At the Black Hawk City Council’s regular meeting on September 8, 2021, they approved an amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement with Gilpin County for a November 2, 2021 coordinated election. The Council also approved a cable franchise agreement, the amended City of Black Hawk Fee Schedule, and a commercial lease with the Gift Eclectic.

Melissa Greiner, Administrative Services Director, introduced new Employee Information Specialist Corey Colombin. Colombin’s work experience varies from production coordinator for a magazine, executive assistant to the Executive Director of Colorado Lawyers for the Arts, and office manager at a high-end auto repair facility. In her “spare” time, she writes two columns for Colorado Serenity Magazine (“For the Love of Dog” and “A Novel Idea”), as well as award-winning freelance writing, editing, and illustrating.

Colombin dabbles in acrylic painting. Her work has been displayed in public buildings and boutique galleries in Colorado. She has written three novels and three books for young children and illustrated 10 more.

City Attorney Corey Hoffmann introduced an ordinance approving the 2022 Operating Plan and Budget of the Black Hawk Business Improvement District (BID). Hoffmann said that under the 2001 amended budget and operator plan, the Council is required to approve the annual operating plan and budget for the BID. The Council approved the operating plan and budget.

Hoffmann introduced an ordinance approving the First Amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Gilpin County for the November 2, 2021 Coordinated Election. The County Clerk and the City have adjusted their duties related to preparation and mailing of the ballot issue notice before the election.

Hoffmann said the City will send out the notices. The Council approved the IGA and an assignment of the Cable Franchise Agreement to Great Plains Communications, LLC. Hoffmann said the City had an agreement with USA Communications, but their operations are being assumed by Great Plains. The contract would extend to December 1, 2030.

Cindy Linker with Community Planning and Development introduced a resolution approving the City of Black Hawk Fee Schedule, as amended, and incorporating into the Fee Schedule changes proposed by City staff. She said this amended fee schedule includes fees for false alarms.

Fire Chief Christopher Woolley said they are seeing a dramatic increase in false alarms, so they have upped the cost to promote the repairing and maintenance of the systems. Businesses are not aware the City is doing this, but the City will notify them in the fourth quarter.

The fee for smoking in a room will be $100. Woolley said they are also adding an elevator rescue fee. An elevator rescue is a very time consuming and dangerous rescue. The most dangerous part is when the cars are between the floors. There have been 24 of these rescues so far this year, compared to 14 in 2019.

The Council agreed that it’s been a long-time coming and approved the amended fee schedule. The fee schedule can be found at https:// www.cityofblackhawk.org/cityclerk/ fee-schedule.

Finance Director Lance Hillis introduced a resolution approving the commercial lease with the Gift Eclectic, LLC, for 317 Gregory Street. The Commercial Lease has a term of roughly 39 months, expiring on December 31, 2024.

The monthly rent of $1,462 is based on 50 cents per square foot. This lease contains several provisions, including a rent credit for anticipated disruption due to adjacent construction, an allowance for tenant improvements, and standards of operations, including expected minimum operating hours.

The Council approved the lease.

The next Black Hawk Council meeting will be at 211 Church Street in Black Hawk on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at 3 p.m. For more information go to https://site. cityofblackhawk.org/.