The Cheyenne City Council approved a contract modification on Aug. 4 increasing the Belvoir Ranch Trailhead and Access Roads contract by $120,556.50 to adjust project work for safety around nearby wind turbines.
Council members said the change resulted from a field review that identified the city’s planned access and trail alignment too close to existing turbine infrastructure. “It was a safety issue…they noticed that it was too close,” said Public Works staff (identified in the transcript as Mr. Cook/Cobb), describing the contractor and operations review that prompted the modification.
Council member Dr. Aldridge asked why turbine proximity had not been considered in the original design. Public Works staff said the turbines and their operational safety envelopes were not fully documented on the original plan sets and that the city was retrofitting existing access routes originally used by turbine operators. “They simply missed it,” the staff member said.
Council members discussed turbine mechanics and safety zones; Public Works staff explained that turbine operators require clear space to lay down blades for maintenance and to avoid ice-throw hazards. Vicki Nemechek of Public Works told the council the turbines are monitored and maintained year-round from an on-site operations center.
The Finance Committee recommended approval; the modification was moved by Councilman Layborn and seconded, and passed with Councilman Moody recorded as the lone no vote.