CENTRAL CITY – The Central City Council convened its regular meeting on February 4, 2025, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, following a work session. Mayor Jeremy Fey and Council members Zane Plsek, Todd Williams, Chuck Spencer, and Marcia Enloe were present. 

Two upcoming special meetings were announced. The first will take place on February18 at 1:30 p.m. and focus on downtown parking restrictions. The second is scheduled for February 25 at 3 p.m. and will include an executive session. No additional action will be taken after the executive session.

The Council passed Resolution 2503, supporting the creation of a regional resilience team to promote economic development initiatives across Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties. 

City Manager Daniel Miera explained that the resolution follows previous discussions and a presentation by Lindsey Valdez, president of the Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation. The team will meet quarterly, and Zane Plsek was officially appointed as Central City’s representative.

During public comment, resident Deb Wray expressed concerns about Eureka Street, which she described as increasingly hazardous for pedestrians. 

Wray noted that she was nearly struck by trucks towing trailers while crossing the street near St. James Church. She pointed out that the street cannot be widened, and suggested traffic-calming measures such as stop signs, speed bumps, and detours for large vehicles through Nevadaville.

City Manager Daniel Miera acknowledged the challenges on Eureka Street and explained that funding has been allocated for an engineering study focused on stormwater drainage and springs along the road. 

Fey proposed that a deputy could be requested to help manage traffic near the church during Sunday services.

Betty Mahaffey, treasurer of the Belvidere Foundation, addressed the Council to express her excitement about nearing the completion of Phase 1 of the foundation’s visitor center project.  She thanked the Council for their support over the years and suggested installing directional signage to alleviate traffic congestion near the intersection of Eureka Street and Main Street.

During Council Comments, Zane Plsek assured Wray that the City was actively considering Eureka Street’s infrastructure and safety issues, saying that the upcoming work sessions would help address those concerns. 

Spencer suggested imposing impact fees on ticketed events to offset the City’s expenses for event-related services. The Council appeared open to exploring this option.

Williams noted that resolving congestion near the Teller House, which acts as a major bottleneck on Eureka Street, would be particularly challenging. Discussions about alternative solutions, including potential redirection of traffic, are expected to continue in future meetings.

Mayor Fey took a moment to honor Charles “Chip” Smith, a performing arts teacher and community leader who recently died. Fey described Smith as a “pillar of the community” who made lasting contributions to the arts in Gilpin County. 

Fey also praised Mahaffey for her many years of civic involvement, thanking her for her ongoing dedication to Central City.

Before adjourning, Fey announced an upcoming Valentine's Day dance at 7 p.m. on February 14 at the Elks Lodge. The event includes a birthday celebration for longtime resident Barbara Thielemann, and invites community members to "get their dance on."

The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m. The next regular Council meeting will be held on February 18 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting will also be accessible online at centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.