Jacqueline Hart Gibson, Black Hawk. The last Black Hawk City Council meeting of 2019 was called to order at 3 p.m. on December 11, 2019, at 211 Church Street in Black Hawk, Colorado, with the ringing of the bell by Michele Martin, Deputy City Clerk. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, all city council members were present, it was announced that there were no changes to the agenda requested, and no conflicts of interest reported by the board or members of the audience. The meeting minutes from the prior meeting on November 13, 2019, were approved unanimously. 

In public hearings, Michele Martin presented research pertaining to an ordinance adopting the city of Black Hawk 2020 pay plan, that the board carried unanimously. The research presented served to update existing job descriptions to accurately reflect the requirements of work performed, as well as to allow cross training for certain new employees, so work is covered during absences. 

A bill for an ordinance amending Article XVII of Chapter 6 of the Black Hawk municipal code regarding retail marijuana establishments carried unanimously. Kyle Speidell, one of the owners of the Green Solution in Black Hawk, spoke to the council in support of the bill. According to City Attorney Corey Hoffmann, the bill would serve to align Black Hawk’s regulations with the Colorado state regulations, allowing for the sale of dispensaries to national corporations. 

A bill for an ordinance amending section 11-2of the Black Hawk municipal code to clarify responsibility for sidewalk maintenance carried unanimously. 

An ordinance approving an intergovernmental agreement between the city of Black Hawk and Timberline Fire Protection District for the completion of fire inspections, plan review, and life safety system testing by the Black Hawk Fire Department’s Fire Inspector within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Timberline Fire Protection District, and an ordinance approving the intergovernmental agreement between the city of Black Hawk and the Gilpin Ambulance Authority regarding maintenance of the authority’s ambulance both carried unanimously.

The final ordinance in public hearings approving the police recruit training agreement between the city of Black Hawk and the city of Lakewood, carried unanimously. Black Hawk police Chief Ken Lloyd spoke in support of the ordinance. Previously, Black Hawk reimbursed police training (POST) for Black Hawk police officers. The ordinance allows the city of Black Hawk to cover police training up front which in turn allows a larger pool of applicants to be considered for the open positions now available.

In action items, an ordinance levying general property taxes for the year 2019 to help defray the costs of government for the city of Black Hawk, Colorado, for the 2020 budget year carried unanimously. 

A resolution approving the fourth addendum to the agreement for transit related services for the Black Hawk and Central City Tramway for 2020 between MV Transportation, Inc. and the city of Black Hawk carried unanimously. 

A resolution approving the eighth addendum to personal services agreement with 5280 Strategies, LLC. A resolution approving the 2020 contract with Pinnacol Assurance for workers’ compensation insurance and a resolution approving the second addendum to the personal services agreement with M & C Communications, LLC were both approved unanimously. Resolutions adopting the 2020 city council regular meeting and holiday schedule carried unanimously, as well. 

The last resolution of the year 2019 approved amendment No. 3 to the construction manager/general contractor agreement executed on February 27, 2019, between the city of Black Hawk and Roche Constructors, Inc., increasing the guaranteed maximum price, or GMP, by $535,800 for the purpose of rehabilitating the exterior of the historic church building at 311 Gregory Street. The increase will cover costs such as; paint removal and mortar replacement. The church is a historic building and restoration adds to the value of Black Hawk as a tourist destination.

City manager, Stephen Cole, presented the previously approved bonus’ for city employees to the board in his report and the city attorney Corey Hoffmann requested an executive session immediately following the regular meeting and the council adjourned at 3:40 p.m. 

(Originally published in the December 19, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)