Janet Perry, Central City.   The Central City Alderman meeting moved into Executive Session, after being called to order, by Mayor pro-tem Kathy Heider. This was necessary to discuss legal questions around pending water rights which affect Central City. They needed to instruct negotiators on behalf of the city.

Once the regular Alderman meeting was reconvened, the agenda was approved with the addition of a report on the Belvidere by Barbara Thielemann.

Deb Wray, President of the Gilpin County Historical Society, gave a report on the work and events they had accomplished in 2015. The group was praised for their hard work by Mayor Engels, who noted it was “all part of the vision for Central City”.

Heider then moved to appoint La Nora Braning to the Main Street Commission and the motion carried unanimously.

Fire Chief Gary Allen was supposed to present conceptual drawings for the new Fire Station, but he was out on an emergency call and so the item was postponed until the April 5th meeting.

Barbara Thielemann then gave some background on the Belvidere being considered for the Endangered Places List. There was a Colorado Preservation Inc. documentary done on the Belvidere being considered for the 2016 CPI list.

Central City Attorney Marcus McAskin cited Charter provisions and requested a motion to move forward with the performance bonus discussed previously in Executive Session.  Alderman Shirley Voorhies then made a motion to direct the Finance Director, Abigail R. Adame, MPA to submit a one-time payment to the City Manager Daniel Miera of $3,000 for a performance bonus. The motion carried unanimously. Heider furthered the act by saying that Miera had “earned every penny” and “has been a real asset to the city.” Alderman Judy Laratta and Mayor Ron Engels voiced agreement with the statement.

Manager Miera then shared that the city had closed on the purchase of the Big T Lot at $325,000. Mayor Engels then thanked Miera, CDD Rears and McAskin for their hard work on the purchase.

During Council Comments, Alderman Laratta praised the Public Utilities for a quick response to her call about a broken meter cover.

Alderman Heider reported that the vacancy on the Gilpin Ambulance Board has been filled by Linda Eisenhart.

Alderman Voorhies noted that she has not yet seen a proposed IGA with regards to police services. She said she wasn’t sure where she stood on the issue.

Alderman Aiken said that he had called police dispatch over the weekend and because ‘our’ officer was not in the area, a GCSO responded to the call and arrived within 10 minutes.

Mayor Engels then thanked the Reserve Casino Hotel for participating in the High Country Auxiliary/Timberline Fire District fundraiser. He said the food “was excellent” and helped make the fundraiser a success.

During Public Forum, Deb Wray asked about the Eureka Street post removal and was told by Manager Miera that USA Communications is completing the fiber optics underground work and the poles should be removed by late Spring.

Then the Council went into Executive Session to discuss developing strategies on matters subject to negotiations, strategies for negotiations and instructions for negotiators with regards to property located on Nevada Street. They were also to discuss legal questions on pending litigation concerning a case filed in Gilpin County District Court, involving the city and the Gilpin County Historical Society. They would then discuss specific legal questions with regards to terms and conditions of a contract being proposed to the city.