Laramie County Commissioner Meeting Summaries: April - June 2025

Several years ago, the Laramie County Commissioners started live-streaming the Commissioners' meetings and allowing the public to view previous meetings. Everyone should take advantage of this valuable service and stay informed on decisions affecting the growth and direction of the county. Laramie County - Calendar (legistar.com) I will post a brief synopsis of the bi-monthly Commissioner meetings on my Facebook page, including my comments and welcome input and dialogue from the community. For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website.

June 17th Laramie County Commissioners meeting:

* The consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.

* Addendum approved between Laramie County, WY, and ARES Integrated Resources, LLC, for $22,302.47 to purchase nine ballistic shields (three with viewport and six patrol shields) for the Sheriff's office. The grant will cover the cost of the nine ballistic shields, and the Sheriff's Office will purchase an additional ballistic shield with its funds for a total of ten. 

* Resolution approved authorizing the submission of an invoice from Laramie County, WY, to the WY Dept of Health for an FY25 WY Gaming Commission allocation for gambling prevention efforts for $69,515.02.

* Addendum approved to Project Development Agreement for 2020 Carey Ave HVAC Design between Laramie County, WY, and TRANE US,  Inc., for $421,596 for the services detailed in attachment A. The Agreement is for the CONTRACTOR to design and build a replacement HVAC system at 2020 Carey Ave.

* Addendum approved to TRANE Select Service Agreement for 2025 through 2028 between Laramie County, WY, and TRANE US, Inc., in the amount of $396,425 for 2025 services, $409,636 for 2026 services, and $421,925 for 2027 as detailed in attachment A. The Agreement is for the CONTRACTOR to provide service and repair to the HVAC Systems at multiple county locations.

* Addendum approved to Laramie County Water Treatment Agreement between Laramie County, WY, and VADA, Inc, dba Mile Hi Water Tec, Inc, to provide recurring service at the facilities listed in the amount of $34,568 for one year and a one-time equipment replacement in the amount of $8,189, for a total of $42,757 as detailed in attachment A.

* Addendum approved to Contract to Upgrade Coroner Office HVAC between Laramie County, WY, and Climate Control, LLC, for$409,295 for the services detailed in attachment A.

Inclusions:

• The existing evaporative-cooled energy recovery unit is to be removed.

• Provide a new DX-cooled energy recovery unit in place of the removed unit.

• Provide and install a new DX-cooled variable-speed coil unit (FCU) to serve the office area of the space.

• Fabricate and install all required ductwork to connect the new FCU to the existing supply and return lines for the office area.

• Provide and install a new louver in the south wall of the sally port for outside ventilation air for the new fan coil.

• Provide all required plumbing for heating water and chilled water modifications for the new equipment.

• Provide all necessary electrical components to support the new equipment.

• Provide all test and balance by NEBB Certified contractor.

• Provide all temperature controls by Precision Automation.

• Fabricate and install sheet metal to permanently close existing relief air.

• Includes all necessary permits for work.

• Provide stamped and signed mechanical plans by a Professional Engineer licensed in WY.

  
  

* Resolution approved appointing Renee Hansen, representing the substance abuse and mental health providers; Ross McKelvey, representing the office of the Public Defender; Eric Jackson, representing School District #1; Chad Dunlay, representing the Dept of Family Services, and Dawson Smith, representing the operations division of the County Sheriff's office, as a member to the Laramie County Community Juvenile Services Joint Powers Board for a three-year term, expiring June 30, 2028.

* Resolutions appointing Johnny Tafoya and Natasha Gaspar to the Laramie County Planning Commission for three-year terms, expiring June 30, 2028.

* Resolutions approved appointing Katie Brady and Chris McRady to the Laramie County Senior Services Board for three-year terms expiring June 30, 2028.

* Resolution approved appointing Charles Simineo to the Laramie County Senior Services Board to complete a vacant three-year term, expiring on June 30, 2027.

* Resolutions approved appointing Denise Burke and Denise Rude to the Laramie County Library Board for three-year terms, expiring June 30, 2028.

