Public Meetings - Sheridan, Wyoming

The Sheridan Planning Commission met on September 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The commission approved the agenda and minutes from the August 25, 2025 meeting, then considered a rezone application for the Elmwood property (900 East Fifth Street). The vote was unanimous to recommend approval to City Council with a condition. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved as presented without corrections. - The minutes from the August 25, 2025 meeting were approved as submitted. Discussion Items - Appeal 25-24: Elmwood Rezone from R1 to B1 - Staff planner Kelly Schroeder presented the request to rezone 31.82 acres (currently unplatted, zoned R1 Residence District) to B1 Business District to allow multifamily development and future commercial uses. The property is adjacent to I-90 and East Fifth Street, near existing B1 and B2 zoning. Staff noted the applicant had submitted a preliminary plat (approved in July) and a final plat is under review. - Errors were discovered in the rezone exhibit boundary; staff recommended a condition requiring the applicant to submit a corrected legal description and exhibit stamped by a licensed surveyor prior to final approval. - The future land use map (2017) designates the area as residential, but staff opined that commercial use is also appropriate given the location with interstate access. - Applicant Mark Christianson (ADIPC, Cheyenne) stated the project plans 103 residential apartment units and agreed with the staff report. He noted coordination with a local surveyor to correct boundary errors and that the property falls within the entryway design corridor, requiring enhanced landscaping and building elevations. - Commissioner Windsor asked about the future land use map discrepancy; staff clarified the map may have reflected previous zoning and a broader context is more appropriate. - No public comments were offered. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Commissioner moved to recommend approval of PL2524 (Elmwood rezone from R1 to B1) to City Council with the condition that the applicant revise and resubmit the legal description and exhibit with a licensed surveyor's stamp prior to final approval. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (all ayes). - The rezone ordinance is scheduled for City Council readings on September 15, October 6, and October 20 (staff corrected an earlier typo). - Staff reminded commissioners of the Wyoming Planning Association conference at Sheridan College (September 17–19) and invited attendance.

The Sheridan City Council held its regular meeting on September 2, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a presentation from The Hub on Smith, a building division update, multiple public hearings on subdivision approvals and zoning changes, administrative approvals, and reports from council members and staff. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the regular council meeting of August 18, 2025, and claims were approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Community Updates - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation: Mayor Bridger presented the proclamation to the Cates family. Kasen Cates, who is now cancer-free after being diagnosed with leukemia at age two, was recognized. A council member who lost a child to cancer expressed support and urged more research funding. - The Hub on Smith Presentation: Ryan Landis, Director of Operations, and Ryan Kultiska, Director of Development, presented on services funded by GPED dollars. Key statistics: 29% of Sheridan residents are over 60; nearly 1,000 reported falls last year; over 1,600 live alone. The Hub served 3,600 patrons, provided 100,000 meals (5% increase expected), nearly 50,000 Goose Creek Transit rides, and loaned 1,700 pieces of medical equipment. The $80,000 GPED allocation funded the Support Center and Help at Home, which served 165 clients with 11,000 hours of service. A client named Diane was highlighted as able to stay home due to wraparound services. The Hub cut its budget by $500,000 but no programs were eliminated. Council members praised the Hub's services. Building Division Update - Ashley Garcia, permit technician, reported 192 building permits year-to-date (up 20 from 2024), with residential permits dominating. Major projects: Valley View subdivision (28 twin homes, 4 finished), Weston Village community land trust (multiple homes), First Interstate Bank building, Katie Building hotel, Holiday Inn Express (150 rooms), and Teriyaki Madness (certificate of occupancy issued, opening September). Nearly 1,500 roofing permits from last year's hailstorm. Code compliance added to building inspection. Council asked about plan review (done in-house) and future of old First Interstate bank (rumored boutique hotel). Public Hearings - Gillespie Draw Subdivision Final Plat (PL-25-20): A county conservation design subdivision on 622 acres north of Kendrick Golf Course, accessed via West 5th Street. It includes 13 residential lots (4.5–9 acres each) on private wells/septic, and two conservation tracts managed by Sheridan Community Land Trust. Council expressed concerns about traffic and lack of road connectivity, but staff noted conformance with joint planning area rules. Approved unanimously by voice vote. - De-annexation of 3.64 Acres (PL-25-21): To align municipal boundary with property lines after a boundary line adjustment at Kendrick Golf Course. No public comments; county report found no impacts. Approved unanimously (6-0, with one member not voting). - Annexation of 4.15 Acres (PL-25-26): City-owned