Laramie County Commissioner Meeting Summaries: July - September 2025

Several years ago, the Laramie County Commissioners began live-streaming their meetings and making previous meetings available for public viewing. Everyone should take advantage of this valuable service and stay informed about decisions that affect 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.

September 16, Laramie County Commissioners Meeting:

The consent agenda items were approved. These are routine county business matters that do not require discussion and are detailed in the meeting agenda notes.

Presentation by Laramie County Senior Services

Erin LaBlanc, Director of Operations, gave a presentation highlighting the positive impact the new senior center has had on the county's seniors since opening its doors this summer. The facility's programs have been so well attended that there is now a need to expand into an adjacent building, which the Laramie County Senior Services Board also owns.

Property Transfer to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center

The Commissioners approved a property transfer to Memorial Hospital of Laramie County, dba Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC), for the purpose of disposing of property located at 814 8th Street, Wheatland, WY. The property is no longer in use and is currently titled in the name of the Laramie County Commissioners. The transfer allows CRMC to proceed with selling the property.

Public Hearing: New Retail Liquor License – White Antelope Barn, LLC

A public hearing was held regarding a new retail liquor license submitted by White Antelope Barn, LLC, located at 1876 Mountain Shadow Lane N. Several members of the surrounding subdivision spoke against the license, citing ongoing litigation between the HOA and the business for violating neighborhood covenants. The HOA prohibits commercial businesses; however, HOA rules are a civil matter and are not considered when approving business site plans or liquor licenses. The item was approved.

Public Hearing: Amendment to the 2024 IRC – Spray Foam Insulation Requirements

A public hearing was held regarding a resolution to amend the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), Section R303.5.10 – Interior Finish.

On August 25, 2023, the Laramie County Chief Building Official and Laramie County Fire Authority (LCFA) conducted a test to evaluate the safety of exempting residential accessory structures from compliance with NFPA 286, which requires a thermal barrier over spray foam insulation.

Three wall sections were built for testing:

• One with no insulation,

• One with spray foam only,

• One with spray foam and the required fire barrier.

Based on test results, both Building and Fire officials determined that it is safe to exempt detached residential accessory structures (without habitable space) from NFPA 286 compliance. The amendment was proposed and approved. No public comments were made.

Public Hearing: AB Camping Facility Site Plan

A public hearing was held regarding the site plan for the AB Camping Facility at the intersection of Hellwig Road and Draper Circle. This proposal pertains to the property south of Hellwig Road and includes:

• Adding eight (8) RV camping sites to the existing 28 sites.

• Extending existing electrical, water, and sewer lines.

No public comments were made. The site plan was approved.

Public Hearing: Bailey Estates Subdivision Permit and Plat

A public hearing was held for a subdivision permit and plat for Bailey Estates, located at Road 216 and Frentheway Road. The 39-acre property will be subdivided into seven (7) residential lots, each averaging 5.57 acres.

No public comments were made. The item was approved.

Public Hearing: Laramie Range Wind Project Site Plan and Transmission Line

A public hearing was held for the proposed Laramie Range Wind Project, which would encompass over 56,000 acres off Horse Creek Road. The project, backed by Spanish company Repsol, proposed erecting 170 wind turbines across an area three times the size of Cheyenne.

Project representatives presented economic projections, stating the project would generate approximately $220 million in revenue over 30 years—about $7 million annually for the county and community. They also presented environmental studies and proposed mitigation strategies for impacts on local wildlife, including deer, raptors, and bats.

Public opposition followed, with dozens of residents and landowners expressing concerns about:

• Increased traffic on Horse Creek Road during construction.

• Wildlife mortality (especially birds and deer).

• Decreased property values due to the visual impact of turbines.

• Loss of scenic wilderness in one of the county's most pristine areas.

Some residents stated this was the first they had heard of the project despite it being in development for over six years. Many felt it should be postponed until the Industrial Siting Council could provide answers to outstanding questions.

One landowner whose property is part of the proposed site spoke in favor, citing financial stability for their ranch and future generations.

Commissioners' Decision

The Commissioners voted 3–1 to deny the project.

• Commissioner Malm was out of town.

