Patrice LeBlanc, Central City. Central City Council meeting convened via videoconference at 2:11 p.m. on June 2, 2020. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Jackie Johnson and Alderman Jack Hidahl.

The meeting began with a proclamation from the City of Central to the Mountain Mask Project where a group of volunteers from the Mountain Forum for Peace banded together to make cloth face masks for healthcare providers and essential workers. The City of Central proclaimed recognition and gratitude for the volunteer efforts of the Mountain Mask Project and its charitable contributions to the health, safety and welfare of the community.

The council will be sending a Letter of Support for the Gaming Legislation to the Colorado Legislators requesting approval of Initiative 257 which would allow the residents of Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek the right to determine what is in their best interest. The request would go on the 2020 General Election Ballot at the state. The motion was approved by the Council 3-2. Mayor Fey and Mayor Pro-Tem Laratta voted no, stating they would like the letter to show a consensus of the council, whereas the other members wanted the letter to have a signature line for each member giving them the option not to sign it.

The council heard a request from Rachel Schmalz for the Central City Promise Program. This program offers scholarship assistance for post-secondary education for residents. Rachel is entering her senior year at Hastings College. Ms. Schmalz is a fourth-time applicant of the Promise Program and requested $5000 to continue her schooling. The council approved the request 5-0.

Resolution No. 20-19 establishes an Incentive Program for Central City Gaming Establishments where certain annual and monthly fees may be temporarily waived or reduced. All casinos were closed on March 17, 2020. The purpose of the waived fees is to offer casinos financial relief due to the mandated closures directed by the State of Colorado. The Resolution was approved 5-0.

Resolution No. 20-20 extends the city’s Local Emergency Disaster Declaration through June 17, 2020. The city previously extended the disaster emergency through June 3, 2020. The resolution was approved 5-0.

Central City has come up with Covid-19 re-entry guidelines. The reopening will be in phases to promote a timely and orderly transition for the safety of employees and residents. The city is transitioning to a 4-day work week beginning June 8, 2020, with employees working four ten-hour days. City Hall will have public access on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. or by appointment. There is no change regarding Emergency Services. All council, board and commission meetings will continue to be held by virtual means until it is deemed safe to meet in person. 

Council comments: Mayor Pro-Tem Laratta expressed joy at seeing the flowers and lights that decorate the city. She felt the decorations made the city look ready to open. Mayor Fey asked for donations for the Mountain Mask Project.  Payments can made to the Mountain Forum for Peace at P.O. Box 1233, Nederland, CO 80466. 

The meeting was adjourned at 3:31 p.m.

(Originally published in the June 11, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)