* Resolutions approved appointing Brian Lovett and Mariah Johnson to the Cheyenne Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors for three-year terms, expiring June 30, 2028.

* Resolutions approved appointing Dr. Paul Massey and Steven Leafgreen to the Laramie County Hospital Board of Trustees for five-year terms expiring June 30, 2030.

* Resolution approved appointing Isaac Lloyd to the Board of Community Action of Laramie County for a three-year term, expiring June 30, 2028.

* Resolution approved appointing Shari Bremer to the Cheyenne-Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board for a three-year term, expiring June 30, 2028.

* Resolution approved appointing David Clark to the Eastern Laramie County Solid Waste Disposal District for a three-year term, expiring June 30, 2028.

* Public hearing held regarding a zone change from A1 - Agricultural and Rural Residential to CB - Community Business for parcels of land located northwest of E. Carlson Street and Converse Avenue. No one from the public spoke on this item, and it was approved.

* Public hearing held regarding board approval to vacate Tract 1, Hart Tracts, and administrative plat known as Hart Tracts, 2nd Filing.  The property is located at 1151 Road 148, Burns, WY. The application is intended to vacate the previous tract known as Hart Tracts, Tract 1, and to replat it as Hart Tracts, 2nd Filing. No one from the public spoke on this item, and it was approved.

* Public hearing held regarding board approval to vacate Winchester Hills, 4th Filing. The landowners, Clifford and Melissa Brownell have applied to the Board for approval to vacate the above-listed parcel from Winchester Hills, 4th Filing, Lot 10, Block 4, and return it to its metes and bounds. The parcel to the west was created by a surveying error within Bison Crossing, 7th Filing. The parcels will be returned to metes and bounds to correct the surveying error and consolidate them into one tract of land. No one from the public spoke on this item, and it was approved.

* Public hearing held regarding a vacation and administrative plat for Wyoming Ranchettes, 3rd Filing. The subject property is located southeast of the intersection of Crazy Horse and Chief Twomoon Roads. The purpose of the application is to vacate and divide the 11.73-acre tract into two (2) residential tracts. No one from the public spoke on this item, and it was approved.

* Public hearing held regarding the CK Gold project site plan. The project involves the development of a gold and copper mine, utilizing an open-pit mining method, a processing plant, waste rock facilities, and a tailings management facility. Both private parties and the State of Wyoming own the subject property. Access to the property will be via a gravel road to Road 210, approximately two miles west of Happy Jack Road. The access road easement will be fenced on both sides, and the project will also be fenced. An area property owner spoke against this item, sharing his concerns about the added strains on area aquifers, water safety from the processes used in mining, as well as the stresses on area wildlife from the proposed 24/7 operation.  The agent for the mining company addressed these concerns, noting that each one had been taken into consideration by the Industrial Citing Council as well as the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality before they signed off on the project. The agent also noted that once the mine pit closed after extracting the gold and other minerals from the site, it may be used as an additional resource for City water storage by turning it into a reservoir. The item was approved.

* Public hearing held regarding the Powderhouse Mountain cell tower site plan. The proposed site is located at 2409 Iron Mountain Road. The project is the construction of a multi-carrier wireless communication facility and proposes a 150-foot-tall monopole and ground-mounted telecommunications equipment within an 80' x 80' fenced leased area. The fenced area will accommodate the ground equipment cabinets and utilities of its anchor tenant, as well as those of other future subtenants.

Numerous members of the public spoke against this item, sharing concerns about the potential health risks associated with radio frequency (RF) waves from the cell tower, including the possibility of cancer, decreased property values, and the tower's visual impact, which detracts from the area's natural beauty.  They also questioned the necessity of placing the tower in the proposed location, believing it should be placed near other industrial sites, such as the oil wells in the area, or on the property at a higher elevation, which would provide optimal coverage.

The owner of the company erecting the tower addressed each of their concerns and provided detailed information.  Regarding the issue of RF waves causing health issues, she noted that the Federal Communications Commission highly regulates the cell industry, and RF signals emanating from the tower at ground level are far less impactful on health than the use of a personal cell phone or microwave oven.  Commissioner Malm, while addressing the cancer concerns, cited a medical study that was emailed to the commissioners by one of the opposing property owners. The study found no conclusive evidence supporting a link between cell towers RF signals and cancer. 

