Cheyenne annexes WY Fresh Farm ahead of owner's planned move

The Cheyenne City Council voted 8-2 on Monday night to annex the WY Fresh Farm into the city.

The measure passed on its third and final reading. Council members Rinne and Esquibel cast dissenting votes.

The decision concludes a process that began in February. In March, the council paused the annexation to allow time for the city and the farm owners to negotiate an agreement. Those talks did not produce a resolution.

David Knisely, who owns the farmstand with his family, announced over the weekend that the business will move. He posted a comment on the KGAB Facebook page on Monday explaining the family's position.

"We have been told by people inside city, county and state government that we are and will be targeted. At this point, we simply seek peace and an end to the harassment. So we will take Dr. Emmons unsolicited and unprofessional advice and MOVE. The damage has been done, and we will move as soon as practically possible. Consequently, we want our land to be annexed into the city tomorrow night, as this is the most financially advantageous way for us to resolve this issue. We need this money to relocate and reestablish our lost dreams and farm. Thank you for understanding," Knisely wrote.

Tommie Knisely addressed the council on Monday night. She stated that although the farm could technically continue operating, nuisance complaints would make day-to-day operations virtually impossible.

Council members Michelle Aldrich and Jeff White initially planned to vote against the annexation. Aldrich had drafted an amendment to remove WY Fresh from the package. She withdrew the amendment after the Knisleys confirmed they intended to move the business regardless of the vote.

The farm sits in a pocket of county land in south Cheyenne. The annexation provides the owners with funds to help cover the cost of relocating and reestablishing the farm.