Monica LaSalle, Central City. Mayor Jeremy Fey opened the June 6, 2019, meeting of the Central City Council by adding to the agenda the announcement of Central City’s new Historic Preservation and Code Enforcement Officer, Lindsey Lewelling. Lewelling came to the podium to be introduced, commenting that she is happy and excited to start. After discussing the absence of Alderwoman Mitchel and all other formalities were observed, the mayor called for a motion to approve the consent agenda which prompted Mayor pro-tem Laratta to ask about a $17,000 expense for monthly accounting forms. Acting Director Jack Beard answered that the state is changing the way water rights are accounted for and how data is collected, requiring an update to the systems. The city contracts with Deere and Ault to collect the data and report to the state as well as assist with the switch to the new systems, taking 96 labor hours in all. Ongoing costs for data collection will be $2,000 per month moving forward.

City Clerk Reba Betchel was acknowledged by Alderman Hidahl for exemplary record keeping, stating he has been involved with meeting minutes for over 40 years and she is doing a top-notch job. Mayor pro-tem Laratta moved to approve the consent agenda, with Alderman Aiken seconding and unanimous approval.  

The council then moved on to the first item on the action list with a review of three appointments to the Main Street Commission. Current board members Mike Keeler and Barbara Thielemann indicated their desire to stay on, while resident Jeremy Kaiser submitted a letter expressing interest in serving for the first time. Thielemann was in the audience and expressed she would be honored and happy to continue to serve. Mayor Fey stated that he is somewhat familiar with Kaiser, stating he lives in the county, is passionate about Central City and has won two bed races in the past. He asked for a motion to approve all three with Alderman Aiken motioning, Laratta seconding and unanimous approval. 

Community Development Director & Historic Preservation Officer Ray Rears presented Resolution 19-14 to discuss the GOCO (Greater Outdoors Colorado grant application that will cost the city a 25 percent match (or $16,000) to the $63,800 project. There will be a public meeting held in April, but surveys have identified three main priority areas from the community which include developing a trail network within the city including stairways to the high streets with improved signage; connecting the downtown corridor to Chase Gulch Reservoir and the high streets; and exploring other recreational opportunities. Mayor Fey asked, “Is our moving forward with the master plan contingent on getting this grant?” with an affirmative response from Rears, who further stated that while their chances of winning the grant are very high, if they do not get it, they will try again next year. City Manager Miera says winning the grant could put the city in the running for future construction grants. Rears also stated that they are working with CU Denver to possibly get donated construction planning. Alderman Aiken moved to approve the resolution with Mayor pro-tem seconding and unanimous approval.

Director Hoover introduced Resolution 19-15, which would award a bid for the Central City 2019 Slurry Seal Project to A-1 Chip Seal Company and authorize the city manager to execute a construction contract, a project that was approved in a previous meeting. Out of the two bids received for the project, Hoover recommended A-1. The project adds a protective seal, or slurry, to the existing chip seal on the Central City Parkway and will cost no more than $146,625. The city budgeted $250,000 for Parkway improvements this year. In response to the Mayor asking him if it was the best way to proceed, Hoover stated that the move would be to preserve their current investment for the next 7-10 years and allow them to pursue exploring a pavement option for the rest of the Parkway. After a few more minutes of discussion about investment preservation versus covering more ground, Alderman Aiken moved to approve, with Alderman Hidahl seconding and unanimous approval. 

City Manager Miera gave an update on the Spring Street Project during staff updates, stating that Xcel Energy is expected to start a portion of the repair project June 24, 2019, with a contract having been signed. He then verified an update of $288,147.55 coming from the one percent fund. Currently the fund has $330,000. 

The Gilpin County Arts Association will work with the city to put more art into the downtown area, utilizing and enhancing vacant buildings. The installations would be present June through August. With $15,000 budgeted for the project, there should more than enough to work with the association again this year. 

The Water Department has a contract with CNL Water Solutions to perform repairs to the water main break from January 11. Costs are not to exceed $25,000. Jack Beard, currently the senior operator for distributions, has been designated as acting director for water, due to an unexpected personal leave, and is filling in on a more official basis.

Councilmember comments consisted of the Mayor pro-tem expressing that she likes how the hanging flower baskets spruce up the city and that she appreciates the strategic placement of the big rocks at Spruce and Pine, discouraging camping in the area. 

Alderman Hidahl asked follow-up questions regarding the Maroney Ranch sale and development project, receiving news that the sale is still on going. Mayor Fey expressed thanks to all who participated in the City Clean Up event as well as to JKQ BBQ for providing food, as well as thanks for all who helped with Jazz Fest efforts. 

With no public desire to speak once again, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. 

(Originally published in the June 20, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)