BLACK HAWK - A council chair sat empty this week, adorned with a black wreath. A brilliant bouquet of colorful flowers sat in front of the seat to symbolize a celebration of life.

Alderman since April of 2008, Gregory D. Moates died on October 31, 2025. His loss brought some heartfelt moments throughout the meeting. 

Introduction of new employee

The council met November 12, following its afternoon budget work session. After the bell rang, Police Chief Michelle Moriarty introduced the department's newest employee, Communications Officer Alexis Malone. 

Malone shared her background with the group, including her upbringing in a small Missouri town, her service in the U.S. Navy as a Damage Controlman, and her path into first responder work.  Malone recently settled in Colorado with her two young sons.

In her introduction to the council, Malone wrote that dispatch felt like “the perfect next step” and that she is excited to support “the important work that happens behind every call.”

Council adopts memorial resolution for Alderman Moates

When the council reached Resolution 71-2025, the tone shifted. The resolution honored Moates, who passed away October 31 while in office. It recognized his more than 17 years of service, describing him as a steady voice who supported residents, employees, and the projects that helped shape modern Black Hawk.

The resolution also noted his humor, describing it as “funny, sharp, biting, and at times wicked.”

After the reading, Mayor David Spellman asked everyone present to rise for a moment of silence in Moates’ memory.

Holiday bonus resolution, Moates’ favorite tradition

The council then moved to the 2025 holiday bonus resolution. Alderman Benito Torres paused to say this was always Moates’ favorite item to read each year.

Torres handled the reading this time. His voice shook slightly as he moved through it, the sentiment clear.

“It’s my honor to read it this year,” he said. “I make a motion to approve a team member holiday gift of $500 after tax for all full-time team members, board, and commission members, and $250 for part-time team members.”

Filling the vacant seat

City Attorney Corey Hoffmann outlined the steps for filling the alderman vacancy. The City will accept applications and letters of interest, review them publicly, and set a timeline for interviews and appointment.

Highlights from the budget work session

Earlier that afternoon, staff reviewed major budget items for 2025. Only a few points rose to the level of news.

A new position of Marketing/Events Coordinator (whose title is still being determined) is budgeted for 2026, said Finance Director Lance Hillis.

Spellman said the opening of the Bobtail Mine attraction will have to be pushed back to 2027. The attraction will feature a tour of the mine, complete with a passenger railcar and track spanning 3,000 feet.

“They're gonna actually have to do a bit of a new tunnel from the Bobtail vein into the Fiske vein,” the mayor said.

Other capital projects include the Bates Hill/Briggs Trail project, which will be presented to the Central City Planning Commission for a conditional use permit.

The mayor explained that the City has ordered new patriotic pieces for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation (including a giant Statue of Liberty, a Liberty Bell, and Lady Liberty) along with a fresh round of Christmas decorations from a different vendor.

“It's going to be festive. It's going to be fun," he said. "I think it’s working.”

Near the end of the session, Spellman said there is a distinct possibility that an existing licensed casino with secured funding could bring forward conceptual plans as the city heads into 2026. He added that the goal would be to break ground in 2027 on what he described as "a very large project."

Executive session and adjournment

The council wrapped the meeting and entered executive session to receive legal advice on several property matters, including Black Hawk Park subdivision, Gregory Hill, the Gregory Street HARD District, and other City-owned parcels. After the closed session ended, the council adjourned.