The Central City Council meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. on September 19, 2023. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro Tem Kara Tinucci, Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Todd Williams and Alderman Marcia Enloe attended virtually.

Consent Agenda: Resolution No. 23:37 amends a permanent easement for the Stairway to Heaven Project and ratifies the Historic Paint Reimbursement Grant Program. It was approved unanimously.

Public Forum: A resident objected to Ordinance No. 23-14 that allows off-highway vehicles. He pointed out the residents have continually objected to the ordinance, but the Council has ignored the citizens’ concerns.

Ordinance No. 23-14: This Ordinance amends Section 8-5-70 and adds a Municipal Code regarding Off-Highway Regulations. A public hearing was held where four residents expressed concerns and asked where the Ordinance was coming from and how it would benefit the City. They felt enforcement would be an issue and the steep roads would be dangerous for off-highway vehicles. Tinucci clarified a trial period would allow staff to set up guidelines. Aiken felt the Ordinance was premature and would end up costing the City money. He added the majority of the residents would be against ATVs in the City and a ballot question would be key to ensure the community would be involved. Williams was interested in how the program would look and a pilot program would allow them to determine how it affects the City. Fey commented that off-road riding would add potential economic growth to the City. He stated business owners and first responders he spoke with were for the idea. The Ordinance passed with a 3-2 vote with Fey, Tinucci and Williams voting in favor, and Aiken and Enloe voting against.

Ordinance No. 23-15: This Ordinance amends regulations regarding sales tax, business and contractor licensing requirements of the Municipal Code on a second reading. The proposed Ordinance eliminated the local sales tax and business license requirements, but retailers must comply with other taxpayer obligations in the Municipal Code. City staff recommends removing the contractor license requirement in an effort to streamline the building permit process. The Ordinance was approved unanimously.

Belvidere Foundation Grant Funds: City Manager Daniel Miera explained that the funds would be used to cover the cost for professional services for Zim Consulting to lead a fundraising campaign for the Belvidere Theater. Representatives from Zim Consulting gave a presentation during a work session on how they could raise the funds needed to complete the rehabilitation of the Belvidere. Williams wanted to know what the construction estimates would be to complete the renovation. Funds have already been procured for phase one of the construction. However, it has not been determined what funds are needed for phase two. Fey commented that an operator is needed and the uses of the space after the theater is completed. A grant for $57,000 for Zim Consulting was approved unanimously.

Mission Statement: Fey read a mission statement that he would like to adopt for Central City, “Central City’s mission is to reclaim our position as the Richest Square Mile on Earth. We are committed to promoting cultural, historical, and environmental richness, prioritizing the wellness and quality of life for our community. We aim to create a vibrant and thriving community that is the epitome of richness in all its dimensions.” Fey requested to make the statement available to the public. The Council voted to add the mission statement as a Resolution to the next Council meeting.

Resolution No. 23:28: This approves Water Service and Improvement Agreement with Young Ranch Resource, LLC (YRR). The City owns and operates the City Water System and supplies potable water to all users within the City. YRR will utilize an extension of the City’s existing water main to the Central City Parkway where they are building a quarry. All expenses would be paid by the company. YRR is currently building an overpass on Central City Parkway and Fey would like the water service work done at the same time to limit disruption on the Parkway. The Resolution was approved unanimously.

Council Comments: Tinucci congratulated Fey on his new business, Central City Trading Post on Main Street. Aiken thought Russell Gulch and Spring Street Roads were much improved. Williams found some good items at the Trading Post. Fey stated that 48 new permits were issued in the City, and that shows how the town is growing. He likes the progress being done on the housing development on Roworth Heights.

Public Forum: The CEO of RCI who is building a casino at the old Scarlets building suggested closing Main Street to traffic and to make it a pedestrian walkway.

The City Council went to Executive Session at 8:21 p.m.

The next Central City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 141 Nevada Street, Central City.