Council delays final action on Hilltop annexation after residents raise drainage, open-space and water-pressure concerns

The Laramie City Council on Tuesday moved the second readings tied to the proposed annexation and rezoning of a 15.79-acre Hilltop parcel off Hilltop Drive and scheduled further consideration for later this spring.

The council voted to postpone second reading and to move the third reading date, citing questions about water modeling and potential off‑site infrastructure costs. Councilors voted 7‑0, with two members absent, to delay the item so city engineering and the applicant can resolve outstanding questions about water pressure, fire suppression requirements and drainage.

The Hilltop property, owned by Wilco Land LLC and represented at the meeting by applicant Tom Willis, lies inside a county “island” surrounded by municipal boundaries. Planning staff recommended annexation to bring the parcel under city standards and to comply with Wyoming law that discourages county islands. Planning staff also noted that no development application has yet been filed and that the proposed R‑1 zoning would allow single‑family residential use and could include open space during later platting stages.

Neighbors who live adjacent to the parcel urged the council to protect the hill’s historic character, preserve wildlife corridors and require open space. Chip Coblenicki, Mark O’Dell and Mary Lubasky raised concerns about preserving views, deer and hawks that use the hillside and about drainage on North 17th Street where there are no storm drains. Brett Glass, speaking online, echoed requests for lower density zoning, suggesting LR or rural residential rather than R‑1 to reduce congestion on the single access road.

Applicant Tom Willis said he supports annexation in principle but asked for more time to review the city’s water‑modeling results and to understand potential requirements such as a booster pump and who would bear those costs. Planning staff confirmed the modeling was provided recently and that engineers are working with the applicant; staff recommended approval of annexation on the grounds that municipal oversight will better protect current and future residents than county regulation.

Because statutory findings for annexation focus on jurisdictional conformity and public health and safety, councilors said they wanted more technical clarity about infrastructure impacts before finalizing the zoning and final reading.

Action taken: the council approved postponement of second readings and scheduled follow‑up hearings to allow city engineering and the applicant to present updated water and drainage information. No development approvals were granted; staff emphasized that subdivision design, lot layout and required open space would be considered only if a subdivision application is submitted.

The postponement preserves the council’s ability to act later after city engineering and the applicant provide additional data on water pressure, fire suppression needs and drainage solutions.