Cheyenne Governing Body Meeting Summary - January 12, 2026

The Cheyenne Governing Body convened on January 12, 2026, with all eleven members present. The meeting opened with the election of Council President Tom Seagrave and Vice President Pete Lebourne, both unanimously elected for the 2026 term. The agenda primarily focused on a public hearing regarding the annexation of 26 parcels of land near North Cheyenne, two public hearings for retail liquor license transfers, and a highly contentious second reading of an ordinance authorizing administrative inspection warrants. The meeting concluded with the approval of the telecommunications contract after a budget amendment and a call for an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• The Consent Agenda was approved with Item 22A (Agreement with Ring Central LLC) removed for separate consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

Regarding Liquor License Transfers:

• Ben Troutline (F and G Corporation): Expressed full support for the transfer of ownership of the "Green Door" liquor license to ACE's Range LLC, stating the new ownership will be a great use. He confirmed that ACE's Range intends to relinquish their existing bar and grill to avoid holding multiple licenses.
• JB Koontz (ACE's Range Operating Owner): Described the business as a golf and racing simulator venue. Stated they intend to relinquish their bar and grill license in favor of the full retail license to better serve the community.
• April Brimer Koontz (ACES Range Financial): Expressed that the business is currently restricted to 40% alcohol by legislation. Argued that a full retail license is financially necessary to host events without violating state limits, noting their clean compliance record.
• Terry Cassidy (On behalf of Scooters Scoreboard): Expressed support for the transfer of the liquor license from Scooters Scoreboard to Westby Edge Brewing, citing Westby Edge's good track record.
• Darren Westby (Westby Edge Brewing): Expressed pride in downtown revitalization. Explained the license would provide flexibility for the "60/40 split" (food/beverage), allow for event planning services, and potentially facilitate future retail grocery options in the West Edge.

Regarding Administrative Inspection Warrants (Ordinance 1.28): Majority of speakers strongly opposed the ordinance as currently written, citing constitutional violations.

• Xie Brown (Ward 2): Expressed strong opposition, arguing the ordinance violates the Fourth Amendment and Article 1, Section 4 of the Wyoming State Constitution. Characterized it as government overreach giving power to unelected bureaucrats and warned against "affordable housing scams" linked to property condemnations.
• Gary Pugh (Veteran): Expressed strong opposition, noting that Wyoming's Constitution provides stronger protection than the U.S. Fourth Amendment. Argued the ordinance creates a "rubber stamp" without judicial oversight.
• Kathy Sigliano: Expressed strong opposition, stating the ordinance violates the Oath to uphold the Constitution and sets a dangerous precedent for government entry into private property.
• Katie Bradfield: Requested a "no" vote unless the ordinance is reworded to apply strictly to abandoned and vacant properties, expressing concern over inspectors entering areas of the home unrelated to the issue (e.g., basements during remodels).
• John Frank: Expressed unequivocal opposition, stating the city already has legal means to address the cited issues and that the ordinance undermines respect for private property.
• Dread (Long-time resident): Opposed the ordinance as written because it does not explicitly mention abandoned buildings, expressing concern it could apply to any occupied residence.
• Patricia McCoy: Expressed strong opposition, quoting Benjamin Franklin regarding the trade of liberty for safety. Proposed amending the ordinance to apply strictly and exclusively to abandoned or unoccupied structures where a public safety emergency already exists.
• Steve Olsen: Opposed the ordinance, raising concerns about code enforcement affecting single mothers and small landlords, potentially leading to increased taxes and liens that residents cannot afford.
• Clarence Fisher: Opposed the ordinance, warning that broad discretion allows officers to enter under one pretext and discover other issues later. Called for rewording or rejecting the proposal.
• Aaron Edwards: Expressed opposition due to vagueness in terms like "reasonable" times and manner. Called the "fishing expedition" nature of the language dangerous and likely to cause governmental liability.
• Steve Millia: Expressed opposition, agreeing with previous speakers that the ordinance is overreaching. Suggested it should be rewritten to apply only to properties abandoned for a year or more.
• Colin Crossman (Deputy Secretary of State, personal capacity): Corrected the Mayor regarding the Wyoming Constitution, noting the phrase "supported by affidavit" is stronger than the federal "oath or affirmation." Stated the Wyoming Constitution offers significantly greater protection.
• John Thomas: Expressed opposition, stating the ordinance violates the spirit of the Fourth Amendment and that "no one should be weaseling our way around those amendments."
• Lee File: Opposed the ordinance, arguing it creates bureaucracy and ignores Cheyenne's values of limited government. Concerned it solves a problem that doesn't need a new rule.
• Alan Sheldon: Expressed opposition, deferring to the volume of points already made by other speakers.
• John Polis: Expressed that the wording is extremely vague and creates too much gray area for overreach, though agreed with the concern regarding abandoned houses next door.
• Sam McGuinness (Sarcastic): Mocked the concept of administrative warrants as the "pinnacle of modern governance" and a dystopian intrusion on privacy.
• Caleb Wilkins (Attorney): Opposed the ordinance as "vastly overbroad," citing risk to code enforcement officers via "no-knock" language. Offered pro bono legal assistance to rework the ordinance for Wyoming specificity.
• Charles Miller: Opposed the ordinance based on four specific legal violations: use of a municipal judge instead of a district judge (violating Wyo. Stat. 35-7-1046), lack of pre-notice, lack of a hearing, and misusing fire code authority for non-fire issues.
• Jacobson: Expressed opposition, noting no specific examples of need were provided and the ordinance is too broad for all 61,000 residents.
• Marin Stallpe: Suggested sitting down to redesign the proposal, expressing unhappiness with the "huge ordinance."

