Patrice LeBlanc, Central City. The Central City virtual City Council meeting met at 7:01 p.m. on July 7, 2020. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Jackie Johnson and Alderman Jack Hidahl. 

The meeting began with a  Promise Program Request from Austin Boulter in the amount of $5000 to continue post-secondary education at the University of Colorado. He is entering his junior year majoring in Business Administration and plans to continue to obtain a Master’s degree. Austin has received two previous payments for a total of $10,000. Alderman Johnson requested an additional $1000 to be added to the payment to encourage residents to continue their education. Mayor Fey would like to see if any other applicants apply and to allocate the remainder of the funds if no one else applies for the program. The request was approved 5-0.

Resolution No. 20-11 authorizes the acquisition of a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Pickup Truck for the City Water Department for $38, 877. Jack Beard, Public Utilities Director explained major repairs had been done on the current vehicle and a new truck would benefit the department. Alderman Hidahl expressed concern over spending money on a new truck due to the uncertain financial situation of the City. The Resolution was approved 5-0.

Resolution No. 20-24 extends the City’s Local Emergency Disaster Declaration has been extended to July 22, 2020. The Resolution was approved 5-0.

Ordinance 20-09 authorizing the exchange of certain properties with the City of Black Hawk had its first reading. The agreed settlement may only be used for open space and recreational purposes. The second reading will be held on July 21, 2020. The Ordinance was approved 5-0.

Ordinance 20-10 amending certain sections of the Land Development Code was presented as a first reading. A Public Hearing is scheduled for July 21, 2020. The Ordinance was approved 5-0. 

A Public Hearing was held concerning the approval of a shed demolition on 234 E. 6th High Street. Lindsey Flewelling, Historic Preservation and Code Enforcement Officer, presented the findings from the Historic Preservation Commission which approved the demolition. Mayor Fey and Alderman Hidahl explained they had a conflict of interest and recused themselves from voting. A Public Hearing was held where the owners of the property explained they are unable to get insurance on their property due to the poor condition of the shed. Council members Laratta, Johnson and Aiken approved the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. 

(Originally published in the July 16, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)