The Central City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jeremy Fey on March 1, 2022 at 7:25 p.m. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken. Alderman Kara Tinucci, and Alderman Jill Story.

Community Development Manager Ray Rears was honored for his years of service with Central City. Rears has accepted the position of County Manager for Gilpin County. Mayor Fey acknowledged Rears as a hardworking employee and stated the City has Ray’s name written all over it with his involvement on many projects.

City Manager Daniel Miera gave a heartfelt tribute to Rears and expressed the pleasure of working with him. Miera presented a certificate to Rears to honor him. Ray Rears informed the Council he is looking forward to working with Central City staff as Gilpin County Manager.

Historic Preservation Officer and Special Projects Coordinator Jamie Boyle was appointed as Ex Officio member to the Belvidere Foundation. Ray Rears stepped down as Ex Officio member at the February 22 meeting due to his new appointment as Gilpin County Manager. Boyle has been active with the Foundation since being hired. The Council voted unanimously for Boyle’s appointment.

Resolution No. 22-08 approves an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado regarding the Northwest Enterprise Zone. The AGNC provides ongoing support for local businesses. The City has been participating in the program since 2017 and renews their membership annually. The Resolution authorizes Mayor Fey to execute the membership to AGNG for 2022. The Council approved the Resolution unanimously.

Staff Updates: Daniel Miera updated Council on the resignation of Kathryn Heider from the Belvidere Foundation. The organization was formed in 2021 with nine members; seven members remain. Mayor Fey asked Miera if the Board needed more members added. Miera responded that the Board was comfortable with the current membership.

Lisa Roemhildt has been promoted from Main Street advisor to Interim Community Development Director as a result of the departure of Ray Rears. Nine new Covid cases have been reported in Gilpin County in the last 7 days. Information on home testing kits can be found at the Gilpin County web site. Fire Chief Allen reported a prototype detection device is being tested to detect particles, smoke and changes in the atmosphere. This revolutionary device could catch forest fires early and prevent massage destruction. 180 additional units should be in place by next year.

Council Comments: Alderman Story said she is trying to catch up as fast as she can. She was appointed to the Council at the last meeting. Alderman Tinucci congratulated Ray Rears on his new appointment and is looking forward to seeing him in his new role. Alderman Aiken also thanked Rears for his service to the City. Mayor Pro Tem Laratta commented Rears will be missed. Laratta announced the Local Emergency Planning Committee which she attends will meet monthly.

Mayor Fey was the last to acknowledge Rears and was aware of all the responsibilities he took on. Fay also congratulated Alderman Tinucci on the new location of JKQ BBQ at Crooks Palace in Black Hawk.

Public Comment: Todd Williams encouraged the Council to consider the transfer of the locomotive No. 7 to the Gilpin Historical Society. He would like to see it put in the hands of people who care about it and felt it would be a great tourism draw to have it operating instead of a museum piece. Williams suggested an option of co-ownership.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m. The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on March 15, 2022 at City Hall, 141 Nevada St. Central. City or online. Information can be found on the City web site, centralcity.colorado.gov/ meetings.