The Central City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jeremy Fey on February 15, 2022, at 7 p.m. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken. Alderman Kara Tinucci, and Alderman Story.

Jill Story was sworn in by Central City Clerk Reba Bechtel. Story was elected after a special election on January 25. The City Council seat had been vacated by Jackie Johnson last year before the end of her term on December 31, 2021.

City Manager Daniel Miera requested an addition to the agenda before Staff Updates to add appointments to the Ambulance Authority and the CDOT Commission. Alderman Tinucci declared a conflict of interest on Resolution No. 22-06 approving the Stills in the Hills event, and recused herself from participating in the discussion and vote.

Ordinance No. 22-01 adopts the Flood Insurance Study for Gilpin County, Colorado and Incorporated Areas produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). City Planner and Main Street advisor Lisa Roemhildt detailed that the Ordinance is necessary to amend the original in order to make the language consistent with the State standards. The updated FEMA map will go into effect on April 6, 2022.

The Ordinance was approved on the first reading on January 13, 2022, and was approved unanimously by Council on the second reading.

Resolution No. 22-06 recommends the approval of the special event application for the Stills of the Hills scheduled for Saturday, June 25, 2022, and authorizes the closure of Main Street during the event. Alderman Tinucci recused herself and left the room.

Mayor Fey inquired why this approval was coming before Council. Roemhildt explained that a new requirement for street closure requests over 45 minutes needs Council approval. The request for the Stills of the Hills events is from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Council approved the Resolution unanimously.

Resolution No. 22-07 approves the amended Central City Historic Preservation Grant Program 2022 Grant Guide.

Historic Preservation Officer Jamie Boyle informed Council the Program was successful last year, but the application deadlines were changed to an earlier date to make it easier on residents to complete the work. Council approved the Resolution unanimously.

The appointment to the Ambulance Authority was filled by Jill Story as her first official duty as Alderman. Joe Behm of the Business Improvement District expressed an interest in representing Central City on the Project Leadership Team for the CDOT Floyd Hill appointment. He explained Central City Parkway will be affected by changes on I-70 and he would like to advocate for the City and protect their interests. Council approved his appointment unanimously.

Staff Updates: Jamie Boyle reported on the Historic Preservation Rock Wall Restoration Reimbursement Grant Program. They are in the process of revising it for better guidelines. Alderman Jeff Aiken is willing to add his expertise to the program.

Council wanted to know if it was acceptable for Aiken to be involved in the program since he was an Alderman. City Manager Daniel Miera said it was not normal for members of Council to be involved and attend the meetings, however Aiken would be welcome if he was willing to help out.

Miera reported the Cerca Liability meeting is rescheduled for February 23 at 6 p.m. Gilpin County Division Chief reported there have been no new deaths or hospitalizations in the County due to COVID-19 in the past seven days and there has been a 68% drop in cases.

Mayor Pro Tem Laratta asked Public Works Director Sam Hoover to check on the streetlights on Eureka and Main Streets as they seem to be out. Hoover said he will investigate.

Mayor Fey commented there is a lack of snow removal on some sidewalks and asked Hoover if there is a need to contact businesses about negligence in shoveling the snow in a timely fashion. City Attorney Marcus McAskin responded that the code was updated in 2019 and notices are sent out and fines collected.

Hoover explained that the Public Works Department is short staffed and it has been difficult to get to some of the sidewalks before they turn to ice. Community Compliance Officer Kimberly Kaufman welcomes emails and phone calls about code violations.

Council Comments: Alderman Jill Story thanked everyone who voted for her. She sees a vision for the town to be a “Blast from the Past” and a worldwide destination. She will devote herself to the City to make it happen. Alderman Tinucci welcomed Story to the Council.

Alderman Aiken wished Alderman Tinucci and her husband Joe much success as they take their business JKQ BBQ from the Teller House to Crooks Palace in Black Hawk. Mayor Pro Tem Laratta welcomed Story to the Council and wished her good luck. Mayor Fey agreed with Alderman Story’s comments and he thanked the City staff and crew for their excellent work to keep the City humming along.

Public Comments: LeAnn Connelly from Gregory Street addressed Council on her tax status. The property she recently bought was previously a commercial property but is now being used as a residential home. She claims emails to the BID have not been returned and there is no form on the City website for these issues. She recommended creating a form or easier access to report issues.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. on March 1, 2022, at Central City Hall, 141 Nevada Street or online. Information can be found on the City website centralcity. colorado.gov/meetings.