The Cheyenne Wells Town Council convened on January 14, 2026, to discuss significant community issues and approve vital resolutions. Mayor Pro Tem Carleton Pelton opened the meeting promptly at 18:00, leading attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Rex Hyle, Karen Gregg, Zach Anderson, Sherry Jones, and Mark Galli, with no absences noted.
During the public hearing segment, property owner Lynda Pelton expressed her support for a proposed ordinance addressing concerns related to registered sex offenders. This ordinance aims to enhance community safety, particularly for children. Letters from residents Heather Kemp and Jeremiah Bogenhagen were reviewed, with Kemp advocating for the inclusion of licensed in-home daycare facilities in the ordinance and Bogenhagen raising questions about rental properties and their association with registered sex offenders. The council also received emails from advocacy groups regarding these matters.
The ordinance was developed following previous concerns about sex offenders and human trafficking, brought to light in the summer. As the State of Colorado has deferred the regulation of sex offenders to local municipalities, the council will ensure that current offenders are “grandfathered in.” The sheriff’s office reported three individuals on the registered sex offender list in Cheyenne Wells, prompting the council’s commitment to safeguarding children from potential threats.
Following the public hearing, the council approved the agenda unanimously, allowing for further deliberations. The Cheyenne County Undersheriff Murdock presented the sheriff’s monthly reports for November and December, highlighting ongoing community safety efforts.
Minutes from the November 10 and December 1 meetings were unanimously approved, followed by the review and approval of bills across all funds. The council voted to approve building permits, including one for a driveway and sidewalk at On Point/Bill Lowe, as well as two resolutions: Resolution #1-2026, titled “D&E SRF,” and Resolution #2-2026, which establishes the 2026 general fee schedule. Both resolutions passed with unanimous consent.
The town clerk, Debbie Knudsen, provided an update on the upcoming elections, informing the council that petition packets for the mayor and two trustee positions are available, due by 16:00 on January 26.
In administrative updates, the council discussed their legal publications strategy, deciding to publish in both the Kiowa County Press and the Kiowa County Independent for 2026. They also addressed outstanding customer bills, with three unpaid amounts submitted to the treasurer’s office for inclusion on the tax roll. The annual inspection of the dog pound revealed no deficiencies, and plans are in motion for improvements to the town’s infrastructure and water systems, including upgrades to the Snyder well backflow preventer.
The council addressed various community reports, including updates on the Eastern Cheyenne County Library District (ECCLD) and ongoing projects in town. Councilman Hyle reported that four units are currently vacant, awaiting contractor work, while Councilwoman Jones noted staffing needs for the Senior Center.
As the meeting concluded, the council confirmed that no executive session was necessary. Mayor Pro Tem Pelton adjourned the meeting at 18:47, with the next regular meeting scheduled for February 10 at 18:00.
This meeting underscored the council’s commitment to addressing community concerns and enhancing public safety in Cheyenne Wells.
