The Central City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jeremy Fey at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken and Alderman Kara Tinucci.

Resolution No. 21-05 had its second reading, amending Rule 9 of the City of Central Rules and Procedures. This allows Council meetings to be held remotely and Council members to participate remotely in meetings. Before the pandemic, the City charter stated City Council members must be physically present at the meeting location unless the Council member is authorized to attend by remote participation. The Council voted unanimously for the Resolution.

Resolution No. 21-27 amends the Railcar Lease Agreement with the South Park Rail Society. Community Development Director Ray Rears explained that the rail car that is leased is being restored. A representative attended the last meeting to explain the progress. The new lease will extend to August 15, 2022, with an agreement that the repair work shall be completed and verified by that date.

Mayor Fey inquired if the South Park Society had reached out to the Gilpin Historical Society for marketing and networking opportunities. Historical Society President Deb Wray reported there had been contact. The Council voted and approved the Resolution unanimously.

Resolution 21-28 approves the Second Amended City Historic Preservation Paint Reimbursement Grant Program. Ray Rears explained the changes on the amendment: the new deadline for the grant is December 15, 2021; bids from contractors must be submitted 90 days (previously 30 days) prior to application submittal; no grant will be awarded for work completed more than 60 days prior to submission.

Mayor Fey thanked the Legal Department and Community Development Department for their work on the Resolution and asked Rears how many applicants they had for the program. Rears stated there were 9 applicants to date and an estimated $17,000 should be awarded by the end of the program. The Council approved the Resolution unanimously.

Resolution No. 21-29 authorizes the City to assign the lease of the Belvidere to the Belvidere Foundation. This lease had been assigned to the Building Authority and the Foundation requested the lease transfer to them as of September 18, 2021. This assignment will allow the Belvidere Foundation to obtain more grants and apply for tax credits. Alderman Laratta inquired regarding liability insurance. City Manager Daniel Miera, told her the City would maintain insurance on the property as owners of the building. However, the Belvidere Foundation could obtain additional insurance coverage in order to conduct tours. The Council approved the Resolution unanimously.

Staff updates: Daniel Miera reported that Dr. Charles Smith resigned from the Belvidere Foundation. The Main Street Open for Business Grant awarded Central City $327,727 to support improvements to the buildings and businesses in the downtown area.

Officer Wheeler from the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office reported there had been seven new cases of Covid-19 in the county, no new hospitalizations, and no new deaths in the last two-week period.

Council comments: Alderman Aiken enjoyed the Plein Air Festival and thought it was exceptional.

Public Comment: Deb Wray from the Gilpin County Historical Society announced the upcoming Creepy Crawl and stated tickets were selling out. She mentioned that Century Casino was supporting the Society by allowing registration at their facility. She also stated the Grand Z Casino loaned their bus for free last summer for their Cemetery Crawl. Wray pointed out this was proof that casinos and non-profits can work together.

The Council closed the regular meeting at 7:31 p.m. and went into Executive Session.

The next Central City Council meeting will be held on October 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the City Building, 141 Nevada Street, or by remote access. Information can be found at www.centralcity. colorado.gov.