Mayor Jeremy Fey called the Central City Council meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Kara Tinucci, and Alderman Jill Story.

Consent agenda: HR 22-25 TBD Roworth Street New Subdivision - Owner; Bonanza Land LLC. The applicant requested a renewal of expired permit to approve a new subdivision along Roworth and Springs Street. The Council approved the Consent Agenda unanimously.

Ordinance No. 22-07: An ordinance submitting Ballot Issue to the voters of Central City, Colorado at the November 8, 2022, Coordinated General Election concerning the imposition of an Occupational Tax on Gaming Devices. City Staff recommended on the second reading of the Ordinance to transition the fees currently charged to operators of gaming devices into an occupational tax. City Council seeks voter approval on the November 8, 2022, ballot. The amount on each device will be $1300.

A public hearing was held where Joe Behm representing the Business Improvement District inquired if the devices were taxed monthly or quarterly. City Manager Daniel Miera answered casinos would be charged monthly. Behm asked if a device was moved during the month would it be charged. Miera clarified if a device is on the floor it will be charged. If it is moved before the next reporting period there is no charge. Miera also clarified a kiosk (example, sports betting) is also considered a device if it collects money. ATMs are not considered kiosks. Dana Laratta from Century Casino asked Council to compare their fee structure compared to Black Hawk and what the casinos get for the premium. Miera pointed out that Black Hawk does not maintain Central City Parkway which can cost $100,000 a year. Mayor Fey encouraged the casinos to support the Ordinance as the word “tax” can be a turnoff to voters if they don’t understand the terminology. The Ordinance was approved unanimously.

Engine 71 Train: Mayor Fey requested a transfer of ownership of Train Engine 71 from the City to the Gilpin Historical Society so they can repair the train and turn it into an operational tourist attraction. The Historical Society has funds to rehabilitate the train and they would like to eventually have the train running between Central City and Black Hawk. Tebo Properties has agreed to lease the land where the train will be. All the Council members approved the transfer of ownership except for Mayor Pro Tem Laratta who felt the train is a landmark where it is currently located and it was a waste of effort and money. Fey directed the City Staff to handle the transfer of ownership.

Ordinance No. 22-08 amending sections of the original fees and establishing a hauling fee fund: City Council previously approved Ordinance 22-05 concerning Young Ranch Resource LLC who will provide funds for the maintenance and repair of Central City

The Ordinance first reading passed 4-1 with Alderman Story opposed. The second reading is scheduled for Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

Staff Updates: There were no staff updates.

Council Comments: Mayor Pro Tem Laratta loved the flowers this year and enjoyed being in Central City during the summer. Mayor Fey thanked the casinos for their involvement and progress on Ordinance No. 22-07.

Public Forum: Jim Crawford, President of the Gilpin Historical Society, thanked the City for their help with the recent Cemetery Crawl event. He also thanked Dory Lakes for help cleaning up the cemetery and Sam Hover of Public Works for their support. Deb Wray commented she has been working on restoring Train Engine 71 since 2018 and looks forward to the thriving tourism the restored train will bring and it will keep history alive.

The Council went into Executive Session at 8:34 p.m.

The next Central City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. on September 20, 2022, at Central City Hall, 141 Nevada Street or online. Information can be found on the City website centralcity.colorado.gov/ meetings.