CENTRAL CITY – The October 21 City Council work session began hours before the regular meeting, at 4 p.m. During the work session, council members wrestled with nonprofit funding and the city’s broader priorities. 

By 6 p.m., the regular meeting shifted focus to infrastructure projects, with a detailed presentation on the long-awaited Eureka Street improvements and a demolition contract for the Johnson Reservoir.

Nonprofits and cultural funding

During the work session, the council discussed whether to keep annual funding flat for Central City’s four cornerstone nonprofits—Gilpin Arts, Gilpin Historical Society, Main Street Central City, and Central City Opera—each of which has traditionally received $25,000. Each of the nonprofits asked for funding at the October 7 meeting in hopes of receiving support from the city.

Mayor Jeremy Fey suggested a new approach that would make City funding contingent on outside fundraising. “What if we agreed to have, like, a two-to-one match of any funds that the non-profits are able to secure from other sources,” Fey said. “That would encourage the boards of all four entities to go out and find more money.”

Several council members expressed support, calling it a healthy way to promote sustainability while maintaining civic partnerships. The discussion also touched on the Opera’s funding, which remained unresolved. 

While Gilpin History, Gilpin Arts, and Main Street were already represented in the proposed budget under the Historic Preservation and Tourism funds, the Opera’s $25,000 allocation was left open pending a final decision.

Fey described the Opera as “at the center of our cultural existence,” adding that its past improvements to historic properties showed real commitment. The City’s staff noted that if the Opera’s project does not move forward, those funds could be redirected to other cultural or preservation efforts. The conversation will continue during the next budget draft.

Eureka Street improvements 

At the regular meeting, the council turned its attention to infrastructure. Plumber engineer Shawn Dankenbring presented a multi-phase plan for Eureka Street that would combine pavement reconstruction, stormwater upgrades, and new sidewalks.

“This is not an action item. This is just a presentation of where we’re at with the project,” said Public Works Director Marc Johns. The three-phase concept totals $4.82 million and addresses deferred maintenance that Johns called the City’s “number one priority.”

The council asked about sidewalk widths, driveways, and traffic impacts. Staff said some design work would be scheduled for 2026, though the entire plan would take several years to execute. They added that more minor critical repairs are already funded. 

“We have a hydrant that is going to be, what, $50,000 more or less to replace because of the issues there,” said City Manager Daniel Miera. “Those are high priorities.”

The question of how Central will afford such a project led Miera to say they are trying to at least position themselves to fix Eureka Street. If they see development in the city or receive tax-increment financing in the future, they could accept the plan.

Resolution No. 25-36 — Johnson Reservoir demolition

The council unanimously approved Resolution No. 25-36, awarding a $28,295 contract to Rocky Mountain Development Group, LLC, doing business as Iron Mountain Demolition, for the Johnson Reservoir Removal Project.

“We had eight submissions. The prices ranged pretty extreme from, like, $20,000 to $200,000,” Johns said. “Our evaluation committee is recommending Iron Mountain at $28,295.” 

The project includes removing the deteriorated structure, hauling clean fill, and compacting the site before winter. The council also authorized a change order of up to 20% to cover unforeseen weather or site conditions.

Gregory Gulch Resort plan continued

Council opened and continued two related Gregory Gulch items to Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. in City Hall, citing that the applicants need more time:

1. The Preliminary Development Plan (PDP) public hearing.

2. Ordinance No. 25-09, to rezone portions of Gregory Gulch to a Planned Unit Development (PUD).

City Attorney Marcus McCaskin advised residents unable to attend that they may submit written comments to the City Clerk, who will include them in the official packet.

Public comment 

During the first public forum, Eureka Street resident Rebecca Blondo urged immediate attention to the deteriorating sidewalks. “If you could please address the holes that are there currently, at least with another patch, to get us through winter so no one is injured,” she said.

A resident of Casey Street spoke against the Gregory Gulch proposal, asking that it not obstruct neighborhood views. “We don’t want it. Please,” he said.

A second public forum at the end of the meeting allowed residents to comment on unrelated topics. 

Peter Droege asked residents to vote no on the ballot question concerning adult entertainment businesses downtown, given the negative allegations against RCI Hospitality Holdings for tax evasion and wage theft. 

Eric Langan, owner of RCI Hospitality and Rick’s Cabaret on Main Street in Central City, defended his company in connection with the upcoming ballot measure on adult entertainment businesses. He claimed that Rick’s Cabaret and Steakhouse is not currently operating as a sexually oriented business (a contentious topic since topless dancers have been reported):

“We’re going to pay approximately $300,000 in taxes. We have over 27 full-time employees in this market. Several of them have moved and now live in Central City. …Remember the key word is “allegations.” These are allegations. There have been no convictions. We’ve paid no fines.”

Langan continued to say that the legal cases involving RCI were ongoing and said the city of Denver had “permanently stayed” a related hearing until a court ruling clarified the law, adding, “We’ll get to the bottom of that soon.”

Routine business and staff updates

The Consent Agenda passed unanimously, approving the bill list through October 14 and the October 7 meeting minutes.

Under staff updates, Johns reported that the Water Department and Public Works are fully staffed, with vehicle repairs complete and winter plow preparations underway. The Entry Point Relocation project is under construction, expected to double the water plant’s capacity from 175 to 350 gallons per minute, and reduce chlorine use.

Fey reminded residents about the Halloween dance party at the Central City Elks Lodge on Friday, October 31, and the Taste of Gilpin fundraiser for Gilpin County Arts Association on November 13 at the Teller House.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. in City Hall, 141 Nevada Street, Central City. Attend in person or online via Zoom at centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings or join by phone at +1 (646) 558-8656 using Access Code: 894 6836 3671.