land at Kendrick Golf Course to be annexed. No public hearing required as city is sole owner. Approved unanimously (6-0). - Rezone 1.78 Acres from B1 to M1 (PL-25-22): At 1140 Coffeen Ave, to allow Derby Club to continue perimutual wagering (gambling). Adjacent uses are industrial/commercial. One inquiry received; planning commission recommended approval. Approved with one councilmember abstaining (5-0-1). Administrative Transfer of Liquor License - Retail liquor license 22 transferred from Burdello LLC to Verdello Market Incorporated (owners Brock and Jenny Bodecker). No operational changes planned. Approved by voice vote. New Business - Resolution 24-25 – Revocation of Standing Audit Committee: City Administrator Stuart McRae explained that the committee was established under a mistaken belief that auditors required it. Current audit processes ensure transparency (FY22-24 audits online). Council can form temporary committee if issues arise. Approved unanimously by voice vote. - Dissolution of Northeast Wyoming Growth Alliance (NUGA): Formed in 2016, NUGA has seen no activity since 2020. Initial investment of $138,000 grew to $230,000. Dissolution MOU with Buffalo and Gillette will distribute returns. Approved unanimously by voice vote. Council Reports and Comments - CETA, Critical Air Service Team, SPAC/Public Arts Committee: Councilman Wood reported that the Public Arts Committee is commissioning a larger piece commemorating the Buffalo Soldiers biking route through Sheridan. New art installations (cranes at South Park now permanently placed; buffalo at Kendrick Arboretum being finalized). DSA's Third Thursday events had 451 peak attendees (measured by Placer AI). - Suicide Prevention Training: Councilmember Lightnum reported attending ASSIST training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills). Sheridan County had 12 suicides in 2024 and already 12 in 2025 (through August). Urged community to learn intervention skills. - Solid Waste Ride-Along: City Administrator McRae shared tips from a ride-along: space cans properly, supervise children near trucks, bag green waste, break down boxes for recycling, avoid putting large items in cans (use free landfill trips). Return trips cost $55 each. Key Outcomes - All resolutions, ordinances, and motions passed as presented. Specific votes: Gillespie Draw subdivision (voice vote, all aye), de-annexation (6-0), annexation (6-0), rezone (5-0-1 with one abstention), liquor license transfer (voice vote), audit committee revocation (voice vote), NUGA dissolution (voice vote).

The Sheridan City Planning Commission met on August 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM (adjourned at 7:20 PM). Commissioners present: Campbell, Morneau, Franklin, Windsor, Peterson, and Chairman Kerbs. Commissioner Lehman was absent. The meeting covered three agenda items: a rezone request for the Derby Club, and a paired de-annexation and annexation to align the municipal boundary around Kendrick Golf Course. All items received unanimous positive recommendations for City Council. Consent Calendar - Agenda Approval: Approved unanimously as distributed. - Minutes Approval: Minutes from the July 28, 2025 meeting were approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on any agenda item. Discussion Items - PL 25-22 / Ordinance 2296 – Derby Club Rezone: City Planner Candace Schroeder presented a request by the Larry Hoover Family Trust (represented by Dusty Corn of WWC Engineering) to rezone 1.78 acres at 1140 Coffey Avenue from B1 (Business) to M1 (Industrial) to allow permitted wagering use. The property currently houses Derby Club and Little Goose Liquors. Staff noted that the adjacent zoning is primarily M1 to the east and south, and that other wagering facilities in Sheridan (Wyoming Downs, Lucky 7, Horse Palace) are zoned M1 or B2. The rezone would bring the property into conformance with the future land use map. Staff sent notices to 18 surrounding property owners; one inquiry was received and satisfied. Staff recommended approval. - PL 25-21 / Ordinance 2295 – Sheridan Heights Ranch De-annexation and PL 25-26 / Ordinance 2297 – Kendrick Golf Course Annexation: Presented together. Following a December 2024 boundary line adjustment between the city and Sheridan Heights Ranch LLC, the municipal boundary no longer matched the property boundary. The de-annexation would remove 3.64 acres of county-owned land (Sheridan Heights Ranch) from the city, and the annexation would bring 4.15 acres of city-owned land (Kendrick Golf Course) into the city, resulting in a net gain of approximately 0.5 acres. The de-annexation petition was filed June 26, 2025, and the Board of County Commissioners approved the de-annexation report on August 19, 2025. The annexation is exempt from a public hearing and report because the city is the sole owner. Upon annexation, the land will be zoned R1 (Residential), consistent with the existing golf course. No impacts to city or county services are expected. A legal ad was published; no public comments were received. Staff recommended approval of both. Key Outcomes - PL 25-22 (Derby Club Rezone): Motion to send a positive recommendation to City Council carried unanimously (all ayes). - PL 25-21 (De-annexation): Motion to send a positive recommendation to City Council for the de-annexation of 3.64 acres (Sheridan Heights Ranch) carried unanimously. - PL 25-26 (Annexation): Motion to send a positive recommendation to City Council for the annexation of 4.15 acres (Kendrick Golf Course) carried unanimously. - The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for September 8, 2025.

