After months of heated discussions, the Central City Council has finally wrapped up its debate on sexually oriented businesses (SOBs), albeit with a compromise that left most residents satisfied.

Tuesday’s meeting saw council members approve several ordinances and resolutions regulating SOBs, moving the controversial issue towards a conclusion.

The council of three, with Jeff Aiken serving as chair in the rare case of the recusals of both Mayor Jeremy Fey and Mayor Pro-tem Kara Tinucci, unanimously approved Ordinance No. 24-02. The ordinance amends the city’s municipal code and restricts SOBs to industrial zones. This move is aimed at containing the businesses’ impact on the community.

Ordinance No. 24-03 passed on second reading, amending the code with specific licensing requirements for SOBs. The ordinance mandates restrictions on stage requirements and tip boxes: all tips must be placed in permanently affixed containers, prohibiting direct tipping of performers; and the performers must be on a stage, effectively precluding physical contact with patrons.

Alderman Todd Williams supported loosening the regulations but, after some discussion, withdrew his motion to omit the regulations concerning tip boxes and stages.

Aiken said if changes to regulations are desired in the future, then any SOB establishment can come to the council.

A proposal to put an advisory question on the November ballot about SOBs was tabled, effectively killing the measure. Many residents argued that ample opportunities had already been given for public input, rendering a ballot question redundant.

Williams, who voted against tabling the ballot question, suggested that fear of backlash might be preventing SOB supporters from voicing their opinions publicly, a claim met with skepticism by those calling for tighter SOB restrictions.

The council’s votes on SOBs concluded with applause.

In addition to the SOB debate, the council tackled several other pressing issues. They approved a task order for W2 Engineers, LLC, to design a new water treatment facility, a critical project due to current capacity shortfalls. Despite Fey’s concerns about costs, City Manager Daniel Miera emphasized the necessity of being shovel-ready in order to secure federal funding before 2026.

Miera said partial funding is available, but, ironically, they cannot apply for the funding without the design. The resolution passed 4 to 1 with Fey voting nay. Miera said he will create a document to show the funding structures.

A sidewalk trail project along Lawrence Street, part of the 2020 Trails Master Plan, was also greenlit, along with the approval of the Halloween Spooktacular event set for October.

Mary Ann Yuthas, of the Central City Main Street Commission, is organizing the unique event in the likeness of Disney’s “Haunted Mansion,” with elaborate decor to turn Central into a Victorian haunted village. There will be pop-up bars with specialty drinks for the final three weeks of October, with the event taking place on October 19, 26, and 31, beginning at 5 p.m.

Clara Brown Day is set for September 21, with festivities planned from 1 to 3 p.m. In honor of Clara Brown, the decision was made to rename County Road Street to Clara Brown Way. As the next step, residents affected by the street name change will be contacted as part of the implementation process.

As the council works to balance regulatory measures with community sentiment, the question remains whether these actions will be enough to quell ongoing debates. For now, Central City residents will watch closely as these newly enacted ordinances take effect. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Central City Council is scheduled for September 17, 2024, and will be held at Central City Hall, 141 Nevada Street, second floor; or online via Zoom. Information can be found on the City website, centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.