The Central City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jeremy Fey on October 19, 2021 at 7:06 p.m. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken and Alderman Kara Tinucci.

Tinucci declared a conflict of interest regarding the Historic Paint Reimbursement Grant Application on the agenda. Tinucci owns the property and is the applicant for the grant and recused herself from voting on the grant approval.

Resolution No. 21-03 approves the Intergovernmental Agreement between Gilpin County and the City of Central regarding Lake Gulch Road. The City will be responsible for maintenance, future development and improvement, and control of Lake Gulch Road from the boundary to Exit 7 of the Central City Parkway. A quitclaim deed from the County to Central City will transfer the ownership. The Council voted on the Resolution and it was approved unanimously.

Resolution No. 21-31 delegates authority to the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding and other documents related to the Colorado Opioid Settlement. On July 21, 2021, the State and large pharmaceutical companies agreed to a settlement to provide funds for abatement of the opioid epidemic. This Resolution will give City Manager Daniel Miera authority to execute the Settlement Documents on behalf of the City.

A regional six-member Abatement Council is being formed which will include Miera. Funds will go to Jefferson County and an amount will be set aside for Gilpin County opioid treatment. Mayor Fey would like to see more resources in Gilpin County and encouraged someone in the county to lobby for services and treatment. The Resolution was passed unanimously.

Resolution No. 21-32 approves the acquisition of a water utility valve maintenance trailer and other related equipment. Public Utilities Director Jack Beard explained to Council the new trailer will increase efficiency and reduce labor. The purchase of the equipment was intended for 2022; however the price will go up next year. Purchasing the equipment in 2021 will save the City money. Beard requested a revision of the City budget for the Water Department to purchase the equipment in the amount of $100, 576.09. The Council approved the Resolution unanimously.

Staff Updates: Community Development Director Ray Rears introduced the newest addition to the City staff. Jamie Boyle is the new Central City Historic Preservation Officer and Special Project Coordinator. Jamie earned a B.A. degree in History and Latin American studies and a M.A. degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas. She has worked in real estate focusing on historic homes and as the Executive Director of Historic Boulder, Inc.

Jamie’s first primary project will be facilitating the City’s Belvidere Theater restoration. Jamie Boyle introduced herself to Council and said she appreciated the rich history of the City and hopes to be a part of a bright future.

City Manager Miera reported that the pothole repair requested at the last City Council meeting is completed. He also gave an update on the insurance amount the City pays for the Belvidere. Gilpin County Deputy Wheeler reported six new cases of Covid since the last meeting.

Council comments: Alderman Aiken welcomed Jamie Boyle to the staff of Central City. Alderman Laratta gave kudos to the City staff for stepping up and covering for other staff members when needed. Miera agreed and added everyone on the staff picks up extra duties when required. Mayor Fey stated that the City Clerk, Reba Bechtel, was out due to a family loss and he referred to her as the MVP of the staff.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m.

The next City Council meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on November 2, 2021 at the Central City Hall, 141 Nevada St. or online. Information can be found on the City website: centralcity.colorado.gov/ meetings.