[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6677428,"mediaKeyId","2215942-885f2fecbec37558d68e489d72e5c2d0","parentId",2215942,"title","Sheridan council clears second reading to rezone Coffeen Avenue property for Wyoming Downs; debate over spot zoning continues","audioSeconds",3118,"startMs",1903000,"endMs",5021000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2215942-885f2fecbec37558d68e489d72e5c2d0&start=1903&end=5021","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2215942-885f2fecbec37558d68e489d72e5c2d0/thumbnail_1903000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6677428/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/Sheridan-council-clears-second-reading-to-rezone-Coffeen-Avenue-property-for-Wyoming-Downs-debate-over-spot-zoning-continues","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677428-298ee0d0d11ea660c057e3cce6a7e726/orig.mp4?Expires=1775708261&Signature=mDMI6QPpr-VoKAMty9bb-6rexXjOtq9bVmQjmMzW1eKiD91lMH6TMc5rTZWq-yGwT3dQEjwWooO3AQrkEUQ8J1jdQ9~zVEB5qqQKyjxQfRpXhrjL80x6XONog3uokPSlLcsY-Ztmb62TVgJiOQhFfzT23PWaWcoJTCT9uJh-n0npIS1i7r8cs96kX2KxSSBI3dzLFYsGBPCnuMXejBTjkg8offYqzRgNvvNMEDC2IlXPwPdMbTXo~1OdRmTPzRe5J2p0BfoqG~mar47SwiXiFbxKChEXtAIYGEQejQcVDWznjmUTxsbD9GeihD6BVxoEO5EvTrhfCnzA4Gq5tIwm6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sheridan","date","2025-02-03T00:00:00Z","article","Sheridan City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2291 (PL 24‑35) on Feb. 3, moving a request by Wyoming Downs to rezone property at 927 Coffeen Avenue from B‑1 (business) to M‑1 (industrial) forward to a third reading Feb. 18. The council recorded six votes in favor and one opposed.

The rezone request was filed after planning staff flagged a building permit and an earlier liquor‑license transfer that identified “gambling” as the primary use, which staff said was not permitted in the B‑1 district. City Planner Kelly Schroeder told the council the rezone was the applicant’s path to bring the property into compliance. “Planning is now included in, the review of any liquor license applications so that we can, catch these things before they get to this point,” Schroeder said.

Why it matters: opponents said the change would create a small M‑1 island surrounded by B‑1 property along Coffeen Avenue and could set a precedent for spot rezoning in an area that the city has been working to keep free of heavy industrial uses. Legacy Pregnancy Center submitted a letter of opposition; its director, Marine Metcalfe, told the council Legacy had not negotiated a fence with Wyoming Downs and pushed back on what she described as a conditional offer. “Legacy is not nor have we been in negotiations with Wyoming Downs for a fence,” Metcalfe said. She added that an offer that would allow the applicant to “control the size, proximity, contractor, and the type of material” was not acceptable to Legacy.

Applicant and supporters said the rezoning is practical given surrounding M‑1 zoning nearby and the applicant’s planned investment in the site. Casey Terrell, attorney for Wyoming Downs, said the company is putting money into renovations and argued M‑1 is the correct zoning if the city interprets B‑1 as excluding the proposed use. “Wyoming Downs is investing, I think, north of $1,500,000 in renovating this property,” Terrell said. Project manager Dusty Korn said Wyoming Downs’ general counsel will attend the third reading on Feb. 18.

Planning process and public notice: Schroeder reviewed the city’s rezone notice procedures and said the city published legal ads as required by state statute and mailed courtesy notices to property owners within 300 feet (the city said the owner list comes from county assessor records and may include PO boxes or out‑of‑area addresses). She also noted planning commission recommended approval after a January public hearing; the city reported it mailed notices to 16 surrounding property owners and received one written opposition from Legacy Pregnancy Center.

Fence dispute: The applicant offered to provide a privacy fence as a mitigation measure; Terrell said the company offered up to $30,000 for a six‑foot vinyl fence to address privacy concerns. Legacy provided the council a separate estimate indicating a more extensive fence and landscape solution it said could cost about $150,000; Legacy said the two sides were not negotiating. Terrell said Wyoming Downs remains willing to discuss options. “If it would make Legacy happy, we could consider talking about it. I don’t have authority to say that we would definitely do it one way or another,” he said.

