Mayor Fey called the Central City Council meeting to order at 7 p.m. on October 17, 2023. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro Tem Kara Tinucci, and Aldermen Jeff Aiken and Todd Williams. Alderman Marcia Enloe was absent. The Council approved moving up the Public Comment section of the meeting before Council comments.

Public Forum: A resident, Zane Plsek, thanked the Council for addressing affordable housing. He inquired as to where the housing would be located. He also pointed out that casino workers would benefit most from affordable housing and that most of these workers are employed in Black Hawk. He inquired if Black Hawk would be involved in any affordable housing projects.

Ordinance No. 23-16 amends the Municipal Code to add Chapter 17, titled Guidelines and Regulations for Areas and Activities of State Interest of the City of Central. City Attorney Marcus McAskin explained that the Ordinance corrects a minor issue that will be presented on a second reading on November 7, 2023. The Ordinance was approved on the first reading on October 3. The Ordinance was approved unanimously.

Resolution No. 23-40 approves an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Central Urban Renewal Authority (URA) regarding coordination of staffing and services. City Manager Daniel Miera reminded all present that an Urban Renewal Authority was approved at the City Council meeting on October 3, and pointed out that this Resolution would allow the City to assist and support the URA with loans and services.

Aiken wanted clarification that City funds would be used. Miera answered that the URA cannot generate any funds at this time, while the 2024 City budget could be amended to include a grant to the URA. Council would have to approve any funds for the URA, and can choose the terms of funding. The Resolution was approved unanimously.

Resolution No. 23-41 authorizes the City to submit a Local Government Affordable Housing Commitment to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for purposes of establishing an affordable housing baseline and unlocking access to Proposition 123 Project Program Funding. Colorado voters approved Proposition 123, creating a State-sponsored fund. Local governments or non-profits interested in these funds need to opt into the program by November 1, 2023, and will need to take steps to encourage development of affordable housing.

Aiken wanted to know how many units the City would consider building. Miera estimated 13 new houses. Tinucci asked if neighboring counties could work together for funding. Miera replied that combining with other counties might affect the pay range threshold in a way that would disqualify some local people. Fey commented that he would not want to put any restrictions on who can apply for affordable housing, as it will benefit everyone. The Resolution was approved unanimously.

Staff Updates: Miera reported that the 2024 budget is in the preliminary stages and a final version will be completed by December 15.

Public Comments: Barbara Thielemann, representing the Belvidere Foundation, invited the public to the Halloween Dance on October 28 at the Elks Lodge. All proceeds will benefit the restoration of the Belvidere Theater. Eric Langdon encouraged Council to explore an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Ordinance that would allow a smaller home or a second home to be added to a property, which might help the affordable housing issue.

Deb Wray asked Council to listen to its citizens concerning the Ordinance proposing to allow ATVs on roads. She reported that she has witnessed illegal activities by ATV riders and has had to call the Sheriff. Zane Plsek inquired if the merchants who rented space at the Hawley Mercantile would be voting on the Downtown Development Authority item on the upcoming ballot.

Council Comments: Tinucci reported on upcoming events in the community. Fey commented on the horrible acts of terrorism in Israel by Hamas. Fey has dual citizenship with Israel and has spent time in the country.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

The next City Council meeting will be held on November 7, 2023, at City Hall, located at 141 Nevada Street, Central City or online by visiting the website at https:// centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.