City Council Regular Meeting - October 19, 2026

The regular city council meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM on October 19, 2026, with all council members present. The meeting included community updates from Sage Community Arts, a fiscal year 26 fourth-quarter budget review, public comments, a public hearing on a rezoning request, and a resolution for a stop sign installation. The meeting adjourned at 6:41 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously by voice vote.
• The consent agenda (minutes of October 5, 2026, and claims) was approved with one recusal: Mayor Bridger recused himself from item 129 due to a conflict of interest.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Thomas Jones spoke about the proposed four-way stop at North Scott Street and East Brundage Street. He opposed the current plan, arguing it would increase traffic on Sheridan Avenue, and instead urged the council to prioritize a four-way stop at Sheridan Avenue and Brundage Street near the M-M Center, citing blind spots and heavy traffic from west-side development and high school students. The mayor noted staff would review the suggestion.
• Gene Hale, Emergency Manager for the Veterans Administration, read a thank-you letter expressing gratitude for the city's rapid response to a water line break at the VA facility on the previous Friday. He praised the professionalism and collaboration of the city utilities department.

Discussion Items

• Community Update: Sage Community Arts – Executive Director Jill Benson presented highlights of the organization's year, funded in part by GPEP grants. Key statistics included: 11 art camps with 156 youth campers, 15 community classes with over 120 participants, $19,000 in art sales with 65% returned to artists, and a traveling exhibition opening in Casper and Texas. She emphasized that all exhibitions and programming remain free to the public. Council members thanked her and expressed hope that GPEP funding would continue in November.
• Staff Update: Fiscal Year 26 Fourth Quarter Budget Review – City Treasurer Darla Hawkins presented the final quarterly review for FY26. Revenue in the general fund exceeded budgeted amounts. Enterprise fund revenues were artificially deflated due to loan revenue budgeting in FY26 (to be corrected in FY27). Expenditures were mostly within budget (80–94% for governmental funds), though enterprise funds had some categories over budget. Fleet purchases faced challenges with price increases and lead times; two items (wildland skid unit and loader) were deferred to FY27. Hawkins noted that all departments remained within budget as required by state statute. She also announced that future budget reviews will be consolidated into two semi-annual presentations. Council members praised the transparency and work of the treasurer.
• Public Hearing: Rezone PL-26-39 (Ordinance 2307-26) – City Planner Kelly Schroeder presented a request to rezone 26.3 acres at 4250 Yellowtail Drive from Higher Education and R3 Residential to B2 Business District. The applicant intends to build a church on the property. The B2 district allows a wide range of uses but excludes heavy industrial uses. The property is currently vacant and split-zoned due to past annexation and subdivision. Adjacent uses include light industrial (gateway district), Sheridan College Agri-Park, and vacant land. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval. No public comments were received. Council discussion included concerns about removing the property from the tax rolls if owned by a church (Councilmember Brantz opposed for this reason) and whether the rezoning constituted spot zoning. Staff argued B2 was the most appropriate district given the light industrial context. The motion to approve the first reading passed 6–1, with Councilmember Brantz voting no.
• New Business: Resolution 2126 – Stop Sign at North Scott and East Brundage – City Engineer Thomas Marnot presented the resolution to install all-way stop control at the intersection. The crash warrant was met, with seven reported crashes between 2024 and 2026 (six over three years is the threshold). The intersection had previously been temporarily converted to a four-way stop during downtown construction, receiving positive feedback. Staff recommended permanent installation. The resolution was approved unanimously by voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Public Hearing – Rezone (Ordinance 2307-26): Approved on first reading by a vote of 6–1 (Councilmember Brantz opposed). The ordinance will require two more readings.
• Resolution 2126 – Stop Sign Installation: Approved unanimously. The Public Works Director is authorized to proceed with installation of all-way stop signs at North Scott Street and East Brundage Street.
• Consent Agenda: Approved with one recusal (Mayor Bridger on item 129).
• Future Action: The council noted that the Sheridan Area Water System joint city-county meeting on November 18 at 9 AM will take testimony on revisions to operating and ownership agreements. The Christmas stroll button design winner will be announced the following day. Staff will evaluate the suggestion of a no-left-turn restriction at Park Street during the Work Street bridge replacement project.