Discussion Items

Elections:

• Council President: Tom Seagrave was nominated and unanimously elected.
• Vice President: Pete Lebourne was nominated and unanimously elected.

Annexation (Item 8A):

• Staff reported on a city-initiated annexation of 26 parcels (279.98 acres) near North Cheyenne. The land is 100% contiguous, inside the urban service boundary, and supported by the majority of landowners (Cole family and Edwards Development).
• Councilman Wolf noted this is part of a 2021 goal to annex properties 100% surrounded by the city. The hearing concluded with no public opposition.

Liquor License Transfers (Items 8B & 8C):

• ACE's Range: Transferring a retail license from F and G Corp. The applicant pledged to relinquish their bar and grill license to hold only one.
• Westby Edge Brewing: Transferring a license from Scooters Scoreboard. Applicants proposed using the license for flexibility in food/beverage ratios, event planning, and future retail.
• Both items were assigned to the Public Service or Finance Committee for further action.

Police Ordinance (Item 9):

• Third reading of the terms and conditions of employment for sworn officers, including a 3% COLA and longevity pay changes. Approved by voice vote (unanimous).

Administrative Inspection Warrants (Item 10):

• Sponsors' Position: Councilman White (sponsor) and Councilman Wolf stated the ordinance is necessary for public safety, fire investigations, and addressing abandoned buildings. Councilman Escobel shared a personal anecdote about a dangerous fireplace at a relative's home to illustrate the need for entry authority. Councilman White cited recent Wyoming Supreme Court case law (Hale v. City of Laramie) as support. Chief Deputy City Attorney Alridge clarified that the codes require meeting all three parameters: life, safety, and welfare.
• Legal & Safety Concerns: Chief Building Official Tony Palmer and Fire Chief Andrew Dykeshorn testified that while access is rarely denied, they need this tool for vacant or abandoned structures to address life-safety risks. Chief Dykeshorn noted the need for entry when property owners in fire investigations are unfindable or refuse consent.
• Council Deliberation:
  • Dr. Aldrich: Stated she would vote "No" tonight unless significantly amended to focus on abandoned properties, citing risks to employees and constitutional concerns.
  • Dr. Emmons: Stated she would vote "Yes" to allow the process to continue and amend the language, acknowledging the need to address dangerous buildings rather than "scrapping the whole thing."
  • Mr. Moody: Stated he would vote "No" if it applies to all properties, but would support it if focused on abandoned properties. Called for starting from scratch.
  • Councilman Escobel: Argued that if a neighbor reports a code issue, residents expect the city to have the authority to inspect, especially if the property is abandoned.
  • Councilman Wolf: Acknowledged the fear in the room but expressed confidence in the professionalism of the fire and building departments, arguing that while the ordinance has flaws, it should move forward to be improved.

Telecommunications Contract (Item 22A):

• Staff explained the current on-premise phone system reached end-of-life. The initial approval amount was $65,000 for the fiscal year, but the amendment extended the contract to 36 months.
• Amendment: Councilman Lebourne moved to amend the total amount to $324,750.58 over 36 months. The amendment passed unanimously.
• The amended contract was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Officers Elected: Tom Seagrave (President) and Pete Lebourne (Vice President) for 2026.
• Annexation: Public hearing concluded for 279.98 acres; staff findings accepted.
• Liquor Licenses: Transfers for ACE's Range and Westby Edge Brewing approved to Committee for assignment. A special meeting is announced for January 23, 2026, to consider the Westby Edge transfer.
• Police Ordinance: Approved on third and final reading (unanimous).
• Administrative Inspection Warrants: Ordinance approved on second reading. The vote tally was:
  • Aye (4): Mayor Collins, Councilman Seagrave, Councilwoman Escobel, Councilman White.
  • No (3): Dr. Aldrich, Mr. Moody, Dr. Rennie.
  • Present/Abstaining: Dr. Emmons, Mr. Laborne, Mr. White (Wait, White was 'Aye' based on transcript summary above, let's re-read carefully. Transcript says: "all those in favor please signify by saying aye aye aye" then "Dr. Aldrich, Mr. Moody and Dr. Rennie are no". The Mayor (Collins), Seagrave, Escobel, Wolf, Laborne, Emmons, White were not listed in the "no" group. Wait, the motion passed. The transcript says "The ordinance is approved on second reading". The dissenters listed were Dr. Aldrich, Mr. Moody, and Dr. Rennie. The Mayor, Seagrave, Wolf, Laborne, Emmons, Escobel, White, and Dr. Emmons (wait Dr Emmons was 'Yes' for the second reading to go forward to clean it up) all supported moving it to third reading. The vote count was 8-3.
• Telecom Contract: Approved as amended (Total: $324,750.58 for 36 months).
• Announcements: Public Services Committee (Jan 20), Finance Committee (Jan 21), Committee of the Whole (Jan 14), and a Council Coffee scheduled for Jan 17.
• Executive Session: The meeting adjourned to an executive session per Wyoming Statute 16-40-1407 to receive confidential information, followed immediately by adjournment.