• Commissioner Thompson voted in favor, stating the project had met all county requirements and that the landowner had the right to use their property.

• Commissioners Heath, Zwonitzer, and I voted against it.

My (Commissioner's) Statement:

I can't speak for the other two commissioners, but I voted against the project for several reasons:

1. Rushed Approval: The company appeared eager to push this through, rather than waiting for the Industrial Siting Council to respond to pending concerns. I suspect this urgency is due to approaching deadlines for federal clean energy subsidies.

2. Environmental Impact: While $7 million in annual revenue is significant, it cannot replace the permanent loss of a large stretch of vital wildlife habitat. As a former Deputy Sheriff, I've driven extensively through this area and know firsthand the ecological and aesthetic value it holds.

3. Property Rights and Neighbor Impacts: I believe in property rights—but not in isolation. The rights of neighboring landowners must also be considered. When we review commercial site plans, we listen to neighbors and often add conditions to mitigate concerns (e.g., tree rows to shield views, road upgrades due to traffic increases). With this wind project, no such mitigation could preserve the scenic beauty or protect property values. One turbine would have been within a quarter mile of a neighboring property.

4. Reclamation Concerns: The company's request to modify decommissioning standards—specifically, reducing the required removal depth of concrete foundations from 4 feet to 3 feet—raises red flags. Cutting corners before the project even begins does not inspire confidence in their long-term stewardship.

For complete details, visit the Laramie County Commissioners' website.

September 2nd Laramie County Commissioners Meeting:

The consent agenda items were approved. These are routine county business matters that do not require discussion and are detailed in the meeting agenda notes.

* Consideration of a resolution proclaiming September 16, 2025, as Laramie County Voter Registration Day. The Laramie County Clerk's Office partnered with the Laramie County Library to promote voter registration and involvement in this vital part of the democratic process. The resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 16, 2025, AS LARAMIE COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION DAY

WHEREAS, fewer than 44,000 Laramie County residents--54% of our total voting population (80,039) --are registered to vote; and

WHEREAS, the Laramie County Clerk is the Chief Election Officer, and voter registration is a statutory responsibility; and

WHEREAS, the need for reliable and trusted public information and education on voter registration is critical to Americans' active participation in elections and the integrity of electoral processes; and

WHEREAS, the Laramie County Clerk's Election Office is committed to encouraging broad voter registration, access, and citizen participation in elections among voting-eligible citizens; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Laramie County Board of Commissioners, in recognition and support of this civic duty, proclaims September 16, 2025, as Voter Registration Day in Laramie County and encourages all eligible citizens to get involved by registering to vote, verifying their voter registration status, and casting their ballots in the 2026 elections.

PRESENTED, READ, AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of September 2025.

* Amendment one approved to contract (240917-12) between WY Dept of Health, Behavioral Health Division, and Laramie County, WY, to increase the total contract to $349,900 and to extend the term to October 20, 2026, for Laramie County Treatment Courts to provide opioid use disorder and stimulant use disorder services.

The original contract, dated August 28, 2024, required the Subrecipient to address opioid use disorder (OUD) and stimulant use disorders in Laramie County by providing medication­ assisted treatment and other evidence-based treatment and recovery services for a total Contract amount of one hundred fifty-two thousand, two hundred dollars ($152,200.00) with an expiration date of October 15, 2025.

* Public hearing held regarding a vacation and administrative plat for Lodgepole Estates, 3rd Filing, Laramie County, WY. The property is located at 2245 Rainbow Ridge, Cheyenne, WY. The purpose of the application is to combine these three parcels into one tract for residential use. The overall density of the new parcel is 8.09 acres. There is an existing residence on the parcel. No one from the public spoke on this item and it was approved.

* Public Hearing held regarding a vacation of Cowboy Brew, 1st Filing, Tract 2, and BT II First Subdivision, Lot 2, Block 1, administrative plat known as BT II Subdivision, 2nd Filing, Laramie County, WY

The purpose of the application is to replat the existing two parcels, totaling 4.7 acres, into a new plat which will be known as BT II Subdivision, 2nd Filing. The use will be for the BT Campground. No one from the public spoke on this item and it was approved.

