The Mayor’s Minute from Mayor Patrick Collins – Nov. 22, 2024

Published on November 22, 2024

I started the week attending the Joint Transportation Committee of the Legislature. As we know, both WYDOT and the municipalities in our state are struggling to find the necessary funding to maintain our roadway systems. They are currently in a preservation mode due to the funding challenges. The committee voted to support bills to provide WYDOT with significant additional funding that will help our state’s transportation system for years to come. I really enjoy watching these meetings and have so much appreciation for the folks who work so hard for the residents of our state.

I attended the first NCO induction ceremony at the base. I was surprised to learn they had over 70 young men and women who had earned their staff sergeant stripe and it was a packed house by those who came to celebrate with them. Watching them come up individually to get their recognition and hear the support of their squadrons was a great way to spend the afternoon. It is amazing that so many young people today make the decision to serve our country in our armed forces. Congratulations on your new ranks and thank you for your continued service!

I also attended the Joint Revenue Committee meeting at the Capitol. I went to testify against a bill I believe would be devastating to Cheyenne and the other communities in Laramie County. 25LSO-0173 or Tax Reform 2025 would add two more pennies to our sales tax and reduce our property taxes at the same time. My concern is the voters of Laramie County have been so supportive of the investments in our communities with the 5th and 6th penny sales taxes and moving our tax rate to 8% is not something I think our residents are eager to support. Without our optional sales taxes, we would have no money for road repairs, equipment and vehicles for our police and fire departments, and the other capital construction projects you have supported for decades now. Thankfully, the committee chose not to support this bill.

I have received a number of complaints from residents who have been frustrated by a utility company that started construction in their neighborhood without the required notification. Coming home to find the right-of-way in the front of your yard torn up without notice is very frustrating. I called the company into the office so our staff could review the expectations we all have for how this process could go. I am happy to report that the company understands the expectations and are rededicating themselves to the customer service we all expect from contractors working around our homes.

We started an orientation program for our two new City Council members this week. Kathy Emmons, who will represent Ward II, and Mark Moody, who will represent Ward III, are going to be joining us twice a week for the next two months to meet with each City department. Jennifer in the City Council office created a great book with so much information that I know will help the new council members make the transition into their new office much smoother. I appreciate Kathy and Mark taking the time to learn about our city processes and people before being sworn in Jan. 6. This week was the orientation for the Mayor’s Office, City Attorney, and Human Resources.

Jason Sanchez, the director of our CRE department, gave an update to Chief of Staff Amber Ash and I on the status of many of their projects. The gymnastics building is making great progress, and the biggest news is the road to the Ice and Events Center and gymnastics building has now been paved. The master plan for the 70-year-old Johnson Pool is getting close to completion. The 6th Penny sales tax funded the plan, and I hope we will be able to find a way to fund the actual replacement of the pool. The Depot renovations are progressing well, and the new patio, café, fencing, and bathroom upgrades will be done soon. I am also excited to share that the gyms in our new BEAST Recreation Center are full of kids playing basketball and volleyball and not-so-young kids playing pickleball. Having a facility to program seven days a week is a game changer for our recreation program.

Commissioner Malm invited me to lunch this week so we could get caught up on projects we have mutual interest in. Much of our time was spent discussing the upcoming legislative session and discussing bills that may affect our governing bodies. I shared my concern that the actions planned will negatively impact our revenues and budget. Dell Range Boulevard is scheduled for a big upgrade east of College Drive to Whitney Road, and we discussed how Summit Drive will need to be upgraded as a detour while the construction project is going on. It is amazing how many challenges come up when you are planning big projects like these.

Thunder Plains is a horse racing track proposed east of Cheyenne. The team stopped by with a video shot from a drone showing the progress they have made on the track. They have moved 376,000 cubic feet of dirt in the process. The full mile-long track will include a polo field in the middle. I have never been to a horse race or a polo match. I hope Thunder Plains will allow me to attend both in the future. They have more work to get the track licensed, but I appreciate the update on their progress.

The State of Wyoming is doing a master plan for the area around the Capitol. I am pleased they have included me in many of the meetings as their plans will need our cooperation and collaboration. This week, most of the discussion was about parking for state employees and how any potential changes to Downtown parking may affect them. The state has many artifacts in storage and the plans on how a path of honor could be constructed to display them is part of the master planning process. The newly renovated Capitol is such a jewel in our community. I am equally excited by the plans for additional investments and what they will do for our tourism efforts and beautification downtown.

The Kiwanis Club invited me to do a presentation on what is happening in Cheyenne. I was pleased to update them on our City Council goals, public safety upgrades, Critical Traffic Control Area program, challenges with water and housing, indoor recreation, and our financial position. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and they served turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. It was a great luncheon, thank you!

I am proud of our Planning Department and the changes they have made to our Unified Development Code to encourage more housing developments in Cheyenne. We have some developers who are planning to take advantage of the new regulations and build some smaller single-family homes on smaller lots, which means more affordable and attainable homes. Our team is working on how to make it all work with the utilities, roads, and the like.

My last event was the Children’s Museum reception for sponsors and supporters. My dad and I attended and were blown away by the huge turnout and by the almost-finished museum. The very best part was seeing the kids and their excitement as they enjoyed different exhibits. I am so proud of the board and the volunteers who have spent the past 11 years working to make this museum happen. They were told “no” so many times, cried a few tears, and got back to work. Another small group of people making a tremendous impact in our city. The tears this night were tears of joy. Look to the new year when the museum will be ready for the public.