Sheridan City Council Regular Council Meeting – July 6, 2026

The Sheridan City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting included a proclamation for Disabled American Veterans Day, approval of the consent agenda, final readings of two ordinances, approval of the FY27 Master Fee Schedule, and adoption of a new Special Events Policy. All items passed unanimously, with the Mayor recusing from one claim on the consent agenda due to a conflict of interest.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda, including minutes of the June 15, 2026 regular council meeting and the city's claims. Mayor Bridger recused himself from item 174 (a claim) citing a conflict of interest. The remaining items passed by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak during the formal public comment period. Later, during discussion of the Special Events Policy, a hand was raised in the audience; the Mayor and city clerk clarified that the written public comment period had closed on July 2, but invited anyone with feedback to contact staff directly.

Discussion Items

• Community Update – Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Proclamation: DAV Chapter 9 Commander Ross and Senior Vice Commander Dean Hall accepted the Mayor's proclamation declaring July 10, 2026 as Disabled American Veterans Day in Sheridan. Ross invited the public to support the annual Forget-Me-Not fundraiser during the rodeo parade, explaining the donation is voluntary and proceeds benefit local disabled veterans and their families.
• Ordinance 2301-26 (Third Reading): City Clerk Ashley Foster presented the ordinance as an administrative cleanup that points city code to the new master fee schedule, without approving the fee schedule itself. Council approved it unanimously by roll call.
• Ordinance 2302-26 (Third Reading): Foster explained changes to chapters 4, 8, and 18, including revised definitions for open container permits (limited to city-owned property and public rights-of-way), clarification that sales are governed by permits, removal of outdated distillery permit language, and moving certain deadlines from code to policy. Council questions clarified that private events with open bars do not require a city permit unless alcohol is sold (including via caterers). The ordinance passed unanimously by roll call.
• FY27 Master Fee Schedule: Foster presented the fee schedule as a shift toward cost recovery for individualized services rather than general taxpayer funding. Key changes include a $100 late fee for special event permits, fees for sign permits and barricade noncompliance, and new fingerprinting fees. The schedule will be reviewed annually. Councilmember Weitzel questioned the timeline (noting the schedule would be revisited each year); the Mayor requested a list of barricade providers for applicants. The schedule was approved by voice vote.
• City of Sheridan Special Events Policy: Foster outlined a new policy aimed at creating consistent processes for event permits, with a decision flowchart, online applications, and a 60-day application deadline for events with alcohol and a 21-day deadline for those without. Public outreach included emailing 165 past permit applicants, a public comment period from June 24 to July 2, and coordination with the Fairgrounds and Whitney Commons. Foster noted one noise concern and a question about insurance on private property, both resolved. Implementation is set for September 1, 2026, with a six-month review scheduled for March 2027. Councilmembers discussed insurance requirements and the burden on applicants; the City Attorney explained that requiring the city as an additional insured protects the city from liability. Councilmembers expressed concern about litigation costs but acknowledged the need for the policy. The policy was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Agenda (with Mayor's recusal on item 174).
• Approved Ordinance 2301-26 on third reading – unanimous roll call.
• Approved Ordinance 2302-26 on third reading – unanimous roll call.
• Approved FY27 Master Fee Schedule – unanimous voice vote.
• Approved the City of Sheridan Special Events Policy – unanimous voice vote.
• Proclaimed July 10, 2026 as Disabled American Veterans Day in Sheridan.

Council Comments & Reports

• Several councilmembers gave committee and board updates: CEDA is considering hiring a new director; the Northeast Wyoming Association is quiet ahead of the legislative session; air service through the Critical Air Service Team remains strong; a Shared Area Water Systems meeting is upcoming. Councilmember Spac reported on the Downtown Sheridan Association, the Goose Creek Cup fundraiser, the Long Custom sculpture selection process (four sculptors are working on proposals, selection expected by end of July), and the upcoming rodeo parade with snowplow sculptures from area elementary schools. Councilmember Wood noted the new exhibit at the Museum of the Big Horns dedicated to All American Indian Days. The Mayor also raised a question about storage sheds placed on streets, leading to a discussion about code enforcement being complaint-driven.