CENTRAL CITY - The Central City Council met at 6 p.m. on November 4, 2025, at City Hall, with Mayor Jeremy Fey presiding. Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Spencer was absent, while Aldermen Todd Williams (virtual), Marcia Enloe, and Zane Plsek were present.

Gregory Gulch hearing delayed again

The council once again voted to continue the public hearing on the Gregory Gulch Gaming Resort Preliminary Development Plan (PDP) and related rezoning ordinance to December 2.

Fey asked for clarification as to why the item had been delayed three times. City Manager Daniel Miera explained that “the primary reason is that properties owned by Maverick are involved in bankruptcy.”

David Johnston, managing member of G3, said the bankruptcy process has slowed their timeline, but they expect a resolution soon. “The only reason for our delay is the process through a bankruptcy court out of Texas,” he said. “We hope to have all these things done and finalized within the next couple of weeks.”

The continuance was approved unanimously.

Budget hearing set for November 18

Miera said adjustments discussed in the recent budget work session would be incorporated into the final draft, scheduled for public hearing on November 18. The Downtown Development Authority will also hold its own budget hearing that same afternoon.

Public concerns re Gregory Gulch and SOBs

During public comment, residents again spoke against the Gregory Gulch project and a ballot measure that would allow sexually oriented businesses in the central business district.

A resident of Casey Street said the proposed casino “doesn’t help the residents of Central City one bit” and urged the council to “consider the residents...that don’t need another casino.”

Another resident criticized the confusing ballot language for Question 2A and expressed concern about RCI, the company that owns Rick’s Cabaret and Steakhouse on Main Street.

RCI Hospitality Holdings operates adult entertainment clubs and related venues across several states and has faced multiple legal issues in Texas and Colorado, including allegations of tax evasion, prostitution, and trafficking.

 “Do we want a company like this that owns these places and cannot control them?” she asked. “I don’t want it to ever happen here.”

Council comments 

Plsek said he shared residents’ frustration but wanted the G3 presentation “done correctly and professionally.” He also expressed condolences to the family of longtime Black Hawk Alderman Gregory Moates.

Fey invited everyone to the “Taste of Gilpin” event on November 13 at the Teller House. “It’s nice to come together as a community in support of the arts and in support of a good time,” he said. With only about 40 tickets left, he urged residents to secure theirs.

The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

CCURA: Eminent domain policy

The Central City Urban Renewal Authority met on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, for its monthly meeting. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, April Nielsen, Marcia Enloe, and Zane Plsek. Todd Williams attended virtually. Joe Stranaly was unable to attend the meeting due to car issues. Chuck Spencer had technical issues connecting remotely. Despite these absences, a quorum was met.

Eminent Domain

The council discussed Resolution 25-06, which would adopt relocation assistance and land acquisition policies. 

If someone is living in a property that is condemned through eminent domain, City Manager Daniel Miera said that the City should have the proper legal framework in place.

The policy contains statewide requirements that the City’s current legal representation has used in other municipalities.

City Attorney Marcus McCaskin said this policy will not be triggered unless properties have residents actively living in them.  

Fey expressed frustration that they were not aware of the policy beforehand.  “The whole point of our urban authority is to eliminate blight,” said Fey. He argued that the City might be responsible for administering eminent domain. 

Miera said this policy is tailored more for CCURA than for the City.

All were in favor of adopting the policy.

The CCURA Budget

Next, the authority heard Resolution 25-07, which adopted a budget and appropriated funds for the 2026 Calendar Year.

Miera noted that the $300,000 in the “Misc. Revenue” line item originated as a startup loan from the city.

Furthermore, the acquisition of 331 Gregory Street amounted to a capital transaction of $230,538. Miera explained that they plan to sell the asset for $350,000 in 2025 or 2026, resulting in a profit.

The group was presented with multiple budget scenarios, and Miera recommended version “D.” In this version, they anticipate consultant reimbursement from an initial investment and profit from the acquired property.

“We’re adopting a budget assuming a sale of property. What happens if that doesn’t happen?” Fey asked. 

Miera responded that revenues are always estimates, and if no sales occur in 2026, the balance sheet will continue to reflect a negative balance. 

Fey called for the vote, and all were in favor. 

Miera updated the board, saying that the conveyance of property may come up before the December 2 meeting. 

The meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m.

The next CCURA meeting will take place on December 7 at City Hall.

The next regular meeting of the Central City Council is set for November 18, 2025, at 6 p.m. in City Hall