In a pivotal session on August 14, 2024, the Black Hawk City Council addressed significant issues that will shape the city’s future. The meeting opened with a ring of the bell by Charles Culp, the new Water Utility Operator III, signaling the start of a packed agenda.

Culp, recently returned to Colorado after years in Cheyenne, Wyoming, brings extensive experience in water treatment and a deep connection to his Silver Plume roots.

Mayor David Spellman set a positive tone by praising the city’s pristine condition, attributing it to the dedicated departments working behind the scenes. “Black Hawk is just operating on all cylinders at this point,” he remarked.

Aldermen Paul Bennet, Jim Johnson, Greg Moates, Benito Torres, and Hal Midcap were present. Linda Armbright’s absence was excused.

The central focus of the meeting was the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Black Hawk and Gilpin County, designed to support the Gilpin County Community Center.

In the IGA, Gilpin County must use Black Hawk’s funds to restore the Community Center’s pre-pandemic hours, provide free memberships to Black Hawk residents, and ensure youth access to activities. The County must also adhere to specific financial and operational conditions, such as not raising taxes within Black Hawk on penalty of termination of the agreement.

During the public comment portion, District 1 Commissioner Marie Mornis passionately advocated for the IGA, stressing its potential to restore the Community Center’s services and operating hours to pre-pandemic levels.

She said, “The terms presented in the IGA are very similar to Black Hawk’s school enhancement IGA that has been in place since 2008. The other positive is that the Community Center IGA can be terminated by any future Board at any time.” Mornis also applauded that the IGA would not raise taxes.

District 3 candidate Corey Marshall expressed similar sentiments, showing gratitude for the IGA’s availability.

“I think it’s the role of the County to make sure the statutory services that are required for the County are put in place, as well as the obligations we committed to historically,” Marshall said.

Spellman noted that the IGA offer remains valid until March 31, 2025, and if Mornis is returned to her position as commissioner and Marshall wins his seat, the future board is likely to approve the IGA.

City Attorney Corey Hoffman explained that the IGA would enable a coordinated special election on November 5, 2024, allowing Black Hawk to present critical ballot questions to its voters.

These include a proposal to increase the city’s lodging tax to fund tourism and development projects, as well as a multiyear financial commitment to keep the Community Center fully operational.

Torres clarified that the typical $25,000 allocation to the Community Center would end if voters approve the $1 million contribution outlined in the IGA. The Council unanimously supported both the ordinance and the IGA, ensuring these questions could be on the November ballot.

Other notable actions included a zoning amendment to clarify the use of public rights-of-way, particularly benefiting Bally’s expansion plans, and the approval of a resolution correcting water rate assessments for specific commercial properties.

The meeting wrapped up with the approval of a $72,240 purchase of the Treasury 477 Mining Claim, intended for future development into a City park or open space.

The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at approximately 3:25 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Black Hawk City Council is scheduled for August 28, 2024, at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 211 Church Street, Black Hawk, Colorado.