Regarding the issue of placing the tower in an alternative location, the tower company owner stated that the proposed site was selected after an extensive analysis, which indicated it would provide the best overall cell coverage for the area.  She went on to say that, given the half-million-dollar cost to erect the tower and the additional half-million for Verizon to place equipment on it, the location would not have been chosen if it were not the most optimal. 

Commissioner Zwonitzer, while stating that he understood no one wants a structure like this in their backyard, the owner of the property where the tower will be placed has the right to use the property as they see fit.  He also shared with the project's opponents that he has a large tower on his land, and it has not had any impact on his property values. 

Commissioner Heath and I shared our belief that the tower would enhance public safety by providing better cell coverage.  Unless a person has a signal booster installed in their home, cell coverage in this area is less than optimal.  In an emergency, it is crucial to have reliable cell coverage so that those in need can contact dispatch and send the appropriate first responders.  Commissioner Heath, who also sits on the Fire Chiefs' Board, stated that volunteer firefighters rely on cell service to communicate with dispatch in some areas with spotty radio coverage. 

A three-to-one vote passed the item.  Commissioner Thompson was not at this week's meeting.

June 3rd Laramie County Commissioners meeting:

* The consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.

* Resolution approved authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Cheyenne Community Public Recreation District to request funding for a playground and concrete picnic tables to be located at the Orchard Valley Recreation Area (211 South First Ave) in the amount of $50,000.  Matching funds of $5,000 will be provided by the Laramie County Recreation Planning and Advisory Board.

* Agreement approved between Laramie County, WY, and Bear Communications (Bearcom), Inc., in an amount not to exceed $39,807.24 to purchase six Motorola APX8000 Model 2.5 portable radios, accessories and programming for the Sheriff's Office.

* Memorandum of understanding (MOU) approved between Laramie County, WY, Laramie County Fire Authority, and Laramie County Fire District #1 to facilitate fire inspections in Laramie County. The State of Wyoming had been conducting the inspections but requested that Laramie County take them over. It was a good change, as local control tends to work out better. 

* A public hearing was held regarding a seasonal fireworks permit submitted by Jolly Jacs, LLC, doing business as Pyro City, located at 3115 W. College Dr. No one from the public spoke on the item, and it was approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding a subdivision permit and plat for Dea Subdivision located at 2619 Rd 124, Laramie County, WY. The subdivision will consist of five 7-acre tracts.  No one from the public spoke on the item, and it was approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding board approval and a zone change from MR - Medium Density Residential to PUD - Planned Unit Development for Cowboy Brew Subdivision, located at 227 South Greeley Hwy, Laramie County, WY. The property owner intends to develop a short-term RV park modeled after a KOA-style campground.  The item was only being considered for a zone change at this time. It will still need to go through the site plan process. No one from the public spoke on the item, and it was approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding board approval for the easement naming of Wilson Acres, Tract 2, Laramie County, WY. 

Steil Surveying Services, on behalf of G & G Enterprises, submitted a Board Approval application to name the recorded easement of Wilson Acres, Tract 2, to Willow Brook Lane. This was a condition of the subdivision permit, as the Geographical Information Specialist (GIS) advised that they were unable to address these new parcels from Road 146. Therefore, the easement would need to be named to allow for further addresses within Pita Ranch, 2nd Filing. No one from the public spoke on the item, and it was approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding an amendment to the Whitt's End Farmstand Site Plan. The original site plan utilized the entire property for the proposed business. It required the owner to upgrade the road running the length of the property to county standards.  The owner believed this to be cost-prohibitive and requested an amendment to the original site plan, which would utilize only half of the property for the business and reserve the rest for personal use, thereby negating the need to improve the entire road. 

There was some concern among the commissioners that the owner would later open up the section set aside for personal use in violation of the site plan; however, according to the County Attorney and the Planning Director, doing so would violate the land use regulations and allow the county to fine them up to 750.00 per day until the action was corrected.  As I felt the owner was acting in good faith, and if not, there were safeguards in place to address it, I voted in favor of the amended site plan change.  The vote was 4-1, with no one from the public speaking for or against it. 

