CENTRAL CITY - Central City Council members met on May 20, when they voted to move forward with a long-term planning project that brings together the City, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Business Improvement District (BID), and private investors.

The goal is to update the City’s comprehensive plan, which helps guide future development, infrastructure, and housing needs.

 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.

The planning effort will update Central’s comprehensive plan, which serves as a roadmap for infrastructure, zoning, housing, and long-term improvements. 

The total project cost is about $150,000, with a $71,250 grant from the state covering nearly half. The remaining amount is split evenly between the City, DDA, and the BID, each contributing $13,710.

Council members discussed the pros and cons of the cost, with some talking about the City’s history of creating plans that never get used. 

Plsek said the cost was small compared to the City’s overall budget, but questioned whether this plan would actually lead to action or become “another binder on a shelf.”

“I’m for it, but I don’t know where this city or this country’s going to be in a year,” Plsek said.

Fey said that this effort ties together past work and could help Central attract the right kind of growth and investment.

“We need to do things to attract businesses here,” said Williams, stressing that $13,000 is not that big of an ask for the city. 

The council unanimously approved Resolution 25-21. 

In other business, the council approved Resolution No. 25-20, allowing Main Street and Gregory Street to temporarily close on Friday, July 11, for the 32nd Gilpin County Fair Parade. The consent agenda, which included this resolution, recent bills, and minutes from the last meeting, passed unanimously.

The City also welcomed Eric Scholl, a new full-time firefighter who will work Thursday-through-Sunday shifts. The Fire Chief introduced him as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to grow its paid staff.

During public comment, Jill Story shared an idea for a community-run bookstore and café where locals could also borrow books like a library. 

Others shared mixed opinions about the planning project. Some supported it as a smart investment, and others worried about rising costs or a lack of follow-through.

Council members also mentioned the need for better traffic enforcement along Eureka Street, especially after a close call in a crosswalk. There were comments about safety, local softball playoffs, and issues with transient activity affecting local businesses.

The meeting wrapped up with a closed-door executive session to discuss legal matters and the possible sale of two City-owned properties on Eureka Street. Mayor Fey stepped out of that part of the meeting due to a conflict of interest involving his connection with the Central City Opera board.

The next Council meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2025, at 141 Nevada Street, Central City, Colorado. It will be held in person at City Hall and online, as available, at centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.