Council concern and vote: Councilors discussed whether the change would amount to spot zoning and whether the existing split zoning on adjacent parcels affects the analysis. Opponents pointed to the property’s proximity to Coffeen Elementary School; one speaker noted the property is “less than 500 feet away” from the school. After extended discussion and public comment from Legacy Pregnancy Center, a supporter of Legacy and the applicant, the council approved the second reading and scheduled the third reading for Feb. 18.

What’s next: The ordinance will return for a third reading and final consideration on Feb. 18. If rezoned to M‑1, the city said pending updates to the M‑1 regulations would require heavy industrial uses to obtain a special exemption from the Board of Adjustment and meet findings of fact intended to limit incompatible uses.

Votes at a glance: Second reading of PL 24‑35 / Ordinance 2291 (Wyoming Downs, 927 Coffeen Ave.) — motion approved; roll‑call votes recorded as: Council member Wood: yes; Council member Lumen: yes; Council member Weitzel: yes; Council member Patzak: no; Council member Brance: yes; Council member Lightnam: yes; Mayor Bridger: yes. Third reading scheduled Feb. 18.

Community context: The council and planning staff said the rezone request has stretched existing local debate about M‑1 uses along Coffeen Avenue and how to address future land‑use transitions in the corridor. Several councilors said they will continue to review the pending M‑1 code revisions and consider neighborhood impacts before the final vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sheridan - City Council - Regular - Feb 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Sheridan City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2291 (PL 24‑35), allowing the rezoning of 927 Coffeen Ave. from B‑1 to M‑1 to permit the Wyoming Downs gambling use; the measure passed on a 6‑1 vote and is scheduled for a third reading Feb. 18.","taxTitle","Sheridan, Sheridan County, Wyoming","taxId",68760,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6677411,"Council adopts Sheridan Fire Rescue master plan and authorizes $500,000 mineral‑royalty grant application for engine replacement",2063,5402000,7465000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2215942-885f2fecbec37558d68e489d72e5c2d0&start=5402&end=7465","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2215942-885f2fecbec37558d68e489d72e5c2d0/thumbnail_5402000.jpg","/articles/6677411/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/Council-adopts-Sheridan-Fire-Rescue-master-plan-and-authorizes-500000-mineralroyalty-grant-application-for-engine-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677411-327e9c073f76a9df64679815298d7b01/orig.mp4?Expires=1775708261&Signature=VV~~DJv-RalE6tFTVj0J4TWZO~e~twBURJ8nfPodV-n-rmDs3Cvpe-57vF69SK5aYhpJ1TSgE3ZCfBP8ANGfc~xnm-265-7rw4uSlBZdCpOqwMJJWg4abGdRwZDXBJ0c-tmskVWVKOePADVvfD5q5g3My42nhgKVrs1ng14EgOSAso1P93RWXuveKTiWBav1FFw0dsSqm8JHgNKktNVRAgfZD~ymAgd5fFm4-ekFUEvcM6ti0wxGoYulGupMHN0LNws-s6W~9j8yYsr5fDohwOa6TX3YneZPskki8A7B0r14xQIwrPAQyowfOLfhXRWCWvfGDRFtXb5BS-p64sVUOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sheridan City Council approved a long‑range master plan for Sheridan Fire Rescue and authorized staff to apply for a $500,000 mineral‑royalty grant (MRG) to offset the cost of replacing aging apparatus, the council decided on Feb. 3.

Master plan adoption: Fire Chief Gary Harnish presented the department’s master plan — a multi‑year guidance document the department and consultant Emergency Services Consulting International prepared after a nearly year‑long process. The plan’s long‑term recommendations include establishing “a long term staffing strategy to achieve a minimum effective response force of 9 firefighters daily,” developing an apparatus‑replacement plan, establishing funding for a training facility and studying optimal fire‑station locations. “The master plan will serve as the guiding document for the department's planning and budgeting,” Harnish told council.

