The regular Central City Council meeting was called to order on August 17, 2021, at 6:32 p.m. by Mayor Jeremy Fey. In attendance were Mayor Fey, Mayor pro tem Laratta and Alderman Aiken. The Council went into Executive Session at 6:35 p.m. The regular meeting resumed at 7:51 p.m. where Alderman Tinucci attended over zoom.

Conflict of interest: Alderman Laratta felt there was a conflict of interest with Alderman Tinucci and the appointment of a new Alderman. She explained the candidate, Michelle Roussel, is a tenant of Alderman Tinucci and suggested Tinucci recuse herself from voting. Alderman Tinucci did not feel there was a conflict of interest and that she would not benefit financially if Roussel was elected. City Attorney, Marcus McAskin, determined the private relationship between Tinucci and Roussel constituted no conflict of interest, and there was no legal reason for Tinucci to recuse herself. Council decided there was no conflict of interest and proceeded in nominating the candidates to fill the next Alderman seat. Mayor Fey nominated Michelle Roussel. The vote was split with Mayor Fey and Alderman Tinucci voting yes, and Mayor pro tem Laratta and Alderman Aiken voting no. Alderman Aiken nominated Marcia Enlow for the vacant seat. The vote was split with Mayor pro tem Laratta and Alderman Aiken voting yes, and Mayor Fey and Alderman Tinucci voting no. The Council finally decided to open the seat to a special election in lieu of a failure to elect an Alderman through a vote. Information will be coming from the City Council and any Central City resident can run in the election.

Resolution No. 21-23 was presented by Lisa Roemhildt, Community Planner and Main Street Advisor. The Resolution supports the Open for Business Grant from the Department of Local Affairs. The grant was opened on July 22, 2021, and the first round of applications are due on August 23, 2021. The program is designed to increase property values and visual appeal, increase sales and revenues in rehabilitated buildings, reduce energy consumption and increase and create jobs. Additional reviews will take place every two weeks until the funds are expended. The council voted unanimously for the Resolution.

Resolution No. 21-24 was presented by Lindsay Flewelling, Historic Preservation and Code Enforcement Officer. The Resolution amends the City of Central Historic Preservation Paint Reimbursement Grant Program to include reimbursements up to 100% of the cost of exterior paint for property owners. The amount per property is not to exceed $2000. The previous Resolution No. 21- 12 adopted on May 4, 2021, allowed for 50% reimbursement to property owners. The Council budgeted $25,000 for the program in 2021. The Council approved Resolution No. 21-24 unanimously.

Staff Updates: City Manager, Daniel Miera, presented the budget to the Council. He explained funds from gaming will be coming in at the end of the month. The Historic Preservation Tax Credits will be coming in October 2021. At present, there are no restrictions from the Gilpin County Health Department on large gatherings. The Hot Rod Hill Climb scheduled for September has been cancelled by the vendor due to Covid concerns.

Council Comments: Mayor pro tem Judy Laratta expressed concern about houses being bought up in mountain towns and turned into Bed and Breakfast (B&B) places. Affordable housing becomes less accessible. Laratta would like the Council to look into this matter. Alderman Aiken agreed with Laratta, however he saw the benefit of increasing profits for the businesses through B&B establishments. Alderman Tinucci stated it was nice to see the city vibrant again at the Lou Bunch festival held on August 14, 2021. Mayor Fey also thought the Lou Bunch festival was a great way to showcase the City.

Public Forum: Deb Wray, President of the Gilpin Historical Society, announced the upcoming 32nd Annual Cemetery Crawl on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at 11 a.m. The event will take place on Bald Mountain in Central City and a bus will transport people from the Opera House parking lot. Information can be found at www.gilpinhistory.org.

Peter Droege, Vice-President of The Belvidere Foundation, handed out brochures to the Council and reported on the progress to renovate the Belvidere. Droege explained the Foundation has already received a DOLA grant with the possibility for a second grant, and tax credits could also provide a significant amount of money. He thanked Ray Rears and Daniel Miera for their excellent work on the project. Michelle Roussel, Manager of the Gilpin Arts Association, invited Council and residents to the upcoming Art Show on August 21, 2021, from 5 - 8 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

The next Central City Council meeting will be on September 7, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. For more information go to the Central City website at centralcity.colorado.gov.