Sheridan City Council Study Session - July 13, 2026

The City of Sheridan held a study session on July 13, 2026, beginning at 5:30 PM and concluding at 5:58 PM. Four main agenda items were discussed: a subdivision plat, a rezoning request, a bid award for the annual microsurface project, and the purchase of an asphalt recycling trailer. No public comments were received on any of the items. The session also included general discussion on the Citizens Academy and staff departures.

Discussion Items

1. PL 26-10: First Avenue East Subdivision

• Presented by City Planner Kelly Schroeder.
• The one-acre lot at 1039 2nd Avenue East (currently Tract 28 of Brendage Place subdivision) is proposed to be divided into two lots: one 32,000 sq ft and one 11,000 sq ft. The existing single-family home on Lot 2 will remain, and Lot 1 is planned for future multifamily development.
• The property was rezoned from R1 to B1 in November 2025. The subdivision is the next step to allow building permits.
• Public notification sent to 22 surrounding property owners; no questions, comments, or concerns were received.
• Staff recommends approval; planning commission will hear the plat later that evening.
• Council members had no questions beyond clarifying the next steps.

2. PL 26-23: Rezone of Cloud Peak Ranch 15A Filing

• Also presented by Kelly Schroeder.
• Three properties (Lot 1A, Outlot A, and Outlot B) totaling just over 3 acres at Covey Run and West Fifth Street are currently zoned B1. The applicant requests a PUD (Planned Unit Development) designation to allow outdoor storage of boats, RVs, and other vehicles, with potential indoor storage later.
• The PUD design report limits uses, sets greater setbacks than B1, and requires landscaping and architectural theme matching the adjacent storage facility.
• Adjacent zoning includes PUD to the west, B1 to the south/east, and R1 to the north.
• Public notification to 24 surrounding property owners; no comments or concerns received.
• Staff recommends approval; planning commission will hear and recommend to council for a public hearing and first reading the following week.
• Council had no questions.

3. 2026 Microsurface Project Bid Award

• Presented by Project Manager David Ford.
• The annual pavement preservation project covers approximately 62,000 square yards in the area south of 11th Street between Highland and Ridgeway.
• The project uses microsurfacing (a mix of aggregate and emulsion applied as a slurry) to extend pavement life. It is a lower-cost alternative to mill and overlay, costing about $5 per square yard vs. $55–$75 for reconstruction.
• Two bids were received: Aztec Corp (Minnesota) at $313,411.44 and Asphalt Preservation (Utah) at a higher amount. The engineer's estimate was $327,000. Aztec has won the bid for the last two years.
• Funding comes from CapTax and GPET (General Purpose Excise Tax), with $200,000 allocated from GPET in the current budget.
• Staff recommends awarding the contract to Aztec and authorizing Public Works Director Hans Mercer to act on behalf of the council for the project.
• Council members asked about crack sealing preparation and the durability of microsurfacing; staff explained that crack sealing is done beforehand to reduce reflective cracking, and the product provides about 5 years of additional life. The street department's preparation work was commended.

4. Purchase of Asphalt Recycling Trailer

• Presented by a staff member (fleet coordinator) with input from Streets Superintendent Trey.
• The purchase of one STEP SMMT model asphalt recycling trailer from Coy Brothers Equipment Company (Billings, MT) for $95,651 was approved in the FY27 budget (capital outlay, streets department, up to $100,000).
• The trailer can produce 500 lbs of hot mix at 350°F in under 10 minutes, recycle reclaimed asphalt millings, and operate year-round (down to 20°F). It eliminates the need to fire up the main asphalt plant for small repairs and reduces temporary cold patching.
• The trailer includes a self-loading conveyor, torch, and hose reel. Crews have already demoed the equipment.
• The base quote was $91,751 before freight, reflecting an 18% discount from MSRP. Delivery is expected 6–7 weeks after order.
• Council members asked about the ability to recycle asphalt, adhesion in cold weather, and the status of a previously purchased heated silo that is not in use. Staff confirmed the silo is being sold via surplus auctions. The old hot box will also be surplused.
• Staff recommends approval of the purchase and authorization for the fleet coordinator to act on procurement matters.

General Discussion & Future Agenda Items

• City Manager Stuart reported that the Citizens Academy application window closes on Wednesday, July 15. Sixteen people have signed up, with four slots remaining.
• Noted that journalist Joseph Odette is leaving the Sheridan Press at the end of July for the Montana Standard. Staff thanked him for his fair and balanced reporting.
• GIS staff are adding a historic trolley line layer (1911–1923) to the city's GIS system as a public feature.
• A volunteer opportunity to work on the streetcar at the land trust was announced for the following evening.

Key Outcomes

• Subdivision (PL 26-10): Staff recommended approval; planning commission to consider that evening; council will act on the recommendation at a future meeting.
• Rezone (PL 26-23): Staff recommended approval; planning commission hearing that evening; council will hold a public hearing and first reading the following week.
• Microsurface Project: Staff recommended awarding the bid to Aztec Corp for $313,411.44 and authorizing the public works director. Council will vote on the award at a future meeting.
• Asphalt Recycling Trailer: Staff recommended approving the purchase for $95,651 from Coy Brothers and authorizing the fleet coordinator. Council will vote on the purchase at a future meeting.
• No formal votes were taken during the study session; all items are expected to appear on upcoming council agendas for action.