Sheridan City Council Regular Meeting – August 18, 2025

The Sheridan City Council held its regular meeting on August 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included community updates from Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Bighorns and the Sheridan County Coroner, public comments on public art placement, approval of a consent agenda, third reading of an ordinance amending city reserve policies, and renewal of the Sheridan Recreation District agreement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved on a roll call vote (all present yes) the following items: bid award to Fremont Motor Company for three Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles ($121,251); purchase of one wheel loader from Wyoming Machinery Company ($248,724.03); approval of minutes from August 4, 2025; reappointment of Kevin Kessner to the Police Department Civil Service Commission (term expiring June 30, 2028); and approval of claims.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Taylor (speaking as an individual) addressed the Sheridan Public Arts Council, supporting a letter by Brad Howard objecting to the "car parts" sculpture at Main and Dow. Taylor proposed a compromise: move the car parts to the sidewalk at Burkett and Brooks (in front of the new green space) and place the stacking frogs near the creek at Main and Dow. Taylor noted the car parts are intended to promote recycling and reducing global warming, and the busy Burkett and Brooks intersection could serve as a reminder to drive safely. Taylor stated that Commissioner Jennings indicated the sidewalk is city property and placement is the city's call. Taylor concluded this would be their final comment on the matter.

Community Updates

Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Bighorns

• Marilyn Meredith Sopco (Development Director) presented an update. Habitat operates four programs: homeownership, housing land trust, home repair, and the Restore. Key points: In 2025, they closed on two homes in Ranchester; goal is to have five families in new homes by year-end. Current projects include four homes in Ranchester (two at 60% complete, two being framed), six lots in Sheridan (no vertical construction yet), and four newly purchased lots in Ranchester for twin homes. The housing land trust project (Weston Village) will have 30 homes; three homes completed (one sold, two under contract), five more finish by September/October. Home prices in land trust were $237,000 for three-bedroom, two-bath homes. Home repair program expanded to Johnson County, goal of 20 repairs this year (10–15 in Sheridan County, rest in Johnson County), funded in part by a Daniels Fund grant. The Restore generated $285,000 in revenue last fiscal year, diverted ~55,000 items from landfill, served ~7,050 customers; will begin accepting clothes after Labor Day. Habitat is seeking volunteers and a marketing director.

Sheridan County Coroner's Office

• Dr. Robert Bird (County Coroner) reported on operations and statistics. He noted the office transitioned from the courthouse to a new facility at 1604 N. Main. Key statistics for 2025 (year to date): 0 homicides, 12 suicides (10 by firearms), 8 accidents, 2 drug/alcohol overdoses, 29 city calls, 15 county calls, 3 hospital calls, 41 non-coroner calls. Dr. Bird expressed concern over the suicide rate, noting the 2025 numbers already match 2024 totals (12 suicides) with over 120 days remaining. He mentioned the office has partnered with the Montana Medical Examiner for pathology services, as recruiting a pathologist ($350,000/year) is difficult. The office maintains both paper and electronic records. He highlighted the county's mass fatality plan and the office's capabilities for anthropology and odontology.

Discussion Items

• Third Reading of Ordinance 2294 (amending City Code Article 2-7 on Capital Equipment Reserve and General Fund Reserve): City Attorney Brad Timmish presented the final reading. The ordinance redefines the capital equipment reserve to be used only for fleet or equipment, and sets the general fund reserve at 25% of annual general fund expenditures. It specifies procedures for emergency expenditures and transfers from the reserve. Councilmember Patzig (participating by phone) proposed an amendment to add a definition of "necessary operations" but the amendment lacked a second and was not considered. The original motion passed 4-1 (Patzig opposed), with Councilmembers Lumen, Whitzel, Lightnum, and Mayor Bridger in favor.
• Resolution 2325 (revoking Resolution 1714 regarding the general fund reserve): Passed unanimously on a voice vote to prevent conflict with the newly adopted ordinance.
• Five-Year Renewal Agreement for Sheridan Recreation District: Parks Director Steve Gage presented the renewal (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2030). The joint agreement between the city and school district maintains the rec district board. The school district approved the renewal unanimously earlier that day. The council approved the renewal on a voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (roll call, all yes).
• Ordinance 2294 (capital equipment and general fund reserves) approved on third reading (4-1).
• Resolution 2325 (revoking old reserve resolution) approved (unanimous).
• Sheridan Recreation District five-year renewal approved (unanimous).
• Public art placement – The city administrator clarified that the county requested removal of the stacking frogs from the city sidewalk due to heating elements underneath, and the city honored that request. The council will refer the public comment on art relocation to the Sheridan Public Art Committee for consideration.