CENTRAL CITY - The Central City Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, had a packed audience of community members, covering everything from routine bills to a rezoning first step, plus four nonprofits asking for help.

There was even a laugh when the mayor said, “Anyone else wanna start a nonprofit in Central City?”

Gregory Gulch Plan

The council then opened the public hearing for the Gregory Gulch Gaming Resort Preliminary Development Plan. The council continued it to October 21 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, at the applicant’s request, so the PDP and the rezoning can be heard together.

On first reading, the Council adopted Ordinance 25-09 to rezone several Gregory Gulch parcels from GGG, LCC, and TSL to a Planned Unit Development tied to the PDP, and set the second reading and public hearing for October 21 at 6 p.m. 

Community Development Director Jeff Noffsinger called it “a procedural item” to line up both hearings together: “Just like any other ordinance comes before you, there’s two readings, so this is that procedural first step… so you can have discussion at the second meeting.”

Water agreement for Floyd Hill project

Resolution 25-35, approving an assignment and amendment to the City’s augmentation water agreement with Martin Marietta, passed unanimously. 

Public Works Director Marc Johns explained that Martin Marietta pays for up to 120 acre-feet per year and will lease 20 acre-feet to the I-70 Floyd Hill project through 2028, with a possible two-year extension, while the city keeps priority in emergencies. The vote was unanimous.

Four nonprofits make their case

Gilpin Historical Society 

President Jim Crawford requested that the city continue the $25,000 grant that supports the tour office. 

“Without this grant, we would not be able to keep the tour office open off-season,” Crawford noted. He added that they are “doing okay,” but noted expenses for the tour office are around $35,000, with revenue near $10,000.

Alderman Chuck Spencer inquired about their efforts to generate revenue, including donations and fundraising. The council confirmed that the County contributed $2,500 to the Society the previous year.

Gilpin Arts Association 

Board president Eric Miller reviewed the group’s long history at Washington Hall and how City help has supported year-round operations. 

On the $25,000 request, he said, “Basically that $25,000 has helped us maintain that kind of year-round operation….It’s been used for administrative. It’s been used for advertising. It kind of gets spread throughout our budget.” Winter hours are “Thursday to Sunday…11 to 4.”

He continued to describe all the ways in which the group has worked with the community, facilitating events and supporting the arts in Gilpin County. 

Finally, he highlighted some letters of support that spoke of GAA as a “cultural anchor” and the necessity to fund the arts. 

Main Street Central City 

Chair Barbara Thielemann described a volunteer group dedicated to promoting downtown vitality and events. She said the City’s contribution would fund the children’s party during the Tommyknocker holidays. 

When asked what the $25,000 grant is spent on, she referred to the Tommyknockers Christmas event, saying, “We bring in 200 school children…Father Christmas…a professional storyteller…[and] goodie bags.” She also noted that Main Street America has accredited the group as of 2025.

Central City Opera 

Historic Properties Director Eric Chinn read a letter from President and CEO Scott Finlay that framed arts funding as part of the City’s identity. He juxtaposed the necessity of gaming with the timelessness of art. 

“The arts are not a line item. They are an investment in the city’s future.” Funds would support the Historic Properties Department, including work at Williams Stables as a grant match. He answered questions about the Teller House lodging capacity for artists.

Alderman Zane Plsek asked if there are any limitations on what the organization can do with the properties it possesses. Chinn responded, “There are none to my knowledge.” 

Plsek suggested selling some of the properties, especially since he thinks some have fallen into disrepair.

Council members thanked the organizations and stressed budget limits. Alderman Todd Williams said, “We have to look at the numbers….It’s tight, and we have to figure it out.” 

Spencer added that he sees unnecessary spending in some groups and wants careful review.

Staff notes and a board swap

City Manager Daniel Miera stated that a preliminary draft budget is due on Tuesday, October 14, with a work session scheduled for October 21. The planning staff reported ongoing regional housing coordination and an additional $50,000 under the Local Planning Capacity Grant, bringing the total to $115,000.

The council also approved a change in representation on the Gilpin Ambulance Authority, moving the seat from Zane Plsek to Marcia Enloe. “Congratulations on the swap,” the chair said.

Mayor Jeremy Fey thanked Pastor Jack Van Son for his three years at St. James Methodist Church, and noted that Eric Chinn is stepping in as pastor. 

Fey also recognized the death of longtime docent Alan Demeers. “Our community lost a great man this weekend,” he said.

The next regular Central City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6 p.m., at City Hall, located at 141 Nevada Street, Central City.