The Central City Council meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. on November 21, 2023. In attendance was Mayor Jeremy Fey, Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Marcia Enloe and Alderman Todd Williams. Mayor Pro Tem Kara Tinucci was absent.

Consent Agenda: Regular Bill lists through November 14, 2023, and the minutes from November 7, 2023, meeting were approved unanimously.

Gilpin Arts Annual Report: President Eric Miller and Vice President and gallery manager Michelle Roussel gave an annual report to Council as a condition of the $25,000 grant the City gives to the association. Miller reported that the grant covers the operating expenses for the gallery year round. He added year-to-date they have sold $38,000 worth of art, and their annual fundraiser raised $5000 in a silent auction. Miller pointed out the art association has been in existence for seventy-six years and is running strong.

Roussel reported on upcoming events for next year, stating that they will be closed in January and will be redoing the gallery. They will offer school projects with the Gilpin County School District and will have more juried shows. Fey complimented the association on their ability to function for many years on a tight budget. The gallery is located at 117 Eureka Street in Central City and is open from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday - Sunday.

Resolution No. 23-42 supports the city’s Colorado Department of Transportation Grant Application for the Colorado Street Trail. The City will apply for a $250,000 grant in 2024 for a trail project that will tie directly into an existing trail corridor to offer a more traditional trail experience. The Resolution was approved unanimously.

Resolution No. 23-43 is a resolution approving the form of Restrictive Covenant to create a Wildlife Corridor. City Manager Daniel Miera explained the covenant is to be executed by Young Ranch Resource who wish to record a restrictive covenant for the purpose of wildlife protection as they proceed with their quarry operations. The Resolution was approved unanimously.

Staff Updates: Daniel Miera updated the Council on a change in the 2024 budget with the consolidation of two of their departments; Public Works and the Water Department. He explained the purpose is due to the retirement of long time employee Sam Hoover who is the Director of the Public Works Department. Jack Beard, currently the Director of the Water Department, will take over for Hoover early next year and will oversee both departments.

Public Comment: Barbara Thielemann, representing the Main Street Commission, announced the upcoming Tommyknocker Holiday events. On November 30, 2023, children from the Gilpin County School District will decorate the Central City Christmas Tree with their own ornaments, then come to the Teller House for festivities. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on December 1 with a community potluck at the Teller House. The annual Holiday Bazaar will be at the Teller House on December 2, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and December 3, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Zane Plesek commented that many of the residents in Central City don’t know or they are misinformed about the ADT pilot program. A resident commented on his dissatisfaction with the handling of the election on November 7, when some of the ballots were not counted. He acknowledged some ballots were submitted after 7 p.m. which disqualified them; however he wondered if his vote was counted.

Council Comments: Alderman Aiken commented that the following day, November 22, will mark the anniversary of the assassination of President John Kennedy. Aiken felt Kennedy made a great impact on the US and some of the programs are still in existence today. Alderman Williams felt retiring Director Sam Hoover had done a lot for the City over the years and thanked him for his service. Fey congratulated Chuck and Leza Spencer for their KOA Campground being awarded the best KOA of the year. He also congratulated City employees Sam Hoover and Jack Beard on their transitions. Fey thanked the community for the chance to serve as Mayor.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

The next Council meeting will be on December 5 at 7 p.m., at the City Building at 141 Nevada Street, Central City or online. For more information go to https://centralcity. colorado.gov/meetings.