Sheridan City Council Meeting – November 3, 2025

The City Council of Sheridan, Wyoming, met on November 3, 2025, to consider a variety of items including community updates from Travel and Tourism and the Community Land Trust, a staff presentation on parking regulations, a second reading of a zoning ordinance, approval of a stop sign request, and a controversial award for a feasibility study of the West Corridor/Gillespie Draw. Public comments raised concerns about project costs, traffic safety, and homelessness. The meeting included votes on consent agenda, rezone, stop sign, and study award.

Consent Calendar

• Awarded the fire station roof replacement project to Dave Loden Construction Inc. for $140,885.
• Approved minutes of the regular council meeting of October 20, 2025.
• Approved the claims, noted to be larger due to a financial program glitch. (Councilmember Luhman recused from items 167 and 168 due to conflict of interest.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Maggie Visnevsky: Expressed strong concern over the $353,000 West Corridor feasibility study, noting it was the highest of five proposals (lowest $68,000). She questioned past similar studies dating back to 1982 and argued the expenditure was irresponsible. Also raised concerns about a homeless individual encountered near Ridley's and the role of Jeffries Bus Service in transporting homeless individuals into town, asking what the city is doing to address the issue.
• Jeannie (last name not provided): Urged council to reject the West Corridor study, stating that the recommended firm (Morrison-Maley) was the most expensive. She noted that previous grants from the federal government were not obtained due to public opposition, and questioned whether the new study would simply re-spin the same bad idea. Suggested re-bidding with clearer specifications.
• Sandy Mills: Requested a stop sign at Hillcrest Drive and Scott Drive due to increased traffic from a new subdivision connection. Also asked for occasional police presence to address speeding in the area near Highland Park Elementary.
• Margaret McGee: Asked whether the RFP for the West Corridor study considered alternate southern routes, as had been discussed earlier. Referenced the Sheridan Transportation Plan, noting a line that the city opted not to present a further west alternative to avoid public scrutiny, and that she was unaware of any follow-up. Also noted that 140 signatures on a petition came from multiple neighborhoods, not just two.
• Victoria Graf: Requested a school zone speed limit sign or flashing lights on Midland Road near Sheridan High School and Sagebrush Elementary, citing frequent speeding and safety concerns for students walking to school.

Discussion Items

• Community Update – Travel and Tourism: Sean (last name not provided) presented data showing visitor days up 3% year-over-year to about 1.7 million, average length of stay 2.8 nights. $165.3 million total visitor spending in 2024 (all-time record). 61% of Q2 retail spending from visitors. Occupancy rate 52%, average daily rate flat. Vacation rentals up 10% to 166 units but growth slowing. International visitation partnership generated an estimated $2.2 million in spending from a $8,700 investment. Updated marketing campaigns ("Icons and Outlaws", "Craft is King") and events like Ski Joring Saturday (Feb 7) and USA 250 celebrations. Also reported that the Burgess Visitor Center had 29,000 visitors in 2025, open seven days a week with no closures.
• Community Update – Sheridan Community Land Trust: Brad Bauer reported on GPET-funded projects: maintenance of Soldier Ridge and Green Room trails (6,000-8,000 trail uses per year at Green Room); 8 conservation easements in progress (2 adjacent to city limits); history projects including moving streetcar 115 to Big Goose Natural Area, installation of signs, and monthly "Explore Histories" with 162 participants. Also presented trails, virtual fencing demonstration with 3 producers and 300 cows, and the opening of Big Goose Natural Area (117 acres) with off-leash dog area. Noted community rooms available for rent ($20/2 hours).
• Staff Update – Parking Regulations: Chief Travis Caltista and Code Compliance Officer Shane Shepherdson reviewed city code on parking, including 48-hour limit on street parking (with exceptions for abutting property owners if vehicle is operative), trailer storage, boulevard parking, and private property vehicle limits (6 vehicles or hidden by fence). Enforcement challenges were discussed, particularly regarding RVs/campers (tow companies reluctant due to low scrap value). Councilmember Brandts expressed frustration that complaints are not always resolved; Chief Caltista said each case is handled per supervisor direction. Councilmember Luhman noted that complaints are best directed to police and encouraged neighbors to talk first.
• Old Business – Second Reading of Rezone: Ordinance 2299 to rezone 1 acre at 1039 2nd Avenue East from R1 to B1 to allow multifamily development. City Planner Kelly Schroeder presented; adjacent zones include B1, B2, M1, R1. Planning commission recommended approval unanimously. No public comments or opposition. Approved on roll call vote (6-0).
• New Business – Stop Sign Resolution: Resolution 2825 to install a stop sign at Scott Drive and Hillcrest Drive. City Engineer Thomas Moroz explained that the connection of Geneva Lane (Cloud Peak Ranch 21st filing in 2020) increased traffic through the Scott Edition subdivision (now about 537 vehicles/day). Intersection was previously uncontrolled T; the new sign would assign right-of-way to Scott Drive. Council approved on voice vote.
• New Business – West Corridor/Gillespie Draw Feasibility Study: Public Works Director Hans Mercer presented the recommendation to award a $353,000 contract to Morrison-Morel (with Jacobs Engineering and Terracon) for a 30% engineering study of the draw. Four proposals were received ranging from $68,000 to $353,000. Mercer distinguished between a bid (defined scope) and RFP (professional services). The highest proposal was recommended because it included thorough geotechnical borings (100 ft deep), environmental NEPA alignment, public involvement, benefit-cost analysis, and structural design – all needed to answer slope stability and feasibility questions. Lower proposals were considered insufficient. Several council members expressed concern about cost but noted that cutting the study would leave unanswered questions. Councilmember Patzig recused himself due to appearance of conflict. The motion carried on voice vote (ayes vs noes).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved (with one recusal).
• Second Reading of Rezone (1039 2nd Avenue East) approved unanimously (6-0).
• Stop Sign Resolution (Scott/Hillcrest) approved on voice vote.
• West Corridor Study Award to Morrison-Morel for $353,000 approved on voice vote, with funding from GPET and public benefit funds. Staff directed to act on behalf of council.
• No other formal votes.
• Meeting adjourned after council and city administrator comments.