Josh Hanson

Key discussions included a 2025 4th Quarter update from the Cheyenne County Chamber. The Council approved the Street Improvement Project Bid for $1,148,325.00 to Mark Chrisman Trucking, with a June 2026 start date. The council agreed to proceed with advertising bids for the Northside Park Revitalization project, which is significantly funded by external commissions. A new member, Jennifer Halligan, was appointed to the Historical Preservation Board. Furthermore, a one-year extension was approved for the CDBG -- Downtown Revitalization Request. The Federal Transit Administration Title VI program overview was presented, noting 38,378 rides in the previous year. An ordinance (Ordinance 1887) regarding the codification of ordinances was passed after waiving the three readings. The session concluded with executive sessions where contract negotiations led to the advancement of Kim Phillips as City Clerk at $30.15 an hour.

Key discussions included advocacy regarding the Panhandle Frontier Finds event, a presentation on advisory versus governing structures for the Western Library Systems, and consideration of appointments to advisory committees. The Council approved the reappointment of Amanda Popp and the appointment of Nathan Schumacher to the Economic Development Citizen's Advisory Committee, while declining a Housing Authority Board application based on jurisdiction rules. Authorization was granted to put old generators from the Downtown Power Plant up for competitive bid. The purchase of a used Cimline Crack Seal machine was approved using budgeted funds. A significant portion of the meeting involved clarifying the governance structure of the Library Board; a motion was passed to table the matter to seek a legal opinion on Chapters 16 and 51 of state statutes, as the Library Director argued that state law mandates a governing board structure that the current local ordinance partially reflects. The January 2026 Budget Reports and corresponding claims were approved. Furthermore, it was noted that the City was not selected for the US Department of Transportation SS4A Grant, and updates were provided on upcoming police training and street department projects.

The Mayor and Council meeting involved several key administrative and operational decisions. Council approved the appointment of Dennis Cheatham to the Board of Adjustments. A resolution was approved concerning a waiver for Valarie Grilli to park a truck at her residence in a residential zone. Further resolutions were passed to update authorized signatories and delegates on the city banking accounts and facsimile signatures, removing previous City Manager and City Clerk and adding the Interim City Manager and Deputy Clerk. The Council accepted a bid from John Lessman for $26,500 for the purchase of a 2002 John Deere Front Wheel Loader. Economic Development updates included putting Rural Workforce housing on hold and discussing drawdowns for LB 840 funds. Updates were also provided on building official activities, including Certificates of Occupancy issued and the status of the Les Schwab project, as well as the completion status of the annual audit.

The meeting included the approval of previous minutes from July 21, 2025 (with no nays) and July 28, 2025 (approved as amended). A public hearing was held regarding an amendment to a conditional use permit for Banister Leadership's 501C3 after school program. The primary issue discussed was the requirement for a fence and the use of an outdoor play area, which was contingent on the area being an emergency exit and the original intention of the permit. Following discussion, the Commission approved a modified conditional use permit, removing the fence requirement and eliminating the allowance for an outdoor play area.

The key discussion involved a public hearing regarding an application from Valarie Grilli for a waiver to park trucks in a residential R2 zone at 1742 Osage Street. The commission debated the number of trucks and trailers permitted and concerns related to weight and traffic. After initial voting, a motion was approved to limit the waiver to two tractor parking spaces with no trailers, which will be recommended to the City Council for their January meeting. The meeting also included the approval of the minutes from the October 20, 2025, session.