* Resolution approved to rescind amendment two (250819-15) to the cooperative agreement (200218-02) between Laramie County, WY, and the WY Dept of Transportation (WYDOT). The amendment deals with the US 30, Dell Range Blvd, and Whitney Rd project that was approved at the August 19th Commissioner meeting.  After that meeting, the City and WYDOT met to work out additional changes that needed to be made to the project, necessitating today's resolution.  Once all final costs are recalculated, the resolution will be revisited.

* Resolution approved reappointing Mark T Voss as the Laramie County Attorney in accordance with WS 18-3-301(a), effective September 1, 2025.

For complete details, visit the County Commissioners' website.August 19th Laramie County Commissioners Meeting:

August 19th Laramie County Commissioners Meeting:

It was a brief meeting today, as there were only a few items on the agenda.

The consent agenda items were approved. These are routine county business matters that do not require discussion and are detailed in the meeting agenda notes.

* Amendment Two was approved to the cooperative agreement (200218-02) between Laramie County, WY, and the WY Department of Transportation for County Project B221004 (US 30, Dell Range Blvd, and Whitney Rd). The amendment revises specific provisions in the original agreement, as outlined in the amendment.

This long-awaited project will upgrade the section of Whitney Rd between US 30 and Dell Range, as well as the Dell Range–Whitney intersection. The County's estimated share of the project is $827,529.00.

Public Works Director Molly Cook advised that the City had requested the item be postponed until they could hold another meeting on it in the coming weeks. However, several of the longer-serving Commissioners noted that this project has been drawn out for more than five years, and during that time, the County's share of the cost has increased substantially. To ensure responsible stewardship of county finances, the board unanimously voted to accept the amendment and proceed with the project.

For complete details, visit the County Commissioners' website.

August 5th 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 to rescind the possession of firearms personnel policy. The new policy will permit eligible employees or volunteers to carry a concealed firearm on County property, unless prohibited by federal or state law or by a court order.

* Agreement approved between Laramie County, WY, and Cheyenne Regional Air Service Focus Team (CRAFT) in care of LEADS. The purpose of the agreement is for the county to pay a portion of the Minimum Revenue Guaranteed funds to CRAFT for payments to SkyWest Airlines to provide scheduled flight service between Cheyenne and Denver. The county shall pay CRAFT up to $253,571.40 for fiscal year 2026. The FY26 agreement shall terminate automatically upon exhaustion of the $253,571.40 or on June 30, 2026, the end of the 2026 fiscal year—whichever is earlier.

This agreement is vital to maintaining passenger air service for the Cheyenne Airport.

* Public hearing held regarding the adoption of the 2025 Laramie County Land Use Regulations. (Postponed from the July 1 and 15, 2025, meetings)

* Public hearing held to amend the unincorporated Laramie County zone district map. (Postponed from the July 1 and 15 meetings)

* Public hearing held regarding a resolution adopting the Laramie County Planning and Development FY25/26 fee schedule. (Postponed from the July 1 and 15, 2025, meetings)

The above public hearings were collectively conducted and commented on, but the Commission voted on them separately. During this meeting, between 250 and 300 people attended to share their opinions on the proposed land use regulations. Unfortunately, before the meeting, a significant amount of misinformation was circulated throughout the community via social media and flyers, which led to confusion and frustration among some attendees. Most of the concerns expressed centered on the Home Occupation section of the proposed land use regulations.

Neither the previous nor the updated regulations restrict or prohibit livestock ownership, FFA and 4-H participation, or agricultural activities such as selling home-raised produce and eggs. These uses are fully protected under both state law and county policy.

After listening to the at-times impassioned statements from community members, the Board unanimously voted to amend the land use regulations, removing the controversial Home Occupation permits, associated fees, and site plan requirements. The County Commissioners support small home businesses and believe the amendment removes an unnecessary burden on those operating from home.

The rest of the land use regulations were approved as written, although there was some pushback on those as well.

