Mayor David Spellman and the Black Hawk City Council asked for an update from Fire Chief Christopher Woolley regarding the Missouri Lakes Fire that occurred earlier that day during their meeting on June 26, 2024.

“Earlier this morning, we responded with resources to Timberline; we were one of the first resources on that scene. The fire right now is about an acre or a little bit more and is fully contained as of 12:35 [p.m.]. We sent resources in from Clear Creek County, Golden Gate Canyon, Clear Creek Canyon, Nederland, and Timberline,” said Woolley.

Spellman asked if all the evacuation notices had been lifted, to which Woolley responded in the affirmative. Woolley said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. He reported they had excellent assistance from law enforcement.

During the Public Comment period, District 1 County Commissioner Marie A. Mornis thanked voters for her nomination as the 2025 Republican candidate for District 1 Commissioner. She went on to say “But I also want to note that there is some division in the party. As a former vice chair and present chair of the Republican Party, my goal for the past two years is to make the Republican Party relevant and cohesive. So that is my goal, besides running for commissioner again….”

The Council discussed Resolution 57-2024, A Resolution Approving the Professional Services Agreement Between the City of Black Hawk and 360 Rail Services, LLC in an Amount Not to Exceed $77,974.68 for Design Services on the Black Hawk Rail Line

Project Manager Matt Reed said, “The contract before you is really an opportunity for the City of Black Hawk to participate in the preliminary design of this project, which includes taking a survey of the affected area and establishing the best alignment for the tracks.”

Spellman chimed in, “And I guess what I would like to point out is, although it is in the grand scheme – the plan to have a railroad running between Central and Black Hawk; this is truly a standalone project.”

The meeting’s Agenda Packet provided detailed information: “A local developer has identified a potential tourism rail route that would begin on Spring Street in Central City and terminate on Gregory Hill in Black Hawk, near Artisan’s Point. Where possible, the route would follow historic benches that were cut into hillsides during the City’s mining era.

“Roughly 75% of the conceptual route is located within Black Hawk city limits. This contract would authorize 360 Rail Services, LLC to survey the railroad corridor within Black Hawk and determine the best alignment for the railroad.”

All were in favor.

The Council held three public hearings, for the following resolutions, during which there was no public comments:

Resolution 54-2024, a Resolution Approving the Certificate of Architectural Compatibility for the Property Located at 311 High Street.

The staff presented details about the historical significance of the property at 311 High Street, its construction history, and the proposed rehabilitation work including roofing, siding, paint, and other improvements.

Resolution 59-2024, A Resolution Establishing Water Rates Pursuant to Section 13-23 of the Black Hawk Municipal Code.

The City has not raised water rates in years, but due to increased costs in labor, chemicals, and electricity for water treatment, staff have proposed a 2.5% rate increase.

Resolution 60-2024, A Resolution Establishing Water Rates Pursuant to Section 13-23 of the Black Hawk Municipal Code, Effective January 1, 2025.

Water Resources Engineer Brad Dallam said the development of new businesses, specifically in the Commercial Business Service District, which is up by Public Works, were not envisioned in the last set of water rights.

An additional category has been added to the rate structure to accommodate these businesses. The addition is for the sprinkler feed for facilities under 20,000 square feet.

The fee will be based on the gross square footage of the facility. No other fees will be modified at this time.

All the resolutions were approved unanimously.

All Action Items on the agenda were approved unanimously.

Resolution 55-2024, A Resolution Acknowledging the Legal Non-Conforming Structure Located at 311 High Street;

Resolution 56-2024, A Resolution Approving Certain Service Agreements for Calendar Year 2024;

Resolution 58-2024, A Resolution Approving a Trade Contractor Agreement with Kubat Equipment for Repairs and Maintenance to the Fleet Shop Vehicle Wash Bay in the Amount Not to Exceed $87,795.24;

Resolution 61-2024, A Resolution Approving the Acquisition of Certain Real Estate Known as the West Fisk Mining Claim Within the City of Black Hawk;

Resolution 62-2024, A Resolution Accepting the City of Black Hawk 2023 Audit ;

Resolution 63-2024, A Resolution Setting Forth the Fees that may be Charged for Open Records Requests Under the Colorado Open Records Act, C.R.S. § 24-72-200.1, et seq. K.;

Resolution 64-2024, A Resolution Approving the City of Black Hawk Fee Schedule, as Amended.

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

The next regular meeting of the Black Hawk City Council is scheduled for July 10, 2024, at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 211 Church Street, Black Hawk, Colorado.