John Scarffe, Black Hawk. The Black Hawk City Council approved Local Landmark designation for the Bobtail Tramway Portal during a regular meeting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at 211 Church Street.

The Council also approved acquiring property for open space and recreational purposes, a local liquor licensing authority for a special event liquor permit for the Gilpin County Historical Society, and a professional services agreement with the Historic Restoration and Preservation Program Advocate.

Community Development and Planning Director Cindy Linker introduced an application to approve an ordinance for the historic designation of the Bobtail Tramway Portal below the City Hall at Gregory and Selak Streets. The Bobtail Tramway Portal was constructed in 1880.

The Tramway was used to transport ore to the Bobtail mine. Linker said it meets all the criteria in an era of history and cultural history; it enhances a sense of identity; and has visual features in the community. The Historic Preservation Committee has been discussing this and recommending approval.

On March 22, 2017, City Council approved a resolution directing the City Manager to take all necessary steps for the City to apply for a local historic landmark designation for the City- owned property generally known as the Bobtail Tramway Portal.

Criteria were followed to designate the site as historic. The Historic Preservation Commission evaluated and discussed the staff report regarding local landmark designation application; and testimony by the public, City staff, and the historic preservation consultant. After the discussion, the Commission recommended the City Council approve the local landmark designation for the Bobtail Tramway Portal at 201 Selak Street, located west of Black Hawk City Hall and east of Church Street.

The Council approved the landmark designation.

City Manager Stephen Cole an ordinance stating the intent of the City to acquire certain property for open space and recreational purposes. Cole said the City intends to expand its current open space and trail system, connecting the trails on Maryland Mountain to a new trailhead located at the Briggs lot. A planned, new trail will cross the lower portion of the Freedom Lode Mining Claim, U.S. Mineral Survey 640, connecting Maryland Mountain with the Briggs lot.

The City intends to purchase .77 acres for the trail from the owners of the property. Staff will offer $25,000 for the property and negotiate with the owners as appropriate; however, if an agreement cannot be reached, staff will proceed with obtaining the property through eminent domain.

The Council approved the ordinance to authorize the intent to acquire a portion of the Freedom Lode Mining Claim, U.S. Mineral Survey No 640, for the purpose of establishing a community trail system.

The Council approved a Local Liquor Licensing Authority Consideration of a Special Event Liquor Permit for the Gilpin County Historical Society for September 17, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Linker introduced a resolution approving a professional services agreement with Bruce Michalak as the Historic Restoration and Preservation Program Advocate in an amount not to Exceed $50,000. Community Planning and Development use professional services to supplement City staff time, provide an independent perspective, ensure credibility, and serve as a technical advisor to the department.

The Professional Services Agreement for the Historic Restoration and Preservation Program Advocate is a budgeted item. The effective dates for this agreement are July 14, 2022, through January 11, 2023.

The Council approved the agreement.

The next meeting of the Black Hawk City Council will be on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at 211 Church Street in Black Hawk. For more information, go to https://www.cityofblackhawk.org/.