Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sheridan public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues with low priority
Sheridan airport flight expansion
Four extra flights a week start in January, with three daily flights by June — plus lit bollards, completed taxiways, and a bigger de-icing area at the airport.
Planning Commission vacancy after Morneau resignation
Commissioner Morneau has resigned, leaving an open seat on the commission. The position is being advertised and the city is looking to fill it.
Building activity and construction trends
The building division reported a strong season: 138 major permits, nearly 800 simple permits, and 1,940 inspections from March through September, with notable projects including the Sheridan College science center and a student-built house.
Whitney Benefits Right-of-Way Dedication
Whitney Benefits proposed dedicating a permanent 60-foot right-of-way to the city — land the city could use for roads or public infrastructure as that area develops.
Recycling rumors and public communication
A rumor that all city recycling goes to the landfill spread on social media. Staff explained only certain plastics (3-7) and glass genuinely have no market and end up landfilled, and a new Canadian broker may soon allow 100% plastic bottle recycling. Council asked for a public presentation.
Removed item: Story House Minor Subdivision
Resolution 16-26, the Story House Minor Subdivision No. 1, was pulled from the agenda at the applicant's request and was not considered.
Lewis Street utility trench work
Mayor Bridger raised concerns about a blocked street segment that's snarled traffic for over a week with school starting. Staff said the private utility work should wrap up this week.
Phorge Makerspace Community Programming and Funding
The downtown makerspace serves 250+ kids this year, teaches welding to CAD, and offers free memberships to foster families and veterans — but its founding state grant is gone and it's grant-writing to survive while seeking GPAP funds.
Storage Sheds and Shipping Containers in Public Right of Way
Council Member Weitzel raised whether a shed on skids can sit in the street right of way, and noted shipping containers parked at curbs. Staff said enforcement is complaint-based and no code specifically addresses shipping containers — a possible loophole to review.
Disabled American Veterans Day Proclamation
July 10, 2026 is officially DAV Day in Sheridan. Chapter 9 will collect donations at Grinnell Plaza before the rodeo parade to support local disabled veterans and their families.
Skate Park Request Follow-Up
A resident, Zach Hauk, asked about his skate park letter; there's been no progress. Council asked staff to follow up with the group.
Public comment on nonprofits and protest rally
A resident objected that taxpayer-supported nonprofits appeared at a 'No Kings' protest rally in March and asked the council to ensure grant recipients are not identified with such events in the future.
Public safety dispatchers recognized
The council proclaimed April 12–18 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring the ten dispatchers who handled about 35,000 calls last year as the county's 24-hour 911 center.
2026 Community Clean-up and Free Landfill Day
Trees for Trash and the community cleanup happen May 2, with free landfill day moved to September 26. Both city and county residents can participate, and the county helps pay for the events.
Landfill punch cards mailed to all city households
The city is mailing landfill coupon cards to every mailing address in city limits — not just utility account holders as before. Lost cards won't be replaced, so keep yours handy; the card itself is now the tracker, no computer system needed.
YMCA parking lot funding
Mayor Bridger is heading to Casper to support the YMCA's bid for state funding to update its parking lot.
Liquor license actions downtown and on Whitney Lane
Smith Alley Brewing gets a full bar-and-grill license, and two existing licenses change hands on paper only — same owners, new LLC names.
Smith Alley Brewing full-bar license
Smith Alley Brewing wants a bar and grill license to serve hard alcohol and wine alongside its microbrewery license. Sheridan would use its fifth of ten available bar and grill licenses.
Black Mountain Nordic winter recreation
The nonprofit grooms 30+ miles of free winter trails countywide, bought a new groomer with $10,000 in city funds, and launched youth ski programs with schools and the YMCA. Council members debated whether trail users should pay fees instead of relying on tax-funded grants.
2026 WYO Winter Rodeo Funding
The council was to consider allocating up to $5,000 to support the 2026 WYO Winter Rodeo, a community event.