Alexander Joseph, Central City. The regular meeting of the City of Central Council began at 7:07 p.m. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta and council members Jeff Aiken, Jackie Johnson and Jack Hidahl. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. There were no additions, amendments or conflicts of interest. Laratta then motioned to approve the consent agenda, which passed unanimously. The public forum was opened and then closed when no public members came forward to speak. 

The council then started on the action items, the first of which was a Q and A with Gilpin County Sheriff K. Armstrong. Sheriff Armstrong answered questions about how the budget cuts affected his department. Sheriff Armstrong detailed how his department was cut by around one million dollars resulting in potential layoffs. Sheriff Armstrong and the City Council clarified that the agreement between the Sheriff’s office and the City of Central would continue to be patrolled the county to the best of their ability. Alderwoman Johnson shared her appreciation to the Sheriff for his department’s continued hard work to keep the county safe, despite his reduced budget. 

The council then moved to the second action item, Resolution No. 20-38. Resolution 20-38 is a resolution extending the City of Central’s Local Emergency Disaster Declaration. The Extension of the Emergency Disaster Declaration to November 4, 2020, was passed unanimously.

The meeting then went into staff updates. Alderman Jeff Aiken described his frustration with “trash cans in the middle of the sidewalk” in some parts of Central City. How and where to move or not move these trash cans was discussed at length. It was then discussed that there would be an annual holiday lighting ceremony on November 28, 2020, which is also “Shop Local Day.” 

During council comments, Mayor Pro-Tem Laratta reminded everyone to “continue wearing your masks and stay healthy” and said that she can’t wait to eventually be back together in person. Alderman Aiken detailed how there has only been one COVID case, in Central City, and that he was pleased with the continued low case count in the county. Alderwoman Johnson reminded those present to get their ballots and vote and also shared her deep appreciation for local emergency responders. 

Alderman Aiken motioned to draft a resolution to support the mill levy for the Gilpin Sheriff’s office. The motion was passed unanimously.

Mayor Fey shared details of a Halloween party in support of the Gilpin Arts foundation. He urged people to show up and support the foundation. 

During the public forum, Joe Behm representing the business improvement district, detailed his excitement to build more brick and mortar stores in downtown Central City. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. The next council meeting will be on November 3, 2020.

(Originally published in the October 29, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)