Jacqueline Hart Gibson, Black Hawk. Black Hawk City Council was called to order on April 8, 2020, at 3 p.m. through a Zoom virtual meeting, for the second time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March. The Alderman, Mayor Spellman, City Attorney Hoffman and City Manager Cole, were all in attendance. The pledge of allegiance was observed, and no conflicts of interest were reported. The minutes from the virtual meeting held March 25, 2020, were approved and no one was scheduled for public comment. 

The incumbent Aldermen, and Mayor Spellman, were sworn in virtually. The Mayor and sitting Alderman, Armbright, Bennett, Johnson, Midcap and Tores, were all unopposed. The oaths of office were given by Judge Carlson virtually, reportedly for the first time in history.  

Alderman Moats thanked the Ameristar management and staff on the record for “lighting up the hotel tower in the shape of a multi-story heart. It is not only beautiful, but also uplifting during this incredibly trying and catastrophic time. Thank you all for your compassion, and the amazing sense of community that you have inspired.” Alderman Moates continued his praise of the glowing heart now visible on Ameristar’s building adding, “Because of people such as Ameristar’s management and staff, we will all go forward from this emergency, ready to face our future together.” 

After praising Alderman Moates for a “job well done,” Mayor Spellman announced there were no public hearings scheduled for this meeting. 

In action items, resolutions reappointing Judges Ronald Carlson and Thad Renaud to the city of Black Hawk Municipal Court, both carried unanimously. A resolution appointing a new member to the city of Black Hawk Historic Preservation Commission also carried unanimously. 

The last two resolutions on the agenda awarded $12,650 to Roche Constructors for the Police Station 2nd floor renovation project, and $260,436.80 to High Country Conservation LLC to construct the Maryland  Mountain Trail System, carried unanimously. 

A resolution forgiving certain device taxes for the month of April 2020, payable in May 2020, and deferring certain water fees, for all casinos in Black Hawk, carried unanimously. Mayor Spellman further explained the city council’s “desire to continue to assist the gaming industry in challenging times created by the necessary response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and whereas, as a demonstration of its continuing support and appreciation of the gaming industry, the city forgave all the device taxes for the month of March 2020.” 

The city’s manager and attorney had nothing to report and the meeting was adjourned for an executive session at 3:20 p.m. 

(Originally published in the April 16, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)