Sheridan City Council Regular Meeting - December 1, 2025

Note: The meeting was opened by the Mayor as "our first meeting in March," but the assigned meeting date is December 1, 2025. This discrepancy likely reflects an error in the recorded transcript; the summary below uses the provided date of December 1, 2025, for all references.

The meeting began with an invocation by Reverend Aaron Tyler, roll call (all council members present), and unanimous approval of the agenda as presented. A community update on the Kinder Cart Pool renovation dominated the early portion, followed by a public comment, three public hearings, consent agenda approval, and council reports.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approval: Motion carried unanimously.
• Consent Agenda (later in meeting): Included approval of a professional services agreement with Primary Municipal Court Judge Jeremy Kisling, minutes of the regular council meeting of November 17, 2025, and claims. Councilmembers Whitesold and Wood recused themselves from specific claims (items 400 and 90/91 respectively). The consent agenda was approved unanimously with those recusals noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Margaret McGee spoke on two topics: (1) thanked the city road crew for fixing a bump on Brundage Lane; (2) asked the city to consider an alternative location for snow storage currently placed at South Park, citing winter tourism use, potential environmental concerns (oil, grease, wetland runoff), and suggesting a cooperative agreement with the county. The Mayor acknowledged the complexity and requested she leave contact information for follow-up.

Discussion Items

• Pool Project Update (Staff Update): Project Engineer David Ford presented a detailed overview of the Kinder Cart Pool renovation, built in 1937. Key points included:
  • 2019 community survey rated the pool as a top investment priority (71% support for renovation/rebuild).
  • Only one bid received (Dick Anderson Construction) at ~$10.7 million. Value engineering reduced award to $5.4 million.
  • Funded by cap tax, GPET public benefit, and a Land and Water Conservation Grant.
  • Project completed on schedule with final completion expected April 2025, grand opening planned for Saturday, June 6, 2025 (89 years to the day after original dedication).
  • Features: three water slides, activity pool, zero-depth entry, stainless steel gutter system, new mechanical building, expanded deck area, drop-off/pick-up zone, PVC liner, UV sanitation, and astro turf with misters.
  • Funding spent: ~98% of budget; remaining 2% for spring startup and final cleaning.
  • Recognition given to citizens, Dick Anderson Construction, Interstate Engineering, the Rec District (Alex Mock), and city divisions.
  • In response to a council question, Ford affirmed that previous reported leaks were due to settling and valve adjustments, not an actual leak.
  • Councilmember Wood asked about fee increases; Mayor Bridger (also Rec District board president) confirmed fees will rise slightly due to a 10% property tax revenue reduction, but the goal remains affordable access.
• Public Hearing: Transfer of Hydraulic Extrication Equipment to Claremont Fire District: Fire Chief Gary Harnish explained the city is selling surplus 2008 Hurst rescue tools (Jaws of Life) replaced in 2025. Valued at $5,000 based on auction sites. Claremont Fire District expressed interest. State statute required a public hearing before sale to another political subdivision. Council approved the sale unanimously.
• Public Hearing: Final Plat of Elmwood Estates (Resolution 30-25): City Planner Kelly Schroeder presented a four-lot subdivision on East Fifth Street (31.85 acres, zoned B1). Three lots are immediately developable for multifamily; one large remainder lot for future development. Three variances requested: right-of-way width for Hisham Drive due to a YDOT triangle, hammerhead dead ends instead of cul-de-sacs, and a reduced horizontal curve radius (150 ft vs. 300 ft required). Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. No public comments in opposition. Councilmember Patsy questioned the applicant (Mark Christensen, AVIPC) confirming the developer (Stencil Group) will retain ownership and manage as rentals. Councilmember Whitesold asked about a crosswalk across East Fifth Street; the city engineer recommended against it due to high speed/volume and suggested using signalized intersections to the west. The plat was approved unanimously.
• Public Hearing: Renewal of Liquor Licenses for 2026: City Clerk Ashley Foster reported 55 licenses up for renewal. All applications were received and approved by the state. One license (New Dragon Wall) renewing as non-operational, expected to open January 2026. No citations in 2025; three in 2024 were successfully ameliorated. No public comments. Council unanimously approved the renewals.
• Council Reports: Councilmembers provided updates from various boards: CETA (Economic Development Authority) – working on next business park phase; CCERT (Critical Care Emergency Response Team) – flight services strong; SAWS (Sheridan Area Water Supply) – project to increase looping for water freshness; SPAC (Sheridan Public Arts Council) – letter campaign for sculpture acquisition; Justice Direct Power Board – administrator Dan Lindley retiring, search underway.
• Staff Updates: City Administrator Stu provided upcoming events: Chamber of Commerce government affairs event (next Wednesday), public call wrap-up (Thursday), and note that the scheduled community update from Shafts was postponed (slides received).

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous votes: Agenda approval, consent agenda (with recusals), transfer of extrication equipment, final plat of Elmwood Estates, renewal of all 55 liquor licenses.
• Directives: Mayor asked Margaret McGee to leave contact information for follow-up on snow storage at South Park; staff will coordinate.
• Next steps: Pool grand opening June 6, 2025; Elmwood Estates will proceed with plat recording and future development; liquor license renewal cards to be processed; search for new Justice Direct administrator to begin.