The Sheridan City Council held a study session on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting covered several planning items including a subdivision review, boundary adjustments, a zoning change, a liquor license transfer, the revocation of the standing audit committee, and dissolution of the Northeast Wyoming Growth Alliance (NUGA). The session also included public comment and general discussion on future agenda items. Public Comments & Testimony - Harvey (resident of six years, near Airport Road) suggested renaming Airport Road to better connect to the airport. He proposed changing the current Airport Road (a narrow subdivision street) back to Ogalala Trail, and renaming East and West Brunage Lane (from I-90 interchange) as Airport Road, which would lead directly to the airport terminal. He framed this as an opportunity rather than a problem. Discussion Items - 1. Gillespie Draw Subdivision Final Plat (PL-25-20) – City Planner Kelly Schroeder presented. The subdivision is a 622-acre county conservation design subdivision in the joint planning area (one-mile radius around city limits). It proposes 15 lots (2 large conservation lots, 13 residential lots of 4.5 to 9+ acres) accessed off West Fifth Street via a private 60-foot easement (Gillespie Draw) and internal road (Porcupine Lane). All lots will use private wells and septic. City staff recommends certification that the subdivision conforms to rules and the future land use plan. Council members raised concerns about the planned West Beltway alignment (conceptual, about half a mile away) and suggested ensuring the subdivision does not preclude future road options. The mayor noted staff comments are technical, not policy-driven. Council will decide on forwarding comments to the county at the next council meeting. - 2 & 3. Sheridan Heights Ranch LLC De-annexation of 4.15 acres and Annexation of city-owned land (combined presentation). These actions clean up the municipal boundary around the Kendrick Golf Course to match a 2024 property boundary adjustment. The de-annexation petition was filed June 26, 2025; the County Commissioners approved it on August 19, 2025, finding little to no impact. The annexation adds about 0.5 net acre to the city. Since the city is the sole owner of the annexed land, no annexation report is required by statute. The land will be zoned R1. A public hearing is set for the next council meeting. No public comments have been received. - 4. Rezone of 1.7 acres from B1 to M1 at 1140 Coffeen Avenue – For Derby Club (gaming/liquor) and Little Goose Liquors. The current B1 zoning does not permit paramutual wagering; an M1 zone (industrial) would allow it. Adjacent properties are M1 or B2, and other gaming facilities (former Wyoming Downs, Lucky 7, Horse Palace) are appropriately zoned. Staff recommends approval; a public hearing and readings will follow at upcoming council meetings. - 5. Ownership Transfer for Verdello Retail Liquor License 22 – Administrative transfer from Verdello LLC to Verdello Market Inc. No operational changes proposed. The new owners must still complete the renewal process. - 6. Resolution 2425 – Revocation of Standing Audit Committee – City Administrator Stuart McRae explained the committee was created in 2019 under the mistaken belief that auditors recommended it. Auditors confirmed they never recommended an audit committee. The current processes (e.g., direct council communication with auditors, mayor-appointed special purpose committees) are deemed sufficient. Resolution will revoke the previous resolution. No objections from council. - 7. Dissolution of Northeast Wyoming Growth Alliance (NUGA) – NUGA was formed in 2016 between Sheridan, Gillette, Buffalo, and Johnson County First to promote regional economic development. Initial contributions: Sheridan and Gillette $50,000 each (36.2%), Buffalo $28,000 (20.3%), Johnson County First $10,000 (7.2%), total $138,000. As of August 21, 2025, the balance (managed by Sheridan) is $230,180. Activity ceased around early 2020. A dissolution MOU has been circulated; staff recommends mayor sign it to return funds proportionally to the original contributors. - 8. General Discussion and Future Agenda Items – Council member noted school starts tomorrow (August 26). Council member Terry proposed three items for future ordinances: (1) No jake brakes (engine brakes) citywide, (2) Maximum speed limit of 25 mph for commercial vehicles over 15,000 pounds within city limits, (3) Weight restriction on Highland Avenue (from Pitt Street to Loucks) prohibiting commercial vehicles over 15,000 pounds. Another council member requested an update on the West Belt Loop project status (since a RAISE grant was not received). The mayor advised that council members should send requests to him for agenda consideration. Key Outcomes - Council will consider a resolution to certify the Gillespie Draw subdivision as conforming at the next council meeting; any additional comments may be forwarded to the county. - The de-annexation and annexation for the golf course boundary will proceed to a public hearing and first reading at the next council meeting. - The rezone for Derby Club will go to public hearing and first reading at the next council meeting. - The liquor license transfer for Verdello will be processed administratively. - Resolution 2425 revoking the audit committee will be voted on at the next meeting. - The mayor is authorized to sign the NUGA dissolution MOU (pending final approval from Gillette and Buffalo) to distribute funds. - Council members requested that future agenda items (truck restrictions, West Belt Loop update) be submitted to the mayor for possible study sessions.