Cheyenne City Council Meeting - February 24, 2026

The Cheyenne City Council held its regular meeting on February 24, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, public hearings, second readings of multiple ordinances, a high-profile annexation debate, and other business. The transcript references a February 23 session, but the provided date for the summary is February 24, 2026; this discrepancy remains unresolved.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with the removal of items 19A (professional services agreement with TDSI), 19B (utility easement with Microsoft), and 14 (final plat for Village Cooperative) per requests from council members. These items were considered separately.

Public Comments & Testimony

• AK Wallace and Cameron Brown (district/general managers of Chiba Hut) expressed support for liquor license renewal, thanking the city for the opportunity.
• Cheryl Gerish (east side resident) opposed long-term memorial displays on public property, citing mowing difficulties and fairness to other families who use cemeteries.
• Stephen Love (Ward 1 resident) opposed the private display ordinance (Chapter 8.72), calling it unnecessary government intervention and suggesting a reduced fine. He later supported an amendment to remove or cap fines.
• David Nicely, Tommy Nicely, Richard Nicely, and Chelsea McCord (representing YFresh farm) and multiple community members (Donald Career, Brian Pixley, Micah Sutton) spoke against annexation of parcels 4 and 7, requesting postponement or removal to allow time for questions about urban farming regulations, safety, and property rights.
• Marin Callas (Historic Cheyenne Inc. Vice President) supported the pump house rehabilitation project, citing historic preservation, greenway connectivity, and improved facilities for the Clean and Safe team.
• Ted Hanlon (Laramie County Democratic Party chair) presented a 779-signature petition opposing Flock surveillance cameras, alleging mass surveillance and data-sharing concerns.

Discussion Items

• Liquor License Renewals (Item 6A): Public hearing held; no opposition. Assigned to finance committee.
• Private Displays on Public Property (Item 7, Ordinance Chapter 8.72): Second reading debated. A substitute was adopted to remove the term "advertising" and include public rights-of-way. Councilmember Emmons opposed, arguing the memorial at Nationway (for Andrea Martinez) is well-maintained and not obstructive. Councilmember Aldridge supported the ordinance to provide guidelines. A later suggestion to lower fines was deferred to committee. Approved 7-2 on second reading.
• Senior Housing Rezone (Item 8): Ordinance to rezone land for a 54-unit senior housing development. The developer stated groundbreaking is expected fall 2026 with 16-19 months construction. Approved unanimously on second reading.
• Business Park Rezone (Item 9): Rezoning 78 acres for Bison Business Park expansion. Approved unanimously.
• Annexation of County Pockets (Item 10): Extensive debate on annexation of parcels 4 and 7 (including YFresh farm). A motion to postpone failed (5-7). An amendment to remove parcels 4 and 7 also failed (2-9). Councilmember Aldridge proposed a later delay via date certain but did not amend. Final passage on second reading with only Escobel and Moody voting no (9-2). Several council members expressed hope for future urban farm zoning definitions.
• Annexation Zoning (Item 11): Establishing zones for newly annexed land. Approved on second reading.
• Pump House Rehabilitation (Item 19A): Professional services agreement with TDSI for design ($198,903). A substitute scope was adopted to add photographs and details on access, fencing, and landscaping. Speakers praised the project’s historic preservation and cost-effectiveness. Approved as amended.
• Utility Easement with Microsoft (Item 19B): Grant of perpetual right-of-way for underground fiber lines. Amended to increase payment from $10 to $1,265. Approved with one no vote (Moody).
• Other Business: Ted Hanlon presented a petition opposing Flock cameras. Councilmember Laborn rebutted claims, calling the petition inaccurate and inviting the public to a police department information session next week.

Key Outcomes

• Item 7 (Private Displays): Approved on second reading as amended, 7-2 (no votes: Emmons, Rennie).
• Item 10 (Annexation): Approved on second reading, 9-2 (no votes: Escobel, Moody).
• Item 19A (Pump House): Approved on second reading as amended, with one no vote (Moody).
• Item 19B (Microsoft Easement): Approved as amended, 8-1 (no vote: Moody).
• Item 14 (Final Plat): Postponed to March 9, 2026 meeting.
• Executive Session: Council voted to enter executive session for confidential matters; no further business after.
• Future Meetings: Public Services Committee will meet next Tuesday; Ward 1 Council & Coffee on March 7; police Flock camera informational session next week.