“We see this as a new opportunity. It’s a family business, and we’re going to do our very best to provide something new and at the same time something very old to the community here.””

 Jeffrey Warner

BLACK HAWK - The Black Hawk City Council met on August 27, 2025, for a longer-than-usual session that mixed routine business with a conversation about SOBs and a farewell to Fire Engineer David Wellington. 

Mayor and Council Comments

Mayor David D. Spellman addressed what he called an unwelcome intrusion from neighboring Central City.

“The scourge of Central City, known as Rick’s Cabaret and Steakhouse, has slithered its way into Black Hawk.” Spellman said, adding that “they have placed larger-than-postcard-size promotionals” for their business in the casino parking lots, which “is not appreciated.”

Spellman went on to say that Black Hawk, in contrast, focuses on “FOBs—Family Oriented Businesses” and “FOAs—Family Oriented Attractions.”

According to the mayor, the casino representatives of the Silver Dollar Metropolitan District do not want any sexually-oriented businesses (SOBs) promoted on their property. 

Council members agreed the City would send a letter to Rick’s making its opposition to sexually-oriented business promotions clear.

Is Rick's Cabaret and Steakhouse an SOB?

Rick’s Cabaret and Steakhouse is currently operating under a restaurant and club license in Central City—their SOB license was rejected shortly after a zoning change last year—a categorization that allows for food service and entertainment. 

Under Central City law, sexually oriented businesses are prohibited within 1,000 feet of schools, homes, parks, churches, and daycare centers—a rule so extensive it effectively bans such businesses except in the industrial zones. 

In its attempt last year to open a cabaret (which falls under the definition of SOB in Colorado), RCI Hospitality Holdings, the operator behind Rick’s, filed a lawsuit claiming this rule violates its First Amendment rights. However, it has since withdrawn the lawsuit, according to RCI CEO Eric Langan.

Inside Rick’s, there are dancers, but whether they appear fully topless or in skin-like latex attire has not been legally determined. If the dancers are fully covered, then the “restaurant and club” is not in violation of Central's zoning laws. 

Regardless of the establishment’s status, the City of Black Hawk and the Silver Dollar District have voiced their discontent at promotions on their premises. If such promotions continue after a cease-and-desist letter is sent, Spellman asked if it would then be considered a “trespass.” The staff said they would look into it. 

Wellington recognized

Council paused its agenda item to honor Wellington for 29 years of service. With a packed audience, Spellman read from an email Wellington had written earlier this year: “I wanted to take the time to thank you for the great career I’ve enjoyed for the last 29 years….I love this little city of Black Hawk, and I will truly miss it when my retirement comes in August.”

Wellington received a plaque, and the council recessed for snacks and refreshments to celebrate his retirement.

Copper Kitchen Pizzeria approved

The council unanimously approved a liquor license for Hard Luck Black Hawk, LLC, doing business as Copper Kitchen Pizzeria at 307 Gregory Street. To help the restaurant get started, the rent of $1,404 per month was reduced to $112 for the first two years.

Operators Bruce Boynton and Cody French told the council they were eager to open and looked forward to being part of the community.

Chase Street rehabilitation

Resolution 47-2025 approved a Certificate of Architectural Compatibility for partial demolition and rehabilitation of the historic residence at 150 Chase Street. Work must match submitted plans, obtain proper permits, and be completed within 180 days.

• Resolution 48-2025 granted the city a temporary construction easement at 150 Chase Street. 

• Resolution 49-2025 authorized an easement with neighboring property owners at 200 Chase Street.

• Resolution 50-2025 allowed Amendment No. 1 to the contract with WCG Construction, beginning Phase I demolition and site preparation for up to $204,932.

Other business

• Resolution 51-2025: Holiday decoration contract with Alpine Artisan Studios for $291,534. Much of the cost is due to a major refurbishment of the decorations, amounting to $30,000 more than last year. 

• Resolution 52-2025: The Main Street resurfacing design, with Stolfus & Associates, Inc., for $195,265, will replace the bolts on the water valves and resurface the road.

• Resolution 53-2025: The tramway agreement with MV Transportation, Inc., for 2026 was approved. The project received no other bids, and the company has a history of serving the cities of Black Hawk and Central. 

• Resolution 54-2025: The lease with Jeffrey Warner, dba Golden Rose Antiques & Collectibles, at 357 Gregory Street through August 2028 was unanimously approved.

 Warner explained that the shop, which he and his wife operated for 17 years just up the road in Central, is now relocating to Black Hawk.

“We see this as a new opportunity. It’s a family business, and we’re going to do our very best to provide something new and at the same time something very old to the community here.”

• Resolution 55-2025: One-year extension of waived water fees for Rick Thomas Distillery. The waiver was granted because of the long aging process required for whiskey production, which delays revenue while operating costs like water fees still accrue.

Neither City Manager nor City Attorney had anything to report. The meeting concluded at 4:20 p.m.

The next Black Hawk City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 3 p.m. at 211 Church Street, Black Hawk.