The Black Hawk City Council approved purchasing three parcels near Gregory Hill and signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding opioid funding during a regular meeting on October 27, 2021, at 211 Church Street. The regular meeting immediately followed a budget work session at 2 p.m.

The City, contemplating the expansion of its open space and park system to include Gregory Hill and advised by staff, considered a resolution approving the purchase from Lindsey G. and Rosa L. Ashby for three mining claims consisting of 7.4 acres: the Mammoth 366 mining claim, Morning Star 4849 mining claim, and the Parole 4849 mining claim, for $52,000 plus associated closing costs not to exceed $60,000. The Council approved the resolution.

The Council also approved a resolution approving the Colorado Opioids Settlement Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Colorado Attorney General.

On August 22, 2018, the City Council approved a professional services agreement with Keller Rohrback, L.L.P. to pursue claims for damages against pharmaceutical companies who manufacture, distribute or sell opioids. On July 21, 2021, the City was notified of a settlement with one of the defendants, known as the “Janssen Settlement.”

As a result, the State of Colorado anticipates receiving settlement proceeds of $400 million to address treatment, prevention, and recovery. The State has developed a process to manage and distribute settlement proceeds distributed over an 18-year period: a General Abatement Council made up of State and local representatives who will ensure that the distribution of Opioid funds comply with the terms of the agreement. The City will be required to enter into a subsequent agreement with other municipalities and counties within Region 10, which includes Gilpin County, Clear Creek County, and Jefferson County.

Staff recommended the City Council enter into the MOU with the Attorney General, and the Council approved signing the MOU.

The Council approved the Second Amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with ambulance services between Black Hawk and the Silver Dollar Metropolitan District, and an ordinance approving the IGA between the City of Black Hawk and the Gilpin Ambulance Authority regarding maintenance of the Authority’s ambulances.

The next Black Hawk Council meeting will be at 211 Church Street in Black Hawk on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 3 p.m. For more information go to https://site.cityofblackhawk.org/.