Sheridan City Council Regular Meeting - September 2, 2025

The Sheridan City Council held its regular meeting on September 2, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a presentation from The Hub on Smith, a building division update, multiple public hearings on subdivision approvals and zoning changes, administrative approvals, and reports from council members and staff.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the regular council meeting of August 18, 2025, and claims were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Community Updates

• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation: Mayor Bridger presented the proclamation to the Cates family. Kasen Cates, who is now cancer-free after being diagnosed with leukemia at age two, was recognized. A council member who lost a child to cancer expressed support and urged more research funding.
• The Hub on Smith Presentation: Ryan Landis, Director of Operations, and Ryan Kultiska, Director of Development, presented on services funded by GPED dollars. Key statistics: 29% of Sheridan residents are over 60; nearly 1,000 reported falls last year; over 1,600 live alone. The Hub served 3,600 patrons, provided 100,000 meals (5% increase expected), nearly 50,000 Goose Creek Transit rides, and loaned 1,700 pieces of medical equipment. The $80,000 GPED allocation funded the Support Center and Help at Home, which served 165 clients with 11,000 hours of service. A client named Diane was highlighted as able to stay home due to wraparound services. The Hub cut its budget by $500,000 but no programs were eliminated. Council members praised the Hub's services.

Building Division Update

• Ashley Garcia, permit technician, reported 192 building permits year-to-date (up 20 from 2024), with residential permits dominating. Major projects: Valley View subdivision (28 twin homes, 4 finished), Weston Village community land trust (multiple homes), First Interstate Bank building, Katie Building hotel, Holiday Inn Express (150 rooms), and Teriyaki Madness (certificate of occupancy issued, opening September). Nearly 1,500 roofing permits from last year's hailstorm. Code compliance added to building inspection. Council asked about plan review (done in-house) and future of old First Interstate bank (rumored boutique hotel).

Public Hearings

• Gillespie Draw Subdivision Final Plat (PL-25-20): A county conservation design subdivision on 622 acres north of Kendrick Golf Course, accessed via West 5th Street. It includes 13 residential lots (4.5–9 acres each) on private wells/septic, and two conservation tracts managed by Sheridan Community Land Trust. Council expressed concerns about traffic and lack of road connectivity, but staff noted conformance with joint planning area rules. Approved unanimously by voice vote.
• De-annexation of 3.64 Acres (PL-25-21): To align municipal boundary with property lines after a boundary line adjustment at Kendrick Golf Course. No public comments; county report found no impacts. Approved unanimously (6-0, with one member not voting).
• Annexation of 4.15 Acres (PL-25-26): City-owned land at Kendrick Golf Course to be annexed. No public hearing required as city is sole owner. Approved unanimously (6-0).
• Rezone 1.78 Acres from B1 to M1 (PL-25-22): At 1140 Coffeen Ave, to allow Derby Club to continue perimutual wagering (gambling). Adjacent uses are industrial/commercial. One inquiry received; planning commission recommended approval. Approved with one councilmember abstaining (5-0-1).

Administrative Transfer of Liquor License

• Retail liquor license #22 transferred from Burdello LLC to Verdello Market Incorporated (owners Brock and Jenny Bodecker). No operational changes planned. Approved by voice vote.

New Business

• Resolution 24-25 – Revocation of Standing Audit Committee: City Administrator Stuart McRae explained that the committee was established under a mistaken belief that auditors required it. Current audit processes ensure transparency (FY22-24 audits online). Council can form temporary committee if issues arise. Approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Dissolution of Northeast Wyoming Growth Alliance (NUGA): Formed in 2016, NUGA has seen no activity since 2020. Initial investment of $138,000 grew to ~$230,000. Dissolution MOU with Buffalo and Gillette will distribute returns. Approved unanimously by voice vote.

Council Reports and Comments

• CETA, Critical Air Service Team, SPAC/Public Arts Committee: Councilman Wood reported that the Public Arts Committee is commissioning a larger piece commemorating the Buffalo Soldiers biking route through Sheridan. New art installations (cranes at South Park now permanently placed; buffalo at Kendrick Arboretum being finalized). DSA's Third Thursday events had 451 peak attendees (measured by Placer AI).
• Suicide Prevention Training: Councilmember Lightnum reported attending ASSIST training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills). Sheridan County had 12 suicides in 2024 and already 12 in 2025 (through August). Urged community to learn intervention skills.
• Solid Waste Ride-Along: City Administrator McRae shared tips from a ride-along: space cans properly, supervise children near trucks, bag green waste, break down boxes for recycling, avoid putting large items in cans (use free landfill trips). Return trips cost ~$55 each.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions, ordinances, and motions passed as presented. Specific votes: Gillespie Draw subdivision (voice vote, all aye), de-annexation (6-0), annexation (6-0), rezone (5-0-1 with one abstention), liquor license transfer (voice vote), audit committee revocation (voice vote), NUGA dissolution (voice vote).