Council discussion emphasized fiscal constraints and implementation sequencing. Councilors asked how the plan’s multi‑year recommendations would be phased given uncertain future revenues; staff emphasized the master plan is a planning guide and that specific, budgeted requests would return to council for approval. One councilor asked staff to present a short‑term implementation plan for what the department would pursue in the first year; staff said they would evaluate that request.

MRG grant for apparatus: Chief Harnish also asked the council to authorize submission of an MRG application for $500,000 toward the purchase of a replacement engine (the department’s two engines are 16 years old and rated fair/poor). Harnish said new engines have long lead times and the total replacement cost could reach $1.2–$1.3 million; the MRG program requires a 100% local match so the city would provide the balance. “The city will need to match grant funds a 100%,” Harnish said, adding the city may need to provide additional funds above the match for equipment and outfitting. The council authorized submission of the application and instructed staff that any award and associated agreement would be presented to council for approval prior to execution.

Council action and next steps: Council members voted to adopt the master plan (resolution 06‑25) and to authorize the MRG application (resolution 04‑25). Both votes were approved by the council; the chief said staff will return with specific budget requests if the department pursues apparatus procurement.

Context and constraints: Councilors and the chief discussed the department’s staffing history, station capacity and apparatus size constraints (the current station’s door headers limit some modern vehicles). Several councilors and the chief emphasized the plans aim to balance safety, fiscal responsibility and grant opportunities.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 06‑25 (Adopt Sheridan Fire Rescue long‑range master plan) — approved (voice vote). Resolution 04‑25 (Authorize submission of MRG application for $500,000 toward new fire apparatus) — approved (voice vote).","The council approved a long‑range master plan for Sheridan Fire Rescue and authorized submission of a $500,000 mineral royalty grant (MRG) application to help replace aging apparatus. The plan recommends steps including a goal of a nine‑person minimum daily staffing level and apparatus replacement planning.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6677414,"City accepts Teal Springs subdivision infrastructure and Outlaw Commercial Park water/sewer mains; one‑year warranty begins",302,6060000,6362000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2215942-885f2fecbec37558d68e489d72e5c2d0&start=6060&end=6362","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2215942-885f2fecbec37558d68e489d72e5c2d0/thumbnail_6060000.jpg","/articles/6677414/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/City-accepts-Teal-Springs-subdivision-infrastructure-and-Outlaw-Commercial-Park-watersewer-mains-oneyear-warranty-begins","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677414-4c215c939c0b00a28426f30f73e658d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775708261&Signature=gzU4TK9QXqP7KgW9eLvpDCkMpKN9ujGD-jOjgnvPRNj2nrjnZu6UEm08Xn1hTVfLlhIlC9oA5s-RG2-rxnIuDT5QHToTvzaXV83uWvlt~Gesau8IwRfFmkOOvFnppB2ygvK7ypHX02SgyxOvAswvK3Pr6rHkajs5gf4nHwfTFZ8Mvs4wPi3sDN0mJBS3YuzvefnGtumrXGAEa-GvKxjCp8zF708tSdCRAKhOQ1epQwhjehQHE5~8ED9EyTrSVJtgBuGyMnZjNpp2DVGzFLMYN47Zwx4QDo~Nm5RnBU100z43lY96D5aY3iw2IDjM0mieRf-4PFxPC-L39fC~KCjMmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sheridan City Council approved final acceptance of public infrastructure for the Teal Springs subdivision and the Outlaw Commercial Park water and sewer mains during its Feb. 3 meeting, transferring ownership to the city and starting the contractors’ one‑year warranty period.

Teal Springs details: Public works staff described the Teal Springs installation as including “over 3,000 feet of 8‑inch water main, 7 fire hydrants, 24,100 feet of 8‑inch sanitary sewer, 16 manholes, 152 feet of box culverts and drainage infrastructure, 35,100 foot of roadway, and 1,260 foot of 10‑foot wide concrete pathways,” and said the work was inspected against the city’s adopted construction standards. Project manager Hans (Owens) told the council the final acceptance would begin the one‑year warranty period for the developer and transfer ongoing maintenance to the utilities department.

