CENTRAL CITY – The Central City Council convened for a regular meeting on March 4, 2025, to deliberate on several pressing municipal matters, including admission fees, parking regulations, and snow removal requirements. 

Mayor Jeremy Fey presided over the meeting alongside council members Todd Williams, Chuck Spencer, Marcia Enloe, and Zane Plsek. City Manager Daniel Miera and City Attorney Alexis King were also present to provide legal and administrative guidance.

During the public forum, Adam Scurto, Managing Director of External Affairs for Central City Opera, introduced a new initiative allowing Gilpin County residents to purchase $10 rush tickets one hour before showtime for any remaining seats. 

He also urged the Council to reconsider the proposed Admissions Fee ordinance, voicing concerns about its potential impact on local arts and entertainment venues. 

He noted that Central City Opera’s ticket prices had only increased by 5% since 2020, compared to an industry average increase of 25%, and that current ticket fees at Central City Opera made up only 6.5% of total attendance costs, significantly lower than similar venues charging between 15% and 20%.

Resident Eric Langan raised concerns about possible legal repercussions if the City did not explicitly classify the proposed admission fee as a tax. The discussion clarified that a tax requires voter approval, while a fee does not, a distinction crucial to funding future events.

Resolution No. 25-06: downtown parking restrictions

A key topic of discussion was Resolution No. 25-06, which directs the Public Works Director to install parking restriction signs on specific streets in the Downtown Commercial Core. 

The resolution prohibits parking from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. to facilitate snow removal operations, scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. Public Works Director Marc Johns provided an aerial map identifying the affected streets, which include Lawrence, Pine, Gregory, and Main. Enforcement will be provided by the Gilpin County Sheriff's Office.

Plsek suggested that local businesses encourage their employees to park in designated areas rather than on the street. The Council also agreed that a joint letter from the DDA, the Business Improvement District, and the City should be considered to address parking concerns with local businesses. The resolution was unanimously approved.

Ordinance No. 25-01: snow and ice removal requirements

The Council introduced Ordinance No. 25-01, which seeks to amend provisions of the municipal code to strengthen requirements for snow and ice removal from sidewalks in the Downtown Commercial Core. 

The proposed ordinance aims to improve pedestrian safety and maintain accessibility during winter months. The maximum administrative fine for non-compliance was set at $999 per day, while a municipal court fine of up to $2,000 remains an option. Concerns were raised that even the maximum fine may not be sufficient to ensure compliance from some property owners.

The Council also decided to send notifications to property owners before the snow season to encourage cooperation. Ordinance 25-01 passed unanimously on its first reading.

Ordinance No. 25-02: admission fees for ticketed events

Ordinance No. 25-02 sparked significant discussion, as it establishes an Admissions Fee Fund by implementing a percentage-based charge on ticketed events open to the public.  

Fey requested that racing events, such as bicycle races, be exempt from these fees due to their broad community appeal. The ordinance stipulates that:

• Fees will be used to support event-related safety measures, administrative costs, and promotional efforts.

• Refunds for event tickets will include refunds of the corresponding admission fees.

• Fees will be collected on the 20th of the month following each event, with first-time violations triggering warning letters before fines are imposed.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential confusion among customers about whether the fees were imposed by event organizers or the City. 

Additionally, speakers noted that the financial burden could impact customers, particularly those with limited discretionary spending. 

The discussion also touched on whether fees should be allocated exclusively for safety measures rather than marketing and administrative costs. The Council agreed to further review the classification of the fees, considering whether to propose a tax measure instead.

Fey spoke about the administrative burden this would place on nonprofit organizations with limited financial resources. 

However, Spencer argued, implementing the fees was a necessary step and urged the Council to move forward rather than further delaying the decision. Plsek agreed, and the ordinance passed unanimously, pending a second reading scheduled for March 18.

Other agenda items; peacemaking

The Council approved routine agenda items, including bill lists through February 26, 2025, minutes from February 18, 2025, ratifications of HPC decisions on demolitions and site upgrades, a contract for the 2025 street striping project, and amendments to the residential trash service agreement.

During closing remarks, Williams said that, despite potential disagreements, the Council's decisions were guided by what they believed to be in the best interest of Central City. 

Plsek clarified that the new admissions fees were not specifically targeting the Opera but were part of a broader effort to generate revenue for public services. 

Fey reiterated that he would support the ordinance’s second reading if the funds were used to enhance public safety. The meeting adjourned at about 8:20 p.m.

The next meeting of the Central City Council will take place on March 18, 2025, at City Hall.