May 20 Laramie County Commissioners meeting:

* The consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.

* Presentation of the Laramie County Transportation Impact Fee Study. (No action required)

The Cheyenne MPO retained TischlerBise, Inc. to calculate the impact fees to be imposed on new development to meet the new demands generated for transportation infrastructure in Laramie County, WY. The intent of the Cheyenne MPO and Laramie County is to evaluate and establish impact fees for roadway expansion. This report presents the methodologies and calculations used to generate current levels of service and maximum supportable impact fees. It is intended to serve as supporting documentation for the evaluation and establishment of impact fees in Laramie County.  Chairman Malm stated that at this time, the board of commissioners has no intentions of implementing impact fees on any new developments.

* Resolution passed approving six opioid settlement subrecipient awards to Cheyenne Fire Rescue, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Healthworks, Laramie County Sheriff's Office, Recover Wyoming, and Stride in the amount of $2,178,888.81.

* Addendum approved to the lease between Laramie County, WY, and Advanced Investment Solutions, LLC (AIS). AIS shall pay a termination sum of $3,710 to the county. Advanced Investments Solutions, LLC, requested to terminate their lease of office space in the 2020 Carey building. 

* Agreement approved between Laramie County, WY, and the city of Cheyenne in an amount not to exceed $156,850 to authorize the city to furnish the county with animal control services from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

*  Addendum approved to the work proposal agreement quote number #25Y0330 between Laramie County, WY, and Range Renovations Consulting (RRC), Inc., in the amount of $68,970 upon satisfactory completion of services detailed in attachment A.

The Agreement is for RRC to remove and install new rubber on two rows of baffles and one row of over-trap baffles, dispose of all hazardous rubber, rake and refill supply bins, and perform a site inspection on the bullet trap for possible deficiencies at the Shooting Sports complex.

* Public hearing held to consider the following liquor license renewal applications for 2025-2026: Retail Liquor: Bunkhouse Bar; Outlaw Saloon; Terry Bison Ranch; Antepole Truck Stop; Little America; Little Bear Inn; Town & Country Supermarket Liquors; Tumbleweed Bar; The Den Gentlemen's Club; T-Joes Bar and Lounge; Hell on Wheels package Liquors; Limited Retail Liquor (Club): Cheyenne Shrine Club; Forum619; Moose Lodge; VFW Post 4343; County Retail Malt Beverage Permit: Antelope Truck Stop; Travel Centers of America; Harrington's South Side Pub; Bar and Grill: Tortilla Factory; Senator's Steakhouse at Terry Bison Ranch; Resort: LCCC Dining Services. No one from the public spoke on the license renewals, and they were all approved.

May 6 Laramie County Commissioners meeting:

* The consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.

* Presentation of the Cheyenne Passenger Rail Station Site Selection Study. Three sites are being considered for a future rail station.  The first is in the area of Old Happy Jack Road and Missile Drive, and the two other sites are in the area of Reed Ave. and 19th St.  There are two concepts for the Reed corridor location, one with tracks running through the old steam plant at that location and the other with tracks running alongside. All three sites would include plans for additional parking for the rail station. No actions were required by the commission on this presentation.

*A resolution was passed approving fee changes for various services and inspections under W.S. 35-1-305. The Cheyenne Laramie County Board of Public Health has been conducting a study to assess the costs of the services it provides to the public. After the study, they presented a request for fee changes to align the price of the services with the actual cost of providing them.

* A memorandum of understanding was approved between Laramie County, WY, and the City of Cheyenne to specify financial reimbursement by the county to the City for the shared cost of a contract modification to the Metropolitan Planning Organization Safe Routes to School Plan. Laramie County has agreed to pay one-half of the contract modification amount to the City, totaling $19,755.14.

* Agreement approved between Laramie County, WY, and Top Flight Maintenance to provide mowing, trimming and landscaping maintenance of the county building grounds, parks, and common areas as described in attachment A.

