Cheyenne Police Chief Mark Francisco told the City Council the department needs a new training structure to replace a dilapidated “shoot house” used for live‑simulation training and wants to pave a pistol deck at the department’s range, estimating both improvements at about $1,000,000.

Francisco described the current small structure as dilapidated and not in line with modern training best practices. He proposed a metal building roughly 80 by 120 feet (about 9,600 square feet) containing a classroom, elevated observation platforms and a configurable movable‑wall system that can simulate apartments, houses or active‑shooter environments and be reconfigured quickly for multiple training scenarios.

“The movable walls…create a real world training scenario for officers to communicate with each other and move through structures,” Francisco said, adding that the system uses nonlethal marking rounds—described in the presentation as a chalky or soap‑based marking substance—and that wall surfaces are seldom damaged and can be hosed off. Francisco also asked to pave the pistol deck to eliminate trip hazards created by burrowing animals and uneven ground.

Council members asked about regional sharing and revenue potential. Francisco said the department prefers to build and charge other agencies for use rather than form a joint ownership arrangement, citing simpler responsibility and scheduling if the city owns and bills for access. Councilwoman Emmons suggested a joint venture with the county; Francisco said he would prefer charging outside agencies so responsibilities remain clear.

Council members raised procurement and timing questions. President Rainey and Deputy City Treasurer Brenda Moreau discussed the option of the city loaning against expected 6p tax collections (a special‑purpose option tax) to start projects sooner; Rainey said accelerating construction can protect buying power against inflation. Francisco said the department has done similar steps on previous projects and that earlier starts could be beneficial.

No formal motion or vote was taken at the work session. Francisco asked that the council consider the funding option during later budget discussions so the department can move forward with procurement and construction planning if the council approves.