Outlaw Commercial Park: Council also took final acceptance of the Outlaw Commercial Park water and sewer mains. Public works staff said both infrastructure projects underwent required testing and inspection and that the city’s project managers and engineers oversaw construction to ensure conformance with the approved plans.

Warranty and next steps: Public works staff clarified the one‑year warranty period begins at final completion and ownership transfer; the city will monitor the utilities and manage warranty claims during that period. Council approved both acceptances by voice vote; no additional conditions or budget actions were recorded during the meeting.

Votes at a glance: Final acceptance — Teal Springs subdivision infrastructure: approved by council voice vote. Final acceptance — Outlaw Commercial Park water and sewer mains: approved by council voice vote.","Council voted to accept final public infrastructure for Teal Springs subdivision and for the Outlaw Commercial Park water and sewer mains, starting the one‑year warranty period and transferring operation responsibility to city utilities.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6677419,"Uprising tells council about expanded anti‑trafficking education and regional training conference",584,1082000,1666000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2215942-885f2fecbec37558d68e489d72e5c2d0&start=1082&end=1666","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2215942-885f2fecbec37558d68e489d72e5c2d0/thumbnail_1082000.jpg","/articles/6677419/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/Uprising-tells-council-about-expanded-antitrafficking-education-and-regional-training-conference","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677419-5eea245f7ea1ed4190660937832ed5c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775708261&Signature=htolAI3JgiyvvLAk-lj2v~3bU5pK7ECzah2dWqjuHcWEkGJqDWTKz38Woi73rSCigYXWeCerwZWKDIsr~wGSLbocLGHQycQR2hQr25hV5sGOfZuiKwiLU1prdEWJJQFy56ZzGfuP2vrgdYijXJ67mgPx2LZbYDKQTpg3a5AtybyoMnO9Ta3dA8YOM4ItMDgV9DjEpsRJGKsV7h~ENnpHZPs~xOTDQhAG8TCzd4r3RINSD6wjPdmS-gHgRhQWiqPqmWrA-x2EOWfqgbpJGCTFUa1BovU-kn4~uFmbFmyLJpVEVFCQ7jumddI9~-iYVbbp4uN8gVgKlFyE1g5DUKt0FA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of Uprising briefed the council on Feb. 3 about the organization’s prevention education and training work in Sheridan County and the region, including school presentations, adult trainings and a growing regional conference.

Presenters and programs: Terry Markham, director of Uprising, introduced teacher Jessica Pickett and student leader Faith, who described classroom prevention work and the organization’s youth empowerment program. Pickett recounted a classroom incident that prompted greater attention to online grooming and said it led her to join Uprising’s board. “That was the first kind of red flag that went off in my head because I don't know too many 14 year old boys with credit cards,” Pickett said.

Scope of services: Markham told council Uprising is the state’s primary provider for human‑trafficking training referrals and has expanded to provide law‑enforcement and first‑responder training through a state contract. He said the group delivered hundreds of trainings statewide in 2024 and runs a youth prevention program (YEP) that sends trained teens into schools and community events. Youth leader Faith described a peer‑to‑peer session that drew about 22 teens.

Conference and train‑the‑trainer work: Markham said Uprising is scaling a training‑of‑trainers program to build local capacity for youth prevention education across 4–6 communities and is partnering with the Wyoming and Montana attorney general offices to expand an annual training conference that has drawn representatives from multiple states. “We expect that we're probably gonna get a, a bump up in registration this year and maybe a new crowd,” Markham said, noting the conference is being moved to Montana this year to reflect cross‑border caseloads.

Funding and local activity: Markham said local GPET (General Purpose Excise Tax) funds support Uprising’s school‑based prevention work in Sheridan County, and he thanked the council for that support. The organization also runs adult trainings for service providers, counselors and others; Markham said roughly 35 trainings were held in Sheridan County in 2024 and that Uprising delivered several thousand trainings statewide.

