Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sheridan public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Asphalt recycling trailer purchase
A $95,651 trailer-mounted recycler would let street crews turn reclaimed millings into hot patch mix on-site, making permanent pothole and utility-cut repairs possible even in freezing weather. It also avoids firing up the main plant for tiny batches.
Sheridan Recreation District Rules and Regulations
The rec district's updated rules hit a snag over whether the board can remove appointed members and how payments must be signed off. Approval is postponed to December while the legal questions get sorted out.
Sheridan Area Water System agreement changes
Public hearings on changes to the water system's operating and ownership agreements start November 18 at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers — the chance to weigh in if you care about water governance.
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.
Rezoning of 26.30 acres to B-2 Business District
Sheridan College land near the future High Tech Business Park moves one step closer to B-2 Business zoning, opening it to a wider range of commercial uses. No public opposition, and one previously opposed councilmember changed his vote.
Fleet and Fire Apparatus Purchases (~$2.38M)
The city now has a full 393-asset inventory and a sinking-fund model to plan vehicle replacements — but council learned the long-term cost could be steep, and affordability remains an open question.
Quarterly payments to Sheridan Recreation District
The city pays the Sheridan Recreation District quarterly as part of a contractual obligation — this round covered July and October, totaling $172,920. These dollars support local recreation programs and facilities residents use.
Traffic concerns at Brundage Avenue and Sheridan Avenue
Resident Thomas Jones asked the council to consider a four-way stop at Brundage and Sheridan Avenue near the M&M Center, saying the approved Scott Street stop will just push more traffic onto Sheridan Avenue. Staff will review traffic counts and accident data.
Second quarter budget update
The city's first-ever quarterly budget review showed revenues and spending tracking right on pace with prior years, with police vehicles purchased early in the year and public benefit fund revenues behind pace but expected to catch up.
Pedestrian safety
A new 20 mph school zone would be created on Mydland Road between West 5th and Hillpond, and the city's three existing school zones would get upgraded solar flashers — about $50,000 total. Crosswalks remain a challenge until the West Haven development adds curb, gutter, and sidewalk.
All-way stop at North Scott Street and East Brundage Street
Seven crashes in each of the last two three-year windows triggered the state warrant for a four-way stop at a busy collector intersection. Drivers on Scott Street would have to stop for the first time.
Work Street bridge replacement traffic impacts
The WYDOT Work Street bridge replacement starts next week, with months of changed traffic patterns through July. Council Member Brantz raised resident concerns about backups if drivers shift to Park Street, and staff agreed to evaluate a possible no-left-turn restriction there.
Rezone of Yellowtail Drive corridor land from education/residential to business zoning
A 26-acre lot originally zoned for a Native American education campus that never got built could become a church site. The business zoning also keeps the parcel flexible if the church project falls through, matching the light-industrial growth along Yellowtail Drive.
Data center policy for Sheridan
Resident Sam Grover urged the council to start drafting a policy, possibly a moratorium, on data centers, citing water use, energy bills, noise and pollution problems in Cheyenne and elsewhere. The mayor noted no one has approached the city and the city proper likely lacks a suitable site.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Sheridan's code doesn't define ADUs and currently bars renting a detached unit to anyone outside the family or household staff — a real constraint as the city looks for housing tools. Staff floated options from a simple definition change to allowing detached ADU rentals with size, setback and design standards, and plan to fold the issue into the joint land use plan update this summer. Past public input was hostile, so expect outreach before anything changes.
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.
WYDOT Acceptance of East 5th Street
Trucks keep jumping the curb at Fifth and Main because the corner radius is too tight. The city is fixing that corner now, redesigning Fifth and Val Vista next, and planning a bridge deck replacement next summer that will detour truck traffic.
Black Tooth Business Park Final Plat
A 15-lot commercial/light industrial park on 53.72 acres could expand Sheridan's business base off Heartland Drive. Utility extensions and the improved Heartland Drive also set up future growth south of the site — but fire flow limitations and the single Dry Ranch Road access point remain concerns for the wider area.
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.
2026 Construction Season
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.
5th and Main Curb Reconstruction
The tight curb radius at 5th and Main has trucks bumping or even jumping the curb and driving over the ADA ramp. A $73,637.50 contract with SSR Construction will widen the radius to 44 feet this fall, funded by the extra penny sales tax.
Black Tooth Business Park subdivision
A 53.72-acre commercial subdivision at 3150 Heartland Drive is now officially platted into 15 lots, bringing new business development, roads, and utility extensions to the northeast part of town. Some western lots fall under entryway corridor design standards, and fire safety conditions tie future apartments or industrial uses to building a full second access road.
Distribution of ARPA Funds
The city has about $70,700 in interest earned on ARPA funds it could give to Habitat for Humanity, but council held off until after the election out of concern that the property tax and fifth-penny ballot measures could squeeze city finances.
Municipal Court Prosecuting Attorney Services
Municipal prosecutor Zach Leininger asked to switch from hourly billing to a flat $5,500 monthly fee — slightly less than his ~$5,600 monthly average — with penalties for missed court dates. Council members liked the predictability and want to keep him.
