Cheyenne City Council Meeting - January 26, 2026

The Cheyenne City Council met on January 26, 2026, to consider a range of items including a controversial administrative inspection warrants ordinance, routine annexations, zoning changes, accessory dwelling unit adjustments, budget reappropriation, sales tax ballot projects, housing and transportation grants, and more. The most debated item was the third reading of Chapter 1.28 (administrative inspection warrants), which drew extensive public opposition and was ultimately postponed to February 9, 2026.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with item number 11 (budget reappropriation) removed at the request of Dr. Aldrich. That item was later considered separately.
• Items approved included: routine approvals of minutes, bills, and reports.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gary Pugh (Ward 1 resident) opposed Chapter 1.28, arguing it violates the Fourth Amendment by allowing administrative warrants without probable cause and undermines judicial oversight.
• Representative Ann Lucas (House District 43, county resident) supported the city's ability to act in genuine emergencies but opposed the ordinance because it applies to routine code enforcement beyond emergencies.
• Kathy Sigliano (Laramie County resident) opposed, stating the ordinance resembles general warrants that led to the Fourth Amendment, and criticized the council for refusing amendments and public input.
• Patricia McCoy (18-year resident) requested a two-week postponement to allow review of a corrected draft aligning with Wyoming law, and criticized council for inconsistent enforcement of decorum rules.
• Peter Seekel (Precinct 2-1 GOP committeeman) opposed, noting existing ordinances already cover safety hazards and questioned the need for a duplicate.
• Abe Mendez (resident) opposed on principle of small government, fearing expansion of government authority.
• Colin Crossman (Ward 1, personal capacity) pointed out that the ordinance includes a "routine periodic area inspection" standard which he called a general warrant, and noted it hasn't been tested under the Wyoming Constitution.
• Tamara Truhe (Ward 1) requested the item be tabled and redone from scratch, citing a past Wyoming Supreme Court case where officials lied under oath.
• Jacob Wasserberger (Ward 1) thanked the council for considering postponement, raised concerns about Fourth Amendment rights, and suggested alternative checks like utility bills to determine abandonment.
• Charles Miller (online) submitted an amendment to replace area inspection with probable cause, move authority to circuit court, and include state law protections against secret searches.
• Stephen G. Jacobson (online) urged rejection, noting the public safety committee did not provide specific examples of need despite his request.
• Phil Bowling (Ward 2) spoke against the ordinance, emphasizing that intent is defined by what is written, not what is claimed; he cited lack of clear limiting principles and the council's refusal to engage outside experts.

Discussion Items

• Administrative Inspection Warrants (Chapter 1.28) – Third Reading: After public testimony, Councilwoman Dr. Aldrich moved to postpone to February 9, 2026, seconded by Mr. White. Several council members supported postponement, citing the need for more time to review substitutes and engage the public. Discussion included concerns about trust, the need for clear articulation of necessity, and the process for handling multiple proposed amendments. Councilman Wolf suggested the process could take all of February. Dr. Rennie clarified that postponement is standard and cannot be tabled. Dr. Aldrich announced a meeting on February 3, 2026 at the Public Safety Center to work through the ordinance with local attorneys. The postponement was unanimously approved.
• Annexation of County Pockets (Eastern Cheyenne) – Second Reading: The ordinance to annex various tracts south of Story Boulevard, east of Powder House Road, north of Delrange Boulevard, and west of Ridge Road was approved on second reading with no public comment. Councilman White confirmed property owners had no concerns.
• Zoning Map Amendment for Annexed Land – Second Reading: The accompanying zoning ordinance (AG agricultural and MR medium density residential) was also approved on second reading.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Amendment – Second Reading: The ordinance to remove the owner-occupancy requirement and adjust parking for ADUs was approved on second reading. Staff explained that removing owner-occupancy requires separate water shut-off and heating controls; parking can include driveway and on-street spaces. Councilman Moody supported it as a way to add housing. Councilman Rennie opposed, citing concerns about neighborhood deterioration from converting single-family lots into two rentals. The vote passed (ayes heard, with two "no" votes from Dr. Rennie and Mr. Seagrave? Actually transcript says ayes and then two no's: Dr. Rennie and Mr. Seagrave).
• Ordinance First Reading – Private Displays on Public Property (Chapter 8.72): Sent to the Public Services Committee without discussion.
• Resolution Reappropriating FY2026 Budget: Adopted after Dr. Aldrich requested it be removed from consent to explain transparency. The reappropriation includes a 3% cost-of-living increase for full-time and part-time employees, including police. The amount: $554,652 from general fund reserves and $160,777 from other funds.
• 1% Specific Purpose Sales Tax Ballot List: The council adopted the list of projects for the August 18, 2026 primary election. Projects include Johnson Pool, the municipal building, and a fire station as stand-alone items, with others grouped by infrastructure, public safety, and community enhancement. Councilman White complimented the deliberation. Discussion also included a resident's request for preference to Wyoming contractors, which Dr. Rennie noted can be done through state bid preferences.
• Resolution Certifying Compliance for Annexation (Western/Southern Cheyenne): Adopted despite one previous resident concern. Councilman Moody voted no, citing property rights; others noted the concerned individual had not followed up. The annexation will proceed.
• Unmet Housing Grant for Magic City/Habitat for Humanity: The resolution authorizing application for a $500,000 state grant (amended from $1 million) was adopted. Dan Dorsch (Habitat) and Shay Sparks (Magic City Enterprises) described the Magic Meadows project: 12 units on 0.4 acres at Ridge and Charles, half for Habitat homeownership, half for Magic City rental/supported living. The grant funds infrastructure.
• Rodeo Grounds Pedestrian Transportation Infrastructure Grant: The resolution authorizing application for a $1 million state grant for a pedestrian bridge and parking lot on the Air Force base was adopted. Tom Hirsig (Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO) said the total project cost is $11-12 million, with CFD contributing $2 million and the city/county $1 million each. Parking would primarily serve Frontier Days but could be used for other events.
• Preliminary Plat – Dry Creek Vestas: Acknowledged with staff conditions two and three. No public comment.
• Appointments: Mike Bites to Laramie County Community Juvenile Services Joint Powers Board and Christina Rufati to Mayor's Council for People with Disabilities approved.
• Other Business: Dr. Aldrich thanked Police Chief Francisco for a civic conversation with seniors. Councilman White announced a Ward 1 Council and Coffee on February 7, 2026 at Romero Park.

Key Outcomes

• Postponement of Administrative Inspection Warrants (Chapter 1.28): Unanimously postponed to February 9, 2026. The Public Services Committee will discuss on February 3, 2026.
• Annexation of Eastern Cheyenne County Pockets: Approved on second reading (voice vote, unanimous).
• Zoning for Annexed Land: Approved on second reading (voice vote, unanimous).
• ADU Amendment: Approved on second reading (voice vote, with two no votes – Dr. Rennie and Mr. Seagrave).
• Budget Reappropriation: Adopted (voice vote, unanimous).
• 1% Sales Tax Ballot List: Adopted (voice vote, unanimous).
• Annexation Certification for Western/Southern Cheyenne: Adopted (voice vote, one no – Mr. Moody).
• Unmet Housing Grant Application: Adopted as amended to $500,000 (voice vote, unanimous).
• Rodeo Grounds Pedestrian Grant Application: Adopted (voice vote, unanimous).
• Preliminary Plat Dry Creek Vestas: Acknowledged with staff conditions (voice vote, unanimous).
• Appointments: Approved (voice vote, unanimous).