In the end, we had only a few options to choose from: approve the proposed regulations; vote down the proposed regulations and remain with the current, more restrictive ones; or completely remove all land use regulations. One advantage of the new regulations is that they eliminate the need for an engineering firm to review a simple site plan—a process that typically costs between $20,000 and $30,000. The County Planning Office already has all the necessary data in its GIS mapping system to assist applicants in creating a simple site plan. Under the new regulations, applicants only need to pay a $30 application fee.

Beyond the Home Occupation issue, many speakers expressed a desire to eliminate all land-use regulations and allow landowners to do as they please on their property. While this may sound appealing in theory, it would remove all safeguards—potentially allowing, for example, a concrete batch plant to open next to someone’s home, thereby damaging property values and quality of life. Appropriate regulations serve a valuable public purpose by protecting the community as a whole and striking a balance between business and residential interests.

Final Note:

It was gratifying to see so many people attend this meeting and share their concerns and ideas. Public comments from this meeting—and others held regarding the Land Use Regulations—were a vital part of the process, with many incorporated into the final version of the document. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in the civic process.

July 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.

* Addendum approved between Laramie County, WY, and FRSecure, LLC, in the amount of $48,000 to provide information security services as described in attachment A. This amount is part of a 4-year service agreement, which saved the county one full year of service. 

* Addendum approved to the jail services agreement between Laramie County, WY, and TW Vending, Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections, to provide commissary services at the Detention Center as fully described in attachment

* Resolution to prohibit open carry for all county buildings and facilities, effective July 15, 2025, was unanimously opposed by the commissioners. (Postponed from the July 1, 2025, meeting) My personal feelings on this issue are as follows. Since we already allow concealed carry in County buildings, excluding security areas, requiring law enforcement interactions with open carry citizens exercising their rights could create an unnecessary and volatile situation and get someone hurt.

* Public hearing regarding the adoption of the 2025 Laramie County Land Use Regulations postponed until the August 5th Commissioners meeting.  This is due to some additional input that the County Attorney's Office needs time to evaluate and give an opinion on.

* Public hearing to amend the unincorporated Laramie County zone district map and a public hearing regarding a resolution adopting Laramie County Planning and Development FY25/26 fee schedule were also postponed until the August 5th Commissioners meeting.

* Public hearing held regarding a zone change from AR - Agricultural Residential to CB - Community Business for a property located at 2607 and 2611 Whitney Road. The application has been submitted to accommodate the proposed Wits End Adventure Park. This will be a recreational entertainment venue that will initially feature an outdoor paintball field and axe-throwing area. The LCLUR identifies entertainment and recreation facilities as a use by right in the CB zone district.

We received one email from a citizen on this item who lives in the area. They were concerned about the road due to added traffic from the proposed venue. As this was just a zoning change and met all requirements for approval, it was passed unanimously. The project still needs to undergo the site plan approval process; at that time, any items of concern will be addressed, including potential increased road traffic.

* Public hearing held regarding a subdivision permit and plat for Archer Estates, 12th Filing, located at 7655 Westedt Road. The proposed subdivision will create two (2) residential tracts from the parcel.  There was no public comment, and the item was approved.

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

July 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.

* Subrecipient agreement approved between Laramie County, WY, and Memorial Hospital of Laramie County dba Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for a $499,869.33 opioid settlement award to run through May 31, 2028.

* FY26 contract approved between WY Office of the Attorney General, Division of Victim Services, and Laramie County, WY, for the Sheriff's office Victim Services Program for $140,000 with matching funds not to exceed $50,000 to run through June 30, 2026. This is the yearly contract to provide victim services to the citizens of Laramie County through the Sheriff's Office.

* Memorandum of understanding (MOU) approved between Laramie County District Court, Laramie County Circuit Court, Laramie County, WY, and Laramie County Sheriff's office concerning security procedures for the Laramie County Governmental Complex.

* Contract modification approved between Laramie County, WY, and TC Solutions, LLC, in the amount of $$991,680.64 to allow TC Solutions, LLC, to continue to manage the Archer Sewer Connection Project.  This modification enables TC Solutions to continue managing the Archer Sewer Connection Project. The alignment of the sewer system has changed since the original Owner's Representative contract was signed. There is an additional mile of sanitary sewer and a direct connection to the City of Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities Treatment Plant. This modification will enable TC Solutions to continue managing the Archer Sewer Connection Project. The $991,680.84 represents the total cost of several ongoing projects, and the requested modification adds $27,060.00.

