Janet Perry, Central City.  In each Alderman Council meeting, once the meeting is called to order and roll is taken, the council recites the Pledge of Allegiance. The Consent Agenda is then reviewed and passed. Once that business is out of the way, the first of two opportunities for Public Forum and audience participation is announced. On May 17th, several people were waiting to give their input.

Barry Phillips, the GM for the Reserve Casino, stepped up to ask the council to pause on the approval of the Leavitt Street resolution. He noted that the resolution would impact the bus companies who partner with local businesses, bringing up employees and charter groups to the casinos.

Steve Cordero manages Ace Express and asked for more time to consider other options for parking buses. He noted that the resolution could increase costs that were not anticipated in this fiscal year’s budget. He also mentioned that he would like to hear from more residents about idling, as this is not currently an acceptable practice.

Alison Hickock explained that this has caused a two-year battle to gain cooperation from buses that park in the Leavitt Lot, who not only idle the buses for hours but also leave the backup beepers on. She mentioned that they also pull out onto Lawrence going uphill, which causes a great deal of noise and dust. She mentioned that she has called Ace dispatch multiple times without getting any resolve.

Joe Behm, the CCBID Director, noted the long history the city has had with buses and the importance of making it possible for visitors to get to the Central City businesses. He asked for more time to find a solution.

The first order of new business under Action Items, was Resolution No. 16-14:”A resolution of the City Council of the City of Central, Colorado authorizing the City Manager to post traffic control signs and take all necessary and proper steps to restrict vehicular traffic on Leavitt Street.”

City Manager Daniel R. Miera gave a review of the background, noting that the city is addressing “hazardous environmental issues, excessive auto emissions, noise, and pollution damage to historic buildings and structures” as well as protecting the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents and visitors. This is being done by taking all necessary steps to restrict vehicular traffic on Leavitt Street.

He went on to add that the city had received numerous complaints about excessive noise and air pollution from neighbors living on Lawrence Street, which lies adjacent to Leavitt Street. He stressed that there have also been “recent substantial incidents” on Leavitt Street, causing “hazardous environmental conditions” that the city must address. On February 19th, 2016, fuel was spilled near the creek. Then on April 13th, 2016, antifreeze was spilled near the creek.

Miera added that based on the information presented, the proposed restriction of traffic on Leavitt Street wouldn’t “adversely affect the city’s general transportation system”, and would not “leave any property in the area without established access to another established public road”, per town code protections. Miera then stated that he felt restricting traffic on Leavitt street would be proper.

Manager Miera explained that Black Hawk does not allow buses on city streets, and that therefore the buses “end up” on Leavitt and Miners Mesa. He then noted that Leavitt is not approved for parking.

Alderman Laratta mentioned being concerned about doing anything that would discourage business during this time of year. She mentioned that Central City was unique, and that everyone faces problems.

Alderman Shirley Voorhies made the motion to table the resolution until the next meeting on June 7th, 2016. Heider seconded. Mayor Engels noted in the discussion that they had already adopted the resolution to close Leavitt. When Mayor Engels called for a vote, the motion carried with the Mayor casting a ‘no’ vote.

Next was AR 16-01: Administrative Re-Plat Central City Lot, Block 1, Lot 11, 12 & 13 of the Goltra Property. Community Development Director Ray Rears explained to the Council that Carolyn Goltra, the Manager for Central City LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Corporation, would like to consolidate the three parcels into one. Located at the former Doc Holiday’s Casino, the applicant feels the consolidation will make the property easier to market for future development.

Mayor pro tem Heider made the motion to approve AR 16-01. Alderman Voorhies seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Volunteer Firefighters Foundation of Central City requests $22,000. Fire Chief Gary Allen made the presentation for the proposal, which would grow the Foundation and ‘jump-start’ their fundraising drive. The requested monies would be from the Fire Department’s budget. Allen laid out the breakdown, with $5,200 for Start-Up Costs, $5,300 for Outreach and Education, and another $11,500 for Fundraising/Grant Writing.

Mayor Ron Engels noted that when the Foundation was formed, they had said they would be raising their own money, so he had not expected this request.

Alderman Voorhies then made the motion to grant the request for $22,000 to the Central City Volunteer Firefighters Foundation. Alderman Judy Laratta seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Finance Director Abigail R. Adame announced that staff is looking forward to having online payments for water bills available in July.

During the second Public Forum/ Audience Participation part of the meeting, Jack Hidahl said there should be a building authority. He went on to say that though voter approval wouldn’t be required, he felt the voters should be informed.

Lynne Poe, CC’s Volunteer Fire Foundation Treasurer expressed concern over the minimal funding the Fire Department receives. She mentioned that the equipment and the Fire Station need serious upgrades.

The Mayor then moved the council into Executive Session in order to develop strategies for negotiations regarding property located on Nevada Street. City Manager Miera and Community Development Director Rears were asked to join the meeting.

The next Central City Alderman Council Meeting will be held June 7, 2016 at 7:00 pm.