* Addendum approved to the service agreement between Laramie County, WY, and Motorola Solutions, Inc., in the amount of $236,026.20 to provide services at the Combined Communications Center from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.

* Addendum approved to service order between Laramie County, WY, and ClearGov, Inc., in the amount of $79,988.33 to provide setup and subscription services.

* A public hearing was held regarding a seasonal fireworks permit submitted by Jolly Jacs, LLC, dba Fireworks Outlet, located at 251 I-25 Service Rd. No one from the public spoke on this item, and it was approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding a yearly fireworks permit submitted by Jolly Jacs, LLC, dba Pyro City, located at 245 I-25 Service Rd. No one from the public spoke on this item, and it was approved.

*A public hearing was held regarding a yearly fireworks permit submitted by Wholesale Fireworks, Inc., dba Wholesale Fireworks, located at 3229 W. College Dr. No one from the public spoke on this item, and it was approved.

* Resolution approved giving public notice of Laramie County's intent to adopt the 2025 Laramie County Land Use Regulations. This item was opened for public comment, and several community members came forward to speak against the adoption of the land use regulations. As this was merely a resolution to open a public comment period, the individuals were encouraged to bring their concerns to the county planning Director for consideration. Over the past several months, the county planning Director has held numerous public meetings to discuss concerns. He has made revisions to the proposed land use regulations, utilizing input from those meetings.

* A public hearing was held regarding a subdivision permit and plat for Frontier Tracts, 4th Filing, Laramie County, WY. No one from the public spoke on this item, and it was approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding a zone change from MR - Medium Density Residential to CB - Community Business for Terry Homesites, Lot 10, Block 2, Laramie County, WY, and board approval for surface storage use. (Two motions required) No one from the public spoke on this item, and both motions were approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding a subdivision permit and plat for Capitol Tracts, 4th Filing, located at Tract 4, Capitol Tracts, Laramie County, WY. No one from the public spoke on this item, and both motions were approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding a subdivision permit and plat for Skyview Estates, 3rd Filing, Laramie County, WY. No one from the public spoke on this item, and both motions were approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding the White Antelope Barn site plan, located at Tract 33, Mountain Shadow, Laramie County, WY. The item being considered was a site plan for a barn-style wedding venue.  A large number of area landowners spoke against businesses being placed in the subdivision. The area where the business is proposed to be located is used by the right, and the only item being considered was the site plan itself.  That being said, discussions among the commissioners were held regarding placing conditions on the site plan, which would mitigate some of the concerns of the area landowners. The site plan was approved with the following conditions: a more detailed map of the natural screening is to be added to the site plan, a fence is to be placed along the north boundary of the property, and a traffic study is to be completed.

April 1st Laramie County Commissioners meeting:

* The consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.

* Resolution approved proclaiming April 2025 as the month of the military child.

* Resolution approved proclaiming April 2025 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. 

*  A resolution was approved allowing Wyoming Downs, LLC, to conduct parimutuel wagering on live horse racing, historic horse racing, and simulcast events at Terry Ranch Business Park, Tract 4, Laramie County, WY.

Wyoming Downs currently operates a facility at 51-I25 Service Rd (Terry Bison Ranch) in the Senators Grill. This approval will allow Wyoming Downstate to build a new facility at the Terry Ranch Business Park, intended to attract out-of-state clientele.

Once the new facility is completed, they cease operations at the Senators Grill.  This is not a new approval, just a transfer that allows the business to function at the old location while the new one is built.  

* Revision of a resolution approved changing the name regarding a subdivision permit and plat for Recco Ranch nka Fertig Ranch (250204-19), situated in the NW1/4 of Sect 11, T14N, R65W of the 6th PM, Laramie County, WY, original action approved on February 4, 2025. This was a request for a name change only on the permit.

* Resolution approved appointing Dennis Michaud to the Eastern Laramie County Solid Waste Disposal District for a three-year term expiring March 31, 2028.

