Cheyenne honors departing councilmembers Brian Cook and Richard Johnson; council approves appointments and elects leaders

Cheyenne’s governing body adopted ceremonial resolutions honoring outgoing Councilmembers Brian Cook and Richard Johnson and confirmed a slate of city department appointments during its Jan. 6, 2025, sine die session at Cheyenne City Hall.

The governing body passed a resolution recognizing Brian Cook “for his dedication and outstanding contributions to the city of Cheyenne and its residents,” then voted to adopt a similar resolution for Richard Johnson. Mayor Patrick Collins introduced the tribute to Cook, describing words offered by colleagues and residents as “Compassion, caring, kind, and thoughtful.” Cook, who served 12 years on the council, responded, “I wanna thank my family. … I’ve enjoyed this. … I appreciate the support of the people who have supported me and voted for me for the last 12 years.”

The council also recognized Councilmember Richard Johnson with a ceremonial resolution. Doctor Mark Rennie introduced Johnson’s recognition and colleagues cited Johnson’s work on code rewrites, parks and public projects and other civic improvements. In his farewell, Johnson said, “This is the last time I will introduce myself as Cheyenne City Councilman Richard Johnson.”

During the same meeting, the council approved the mayor’s recommended appointments under Title 2 of the Code of the City of Cheyenne. The motion to confirm the slate of department heads and other city officials was moved by Councilmember Ken Esquivel and seconded by Councilmember Jeff White. Justice Kate Fox of the Wyoming Supreme Court administered oaths of office to the mayor and to newly elected councilmembers later in the session.

The governing body also elected its internal leadership for 2025. Doctor Mark Rennie was elected council president after a nomination and voice vote moved by Councilmember Scott Roybal and seconded by Councilmember Tom Seagrave. Scott Roybal was elected council vice president; his nomination was moved by Councilmember Jeff White and seconded by Ken Esquivel.

The meeting record shows these organizational items were handled by voice vote. Mayor Patrick Collins called for the voice votes and, where recorded, members answered “aye.” The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion made by outgoing Councilmember Brian Cook and seconded by Richard Johnson; the body voted to adjourn.

Why this matters: the resolutions formally acknowledge two long-serving councilmembers and the approved appointments place department directors and senior officials in office as the new administration begins. The election of internal leadership sets the council’s procedural leadership for its next term.

Votes at a glance: - Ceremonial resolution recognizing Councilmember Brian Cook — moved by Tom Seagrave; seconded by Dr. Michelle Aldridge; voice vote, adopted. - Ceremonial resolution recognizing Councilmember Richard Johnson — moved by Dr. Michelle Aldridge; seconded by Jeff White; voice vote, adopted. - Approval of mayoral appointments (listed in meeting transcript) pursuant to Title 2 of the Code of the City of Cheyenne — moved by Ken Esquivel; seconded by Jeff White; voice vote, adopted. - Election of Council President (Dr. Mark Rennie) — nomination moved by Scott Roybal; seconded by Tom Seagrave; voice vote, elected. - Election of Council Vice President (Scott Roybal) — nomination moved by Jeff White; seconded by Ken Esquivel; voice vote, elected.

Organizer’s note: Justice Kate Fox (Wyoming Supreme Court) administered oaths to Mayor Patrick Collins and the newly elected councilmembers as part of the session’s formalities.