BLACK HAWK – The Black Hawk City Council approved a design on Wednesday that is likely to please hikers in the area. 

The Bates Hill Trailhead project may also attract tourists or those seeking an activity that does not involve gambling (although it will require some scrambling). The project aims to enhance access to the Bates Hill trail through Black Hawk's Gregory Street District.

According to the City of Black Hawk’s “Maryland Mountain Quartz Valley Open Space Park – Hiking, Biking” page, the Bates Hill Park Trailhead will be located at the intersection of Gregory Street and High Street.

Once established, the trailhead will provide parking with a bike and pedestrian trail system connection near the Gregory Street Plaza, extending through Bates Hill Park to Chase Gulch Roadway.

A brief meeting

During the September 24 meeting, the council approved three resolutions that will shape the future of the city’s trailhead access, housing projects, and insurance coverage.

The session lasted just over six minutes, from the ringing of the bell to adjournment.

By its brevity, the Council continues to demonstrate why its meetings are known for efficiency. With many, many years of shared service, the mayor and aldermen work in sync, moving through agendas like a well-oiled machine.

When Mayor David D. Spellman asks for a motion to approve resolutions, aldermen often simultaneously yell, "So moved!" typically followed by a quick second. Discussion is usually minimal.

The experience is unique in the world of government reporting, and I'm not complaining. It's really a sight to see and a wonder to witness.

Bates Hill Trailhead

The Council advanced the Bates Hill Trailhead project with Resolution 61-2025, authorizing a professional services agreement with PEH Architects not to exceed $84,600 for design work. 

The scope of the design includes expanding the Briggs parking lot to approximately 100 stalls, adding a steel staircase to Bates Hill, creating a pedestrian link across Gregory Street to Gregory Point, and installing two decorative architectural headframes. The design also includes the addition of site lighting.

“If you approve this contract today, we would proceed immediately with design work and should be able to have a complete package ready to submit to Central City in a couple of months,” said the Public Works official. 

Bates Hill is located in Central City, just north of Casey Street, but it remains to be seen whether the project will benefit Central’s tourism market as it will Black Hawk’s.

Spellman spoke of the advantages to businesses in the Gregory Street area, “So I guess just by virtue of the dollar amount and seeing all that this contract will cover, this resolution covers, demonstrates the importance and the manifold attractions that this trailhead and this parking lot will service, everything from the Bates Hill and the new staircase and the bridge, to supporting those attractions, those businesses in the Gregory Street Park District.”

The vote was unanimous with no discussion.

Housing Authority property transfer

Resolution 62-2025 approved conveying 341 High Street from the City to the Black Hawk Housing Authority. 

City attorney Corey Hoffman described the two-step process: “This resolution, if approved, simply causes the conveyance of that property to the Black Hawk Housing Authority.” 

He added, “Then the Housing Authority, I believe, will end up doing work to rehabilitate that property.” 

The deed will be recorded after the Housing Authority formally accepts the transfer at its next meeting.

Alderman Hal Midcap confirmed with staff that the restoration of 341 High Street will occur through the Housing Authority.

CIRSA insurance renewal

By unanimous vote, the Council approved Resolution 60-2025 for 2026 property and casualty coverage with the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency. 

The packet reads: ‘The City continues to perform well in CIRSA’s annual Risk Control Audit, scoring 105 out of 100 in the August 2025 audit (with five bonus points).”

City Clerk Melissa Greiner reported “a 2.26% increase over what we paid in 2025” and said, “We consistently get 100% on the audit and then get anywhere from five to nine bonus points. This year we got five.” 

They also noted that the city’s total discount this year was $1,031, which lowered the 2026 contribution to $534,847.

Quick close

The City Manager and Attorney provided no additional comments, and no executive session was needed. The Council adjourned at 3:06 p.m.

The Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m., October 8, 2025, at 211 Church Street, Black Hawk. Meetings can only be attended in person.