Patrice LeBlanc, Central City. Central City Council held a virtual special meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 2 p.m. The City issued Emergency Order 20-02 effective August 20, 2020, temporarily suspending special events and demonstrations requiring a permit. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jackie Johnson and Alderman Jack Hidahl. Alderman Jeff Aiken was absent. A last minute item was added to the agenda concerning the Intergovernmental Agreement.

The meeting began with public comment from the community. Kara Tinucci addressed council about the steps being taken and questioned why the order was issued since most festivals were cancelled for the summer. Tinucci inquired if the Order would affect the Central City Opera’s Plein Air festival scheduled for September 26 and 27. Gilpin County Arts Association Vice President Michele Rousseau, expressed concern over the Order affecting the art gallery located in the City owned Washington Hall since the Order defines special events as art or craft shows. Deborah Wray, President of the Gilpin Historical Society, informed the Council the annual Creepy Crawl is supposed to be scheduled for October and wondered if there would be a problem with this event. Council addressed all the concerns and determined the Plein Air Festival, the art show at Washington Hall and the Creepy Crawl met the health guidelines mandated by the State and Gilpin County and approved their events. 

The Emergency Order is in reaction to an event permit that was submitted for Labor Day weekend. City officials had concern whether they could abide by pandemic policies if the event drew large crowds. The purpose of the work session was to define specific guidelines that would determine approval of event permits. Section 20, Article V, Chapter 11 of the Central City Municipal Code specifies a special event as a parade, athletic contest, street fair, art and craft show, carnival, block party, soap box derby and other outdoor events that occur on a street or highway, including sidewalks, outdoor malls or plazas and other property owned or leased by the City. The Order will remain in effect until amended or terminated by action of the City Manager or City Council. 

Council members discussed exceptions to the ruling and would like to Order to not be so rigid that it can’t be modified. They also explored future events that close down Main Street and other public areas. They would like the casinos to be involved or City Council approval if the event would affect businesses. Alderman Laratta stated Labor Day was the last chance for casinos to make revenue for the summer and an event that closed down Main St. would not be beneficial. Alderman Hidahl expressed concern over the economic impact of street closures and had previously suggested putting together a summer publication announcing events and closures of streets well ahead of time. He also felt that anytime public property was used for private events that the City should benefit. City Community Director Ray Rears, explained the application process for events with a 60 day deadline required. Rears thought some applications would be denied due to the lengthy process if Council had to approve all applications. City Manager Daniel Miera, stated it would not be necessary to bring all event applications before Council if standards and procedures were set up for the future. Alderman Johnson would like to see applications processed in a timely manner so the Business Improvement District (BID) can have input. She suggested developing a code due to feedback at a later meeting.  

Resolution No. 20-29 Intergovernmental Agreement between City of Central and Blackhawk was added to the agenda due to a vote that was needed by Council before Blackhawk was scheduled to vote on it the following day. Council approved the Resolution 4-0. The work session was adjourned at 3:20 p.m. and the Council entered into Executive Session.

(Originally published in the September 3, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)