Monica LaSalle, Central City. The Central City Council met last Tuesday, March 19, 2019, and began the discussion with a consideration put forth to the Board of Adjustment by Steven Shores of Centennial and the property known as the Shores Residence, to consider a resolution to approve a variance request.

Fact finding states the property is seeking to place the new 20’x50’ dwelling with a 6-foot setback rather than meeting the current requirement of 10 feet, with small court yards on either side. The property in question, lot 28 on Eureka Street, slopes steeply from North to South, preventing development of the property without this minimum variance request. The property owner is developing the property as close to the previous structure as possible and is placing the new structure against the rock without a rear setback. Having removed a rock wall, he promises to reinstall along the property line, Mr. Shores gave reassurances to Councilman Jeff Aiken’s question whether or not the water and sewer lines and permits were in place.

In response to Councilman Jack Hidahl’s concern that the March 8, 2019 announcement was posted to the public adequately and that the presentation was not large enough to show enough detail, Mr. Shores went over the map in person with him, showing where he promises improvements of the on street parking and replacement of the ramp currently in place with rock steps. From the public response, Debra Wray of HVC spoke on behalf of the project, stating it is designed well and should improve the overall aesthetics of the neighborhood. Councilwoman Judy Laratta moved to approve the variance, with Councilwoman Jackie Mitchell seconding and the council unanimously and approving. Mr. Shores plans to use the property as a second residence.

The next order of business was an action item appointing Dena Hunter to the last vacant position on the Planning Commission. After confirming the position had been posted for several months with only one applicant, she was unanimously approved for the position. Ms. Hunter is an 11-year resident of Prospectors Run with a background in telecommunications and has become familiar with the Planning Commission through a close friend who had previously been active with the commission for several years.

During staff updates, the council considered options for where to hold the 2019 Central City Opera Gala picnic. Locations such as the previously utilized Williams Russell Park, the park between Spruce and Eureka, and the location used for the past years, which is Main Street, were all considered. There was some concern expressed by Councilman Hidahl (with Councilwoman Laratta in agreement) that holding it on Main Street attracts non-opera crowds due to the draw of free food offered at the event.

It was thought that such crowds diminish development of relationships within the opera community. Mayor Fey stated that he felt the Main Street location provided an opportunity for people who aren’t there for the opera to integrate with the opera crowd and thus create new opera fans. Hidahl suggested it be held at the Teller House, with Councilman Aiken agreeing and motioning for approval of the site. The council unanimously agreed.

The discussion then moved to comments from the council members after it was established that there were no members of the public present requesting to speak. Councilman Aiken expressed approval of the snow removal efforts by Public Works, and in particular the use of salt sand on steeper roads in the community. Councilwoman Mitchell stated she was impressed with how quickly the gas leak was repaired as well as the efforts put forth to protect the accident site from future damage by the planned installation of ballards along the curb as well as the sign repair that included protective improvements. She feels that due to the amount of work asked of the Public Works crew, the council should consider granting an additional position to the department. City Manager Daniel Miera stated the proposal can be put forth for consideration. Councilman Hidahl thanked city staff for the public charrette held the previous night to consider future options for The Belvedere, stating he believed it can become a cathartic location once again. He expressed that he was impressed with the extra efforts of tired staff in their snow removal during the last storm. When questioning whether or not the recent changes to the snow removal requirements in town resulted in any citations, it was reported that 4 warnings were given, and 2 citations including fines were also given. There will be follow up done on the two citations to ensure the sidewalks are eventually cleared.

Councilman Hidahl also addressed the need for a nuisance ordinance due to the amount of crumbling masonry, chipped paint and broken windows to be seen throughout the city. City Manager Miera stated staff is looking into the adoption of the National Property Maintenance Code with assurances of future updates on progress.

Community Development Director & Historic Preservation Officer Ray Rears reported that staff is working on a grant for hiring intern students in partnership with CU Denver while they offer classes in Central City potentially on a property owned by the Opera. He states there would be no financial commitment required of the city. Future updates are expected on the status of this effort.

The next meeting of the City of Central Council will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in the 3rd floor Council Chambers of 141 Nevada Street, Central City, Colorado.