Patrice LeBlanc, Central City. The council meeting on Feb. 4, 2020, was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Mayor, Jeremy Fey. Council members in attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken and Alderman Jack Hidahl. Alderman Jackie Johnson was absent. The meeting began with a video presentation from the Central City Fire Department on 2019 in Review. The 20 minute video displayed pictures and videos with music of the activities the crew participated in during the year. Fire Chief, Gary Allen, introduced the video and reported 4,723 hours were put in by staff and volunteers during 2019.

The first action item on the agenda was Resolution No. 20-08 which requested approval of a service agreement with Slate Communications. If approved, Central City would benefit from integrated marking and communication services for the purpose of increasing tourism for the City in accordance with the City’s 2020 marketing plan. Community Development Director, Ray Rears, explained the process they use to select a company for this purpose by putting a bid out for requested services. He reported nine companies responded and his department interviewed them. They narrowed down the prospects and took an in-depth look at the finalist, then selected a company for recommendation to the council. 

Rears felt Slate Communications was the best choice for the City and would follow the marketing plan for 2020 and promote the city through an exceptional web site and make the city stand out. The goal for 2020 is to increase website traffic by 15%, increase social media by 10%, increase social media engagement by 20%, increase day trips by 10%, increase overnight visits by 5%, enhance traffic on Central City Parkway by 10%, increase City tax revenue by 5%, increase event attendance by 10% and grow the City’s email database by 20%. 

Alderman Laratta asked Rears if he truly believed the company would accomplish what the stated and would it help the city. Rears responded he was confident in Slate Communications. Alderman Hidahl inquired about the non-performance clause in the contract where the company could only be terminated for non-performance. Hidahl wondered what the consequence was if the City was not satisfied with the work. Rears responded the City would not pay the full amount up front, but would disperse payments in increments upon invoice. The Resolution was approved 4-0.

Resolution No. 20-09 was a request from the City Manager to authorize services associated with the Trails Master Plan Project to Logan Simpson Design, Inc. The City was awarded the GOCO grant in October 2019 for $47,800. Proposals were reviewed for services by an evaluation committee and the top two firms were selected for interviews. 

The contractor Logan Simpson Design, Inc. was chosen as the highest proposing firm and most closely aligned with the criteria of the Trails Master Plan. Ray Rears reported his department is working with the School of Mines to produce engineering drawings from their students. Alderman Hidahl commented he would like to see trails connecting Bleak House to Idaho Springs, but wondered if it was necessary to have trails go to Chase Gulch Reservoir. Rears explained the main focus would be work on trails close to the city and Chase Gulch Reservoir would be completed on the last phase of the project. Mayor Fey said he would like to see a trail on the gulch on Gregory St. and there is currently no trail system for residents which causes a safety issue when pedestrians have to walk in the street when there is no sidewalk. The Resolution was approved by council 4-0.

Resolution No. 20-10 is a result of a City Council goal-setting work session on Jan. 28, 2020, where the council expressed a desire to revise and update the funding plan for the Belvidere Theater, previously established with the prior Resolution No. 16-31 for the restoration, maintenance and continued operation of this historic property.  

Resolution No. 16-31 will expire at the end of 2020 and a new Resolution would allow the funding to continue. The strategy for funding is to attract additional outside funding or partnerships to complete the project. Resolution No. 20-10 would continue a funding source of $125, 000 from the  Historic Preservation Fund beginning in 2021. Alderman Aiken remarked a large part of grants come from a commitment by the City to complete the project. The Resolution was approved 4-0.

Ordinance No. 20-01 amends the Municipal Code, concerning the assessment of fines for unauthorized removal of Stop Work Orders or continuing unauthorized work on the property after having been served with a Stop Work Order. A Stop Work Order card would be issued on any work done without a permit and the code would make it a violation for removing the card which has been an issue in the past. Mayor Fey asked if the Stop Work Order is still in place even if the card was removed and Rears answered yes, the Ordinance is a preventive measure to show neighbors the City is taking action on unauthorized work. Fey inquired if the City contacts the contractor or property owner when a Stop Work Order is in place. Rears responded the City makes every effort to contact the owner. The Ordinance was approved 4-0 on the first reading and a public hearing and second reading will be held on a designated date. 

In council comments, Alderman Hidahl thought it was brave for Abigail Robbins to fill in for City Clerk, Reba Bechtel who usually covers the city council meetings. Alderman Aiken thought the Fire Department presentation was well done and he appreciated all they do for the city and he felt they didn’t get enough credit for their efforts. Mayor Fey thanked his fellow council members for their work on the January 28 Work Session which was a very productive meeting and a step in the right direction for the City. The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m. 

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at 7 p.m. at City Hall in Central City.  

(Originally published in the February 13, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)