Sheridan City Council Regular Meeting – September 15, 2025

The Sheridan City Council met on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 5:30 PM for a regular meeting. The agenda included proclamations, a water quality update, public comments on truck traffic, multiple public hearings, consent agenda items, second readings of ordinances, and new business items. Several decisions were made via roll call votes.

Proclamations & Community Updates

• Daphne Whitezaller of the Sheridan Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution presented a proclamation recognizing Constitution Week (September 17, 2025, marks the 238th anniversary). The Mayor signed the proclamation.
• Alison Cole of the United States Daughters of the War of 1812 presented a proclamation for Star Spangled Banner Day (September 14). The Mayor signed.
• Yvonne Swanson, Executive Director of the Advocacy and Resource Center, provided a 12-month statistical update (Sept 2024–Aug 2025): 456 individuals assisted (59 children, 397 adults; 357 female, 99 male); 8,088 in-person contacts, 1,594 phone calls, 325 emails; 36 protection orders filed, 20 stalking orders, 6 sexual assault orders. She highlighted the 24-hour crisis line (307-672-322) and ongoing need. The Mayor signed a proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

Staff Update – Water Quality

• Water Treatment Superintendent Tom Minnowis reported on raw water quality from Big Goose Creek. Normal turbidity ranges 5–100 NTU; treated water consistently below 0.05 NTU (EPA standard 0.15). Recent challenges: the 2024 Elk Fire burn scar caused turbidity spikes up to 800 NTU during summer thunderstorms, requiring 7× normal chemical dosing. Over half of the annual chemical budget was used in 2.5 months; a budget amendment may be needed. The plant still produces safe drinking water. Future plans include installing an upstream turbidometer for early warning.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Lansing (retained attorney for Sheridan Hills HOA) spoke on non‑agenda truck traffic on Real Bird Way. He stated the road is a minor collector with 15‑foot setbacks and not designed for heavy trucks (approx. 90 haul trucks per day). Trucks cross sidewalks when turning from North Main, creating safety hazards. He noted the road is deteriorating and the city will incur repair costs. He requested a work session to designate Real Bird Way a non‑truck route, citing Fort Road as an alternative.
• Bonnie Rampton (resident at 3065 Real Bird Way) reported trucks starting at 5:30 AM, road crumbling with potholes, flying gravel, and safety concerns for children. She emphasized the road is not built for heavy traffic.
• Gordy Lockwood (neighbor) added that the house shakes at 5:15 AM and expressed fear for children playing near the road.
• Janie Joelman commented on the West Side Corridor alignment, arguing it funnels trucks to Real Bird Way. She questioned the feasibility study for the road in a drainage area (no‑build zone) and asked the city to oppose the Gillespie Draw Conservation District to preserve an alternate route. She also suggested considering a different location for the gravel processing plant.

Public Hearings

A. PL-25-24 – Rezone 31.82 Acres from R1 to B1 (900 Block E 5th St) – First Reading

• City Planner Kelly Schroeder presented. The applicant (Mark Christensen, AVI PC) intends to develop multifamily housing (approx. 200 units in two phases) plus commercial lots. A detention pond must remain. Planning Commission recommended approval. No public comments received. Council voted to approve first reading. Roll call: all aye (6‑0).

B. PL-25-27 – Outlaw Commercial Park Final Plat (Resolution 2625) – County Subdivision in Joint Planning Area

• Kelly Schroeder presented. 7 lots (0.44–1.92 acres) on 8.47 acres at 1739 E Burnage Lane, zoned I2 industrial. City has review authority under MOU. Staff recommends certification of conformance. Fred Cherney (Outlaw Garage Association owner) questioned notification – said he did not receive a letter. Schroeder explained the notification list came from the county (300‑ft radius). The Mayor clarified the city is not approving the plat but only certifying conformance. Council approved the resolution. Voice vote: all aye.

Consent Calendar

• Approved (one item recused): bid awards for two pickup trucks ($42,792 and $60,498); minutes of Sept 2, 2025; claims. Councilmember Wood recused himself from claim item 152. Voice vote: majority aye with one recusal.

Old Business – Second Readings

1. Sheridan Heights Ranch LLC De‑annexation (3.64 acres) – Ordinance 2295

• Kelly Schroeder presented. Boundary line adjustment with Kendrick Golf Course. No public comments; County approved de‑annexation report. Council approved second reading. Roll call: all aye (6‑0).

2. Kendrick Golf Course Annexation (4.15 acres) – Ordinance 2297

• Same process; will be zoned R1. No impacts to city services. Council approved second reading. Roll call: all aye (6‑0).

3. Rezone 1.78 Acres from B1 to M1 (1140 Coffeen Ave – Derby Club) – Ordinance 2296

• Schroeder presented. To allow existing gambling parlor to continue. Adjacent to M1 district and Avoca apartments (R3). One inquiry from neighbor. Council approved second reading, with Councilmember Wood abstaining. Roll call: 5 aye, 1 abstain.

New Business

1. Resolution 2525 – CDBG Grant for Hub on Smith Parking Lot ($1,277,000)

• City Engineer Thomas Marno presented. Total project cost $3.2 million. The city sponsors the grant on behalf of the Hub. Secured funding: $1M Whitney Benefits pledge, $500K from 2024 cap tax, $423K MRG grant. No additional city funds required. Grant would upgrade parking lot, add ADA sidewalks, and replace sanitary sewer service. Council approved. Voice vote: all aye.

2. Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant Acceptance ($200,000)

• Public Works Director Hans Mercer presented. Planning and demonstration grant for a comprehensive safety action plan (Vision Zero). City match 20% ($50,000) from public benefit funds. Plan expected to be completed within 1–1.5 years, not the full federal deadline of 2029. Council approved. Voice vote: all aye.

Council Comments & Committee Reports

• CETA meeting scheduled for September 23; discussion of business park phase two.
• Sheridan Area Water Supply (SAS) board approved pipe looping and increased water supply capacity.
• Councilmember Lightnum asked about decorative landscaping at the fairgrounds electronic sign; staff will follow up.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamations for Constitution Week, Star Spangled Banner Day, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month signed.
• First reading of rezone (Elmwood) approved unanimously on roll call.
• Resolution certifying Outlaw Commercial Park plat approved.
• Consent calendar adopted (with one recusal).
• Second readings of de‑annexation, annexation, and Derby Club rezone all approved (Derby Club with one abstention).
• CDBG grant application for Hub on Smith parking lot authorized.
• SS4A grant acceptance approved.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 PM.