Alexander Joseph, Central City. The regular meeting of the City of Central Council began at 7:01 p.m. on November 17, 2020. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta and council members Jeff Aiken, Jackie Johnson and Jack Hidahl. One item was added to the agenda, which was a discussion on the ownership of the Central City train. The consent agenda, consisting of the regular bill lists and the meeting minutes from November 3, passed unanimously. During the public forum, citizens Joe Behm and Deborah Rey asked clarifying questions regarding the agenda. The public forum was concluded at 7:10 p.m. 

The council moved to the public hearing on the proposed 2021 budget. City Manager Daniel Miera stated that the budget was balanced and close to approval. It was also noted that the shared shuttle with Black Hawk has been paused due to Covid-19 restrictions, allowing the city to spend less. City Manager Miera detailed how the public safety funds were used, as per the requirement of a tax law which added 2% tax in 2019. The budget is located online for public perusal.

The public hearing aspect of the budget opened at 7:24 p.m. and Alderwoman-elect Kara Tinucci expressed worry about how changes in the community development portion would affect local businesses. City Manager Miera explained that the changes to the community development fund do not translate to less community development, but that instead money is allocated to specific departments. 

David Josselyn, of the Weekly Register Call, then asked about the reduction in staffing in the water department. City Manager Miera detailed that due to pandemic-based instability, there were positions that needed to be frozen and that they hoped to soon be able to re-open them at a more stable time. Mayor Jeremy Fey urged any interested public parties to inquire about the budget before December 15, 2020. The public hearing was closed at 7:38 p.m. 

The Central City Council moved on to Ordinance No. 20-13, which would repeal and reenact Article III of Chapter 4 of the City of Central Municipal Code (“Sales and Use Tax”) and amend other sections of the City of Central Municipal Code consistent with the new regulations. This ordinance in part relates to collecting sales tax on companies like Wayfair and Amazon. It was noted that there has been some revenue received from tax on internet companies but that this ordinance could standardize this tax revenue and keep tabs on it. It was decided that this ordinance needs to be further discussed at the December 1, 2020, work session. Mayor Pro-Tem Laratta moved to pass this first action item, and the motion passed unanimously. 

The city council then addressed Resolution No. 20-42, which would extend the City of Central’s Local Emergency Disaster Declaration to December 2, 2020. City Manager Miera explained that as of November 10, Gilpin County had moved to Yellow Status on the Covid-19 dial which is a “Safer at Home Order” tightening restrictions in the county due to rising Covid-19 cases including requiring restaurants and casinos to be at 50% capacity. It was then moved that Resolution No. 20-42 be passed, and this motion carried unanimously. 

The council then moved to the final action item regarding the ownership of a train engine currently owned by Central City and potentially for sale to the non-profit Gilpin County Historical Society. There was some discussion as to whether or not the train could be moved if it is sold. The reason for the transfer of ownership to the Gilpin County Historical Society would be so they could apply for grants to restore the train to working conditions. Mayor Fey detailed that there was no decision being made but that the matter at hand was to detail if the council is willing to transfer ownership or not. It was decided that this conversation would continue in the executive session. Joe Behm, representing the business improvement district, spoke up against relinquishing ownership. 

The council then moved on to staff updates, during which Alderman Aiken asked Sheriff Armstrong to report the current Covid-19 numbers. Sheriff Armstrong reported that there were currently 65 cases of Covid-19 in Gilpin County. 

Fire Chief Allen then spoke to how an increase in cars hitting barriers during snowstorms could be related to an increase in traffic as well as other variables. This led to a conversation about plows and their ability to respond to emergencies quickly. During her staff comment, Alderman Johnson expressed concern that there is no heat in the building where the plows are stored, where workers often have to work for many hours. This concern was noted. The council then moved onto the council comments. During her council comments, Mayor Pro-Tem Laratta wished everybody a happy Thanksgiving and reminded all to wear masks. 

At 8:27 p.m. Mayor Pro-Tem Laratta moved to executive session. This motion was passed unanimously, and the council moved into executive session. 

The next regular meeting of the Central City Council will be December 1, 2020. 

(Originally published in the November 26, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)