Patrice LeBlanc, Central City. Mayor Jeremy Fey opened the August 20, 2019,  meeting of Central City Council at 7:06 p.m. Also, in attendance were Mayor Pro Tem Judy Loratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken and Alderman Jack Hidahl. 

The Public Forum section brought Joyce White, of Spruce Street, with the issue of large vehicles traveling on this limited road and suggested to the council the current sign posted on the road should be turned for more visibility to deter large vehicle travel. Law enforcement is supposed to ticket these drivers however it is difficult to police the road consistently. White also suggested that a 15-mph sign is needed and pointed out that the road is in need of repair. 

New business began with Resolution No. 19-21: A resolution of the City Council memorializing the acquisition of a permanent easement over the area known as the West Staircase by the City of Central. Community Development Director Ray Rears reported that the staircase is in need of repair and the public will not be able to use it if repairs are not made. There is some confusion regarding who owns the stairway. Central City Opera claims ownership and the council debated if it was the city’s responsibility to repair and maintain the staircase. Cost estimates to replace the whole stairway are approximately $125,000. Usage of the stairs was also debated, however the aldermen pointed out that the stairway has always been a connective means for citizens and there is a demand for access as trail systems improve. The Resolution was approved 3 to 1.

Resolution No. 19-22: Accepting a donation of certain real property addressed as 130 Main Street (formally Scarlett’s Casino) from Central City L.L.C. City Manager Daniel Miera reported an agreement packet was presented to the owner with acquisition costs estimated between $11,000-$16,000.

Alderman Hidahl questioned if the acquisition was premature at this time as there is no planned use for the building. Mayor Pro Tem Laratta felt the resolution should be passed to activate progress, Alderman Aiken noted the city must own the facility for three years and then could have an option to sell it in the future. Mayor Fey believes the Scarlett will add to Main Street in the hands of the city and he is grateful for the offer. The resolution was approved 3 to 1.

Resolution 19-23: A resolution referring a ballot question to the registered electors of the City of Central at the November 5, 2019, election regarding sports betting. Colorado Gaming Association along with the Colorado Gaming Commission requested this vote from Central City along with the other gaming approved cities of Black Hawk and Cripple Creek. Mayor Fey asked if the City of Central could implement the resolution without the state’s approval. It was determined the city could not act on their own. The resolution was approved 4 to 0.

Resolution 19-24: Approving the professional services agreement with C & L Water Solutions, Inc. who requested $125,000 to repair additional fire hydrants. Funds were allocated earlier this year for an emergency main line repair and $25,000 would be set aside as a buffer for any emergency work in the future. Alderman Hidahl would like to see a way to make residential sewer services available from the contractors C & L. The resolution was approved 4 to 0.

Ordinance No. 19-06: Amending the Chapter 4, Article XI and Chapter 6, Article VI, VII and IX of the City Municipal Code regarding Liquor and Marijuana Licensing to conform references to state law. The purpose of the ordinance requires the city to update their codes to meet state standards. Colorado legislation moved from Title 12 to Title 44 making the current codes outdated. The ordinance was approved 4 to 0.

A request was made from Central City Promise Program for $5000 allocated to Juan Madrigal Garcia for post- secondary education assistance. Juan is currently attending Metropolitan State University. The request was approved 4 to 0. 

Staff updates included a request from Mayor Fey to extend shuttle service to the apartments where many of the residents work in Central City or Black Hawk and have no means of transportation. Car share services might be arranged. Alderman Hidahl brought up the parking space issue on Gregory Street when the opera leaves. Multiple spaces are blocked off during opera season and he would like to see the parking rezoned during the winter months.  An ordinance prohibiting vicious dogs was suggested along with the problem of abandoned vehicles in the Century Casino parking structure. City Manager, Daniel Miera pointed out that the parking garage was the private property of Century Casino and the city had no jurisdiction to remove a vehicle. 

A suggested meeting between the County Commissioners and the City Council was recommended to keep communication open. The question of whether or not the city should hold their scheduled council meetings if there was no new business was discussed with a consensus that the meetings gave the public access to the forum and should meet. 

Mike Nichols representing the Hot Rod Hill Climb spoke in the public forum. The event will happen on September 14, 2019. This is the seventh year of the Hill Climb and attracts 2500 people to the free activity. The repairs on Spring Street where the event take place should be completed by September 14, 2019 and the road will hopefully be paved by that date. 

(Originally published in the August 29, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)