The Black Hawk City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding at its regular meeting on January 24, 2024, for the Collaboration and Coordination in wildfire risk mitigation and Forest Health Projects within the Clear Creek Watershed.

In February of 2023, the City of Black Hawk approved an affiliation agreement to become a participant in the Clear Creek Watershed and Forest Health Partnerships. This is an organization with the mission of reducing wildfire fuel and developing mitigation projects.

“The U.S. Forest Service and State of Colorado Forest Service are not members of the affiliation group, and it was felt more efficient for all parties in the organization to each enter an MOU with the U.S. and State Forest Services. The MOU does not create any obligation or commitment to Black Hawk to financially or otherwise participate in any of the projects, but if there is a project in the future that Black Hawk feels would be beneficial to the City, the MOU would provide a mechanism to do so.”

The Council also approved the staff-recommended purchase of budgeted Bobcat Toolcat machines with implements for Public Works in the amount of $180,255.74.

During the 2023 budget approval process, two replacement Toolcats were budgeted to be purchased. Staff had reported that “These are our most versatile pieces of equipment. and they are used all year. Two existing units have far exceeded their useful lives.”

The order will include two Bobcat Toolcat UW56 for $162,326.02; Brushcat mower at $7,550.80; 96” Snow V plow at $5,717.72; and one 96” Snow blade for $4,661.20 for a total of $180,255.74.

The next meeting of the City of Black Hawk City Council will be on February 14, 2024, at 3 p.m. at 211 Church Street. For more information, go to https:// www.cityofblackhawk.org/.