In Mayor Jeremy Fey’s absence, Mayor Pro-tem Kara Tinucci called the Central City Council (CCC) regular meeting to order at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Also in attendance were Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Marcia Enloe, and Alderman Todd Williams. Mayor Fey attended virtually. Staff present included City Manager Daniel R. Miera, City Clerk Reba Bechtel, and City Attorney Marcus McAskin.

Tinucci introduced a second reading and public hearing of Ordinance No. 23-16, amending the City of Central Municipal Code to add Chapter 17, titled Guidelines and Regulations for Areas and Activities of State Interest of the City of Central.

Tinucci opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.

McAskin reminded the board that the first reading of 23-16 passed on October 1. The purpose of the ordinance is to adopt the City’s 1041 regulations.

For the uninitiated, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) explains 1041 regulations like this:

“In 1974, the Colorado General Assembly enacted measures to further define the authority of state and local governments in making planning decisions for matters of statewide interest. These powers are commonly referred to as ‘1041 powers,’ based on the number of the bill of the proposed legislation (House Bill 74-1041). These 1041 powers allow local governments to identify, designate, and regulate areas and activities of state interest through a local permitting process.”

Special counsel Tory Jarvis presented the details of finalizing the 1041 regulations. There are eight articles in the presented document which will be a stand-alone addition to the current code.

The council designated areas around key interchanges involving arterial highways, and the site selection of arterial highways and interchanges. Jarvis explained that Article 2 describes the process by which the council could add more designations or update the regulations if they so desire.

Articles 4 and 5 outline the process, application requirements, and the standards to consider for the chosen designations.

Jarvis talked about the public hearing and notice requirements before the Council considers a permit, including the standards asked of the applicant – for instance: how would the applicant mitigate any adverse impacts to the area?

There were no public comments and the public hearing was closed at 7:14 p.m.

Williams moved to approve Ordinance No. 23-16. Aiken seconded. There was no council discussion and all were in favor.

Staff updates included Miera’s confirmation of the commitment filing of Proposition 123, the affordable housing baseline establishment and setting the three-year target.

There was one member of the public who spoke during the last Public Forum opportunity. He asked about a large piece of property that may have been purchased up Prospector’s Run. He asked if the Council knew who purchased it and with what intention, since he is a neighbor.

Miera said the owner of the property may work something out with the HOA and continue with the initially approved development.

The neighbor also asked if the City still owns the Boodle Mill. Miera responded in the affirmative. He finally inquired if there were any updates on the ATV usage. Miera responded that there were no updates to report.

During Council Comments, Mayor Fey reminded everyone of the upcoming festivities including the Christmas Tree Lighting on December 1, the Gilpin County Arts Annual Fundraiser on November 18 at Washington Hall, and the Tommyknocker events on December 2 and 3.

Williams commented that November 10 is the Marine Corps’ Birthday of 248 years, with Veteran’s Day directly after. He shared that, as a combat veteran, it would be nice for people to ask veterans about their service, instead of just thanking them for their service. “Ask what branch of service they were in, what they did in it, when they served, and if you get that far, you can thank them at the end.”

There were no more council comments and the meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

The next Central City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Central City Hall, 141 Nevada Street, second floor; or online via Zoom. Information can be found on the City website, centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.