Cheyenne council postpones septic-exception decision for South Greeley property after debate

The Cheyenne City Council postponed until April 14 a decision on a request for a 201 exception that would allow a septic system at a parcel south of High Plains Road and west of South Greeley Highway.

The item drew public comment from the property owner, Steve Winchell, and questions from councilmembers about the proximity and cost of connecting the property to the city sewer system. Winchell told the council, “We’re literally being held back because of a crap issue … and we’re asking for this 201 exemption.”

Councilman Jason Seagrave moved to postpone the resolution for two weeks to allow the Public Services Committee and staff to gather more details on potential sewer connection routes and costs; Mr. Layborn seconded the motion. Councilman Seagrave said the committee had not received testimony and that additional fact-finding was necessary. The motion passed; the council recorded three opposing votes by Mr. Roybal, Mr. Moody and Doctor Rennie, and the item will return to committee on April 7 and to the full council on April 14.

City Attorney John Brody advised the council that state statute prohibits conditioning approval of a 201 agreement on annexation. “Statute explicitly prohibits you condition a 201 agreement approval on an annexation,” Brody said, and council discussion focused on what limits the city could lawfully attach to a 201 exemption.

Real estate broker Tanya Keller, representing the Winchells, described market interest in the roughly $700,000 parcel and said estimated costs to run a sewer line were “$461,800” (she characterized the number as cost-prohibitive for prospective buyers). Mayor Collins summarized testimony that an estimate from AVI showed running a sewer line to the north would be “over $460,000.” Councilmembers asked staff to verify whether shorter, lower-cost routing or cost-sharing with a nearby project might reduce that figure.

Council discussion identified two competing priorities: making the parcel developable in the near term and ensuring the city pursues the most cost-effective long-term infrastructure approach. Several councilmembers said a septic exception could discourage future sewer extension for adjacent properties; others said delaying the exemption could prevent an otherwise viable local business from locating in Cheyenne.

The postponement directs staff to return with clearer information about sewer routing alternatives and connection costs; no final decision on the 201 exception was made.