No council action was requested. Councilors thanked the presenters and acknowledged the organization’s expanding regional role.","Uprising, the regional human‑trafficking prevention nonprofit, described school and professional training programs, youth leadership work and plans to expand a regional training conference in partnership with state attorney general offices.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6677424,"Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Bighorns reports 30 years of local building, launches land‑trust project",932,208000,1140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2215942-885f2fecbec37558d68e489d72e5c2d0&start=208&end=1140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2215942-885f2fecbec37558d68e489d72e5c2d0/thumbnail_208000.jpg","/articles/6677424/Sheridan/Sheridan-County/Wyoming/Habitat-for-Humanity-of-the-Eastern-Bighorns-reports-30-years-of-local-building-launches-landtrust-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677424-6499b3d40af709bf4af836fecc886ad7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775708261&Signature=DrQagqTGYlujGkshJx6WaxXt-1F9sg-BudUw0fsH-G0E6eF2iwj08yvhKOxFUsdymGvnSm7dYFomvk5j9D4EHykIxRAZabTv4NsIB024jPB~GknJPNRGIBo8Ap87qYDzTcUXS1AHUmCG5KVlUj4~JjSdL8QEXFVr2hVoxOVUz~DKvLs~REgQ8sCAXN8Lt1tZy3ZTjNO7yTXeJpZD7AzlqC6kGn6Wkq72ZmAmfVKVKtoQ~5LgLkSYpKgWPmwt5cu3xLA~5Atb-Nk4gKIKydchl6AXUmPCLjPHLRRxUFvJQUWgRYw2whNTK~aWFiR9qC0H8ggMYVSuIWhfyqbVO62fFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Bighorns outlined a series of local housing initiatives to Sheridan’s mayor and council on Feb. 3, reporting three decades of work in Sheridan County and new projects aimed at expanding affordable homeownership and repairs.

The presentation: Johnny Law, director of operations standing in for the usual presenter, summarized the nonprofit’s local record and plans. “Our mission at Habitat is building homes, community, and hope in Sheridan County,” Law said. He told the council Habitat has operated in the county for about 30 years and has built 47 homes in that period.

Land trust and homeownership: Law described a new community land‑trust project north of town intended to preserve permanent affordability. Under the plan applicants would be households with incomes in a range the presenter described as roughly 80–120 percent of area median income who live or work in Sheridan; the land trust would retain ownership of the land while buyers finance structures on leased ground. Law said the ground lease would be “about $50 a month” and that applicants would seek their own mortgage financing. He said selection would use a points system and that the first three units on the site are being built by Stonemill; an RFP for the remaining 27 homes was set to close on Feb. 7.

Repair program and restore operations: Law also described a relaunch of Habitat’s critical home‑repair program aimed at low‑income households; the program will target health and safety repairs and require a volunteer contribution and a small payment schedule with partial forgiveness if payments are completed. Law said the Habitat Restore — the nonprofit’s resale and diversion operation — generated about $275,000 in gross revenue in 2024, diverted an estimated 55,000 items from landfill and served more than 7,000 customers.

Costs and selection: Discussing construction costs, Law said the three homes being built by Stonemill are estimating a construction cost of “about 285” (thousand dollars). In response to council questions he said Area Median Income (AMI) guidance is set by HUD; for a family of four he said the AMI figure the organization used was about $115,000 (based on the 2024 HUD numbers the group currently uses). Law told council the land trust product would likely be sold at about 80 percent of market value and said Habitat is working with local lenders on mortgage options for buyers.

Next steps: Habitat is continuing work on the land‑trust site (foundations and framing were underway), pursuing proposals for the next phases of construction, and plans to ramp up a home‑repair program currently aiming for roughly 10 repairs this year. Law said the nonprofit will share its annual report and contact information with the council for further follow‑up.

Context: The presentation was delivered as a community update; no formal council action was requested or recorded on the item.","Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Bighorns told the council it has built 47 homes in the county over 30 years, is developing a land trust to keep housing permanently affordable, relaunching a home repair program and seeking proposals to build 27 additional homes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sheridan council clears second reading to rezone Coffeen Avenue property for Wyoming Downs; debate over spot zoning continues

Council adopts Sheridan Fire Rescue master plan and authorizes $500,000 mineral‑royalty grant application for engine replacement

City accepts Teal Springs subdivision infrastructure and Outlaw Commercial Park water/sewer mains; one‑year warranty begins

Uprising tells council about expanded anti‑trafficking education and regional training conference

Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Bighorns reports 30 years of local building, launches land‑trust project