CENTRAL CITY - Despite a packed audience of about 20 people, no one stepped up to comment at the start of Central City's April 1, 2025, City Council meeting. 

While public comment is always welcomed at the beginning of each meeting (to comment on Agenda Items only), the audience remained silent, leaving some to wonder—what brought so many residents to City Hall that night? Or does Central just have a very engaged public?

All council members were present, including Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Charles (Chuck) Spencer, and council members Todd Williams, Marcia Enloe, and Zane Plsek. 

Employee recognized for dedication

Public Works Director Mark Johns took a moment to recognize Alex Skladanowski as “Operator of the Year.” Johns commended Skladanowski for his commitment to the Water Department, often working seven days a week to meet the department's duties and state requirements.

Council members unanimously approved several resolutions during the meeting:

Comprehensive Plan Grant

Resolution 25-07 supports an application for a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to help fund an update to Central City’s Comprehensive Plan. Jeff Noffsinger, Planning and Community Services Director, said the application deadline is April 11.

Employee Housing Policy

Resolution 25-08 adopts an employee housing policy prioritizing full-time city employees who do not own property in Gilpin County.

Employee Housing Lease

Resolution 25-09 approves a lease agreement allowing Noffsinger to rent an employee housing unit at $750 per month, on a month-to-month basis, located on the south side of the Belvidere Theater.

The lease will allow for potential commercial use of the space below the residential unit, perhaps for a pop-up wine bar in the summer, staff said.

Spencer asked to amend the lease by removing specific language from clause 4.3 that firearms be stored separately from ammunition. He said that it is not a feasible situation when one is truly in need of self-defense.

City Attorney Alexis King offered to remove the final sentence from Section 4.3, and the council unanimously adopted the amended resolution. 

Belvidere Foundation Lease

Resolution 25-10 authorizes a lease agreement between the City and the Belvidere Foundation, specifically the residential use of the aforementioned part of the Belvidere.

Hauling Agreement for Mighty Argo Cable Car Project

Resolution 25-11 approves a hauling agreement and temporary access easement with Miners Point Ventures, LLC. The agreement seeks to ensure compliance with heavy equipment hauling fees and access logistics related to the Mighty Argo Cable Car Project. 

Council members acknowledged the need for better enforcement and communication regarding hauling permits.

As part of the agreement, barriers restricting access to the Central City Parkway were removed to improve vehicle entry.

Public comment and council discussion

During the final public comment portion of the meeting, only a few individuals spoke.

Gilpin County Commissioner and former Central City alderman Jeff Aiken inquired whether the residential space at the Belvidere Foundation meets code requirements for features like a kitchen and bathroom. 

Fey confirmed that it does. Aiken also cautioned the council against overreliance on grant funding, noting that grants are never guaranteed and, in today's political climate, are less likely to be approved.

Eric Langan encouraged the council to consider allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as an affordable housing option for employees. He requested that guidelines related to ADUs be made public.

When Fey asked if anyone else wished to speak, Central's engaged public replied with chuckles, saying, “Not today.”

During council comments, Plsek mentioned his recent attendance at a Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) meeting, saying that, though helpful, the information shared often applies to larger municipalities. He also recognized Aiken’s caution regarding grants.

Williams once again commended Skladanowski's hard work and expressed support for the City's efforts to offer affordable housing to employees. He encouraged the council to explore future uses for City-owned properties, specifically mentioning 103 Eureka.

Spencer praised Skladanowski for helping with a construction project last year. 

He then asked the local law enforcement in the audience if there was a problem with transients sleeping in their cars. 

Gilpin County Officer Sean Wheeler offered that there had been an incident involving a woman panhandling on Main Street. He said she asked for a ride to Nederland and that the officers obliged.

Spencer said his concern is about offering assistance, not criminalizing people in need.

Fey informed the audience that Black Hawk Fire is cancelling the mutual aid agreement with Central City Fire. He expressed disappointment over the decision, saying he would prefer collaboration between the sister cities. He added that he plans to focus on reestablishing the agreement.

Before adjourning, in a somber tone, Fey announced his resignation and that he would be moving to San Diego—before quickly clarifying it was an April Fool's joke! 

The next Council meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2025, at 141 Nevada Street. This meeting will be held in person at City Hall and online as available by visiting centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.