The Central City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jeremy Fey on November 2, 2021, at 7:07 p.m. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken, and Alderman Kara Tinucci.

Jill Story addressed council during the public forum about the hurdles people in Central City go through to establish a viable business. She explained that working with the Planning Commission and Building Department has been a nightmare. She asked the Council if there are any strategies the City can do to work with owners of the vacant buildings to repair them and make them usable for a small business. She also suggested selling the buildings separately.

Action Items: The main action item for new business was the approval of the 2022 operating budget. City Manager Daniel Miera explained that the budget must be approved by Council. The budget was approved unanimously. Alderman Aiken inquired if the elected officials on the Business Improvement District could still vote if they no longer have a business stake in Central City. Joe Behm from the BID answered that the board members could still vote and they are elected to two- and four-year terms.

Staff Updates: Gilpin County Deputy Wheeler reported there have been 22 new cases of Covid-19 in Gilpin County in the last seven days with one hospitalization. Vaccine clinics are set up at the Gilpin Community Center every Saturday from 9-3 and at the Gilpin Public Library every Wednesday from 10-2.

Community Development Director Ray Rears introduced the new Community Compliance Officer, Kimberly Kaufman. Kimberly has a long history in law enforcement and as a District Attorney. She had worked with the Boulder Police Department and was the lead Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Westminster. She currently lives in the Peak to Peak area and is thrilled to be on staff with Central City.

Council Comments: Alderman Tinucci thanked everyone who participated in the Levit Street Market and felt the Trunk and Treat event on Halloween was a great community event. Alderman Aiken welcomed Kimberly Kaufman to the team and commented “it makes it easier to get things done when the City is fully staffed.”

Mayor Fey loved seeing the families in costume at the Trunk and Treat event on Halloween. He observed there was a lot happening during the month of October with the Creepy Crawl and other business events. He would like to see the City promoted as a holiday destination and market that to tourists.

Public Forum: Deb Wray, President of the Gilpin Historical Society, reported on the success of the Creepy Crawl. The event was sold out, with 670 people in attendance. She thanked the Sheriff’s Department, Century Casino, Dostal Alley, and all the volunteers for their assistance.

City resident Todd Williams asked Council why it is so difficult to get a business going in the community. He would like to see Central City as a destination point beyond the casinos. City Manager Daniel Miera explained the City has made strides to attract new business and they are starting to see some new movement; however, it will take some time to have all the resources available.

Bill Porter, representative for the bond holders of Central City Parkway, alerted Council that a study is taking place regarding the impact of a quarry that a company would like to build on the Parkway. The firm would like to meet with each Council member individually about the business. Mayor Fey asked if that was legal or proper. City Attorney Marcus McAskin did not see any conflict in meeting with the firm and felt this was an important issue to look at, as a quarry would be a long-term project and have a considerable impact.

Joe Behm expressed that the BID is pleased with the events and outcomes in Central City, and the casinos are rebounding from the economic losses from the pandemic. He encouraged Council to hang onto their City property unless there was a financial need to sell it.

The Council went into executive session at 8:01 p.m.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on November 16, 2021 at the Central City Hall, 141 Nevada St. or online. Information can be found on the City website, centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.