On May 8, State Trooper Troy Cooper heartily rang the old bell that traditionally begins every Black Hawk City Council meeting.

Alderman Benito Torres commented on the “alienation” of a commissioner (referring to Commissioner Mornis), based on their opposing political parties, concerning Black Hawk’s offer of a million dollars to subsidize the community center. He said that keeping a member out of decision-making is a display of cowardice and reeks of bad intentions.

City Attorney Hoffman recommended an executive session to discuss negotiations with other governmental entities.

At the conclusion of the executive session, Mayor David Spellman spoke about the offer to Central City of $250,000 and some property in exchange for disconnecting from the town via the Briggs Lot.

Spellman said they decided to increase the offer by $250,000, doubling the amount for a total $500,000, but withdrawing the property offer from the agreement. He said he thinks the money could be put to good use in the restoration of the Belvidere Theater and that the money would be tied exclusively to the Belvidere. All were in favor.

The mayor then made public the “Community Center Contribution Intergovernmental Agreement,” which differs from the first offer in several ways. There were changes, which, Spellman said, arose after reviewing comments made by the County.

The IGA includes an annual contribution, beginning January 2025, of $1 million to subsidize the operations of the Gilpin County Community Center, though this offer clarifies that this would NOT include the operation of the pool or the provision of daycare services.

The offer states: “The City and the County desire to keep the overall tax burden within the City and the County at a reasonable and responsible level.”

It continues to elucidate that these levels would still provide the County with a stable and steady source of income, allowing businesses to continue to operate successfully, and it would encourage continued investment within the City.

The offer also stipulates that the contribution be subject to voter approval at the November 5, 2024 election, as well as an increase in the lodging tax within the City of Black Hawk.

The offer said the contribution will terminate:

1. If the voters of the County approve a ballot issue to increase the total Gilpin County mill levy, including the Gilpin County Library, in an amount in excess of 10.695 mills, with the exception of an allowance for inflation voted on in 2020.

2. If the Board modifies or seeks to modify the funding formula for the Gilpin Ambulance Authority.

3. If the voters approve any increase of Gilpin County sales tax, use tax, lodging tax, or any other tax or fees within the corporate limits of the City of Black Hawk.

4. If the Board consent to being part of the RTD District or any other entity of mass transit.

Other stipulations include allowing Black Hawk residents and employees to receive a no-cost annual individual or household membership and allowing the children of Black Hawk free access to youth activities and recreational leagues.

Notwithstanding the voter authorization, the contract’s impacts would be reviewed in 2029 and could be voluntarily terminated by either party every four years.

The ballot question would allow the deadline for approving the agreement to extend to March 31, 2025. Spellman speculated that the County’s gaming revenue will likely increase in the future, hinting at a large-scale casino construction in the next four years, making this deal very manageable.

Alderman Moates moved to forward the Community Center IGA to Gilpin County officials and release the IGA to the general public. Alderman Bennett seconded. With no discussion, the motion passed unanimously.

Spellman then alluded to the old maxim that “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink,” referring to the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC). He said property tax revenue may not surface until 2028 if taxes are not increased until 2027, so why not take the deal and receive $4 million from Black Hawk over the next four years?

Other highlights of the meeting included:

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

• CB9, An Ordinance Amending Section 707, Subsection 8 of the City of Black Hawk Employee Handbook. There were no comments and all were in favor.

• Local Liquor Licensing Authority - Consideration of a Special Event Liquor Permit for Team Evergreen Cycling. The event is planned to be held on May 29 and June 5 at the Hidden Treasure Trailhead parking lot. There were no objections received from the Clerk’s Office.

Alderman Hal Midcap said he would like the event to be held at Gregory Square or somewhere else in town where local businesses could benefit from the visitors. Spellman said a venue change would not be realistic for this year. Midcap voted nay but the motion passed.

Action Items included:

• Resolution 45-2024, A Resolution Appointing Steven Charles O’Connor as the City of Black Hawk Assistant Municipal Court Judge. With no discussion, all were in favor.

• Resolution 46-2024, A Resolution Approving an Easement Agreement Between the City of Black Hawk and Linda Armbright for Access to the City’s Roadway and Utility Systems, Including Snow Removal. All were in favor.

The next regular meeting of the Black Hawk City Council is scheduled for May 22, 2024, at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 211 Church Street, Black Hawk, Colorado.