Cheyenne City Council Meeting – February 9, 2026

The governing body of Cheyenne, Wyoming, met on February 9, 2026, for a lengthy evening session that included a public hearing on the city-initiated annexation of 16 county pockets (49.4 acres) and a third-reading vote on an administrative inspection warrants ordinance. The meeting began at approximately 6:00 PM and lasted over four hours.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved after removing items 21A and 21C at the request of Councilmember Labourne. Item 21A (Drake Creek Restoration project bid) and 21C (Parsley Boulevard Greenway Connectors bid) were considered separately and later approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Annexation of parcels (including YFresh Farm): Dozens of residents spoke, many wearing green in support of YFresh Farm (parcel 4). David Nisley, owner of YFresh, requested postponement, citing late notice (received January 27, 2026, due to postal error) and unanswered questions about future operations, livestock protection, and infrastructure costs. Tommy Nisley expressed concerns that any expansion could trigger costly street improvements (curbs, gutters, sidewalks). Other residents and business owners (Chelsea Hacker McCord, Chris Keatley, Francine Scheel, etc.) urged the council to postpone or exempt the farm, emphasizing its value for local food access, community health, and small-business support. Several speakers noted that the farm was there long before surrounding development. Sheriff Brian Kozak clarified that a mutual aid contract allows city police to respond in county pockets. Gay Woodhouse, former city attorney, also requested postponement. One property owner (Roxy Hovel) from another parcel opposed annexation, citing a recent $30,000 well installation.
• Administrative inspection warrants: Multiple residents (Patricia McCoy, Bailey Turner, Stephen Love, Alan Sheldon, Charles Miller) questioned the constitutionality of the ordinance, particularly the words "determine" and "discover" in section 1.28.020 B3. Miller warned of potential litigation under 42 USC §1983 and proposed a sunset clause. Others argued the ordinance was unnecessary given existing procedures.
• Accessory dwelling units (ADU): Alan Sheldon spoke in support of the ADU amendment.
• Other business: A resident requested a crosswalk and wrong-way signs at 20th and Huger. Charles Miller asked the city to create a unified public access portal for meeting materials.

Discussion Items

• Annexation of 16 parcels (item 7A; also items 15, 16): Connor White (Planning and Development) presented the staff report, noting that the parcels are 100% contiguous to city limits, all city services will be provided, and the area is inside the urban service boundary. He corrected annual property tax increase to approximately $90 (not $203 as previously estimated). Staff recommended AG zoning for parcel 4 (YFresh) to allow continued farming and farm stand operation. Councilmembers questioned Mr. White and Director Charles Bloom about future expansion, firearms discharge, and the definition of urban farms. Councilmember Moody expressed support for postponement or excluding parcel 4. Councilmember Aldridge suggested separating parcel 4 from the annexation. The council decided not to vote on postponement that night, explaining that the public hearing was for listening only; the item would be referred to the Public Services Committee (Tuesday, February 17, 2026) for further discussion.
• Administrative inspection warrants ordinance (item 8, third reading): Extensive debate occurred over amendments. Councilmember Aldridge successfully moved to strike the words "determine" and "discover" from section 1.28.020 B3 (vote: 6-4, with Emmons, Wolf, Seagrave, Labourne opposed). An amendment by Councilmember Moody to define "area" failed. Councilmember Collins’ amendment to change "or" to "and" in B2 also failed. The substitute ordinance was then adopted as amended (vote: 7-3, with Rennie, Escobel, Moody voting no). The ordinance limits administrative warrants to four circumstances: abandoned buildings, post-fire investigations when owner unavailable, commercial fire inspections, and building permit inspections. A reporting requirement requires incident reports to council.
• Accessory dwelling units (item 11, third reading): Ordinance removed owner-occupancy requirement and adjusted parking for ADUs. Passed 7-2 (Rennie and Seagrave opposed).
• Other items: Third-reading approval of annexation of 26 parcels in eastern Cheyenne (item 9) and associated zoning (item 10); cooperative agreements for US 30/Del Range/Whitney Road projects (items 19B, 20B) approved; and appointment of Rebecca Ogletree to Community Action of Laramie County Board.

Key Outcomes

• Annexation of YFresh and other county pockets: No action taken tonight; the public hearing was closed. The item (ordinance first reading, items 15 and 16) was referred to the Public Services Committee on February 17, 2026, for further deliberation, with the expectation that an urban farm definition may be developed.
• Administrative inspection warrants ordinance (Chapter 8.72): Approved on third reading with amendments removing “determine” and “discover.” The final vote was 7-3. The ordinance becomes effective after publication.
• Accessory dwelling units: Approved on third reading (7-2).
• Other bids and contracts: Approved as recommended.
• Executive session: The council moved into executive session at the end of the meeting; no further business was conducted afterward.