* A public hearing was scheduled to be held regarding seasonal fireworks permits submitted by Breanna Elliott, dba Jurassic Fireworks, located at 201 I-25 Service Rd Bldg. A, Artillery World Fireworks, located at 237 I-25 Service Rd, Bldg. B, and Artillery World Fireworks, located at 237 I-25 Service Rd, Bldg. C. 

The attorney for the businesses requested the permit requests be postponed. 

The postponement was granted. 

April 15th Laramie County Commissioners meeting:

* The consent agenda items were approved. These are regular county business items that do not warrant discussion. They are all listed in detail on the meeting agenda notes.

* Resolution approved for Wyoming Downs, LLC, to transfer permit location to conduct parimutuel wagering on live horse racing, historic horse racing, and simulcast events.  Wyoming Downs currently operates a facility at 3617 E Lincolnway, and the resolution will allow them to transfer the permit from that location to the Cadillac Ranch building at 3307 Nationway as soon as the building renovations are complete.

* A public hearing was held regarding a seasonal fireworks permit submitted by J&R Landis Enterprises, LLC, dba USA Fireworks, located at 102 W College Dr. No public comment was received, and the item was approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding a seasonal fireworks permit submitted by Wyoming Fireworks Warehouse, LLC, dba Wyoming Fireworks Warehouse, located at 12616 I-80 Service Rd. There was no public comment, and the item was approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding seasonal fireworks permits submitted by Seasonal Sales, Inc., fka Breanna Elliott, dba Jurassic Fireworks, located at 201 I-25 Service Rd Bldg. A.  Artillery World, located at 237 I-25 Service Rd, Bldg. B. Artillery World, located at 237 I-25 Service Rd, Bldg. C. And a yearly fireworks permit for Artillery World, located at 237 I-25 Service Rd, Bldg. A. (The commissioners denied the last permit at the March 18, 2025, meeting)

Over the past seven years, an owner and several staff members have repeatedly warned this business about public safety issues and other nuisance issues. Last year, the commissioners denied their fireworks permit requests based on the business's continuous pattern of poor behavior. The business sought judicial relief and was granted an injunction by the courts to sell fireworks while the matter was reviewed. 

In March of this year, the courts ruled that the Laramie County Board of Commissioners was within its right to deny the permits and stipulate specific mandates to be followed should it obtain future permits. This prompted the business to offer the commissioners guarantees for future positive behavior by the company and its employees. Should the business violate any stipulations, its permits would be revoked after review. After much discussion, the commissioners unanimously approved the permits for their locations and advised them that they would be closely watched to ensure compliance. 

* Resolution approved appointing Will Moody (Master Plumber), Sean Casey (Master Electrician), and Jack Stadel (Licensed General Contractor) for three-year terms, and Tristan Cordier (Professional Engineer) and Don Shoemaker (Master HVAC) for two-year terms to the Laramie County Board of Building Appeals.

* A public hearing was held regarding adopting the 2024 International Fire Code. There was no public comment, and the item was approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding a subdivision permit and plat for The Badlands subdivision, located north of Sunlight Road and east of Road 120, Laramie County Wy. The proposed subdivision will create thirty-four (34) residential tracts from the 349.82-acre parcel. Tracts will average 10.29 acres each. One of the landowners in the area voiced his concern regarding the widening of a road, which he feared may necessitate moving his fence line.  After discussions with County Planning, Public Works, and the representative for the subdivision property owner, an agreement was made that they would keep him in the loop as the road portion of the project was developed and implemented.  This was amenable to the landowner.  The permit and plat were approved. 

* A public hearing was held about a zone change from MR—Medium Density Residential to MU—Mixed Use at 2118 Persons Rd, Laramie County, WY. There was no public comment, and the item was approved.

* A public hearing was held regarding a vacation and administrative plat of a portion of Tract 5, O'Connor Ranchettes, Laramie County, WY, located north of Bade Road and Happy Jack Road. The application asks to vacate a portion of Tract 5 and subdivide it into two parcels.  Several area landowners voiced their concerns regarding the additional strain on area wells if additional lots were approved.  After much discussion and information provided by Commissioner Thompson regarding groundwater recharge rates in that area, the item was approved.

For complete details, visit the County Commissioner's website.