The Town of Cheyenne Wells held a regular council meeting on January 14, 2026, addressing key community issues and local governance matters. The meeting, called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Carleton Pelton, included discussions on a proposed ordinance aimed at addressing concerns related to registered sex offenders and human trafficking.
During the public hearing segment, property owner Lynda Pelton expressed her support for the ordinance. The council reviewed two letters from other residents. One letter from Heather Kemp, a property owner, requested the inclusion of licensed in-home daycares in the ordinance. Another letter from rental property owner Jeremiah Bogenhagen raised questions about the implications of the ordinance concerning rental properties, particularly concerning sex offenders and residency definitions.
The council noted that the State of Colorado has not implemented specific legislation regarding registered sex offenders, leaving local municipalities to establish their regulations. Currently, three individuals are listed on the registered sex offender list in Cheyenne Wells, and those already registered will be grandfathered in under the proposed ordinance. The council unanimously agreed to submit the community feedback to their attorney for further legal opinion.
Meeting Approvals and Resolutions
The council moved to approve the meeting agenda, followed by the review of minutes from previous meetings held on November 10 and December 1. These minutes were unanimously accepted, as were the bills for all town funds. Councilman Rex Hyle abstained during the voting process on the bill approvals.
The meeting also saw the approval of a building permit for On Point/Bill Lowe regarding a driveway and sidewalk project. Additionally, the council approved two resolutions: Resolution #1-2026, referred to as “D&E SRF,” and Resolution #2-2026, which outlines the 2026 general fee schedule.
The town’s election preparations were also discussed, with Town Clerk Administrator Debbie Knudsen announcing that election petition packets for the mayor and two trustee positions are available, with a submission deadline of 16:00 on January 26.
Administrative Updates and Community Initiatives
In administrative updates, the council indicated plans to publish legal notices in both the Kiowa County Press and the Kiowa County Independent for 2026. This decision allows for broader outreach, as both publications are providing these services at no charge. Additionally, three customers who failed to pay their bills in 2025 have been submitted to the treasurer’s office for collection through property taxes.
The annual dog pound inspection yielded no deficiencies, and the town is actively working on circulating petitions for TAP improvements. The council reviewed various water improvement grants and reports, including assessments for a new water tank. The monthly water quality samples returned satisfactory results, and the council noted that the annual sales tax revenue report was completed.
Councilman Hyle reported on the Cheyenne Wells Housing Authority, stating that preparations are underway for contractor work on four vacant units. Councilwoman Sherry Jones shared that the Eastern Cheyenne County Library District has hired Sherry Leflore as the new director, with operations reported to be running smoothly.
The meeting concluded with a reminder that the council would be closed on January 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A special meeting is scheduled for January 21 at 17:30, with the next regular meeting set for February 10 at 18:00.
Mayor Pro Tem Pelton adjourned the meeting at 18:47 after a motion from Councilman Zach Anderson and a second from Councilman Mark Galli, with all members voting in favor.
