CENTRAL CITY — Central City Council held its first meeting of 2026 on January 20. Early discussion focused on Resolution No. 26-03, ratifying the Planning Commission’s approval of a conditional use permit for the Bates Hill Trailhead.

The permit is connected to Black Hawk’s long-planned improvements at the Briggs Lot, which include expanded parking, a steel staircase up Bates Hill, pedestrian connections across Gregory Street, decorative headframes, and site lighting.

Mayor Jeremy Fey requested that Resolution 26-03 be removed from the consent agenda so he could ask staff questions. City Attorney Marcus McCaskin explained that the council could not discuss the item unless it was formally removed, requiring a majority vote. Councilmember Zane Plsek made the motion, which passed 3-1. Councilmember Marcia Enloe was absent.

Once the discussion opened, Fey asked Planning and Community Development Director Jeff Noffsinger whether the conditional use permit carried an expiration date. McCaskin confirmed that under the land development code, a conditional use permit expires after one year if the applicant does not advance to the next stage of approvals.

Fey said he did not want the permit to become “an everlasting deal,” adding that while he supports access to Bates Hill, he wanted assurance the permit could not be used evidentially in future matters or limit future possibilities indefinitely. McCaskin later confirmed the one-year limitation.

During public comment, resident Peter Droege spoke in favor of the Briggs Lot development but raised concerns about a small access road near Casey Street, known locally as “the Casey.” He cautioned that construction traffic or visitors could attempt to use the narrow residential road and suggested installing a cattle gate to prevent vehicle access.

Plsek said he did not want Casey residents inundated with construction traffic, and staff said construction access and direction could be addressed during the site plan and permitting process. Council later voted unanimously to approve Resolution 26-03, with Fey thanking Black Hawk for its efforts to improve the shared environment.

Newspaper of Record discussion

Council then turned to the designation of a legal newspaper for 2026 and had a lengthy discussion before a 3-1 vote to retain the Weekly Register-Call as Central City’s paper of record, with Fey casting the lone dissenting vote.

Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Spencer moved to designate the WRC, which Plsek seconded. Before the vote, Fey questioned whether the City was required to maintain a paper of record and raised concerns about editorial tone and perceived bias.

City staff clarified that while agendas are now legally posted online, state law still requires municipalities to designate a newspaper of general circulation for legal notices.

Fey asked whether the City could legally use any paper with circulation in the county, including larger regional or national publications. City staff confirmed that legal notices must be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county and that, in certain circumstances, the City has previously used The Denver Post to meet statutory requirements when timing or availability was an issue.

Fey said that while he was not advocating for using The Denver Post, he raised the example to illustrate that the City is not limited to a single publication. He said his concern centered on whether the current designation best served Central City residents and questioned whether legal notices were reaching the widest possible audience.

Fey mentioned the fact that several years ago, the county chose The Mountain-Ear for its legal notices instead of the WRC. He added that he believes the WRC has “a slant,” at times “attacking the City of Central and defending the City of Black Hawk.” 

Fey also referenced a long-circulating rumor of a handshake agreement involving the former WRC owner and current Mayor of Black Hawk, David Spellman, and the current owner, Bob Sweeney.

Spencer cautioned against basing City decisions on unsubstantiated claims and said he did not see sufficient reason to change the City’s legal publication. Alderman Todd Williams expressed support for freedom of the press and said he did not believe a change was necessary at this time.

Plsek responded that he reads both newspapers and values the role each plays in the community. He noted the WRC’s long history as Central City’s paper of record and said the decision should not be based on editorial content. Plsek also commended recent reporting in The Mountain-Ear, saying the work had been well done.

Plsek called on WRC reporter Don Ireland to address broken newspaper vending machines around town, saying none were currently functioning.

Council ultimately voted to retain the Weekly Register-Call as the City’s legal newspaper for 2026.

Appointments and other actions

Council retained Chuck Spencer as Mayor Pro Tem for 2026, pursuant to the city charter.

Council then confirmed a slate of annual appointments to regional and intergovernmental boards:

• Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG): Zane Plsek was retained as Central City’s representative. Plsek said he would continue serving but noted the significant travel time and that many agenda items focus on metro-area transportation. City staff said participation helps preserve eligibility for certain grants.

• Gilpin Ambulance Authority: Plsek was appointed as the city’s primary representative, with Enloe named as alternate.

• I-70 Coalition: Joe Behm was retained as the City’s representative, with City Manager Daniel Miera serving as alternate.

• Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC): Todd Williams was retained as the City’s representative, with Plsek named as alternate.

• Miera said no reappointments were necessary for the Central City Urban Renewal Authority, noting that Spencer would continue serving in that role. He also informed the council that Lindsey Valdez had been appointed by the County to replace April Nielsen on the authority following Nielsen’s resignation.

Board of Adjustment

Sitting as the Board of Adjustment, the council unanimously approved variance requests at 214 E. Third High Street, granting relief from lot size and setback requirements to allow two historic structures to remain on separate lots. Noffsinger said the approval would not alter existing parking conditions along Third High Street.

Council also approved Ordinance No. 25-10 on second reading, amending the municipal code to prohibit graywater use and graywater treatment systems within city limits.

Staff Updates

During staff updates, City Manager Daniel Miera announced that the City received a $563,000 federal design grant to support future fire department infrastructure and site planning. 

Public Works Director Marc Johns said ongoing underground electrical shorts are responsible for malfunctioning parkway lights, and that hydrant repairs are being delayed until warmer weather to avoid freezing conditions.

Fey closed the meeting by calling Central City the “city of yes,” expressing optimism about the City’s direction and future.

The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

The next meeting of Central City's Council is scheduled for February 3, 2026, at City Hall, located at 141 Nevada Avenue.