The Black Hawk City Council updated sign codes during a regular meeting at about 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 211 Church Street. The meeting followed a 2 p.m. work session on the budget. The Council also updated codes to 2021 standards for buildings and fire, and also were introduced to new employees.

Julie Esterl with Baseline Corporation introduced Phase Three of the Sign Codes update, primarily for new signs at Gregory Plaza. The ordinance repeals and reenacts a segment of the City of Black Hawk Municipal Code for the History Appreciation Recreation Destination District.

In July 2019, the City of Black Hawk identified the need to update portions of the Black Hawk Municipal Code. Based on the needs and timing of the proposed amendments, a three-phase approach was established to accomplish the amendments.

Phase One included clarifications, the addition of small temporary signs allowed without a permit, and the addition of regulations particular to temporary signs in the HARD District. It was completed in November 2019. Phase Two, regarding monument signs in the HARD District, was completed in September 2020.

Phase Three is in regard to clarifications and the addition of specific regulations for permanent signs in the HARD District. This final phase will include permanent signs.

The Council approved the ordinance.

Cindy Linker of Community Planning and Development introduced the first reading of an ordinance adopting the International Building Code, 2021 edition, and scheduled the second reading for a public hearing on December 7, 2022.

The proposed code amendment aims to provide uncomplicated relevant information, correct discrepancies, and provide a more user-friendly format. Currently, the Building Code consists of two articles and five sections.

The research by reviewers allowed for a formal comparison between the current 2015 codes and the proposed 2021 codes to identify any significant changes. Once the reviewers identified the critical differences, they compared them to most of the permits issued in the past year.

During this exercise, the reviewers also considered other relevant local agency amendments to determine if adopting the new 2021 code would enhance or hinder future development. Staff recommended the proposed Building Code Adoption as follows: 1. Repeal Article II, National Electrical Code, of Chapter 18 of the City of Black Hawk Municipal Code; 2. Repeal and Reenact Article I, International Building Code, of Chapter 18 of the City of Black Hawk Municipal Code.

The adoption of the 2021 Building Code includes significant changes. The complete reorganization of sections from 5 to 14 allows users more clarity and simplicity for digital accessibility.

Under Colorado law, all jurisdictions must adopt the most current International Energy Conservation Code by January 1, 2025. City staff recommended the adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code 2021 Edition. This Code will assist with the abatement of nuisance violations.

It includes the Building Code 2021 Edition, International Fire Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fuel and Gas Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and International Property Maintenance Code.

The Council approved the first reading of the ordinance and set the public hearing for the second reading for December 7, 2022.

New employees were then introduced to the Council.

Calob Perry, Firefighter, said he is very excited to be starting a career as a firefighter in Black Hawk. “This is a goal I have been working toward for several years,” he said.

“I started volunteering in Granby as a firefighter before becoming an EMT and working at Stadium Medical. At that time I also started volunteering as a firefighter with the City of Golden. Currently I live in Parker but I grew up in the Littleton area.”

Officer Duncan Cross was born and raised in Colorado. He attended Colorado Mesa University where he played lacrosse for the University and studied Criminal Justice. While in college, he took full advantage of that opportunity of acquiring POST certification as part of the CJ curriculum. When he graduated with his bachelor’s degree, he was also POST certified and ready to start his law enforcement career. He became a Black Hawk Officer in June of 2022.

Tim Maytum, Police Officer, was born in Colorado. He graduated from Littleton High School in 2016. He graduated from the Police Academy in May, 2020. He has law enforcement experience from the Alamosa Police Department.

JD Smith, Police Officer, grew up in Canon City before moving to the metro area in 2017. He went through Arapahoe Community College’s Law Enforcement Academy and graduated in May 2022.

Michael Downing, Water Operator I, started with the city on October 21, 2020. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, Watershed Management and Hydrology. He is currently working at the Dory Hill plant.

He told the councilors that “Working here has been great so far because it’s outside of the busy city life in Denver, and I love the fresh mountain air. I find it meaningful to be a part of creating the best quality water for the city, residents and visitors….My goals this year are to work hard and learn as much as possible. I will be testing with the State of Colorado this fall to obtain my Water Treatment Class B and Water Distribution Level 3 license,” Downing said.

Travis (Royce) Mclain was hired on November 2, 2020. He is assisting with oversight of the Dory Hill Water Treatment Plant and City Distribution system. “I enjoy working for a smaller system and being back in the mountains.”

John Null, Water Operator II, started with the City on September 27. He moved here from Texas. Before starting with the City, he changed out water meters for various locations in Texas.

Matthew Micklich, Utility Operator II, has worked in the water industry for more than seven years. He is a Colorado native and loves to spend time hunting, fishing, camping, and volunteering for his kids’ sports.

The next meeting of the Black Hawk Council will be on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 2011 Church Street in Black Hawk. For more information, go to https://www.cityofblackhawk.org/.