The Central City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jeremy Fey on November 16, 2021, at 7:08 p.m. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken and Alderman Kara Tinucci.

The only item on the agenda was the Proposed 2022 budget. A public hearing was held where Jill Story of Central City asked for clarification if the Open For Business Grant was only open to non-profits. City Manager Daniel Miera answered that the grant requirements include for-profit businesses, but the funds have already been applied for and will be allocated in 2022.

Miera clarified some budget items with the Council. He pointed out the transportation projects are not always generated with the appointed funds; the Belvidere Foundation funds will be released upon the start of the Belvidere reconstruction in 2022. The fire department is looking for a larger facility and may require an amended budget in 2022. The final budget will be ready for the December 7th meeting.

Staff Updates: Gilpin County Deputy Wheeler reported on the Covid updates in the county. There have been 487 cases of Covid-19 to date. In the last seven days 19 new cases have been reported with 19 hospitalizations. Three Covid related deaths have been reported.

Daniel Miera told Council the holiday decorations will be completed by the end of November and set up for the Tommyknocker events beginning December 2. Miera also announced an RFP (request for proposal) will be issued for Broker Consultants. The staff will interview applicants.

Alderman Aiken asked Public Utilities Director Jack Beard, about the results of the long-term drought on the water supply. Beard explained the City has adequate water supply and they fill up the reservoirs from Clear Creek during the summer.

Council comments: Mayor Fey commented on the Restart Program that is available for Tourism grants and encouraged residents and stakeholders involved in tourism or who own a business in Central City to fill out a survey that is found on the City website. Mayor Fey thanked Central City Planner and Main Street advisor Lisa Roemhildt, and Joe Behm of the Business Improvement District for their work on the Program.

Public Forum: Jill Story addressed Council with a request to create safe bike lanes to make the roads more bike friendly in the city. She would like to open a bike business and feels the people would take advantage of being outdoors and bike around the city and on trails. She pointed out Black Hawk has off trails and encourages the City to create more trails. Mayor Fey said the staff will look into it.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. on December 7, 2021, at the Central City Hall, 141 Nevada Street. or online. Information can be found on the City website centralcity.colorado. gov/meetings.