Patrice LeBlanc, Central City. The Central City Council meeting started at 7:28 p.m. on December 3, 2019, with all council members present: Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jack Hidahl, Alderman Jeff Aiken and Alderman Jackie Johnson. The first item in new business was the appointment of an alternate for the Planning Commission. 

Marcia Enloe addressed the council of her interest in the position. She has been a resident of Central City since 2008 and runs Stella’s Restaurant located inside Bonanza Casino. When asked why she would like to be on the commission, Enloe stated an interest in developing the community and it sounded like fun. She was voted in 5-0.

The council looked over Resolution No. 19-32: A resolution approving a General Fund purchase of Development Fee Credits from the Water Enterprise Fund for issuance to a City Economic Development Incentive Program. The City loaned funds over a number of years from the General Fund to the Water Fund for operational and capitol expenses. 

The current fiscal year end balance on the loan is $819, 205. The City intends to establish a program that can provide economic incentives to the development projects. 

City Manager Daniel Miera explained the process to the Council. The payback plan will change from 20 years to 11 years. Mayor Fey asked Miera if the City is forgiving the balance of the loan from the Water Fund. Miera replied that the Water Fund will still be owed to the City, but it will come in a different form. 

Alderman Aiken wanted to know if the City charges interest on the loan, and Miera reported that no interest was charged. Alderman Hidahl thought this was a creative solution and an advantage for the City to encourage development. Mayor Fey agreed and felt the incentive program should be used for the core of the city rather than exterior development. The Resolution passed 5-0.

City staff recommended a motion to amend the adopted 2019 City budget to appropriate additional funds for specific expenditures: General Fund, Historic Preservation Fund, Transportation Fund and Water Fund. This resolution was a result from several budget retreats with the Council and City staff. The new budget includes a five-year capital improvement plan. The Resolution passed 5-0.

The next resolution was a request to the Council to approve the 2020 budget, adopting a five-year capital improvement plan, setting the property tax mill levy and the districts operating plan and budget. The Council conducted a public hearing on November 19, 2019, to adopt the resolution. 

The Council had a discussion on how the funds would be dispersed. Miera explained that the funds can be repurposed to accommodate specific expenditures, such as bear proof containers or economic incentives. 

Miera reported that a fee structure has been implemented with the Business Improvement District to finish the lighting on Central City Parkway. Alderman Hidahl asked if this budget amendment would alleviate an audit next year. Miera pointed out a standard audit is required every year. 

Miera was asked if the water budget was too high. Miera responded the budget shows a positive operating fund, for which the city has been striving for many years. It has been in the negative in years’ past.

A $50,000 grant has been split between the Gilpin Historical Society and the Gilpin Arts Association. The Council asked staff to put together a program and guidelines through the Historical Preservation Commission for historical structures in need of improvement. Alderman Laratta would like to see an emergency fund created for historic properties so the homeowner can hang onto their homes. The Resolution was passed 5-0.

Central City Attorney Marcus McAskin explained the second reading on an ordinance regarding traffic offenses. The Council already approved the previous ordinance reducing the number of days for a jail sentence from one year to 364 days; however, traffic offences were not included in the ordinance and needed to be addressed. A public hearing was opened with no responders. The Ordinance was approved 5-0.

Regarding special work sessions, the Council determined that discussions take longer than allotted time and they are scheduled at different times. Alderman Johnson expressed concern that it was challenging to make all the work sessions due to the irregular schedule. Alderman Laratta suggested the work sessions should be scheduled on Tuesdays when the Council was not in session to keep a regular time. The council agreed on this solution.

Miera submitted a report on the use of Public Safety Funds in 2019. A 2 percent tax increase was approved by voters on November 6, 2018. The tax increase went into effect in 2019. The projected year-end tax revenue is expected to be $351,248. Expenditures from the fund provided resources to the City’s Fire Department. 

Alderman Aiken thought the economic growth of the city is getting better every year and was thrilled at the grants that were coming into the city. Alderman Laratta gave kudos to the staff for preparing the budget and appreciated how much more understandable it was to read it than previous budgets. She felt the water department has come a long way in the last five years. 

Mayor Fey came from the Colorado Music Hall of Fame meeting where he was promoting the Central City Opera House to be inducted into the organization. He encouraged everyone to participate in the upcoming holiday events.  

Alderman Johnson announced an ugly sweater contest at the upcoming community potluck. Alderman Hidahl asked why the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s office patrolled the Parkway. It was determined the beginning of the Parkway was in Clear Creek County. 

(Originally published in the December 12, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)