City Of Cheyenne: The Mayor's Minute From Mayor Patrick Collins – November 19th

Press release from the City of Cheyenne:

November 19, 2021

CHEYENNE -- We have discussed our dream of having a railroad experience in Cheyenne by providing residents and guests a chance to see the Union Pacific’s historic steam engines stored here.  Last Friday, Judy and I drove to Evanston, Wyoming to visit their historic roundhouse and machine shop.  We were met by Jim Davis, who worked for the city and was the architect of making this project happen.  I had been told how amazing their roundhouse is, but it blew me away.  It gives me a view of what we could do here in Cheyenne.  It would be transformative to our downtown and would give us a beautiful destination tourism venue.  We will keep doing the hard work until it happens.  Thanks Jim and Wayne for sharing your vision, and the three hours of your time.

Monday was a very busy day.  It started with a visit with the representative of Blue Peak Broadband.  We worked through some issues that inevitably happen with a construction project of this size.  It is nice to have a local representative to work with.   Next was a phone call with a developer that is finally going to build an apartment complex we have been working on for over five years.  259 units in phase one, club house, pool, dog park, and playground are just a few of the things that will make it a great place to live.  I appreciate their confidence and investment in Cheyenne.  Next, we went right into the Finance Committee meeting.  It was a busy agenda, including the development agreement for the Hitching Post Plaza Tax Increment Financing (TIF). This project is really rolling now. The day ended with a mayor’s call at the Civic Center with employees of the municipal building to update them on the status of our boiler project and answer questions.  I do love our employees; they are always looking at the positive side of things.

I hate early mornings but got up and worked out on Tuesday.  It always makes me feel better.  We have established a committee to consider the hiring of new employees and the consideration of pay for our existing employees.  We meet as necessary, and Tuesday morning was one of them.  As Cheyenne is growing, we are discussing how to keep up with the demands of the growth.  I appreciate our Treasurer and HR Director for their time to discuss how we should move forward with our limited resources.  I like the pressure of growth, versus the pressure of a dying community.

I have been in the bicycle business for 39 years now.  I miss being around the bikes, customers, and especially the employees in the shop.  I got a bit of bikes on Tuesday as Hobbs Elementary received an All Kids Bike grant from the BNSF Foundation.  They provided the funds to purchase 25 kids bikes, a bike for the teacher, and helmets.  The goal is to teach kindergartners to ride bikes.  Hobbs PE teacher, Kelsey Hemenover, applied for the grant and made it happen.  Governor Mark Gordon and I got to build a bike and ride with the kids.  Thanks to Strider Bikes and everyone involved in this effort.  Riding a bike was my lifeline to fun and freedom when I was a kid, I hope these kids have the same experience.

This press release was produced by the City of Cheyenne. The views expressed here are the author’s own.