John Scarffe, Black Hawk.  The Black Hawk City Council received resolutions to repeal and waive taxes during its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 24, at 3 p.m., at 211 Church Street. Four resolutions came before the Board regarding City sales taxes for delivery, use taxes on construction, and for hotel development.

City Attorney Corey Hoffmann introduced the four resolutions. The first would provide a temporary rebate for City sales tax on retail items delivered to city residential properties for personal consumption and use. The second would temporarily rebate city use tax on construction and building materials for residential projects within the City’s national historic landmark district.

The third resolution would encourage diversification of the City’s local economy by extending the waiver of taxes and impact fees for the development of hotels and other amenities and extending the waiver of use tax on other renovation projects. The fourth would temporarily rebate parking impact fees for the development of hotels and other amenities.

Mayor Spellman combined all four resolutions into one action item. Hoffmann said that a concern had come up about a previous resolution providing waivers to any commercial projects.

Hoffmann said it has come to staff’s attention that some businesses may not be pulling the necessary building permits required by the City, and the resolution, as it stands now, would be rewarding their projects with tax incentives.  He said in order to be observant of this discrepancy, a new Section Four has been recommended.

The section that would read: “No project shall be entitled to receive any of the incentives set forth herein if necessary building permits are not obtained in advance of the work requiring the issuance of such permits, in conformance with the uniform building codes as adopted by the City from time to time.” The Council unanimously passed the four resolutions.

The Council approved an Intergovernmental Agreement regarding snow removal services between the City of Black Hawk and the City of Central. Public Works Director Thomas Isbester explained that, historically, Public Works plow truck drivers were turning around on private property just outside city limits, and he directed them to continue up to D Street in Central City to turn around on a public road.

Isbester said his drivers would like to put their blade down to help out the residents while they are turning around, and an IGA would be required to offer that service. City Attorney Hoffmann reiterated from the agreement that “this limited service will be considered secondary and supplementary to Central City, and the primary responsibility for any and all maintenance of these roadways within Central City shall remain with Central City.

Black Hawk shall have no obligation to provide such limited snow removal services if it is unable to do so for any reason, and such inability shall not be deemed a breach of this agreement.” Council discussed this and determined that the arrangement would work for the remainder of this winter season and then should be readdressed.

Mayor Spellman added that this would be an opportune time to meet with Central City regarding the future plowing of Gregory Street due to the realignment and redevelopment project for the benefit of both Cities.

During a public hearing, the Council approved a New Tavern License for Jan’s Tavern, LLC, dba Jan’s Tavern, 101 Gregory Street, Unit #1. City Attorney Hoffmann introduced this item and reminded Council that they are to determine two factors: is the applicant eligible to hold a liquor license, and are the needs and desires of the neighborhood not currently being met.

Z Casino Vice President of Marketing Joe Behm and Manager Dodd Hanneman made their case. They said they believe the needs of the neighborhood are not being met in the north end of the City and this liquor license would be part of a Promotional Association.  Mayor Spellman asked if they believe this approval would increase visitor velocity to the City, to which they replied that they do.

The Council then approved a Certification of a Promotional Association and Common Consumption Area for Z’s Promotional Association, LLC. Hoffmann reminded the Council of the requirements to hold a Promotional Association and Common Consumption Area.

The Aldermen approved a resolution approving a license agreement between the City of Black Hawk and Josh Smith. Community Planning and Development Administrative Assistant Sara Lang introduced this item.

Lang said the applicant is participating in the Historic Restoration and Community Preservation Program and it was discovered that three bridges crossing Chase Gulch encroach into the Chase Street right-of-way. She said this agreement just acknowledges the encroachments.

The Council approved resolutions reappointing Ronald W. Carlson to be the City of Black Hawk Municipal Court Judge and Thad Renaud as Assistant Municipal Court Judge. Carlson said it was a pleasure to serve in this capacity for the past four years, and he is always eager to hear any policy considerations or improvements. Mayor Spellman said that Council believes he does an excellent job and would like him to come back in April to swear in the Aldermen incumbents.

The next meeting of the Black Hawk City Council will be at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at 211 Church Street.