* Agreement approved for road maintenance between Laramie County, WY, and Banner County, NE, for maintenance of Laramie County Rd 164, also known as Banner County Rd 1, and also known as State Line Rd on a common boundary.

* Resolution approved adopting the County Personnel concealed carry policy.

* Resolution approved to prohibit open carry for all county buildings and facilities, effective July 1, 2025. This resolution is in response to the passage of House Bill 0172 during the last legislative session, which repealed "gun-free" zones. 

* Resolution approved to authorize Gunnar Malm or any acting Chair to the Board of County Commissioners for the execution of documents at the request of HUD and Cheyenne Housing Authority. This item explicitly addresses the anticipated transfer of real estate for the new Senior Center building at 4100 E. Pershing and the Fox Crest facility, located at 4125 Fox Court, which is currently under contract between the county and the Cheyenne Housing Authority.

* Resolution approved giving public notice of Laramie County's intent to amend the 2024 International Residential Code, Section R303.5.10 Interior Finish.

* Public hearing held regarding the adoption of the 2025 Laramie County Land Use Regulations (LUR). The vote on the LUR was postponed and moved to the July 15th Commissioners meeting.  This was done to ensure transparency, as several public comments were received after the Planning Commission had voted the previous Thursday at their regularly scheduled meeting to recommend approval by the Commissioners. The County Planning Director, Justin Arnold, wanted to consider the final comments.  Even though it was postponed, the Commission allowed any interested parties to speak on the item at this meeting. 

First, a bit of back story on this issue.  Every so many years, or as necessary, the LUR is reviewed and updated to reflect the growth and changes in Laramie County.  Great effort is taken to gather public comment and incorporate that feedback into the new rules.  This time was no different.  The proposed updates to the LUR have been in development for about two years before being rolled out to the public for discussion during numerous advertised public meetings.

The first meeting was held in January, at which hundreds of people attended to voice their concerns that the LUR was a land grab.  After each of these meetings, which lasted several hours, Director Arnold took the suggestions presented and, where feasible, incorporated them into the LUR document. With each iteration of the LUR during this process, the number of community members with concerns decreased. 

Fast forward to this meeting.  Between January and now, the number of concerned citizens has decreased to just a handful who are still unhappy with the final draft of the LUR.  Their concerns were varied, but I will summarize them.  Some still believed the proposed LUR is a land grab, some believed that government should have not say so if people's property is filled with trash or junked vehicles, one individual asked if we had considered sending out a Facebook poll to determine if the majority of Laramie County residents supported the new LUR and one gentleman stated that the LUR would in some way violate the US Constitution.  Regarding nuisance violations, which are enshrined in state statute, the county is required to enforce them. 

The new LUR is in no way a land grab and is deregulatory compared to the last version.  I'm unsure where to begin with the Constitutional concerns.  The LUR has been reviewed extensively by the County Attorney's Office, and it complies with all applicable state and federal guidelines. 

I completely understand that not everyone will be happy with every aspect of the new LUR, but it was created with good intentions and allowed for extensive public input. Is it perfect? No, but nothing is.  I will be voting to approve it when it comes before us again on July 15.

* Public hearing held to amend the unincorporated Laramie County zone district map and postponed to July 15.

* Public hearing held regarding a resolution adopting the Laramie County Planning and Development FY25/26 fee schedule and postponed to July 15.

* Public hearing held regarding a subdivision permit and plat for Star Gardens located at the northwest corner of Happy Jack Road and McDonald Road. The proposed subdivision will create three (3) residential tracts from the 22.00-acre parcel. No one from the public spoke on this issue, and it was approved.

* Public hearing held regarding a vacation of Tracts 19, 20, 26, Fedorrosa Ranchettes, and administrative plat known as Federrosa Ranchettes, 2nd Filing, located at 1962 and 1978 Road 120. The application would reconfigure the existing three tracts into three new tracts of land for ease of use around the floodplain. No one from the public spoke on this issue, and it was approved.

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