Sheridan City Council Regular Meeting – July 20, 2026

The Sheridan City Council convened on July 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting began with an invocation by Joel Huskerson of the Rock Church, followed by a roll call confirming the presence of Councilmembers Lumen, Brands, Whitesall, Patsy, and Mayor Bridger; Councilmembers Wood and Lightnum were absent. The agenda was approved unanimously. The meeting covered public comments, two public hearings, the consent agenda, and council reports.

Consent Calendar

• Approved four items unanimously: bid award to Aztec Corporation for the 2026 shared and microservice project ($313,411.44); purchase of one asphalt recycling trailer from Croy Brothers Equipment Co. ($95,651); minutes of the July 6, 2026 regular council meeting; and claims. One councilmember recused from claims items 137 and 138 due to conflict.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sam Grover addressed the council about data centers. He urged the city to consider a ban or moratorium, noting that 15 states are considering such actions and 1,500 new data centers are proposed nationwide (39% in counties with none previously, 67% in rural areas, per Q Research). He cited Cheyenne's water discharge issues and stated the city should set a standard. Mayor Bridger responded that the city has not been approached and likely has no suitable location within city limits, suggesting such facilities would be county matters.
• Paul Caldera publicly thanked the Sheridan landfill staff for their helpfulness and sophisticated operations. He praised the new coupon card system. Councilmembers echoed appreciation and noted the landfill's excellent compost.

Public Hearing: PL-26-10 – First Avenue East Subdivision (Resolution 14-26)

City Planner Kelly Schroeder presented a minor subdivision lot split at 1039 2nd Avenue East. The 1-acre lot (previously rezoned from R1 to B1) will be split into Lot 1 (32,000 sq ft) for future multifamily development and Lot 2 (11,000 sq ft) with an existing single-family home. Public notification (22 letters) yielded no comments. Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve. Council approved unanimously.

Public Hearing: PL-26-23 – Rezone of Cloud Peak Ranch 15-A Filing (Ordinance 2303-26)

Kelly Schroeder presented a rezone of 3.44 acres at 940 Covey Run Road from B1 to Planned Unit Development (PUD) to allow canopied outdoor storage of boats, RVs, and vehicles. The applicant, Stan Everett of Twin Buttes Storage, explained they own an adjacent storage facility and want to expand with covered storage; the PUD restricts uses to storage only, avoiding less desirable B2 or M1 uses. Setbacks, landscaping, and architecture will match the existing facility. Public notification (24 letters) yielded one inquiry at Planning Commission about visual impact. Commission unanimously recommended approval. Council approved on a roll call vote (5-0). This ordinance will require two additional readings.

Discussion Items

• Councilmember Patsy reported on the Sheridan Area Water Supply (SAWS) board meeting, noting a discussion about repair reimbursement timelines. He also raised concerns about false indigo plants at Thorne Rider Park (later confirmed removed) and a storage container issue on Victoria west of Highland.
• Other committee reports: SPAC (rodeo parade successful, all five elementary schools participated); DSA (report on a medical emergency during Third Thursday; looking into AED locations downtown, compatible with fire department LifePak monitors); Justice Joint Powers Board (annual budget meeting, no major changes).
• Mayor Bridger noted that Citizens Academy applications closed with 21 participants; the first session is scheduled for the second week of August.

Key Outcomes

• PL-26-10 First Avenue East Subdivision: Approved unanimously.
• PL-26-23 Cloud Peak Ranch Rezone (PUD): Approved on roll call (5-0). Two more readings required.
• Consent Agenda: Approved with one recusal.
• Next Steps: Staff directed to follow up on toxic plant removal (already done) and storage container issue. Council to continue discussions on data center policy if needed.