Patrice LeBlanc, Central City. Central City Council meeting convened via videoconference at 2 p.m. on May 19, 2020. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Jackie Johnson and Alderman Jack Hidahl.

The Public Forum brought comments from Century and Grand Z Casinos managers stating they did not feel the casino industry has been included enough on the Resolution No. 20-19 concerning the devise fees on slot machines. Mayor Fey thanked them for their comments. 

Resolution No. 20-18 extends the City of Central’s Local Emergency Disaster Declaration through June 3, 2020. The City Council previously extended the local disaster emergency through May 20, 2020. The Resolution passed 5-0.

Resolution No. 20-19 establishes an Incentive Program for Central City to temporarily waive or reduce certain fees to casinos in 2020. City Manager Daniel Miera explained an incentive program is needed to allow the City to give the casinos financial relief. The City and casinos would like to have agreements with mutual benefits through stabilization of devise fees and an employee re-employment plan. Mayor Pro-Tem Laratta did not feel devise fees should be collected until the casinos were running again. Alderman Aiken suggested a work session for the following Tuesday with the casinos. Alderman Hidahl questioned how the Resolution would affect the City budget for 2020. Alderman Johnson thought waiving the devise fees for April and May made sense, however, future waivers would cause the city to run out of money. Mayor Fey stated the City relies on casinos and they must maintain their health for the benefit of the city. He also suggested a work session with the casinos. The Resolution vote was approved 5-0 to move Resolution No. 20-19 to the June 2, 2020, City Council meeting after the work session on May 26, 2020.

Daniel Miera reported to City Council some guidelines for re-opening the city to include reservoirs to open on June 1, and a reopen plan for restaurants, retail, small business and special events. He anticipates the timelines are subject to change due to the pandemic levels. A face mask requirement in public is already in effect for Central City. Mayor Fey would like to create outdoor capacity seating for restaurants to reopen. Alderman Hidahl added liquor license zoning would need to be modified. Mayor Fey brought up a restroom issue for out of town visitors where currently there are no public restrooms open due to the shutdown. Porta potties were discussed as a solution. Alderman Johnson suggested checking with the county health officials for safety concerns. 

Joe from Grand Z Casino spoke in public comments that he would like to meet with City staff immediately to work out devise fees and not wait until the following week for a work session. Eric Rose from Century Casino agreed and will share universal guidelines for all casinos. The City will work on setting up a meeting. 

The City Council meeting adjourned at 4:14 p.m. 

(Originally published in the May 21, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)