to adjourn immediately upon returning.