Dry Ranch Road emergency access bottleneck
One access point serves the whole Heartland Drive/Solutions Way/Dry Ranch Road area, and fire flow can't reach the highest lots. Improvements are coming with this subdivision, but a true second access depends on future deals with other property owners.
20 mph school zone beacon on Midland
Residents asked whether growth on the west side warrants a traffic light and pressed for a safe crossing so kids can reach Hill Pond and school. A signal warrant study is in draft, staff said it's not yet warranted, and the city recently made Midland a school zone.
Domestic violence services and victim support funding
The Advocacy & Resource Center served about 238 victims last year and took 1,212 hotline calls, but says housing costs and scarce mental health providers are its biggest hurdles — a single mom of two needs about $32/hour to live comfortably here.
Diagonal Parking on North Connor Street
A developer is building a three-story, six-unit apartment building at 260 East Brundage and will fund five new diagonal public parking spaces on Connor Street. Council liked the public-private partnership but flagged concerns about parking near the alley.
Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety
Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 4-10 with a 'charge into fire safety' theme — think e-bikes, power tools, and phone chargers. The fire marshal warns cheap off-brand batteries are a real fire risk and recommends a station open house Oct. 10.
2026 Crushing Project — Recycled Aggregate Saves $119,000
Instead of paying about $183,000 to buy crushed aggregate, the city spends $64,125 crushing its own stockpiled concrete and asphalt at the landfill — roughly a third of the cost, funded by the optional one-cent tax.
Alison Minor 2 Subdivision
A lot split at First Avenue West and Wetlands Drive clears the way for two future multifamily lots. One resident asked how parking would be handled, but plans aren't set yet — access details get worked out at building permit.
Food insecurity in Sheridan County
Food Bank of Wyoming says more than 15.5% of Sheridan County — nearly 5,000 people — face food insecurity, a ten-year high. The city proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month to rally support.
2026 Crushing Project at the Landfill
Instead of paying about $183,000 to buy crushed aggregate, the city spends $64,125 crushing its own stockpiled concrete and asphalt at the landfill — roughly a third of the cost, funded by the optional one-cent tax.
Police and Fleet Vehicle Purchases
Fire, landfill and streets departments are all running vehicles that are 18 to 21 years old — one with a rusted-out frame. New trucks cost $176,512 total.
Cloud Peak Ranch 15-A rezone
Nine-forty Cubby Run Road is now rezoned so the owner can run an outdoor storage yard for boats and RVs, with possible indoor storage later. The neighbor next door is fine with it since it's the same owner as the existing storage facility nearby.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation
The plant handles 4.3 million gallons a day and has room for 20+ years of growth, but key equipment needs replacing. The recommended bid comes in under budget thanks to competitive bidding.
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.
Municipal Code Amendments (Ordinances 2304-26 and 2305-26)
Modernized rules require secondhand dealers to keep digital transaction records so police can track stolen goods. A new council appeal process was added after concerns the rules could sweep in consignment and antique shops.
Municipal code updates on alcohol, camping, tobacco and pawn shops
Two ordinances on final reading tightened rules on giving alcohol to minors, camping on public property, tobacco age and fines, and pawn shop recordkeeping — the pawn ordinance was scaled back to cover only pawn shops after pushback.
High Eagle Minor Subdivision Final Plat
The Council was scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider Resolution 17-26 approving the final plat of the High Eagle minor subdivision.
City water supply and pressure concerns
Council members raised worries about water pressure in Osprey Hill and long-term water supply. A utilities presentation on water capacity is expected next week.
Falcons Nest 2 Minor Subdivision Final Plat
Applicants want to split 30.46 acres into three lots in an R-1 residential zone near Kingfisher Ave and Pheasant Draw Rd. The hearing was postponed when the commission couldn't muster a quorum — neighbors will have to wait until August 24.
Water and sewer capacity for approved subdivisions
Council members raised worries about water pressure in Osprey Hill and long-term water supply. A utilities presentation on water capacity is expected next week.
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.
Deannexation of 1.5 Acres at 4672 Coffeen Avenue
A landowner wanted 1.5 acres pulled out of the city to do a lot-line adjustment with a county neighbor, but council members worried it creates a county island surrounded by city land. Access and drainage problems on Trout Lane were at the heart of the dispute.
Falcons Nest 2 easement and Osprey Hill secondary access
Residents of Osprey Hill fear the new 60-foot easement through Falcons Nest 2 will become a connector road bringing traffic through their quiet neighborhood. Staff says it preserves a long-required secondary access and can shrink or disappear when Lot 2 develops.
City Code Revisions (Ordinance No. 2302-26)
The city has issued special event permits for years without a written policy — meaning no leverage when applicants push back. This ordinance builds the framework into code and tightens mobile food vendor rules, including naming all vendors on event permits.
Doubleday Sports Complex funding and water rights
The community sports complex finally has kids on its first ball field, but needs $2-2.5 million to finish the first four fields after several grants dried up. Water rights and irrigation access still need formalizing.
Story House five-acre parcel without utilities or fire access
The developer wants to sell a remote five-acre corner of 130 acres with no road, water, or sewer extension — the nearest connection is half a mile away. Staff and the city administrator said that fails basic subdivision and fire-code standards and could invite serial carve-outs.