Casper City Council Recap
Regular Meeting – November 4, 2025
Overview
Casper City Council’s regular meeting covered routine approvals, a Veterans Day proclamation, public comment on several issues, and authorization of multiple contracts for parks, facilities, and infrastructure projects.
Veterans Day Proclamation
Council welcomed members of the Veterans Park advisory group while Mayor Pacheco read a formal Veterans Day proclamation.
The proclamation:
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Reaffirmed November 11 as a day to honor all U.S. veterans.
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Highlighted the role of veterans in Casper and Wyoming as neighbors, family members, and community leaders.
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Called on residents to recognize veterans’ service and the “enduring strength” they bring to the city, state, and nation.
The proclamation was presented with local veterans standing at the front of the council chambers.
Public Comment
1. Holidays, Mayor Selection, and Lobbying Funds
Resident Keith Schlieman raised three primary concerns:
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Additional holiday time for city employees around Christmas Eve and New Year’s.
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Transparency of the internal “straw poll” council uses before publicly voting for mayor and vice mayor.
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Use of public funds to support organizations that lobby on behalf of cities and for the city’s annual dinner with state legislators.
Later in the meeting, the city attorney and council clarified:
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Casper operates under a legal city-manager form of government. State law requires the mayor and vice mayor to be elected by council from among its own members, and that official vote is taken in public.
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The straw poll conducted in executive session is not binding and does not constitute official action; it is only used to gauge preferences before the formal public vote.
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The legislative dinner is a city-hosted meeting at the Ford Wyoming Center, used to discuss upcoming state legislation that could significantly affect Casper’s budget and operations. It is considered a modest and appropriate expense given the impact of those decisions.
2. Casper Youth Baseball and Field of Dreams
Representatives of Casper Youth Baseball (CYB), including new board leadership, addressed council about the future of the Field of Dreams complex and their current lease.
Key points from CYB:
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CYB serves more than 600 children using six fields at the complex.
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Their lease with the city expires in August 2026, and families are concerned CYB may lose use of the facility.
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Planned construction and upgrades could interfere with what may be their final season under the current lease.
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CYB would like clearer communication, more transparency, and an opportunity to participate in planning and in future improvements, noting that the organization has contributed significant funds to the complex over the years.
City Manager López responded:
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The existing 20-year lease was tied to CYB’s initial contribution when the complex was built; such a long term is unusual and was granted because of that investment.
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Recent and upcoming improvements are being funded in large part through a one-time Wyoming Outdoor Recreation grant targeted at North Casper.
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As the lease term nears its end, CYB—like other user groups—will be asked to present its plan and proposal to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, which will then make recommendations regarding future use agreements.
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The city intends to work closely with user groups on construction scheduling to minimize disruption, with the goal that new turf infields and upgrades will lengthen the playable season and increase overall field capacity.
Staff committed to updating contact information, reconnecting CYB with regular user-group meetings, and continuing dialogue.
3. Comments on Pride, Discrimination, and Civic Tone
Resident Ryan Perry spoke about tensions related to LGBTQ+ issues, recent rallies, and what he described as harassment and name-calling from some activists. He questioned whether one side is being portrayed as victims while others feel labeled or attacked for their beliefs.
Council members responded by:
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Pointing to the city’s non-discrimination ordinance, which protects all residents—regardless of religion, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other characteristics—from discrimination if certain criteria are met.
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Noting that anyone who believes they have been targeted because of a protected characteristic can raise that concern under the ordinance, subject to investigation.
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Emphasizing that the ordinance was designed to protect everyone, including people of faith and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Mayor Pacheco delivered a lengthy statement urging a return to basic dignity and respect in public discourse. He noted the volume of hostile online comments directed at many groups, including himself, and stressed that disagreement does not remove anyone’s right to be treated as a human being deserving of respect.
Consent Agenda and Contract Approvals
Council approved a series of resolutions and contracts, including:
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A temporary use agreement with Christmas Delight LLC for use of the Casper Speedway.
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A contract with Crown Construction LLC for the North Casper Boat Ramp replacement (Project 23-041).
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A contract with Mammoth Sports Construction LLC for improvements to the North Casper Athletic and Recreation Complex (Project 24-50), including work at Field of Dreams.
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Professional services contracts for:
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North Platte River restoration – North Casper/Knife River reach (Project 24-063).
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Casper Edition LED improvements (Project 25-Z002).
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Senior Center water service replacement (Project 25-040).
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Sam Hobs Wastewater Treatment Plant blower system transformer replacement.
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An agreement with Hilltop Securities Inc. for municipal advisory services related to debt management.
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Amendments to multiple towing and wrecker service agreements with local companies.
All consent items passed unanimously.
Council Member Reports
Highlights from council updates:
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Traffic and growth concerns on the west side were raised in connection with new residential development near Wyoming Classical Academy and existing congestion around Robertson Road and Poison Spider.
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Council members discussed potential impacts of changes to state funding formulas that could reduce support for services like Meals on Wheels and local senior programs, noting that work is underway to address these concerns.
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Casper will host events as part of the Wyoming Senior Olympics, bringing senior athletes from around the state and country.
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Council noted the reopening of a fully remodeled Burger King operated by a new franchise owner who began as a 16-year-old employee, highlighting it as a local small-business success story.
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Longtime city support services director Tracy Belzer is retiring after 23 years of service.
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Council also briefly recognized the recent passing of former Vice President and Casper native Dick Cheney and his long record of public service.
A local Scout attending the meeting for a citizenship requirement was acknowledged, with council members encouraging younger residents to stay engaged in civic life.
Next Meetings
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Work Session: Wednesday, November 12 at 4:30 p.m.
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Next Regular City Council Meeting: Tuesday, November 18 at 6:00 p.m.
Council concluded the public portion of the meeting and entered executive session to discuss potential litigation, reconvening only to formally adjourn.
