Cheyenne Forced Annexation Fight Heats Up as Farm Owners Plead for More Time

The Cheyenne City Council voted 7-2 Monday to advance a controversial forced annexation ordinance to its final reading next month, despite impassioned pleas from the owners of WY Fresh Farms and dozens of community members who say the city isn’t listening.

The vote sets up a March 9 decision that would absorb the popular farm on Cheyenne’s outskirts into city limits—a move the Kniseley family says threatens their livelihood and way of life.

David Kniseley addressed the council, thanking them for patience “as we try to wrap our heads around what’s happening.” He described the forced annexation as “taking lemons that have been thrown on the floor and stomped on,” but added, “I still believe we can make lemonade.”

His 13-year-old son, Richard, pleaded for a postponement, saying he had hoped to expand his sheep flock. Under city code, a larger flock would require a larger barn and a building permit—uncertainties the family says they need time to navigate.

“We are perfectly willing to change our loyalty from the county to the city, if the city is willing to meet our needs,” Richard said. “We simply ask why we cannot put this annexation off.”

Cheyenne resident Donald Greer reminded council members they are accountable to voters. “We’ve heard such an overwhelming coming together of the community,” he said. “It doesn’t feel like you’re listening to the voices of the people.”

The debate grew tense when Councilman Pete Laybourne questioned some of the farm’s inquiries, including whether barn cats would need to be leashed under city ordinance. Owner Tommie Kniseley defended the question, noting that zoning violations are criminal offenses. “Now I’m in a position, just by continuing the farm, I could be a criminal,” she said.

When David Kniseley demanded an apology, Mayor Patrick Collins ruled him out of order. Kniseley said he would not accept it. “That’s fine,” the mayor responded. “You can sit down and you cannot accept it. I don’t care.”

An amendment to remove the WY Fresh parcels from the annexation failed. City Attorney John Brodie noted that removing them entirely would require starting the process over with new maps.

Councilman Ken Esquibel said he favored eventually removing the parcels, and Aldrich suggested annexing them at a defined later date—March 9, 2027—to give the family time to prepare.

Councilman Mark Moody, who voted no, said, “The public does not support this annexation. They have said it over and over and over again. We need to support our constituents.”

Councilman Jeff White called the situation “unique,” noting, “We are talking about an actual working farm. Clarification of what an urban farm looks like within city limits is the lynchpin for me. We’ve never done this before.”

The third and final reading is scheduled for March 9.