Sheridan City Council Regular Meeting - June 1, 2026

The City Council held a regular meeting on June 1, 2026, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, a birthday recognition for Police Chief Travis Katiska and Ashley, and an invocation by Jim Barthes. The Council approved the agenda, received a community update from the Compass Center for Families, heard a staff presentation on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), held public hearings on two ordinances, approved a consent agenda, and awarded a construction bid for the old landfill remediation project.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes from the regular council meeting of May 18, 2026.
• Claims: Approved the claims for the month. Councilmember Brantz noted a question regarding a late fee of over $2,000 on item 221 (John Deere Financial); the City Administrator committed to providing an answer.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up for public comment, and no unscheduled public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Compass Center for Families Update: Executive Director Tiffany Resner presented an overview of the center's programs (CASA, supervised visitation, parent enrichment, parent liaison) and reported that over the past year in Sheridan County these programs supported 1,266 families. Specifically, 68 children had a CASA volunteer, families received more than 1,200 hours of supervised visitation, 445 families completed a parenting class, and 283 families with 561 children worked with a parent liaison. Parent liaisons made over 2,400 referrals. Councilmember Steve R. expressed strong support and thanked the organization. Another councilmember expressed opposition to using tax dollars for the center, arguing that such funding is forced charity and that the city should focus on infrastructure and deferred maintenance, while encouraging private donations. Councilmember Brantz and others voiced support and encouraged CASA volunteer applications. The training requirement is approximately 40 hours of initial training, much of which is self-guided.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Presentation: City Clerk Kelly Schroeder explained that city code does not define ADUs, but they are currently permitted only for family members or employees on the premises (for detached units). She outlined scenarios, historical context, and potential code updates such as adding a definition, removing the family-only restriction, or setting size and aesthetic requirements. Councilmember Wood recalled past public opposition to ADUs due to concerns about rentals and neighborhood character. Councilmember Lightnum noted that ADUs can be a form of infill housing and suggested it is time to update the code. Schroeder indicated that the joint land use plan update, starting this summer, will include community engagement on housing and code updates.
• Public Hearings on Ordinances:
  • Ordinance 2301-26 (Fees in City Code): Presented by City Clerk Ashley Foster. The ordinance makes administrative cleanup, repeals two fee-related sections, and allows enforcement of fees via the master fee schedule. The master fee schedule will be discussed separately on June 22. The ordinance passed on second reading with a roll call vote: all ayes.
  • Ordinance 2302-26 (Revising Chapters 4, 8, 18 – Special Events, Mobile Vending, Alcohol Permits): Presented by Ashley Foster. The ordinance establishes a structure for special event permits, clarifies mobile vending rules, sets alcohol permit deadlines, and creates a revocation process. Key points: a 60-day application deadline for events with alcohol (21 days for non-alcohol), late fees ($50 for non-alcohol, $100 for alcohol), and waiver provisions for vendors named in a special event permit. The ordinance passed on second reading with a roll call vote: all ayes.
• New Business – Landfill Remediation Bid: Utilities Director Dan Roberts presented a bid award to Wagner Ranch Services for the old landfill corrective measures project in the amount of $3,166,610.25. The project includes rerouting the dog and cat shelter path, building evaporation ponds, improving drainage, and installing dewatering wells. The bid was $200,000 below the engineer's estimate. Funding is 75% from DEQ (approx. $2.4 million) and 25% city share (approx. $800,000). The project is the final landfill remediation effort. Councilmember Brantz asked about the impermeable cap and groundwater management. The motion was approved by voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 2301-26: Approved on second reading (7-0).
• Ordinance 2302-26: Approved on second reading (7-0).
• Consent Agenda: Approved.
• Bid Award: Approved to Wagner Ranch Services for $3,166,610.25 for the old landfill corrective measures project.
• Direction to Staff: The City Administrator will provide information on the late fee noted in the consent agenda. The upcoming citizen's academy and other community events were announced (e.g., pool opening June 7, Corgi event at Kendrick Park on June 6).