Patrice LeBlanc, Central City. The Central City virtual council meeting began at 7:09 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Jackie Johnson and Alderman Jack Hidahl. 

Community Development Director Ray Rears, addressed Council about Ordinance No. 20-11 on its second reading which amends Sections 16-6-100 and 16-6-1010 of the City of Central Land Development Code. This Ordinance establishes provisions related to amending the Fee-in-Lieu program and establishing a parking bank to facilitate new development with the Land Development Code. Rears explained the fees would be paid to the city in three tiers that would provide revenue to build a parking structure. Adjustments were made in the fee structure due to suggestions from the first reading. 

The Ordinance was opened for a Public Hearing at 7:28 p.m. Joe Bain, from the Business Improvement District (BID) spoke to Council about how this committee would like to be involved with development effecting growth in Central City. Bain expressed concern that the BID was informed after an item reached the agenda and would like to have input and suggestions for staff before any action was taken by Council. Jeff Hentschel, of Easy Street Casino and Famous Bonanza Casino, inquired what happens to the money if a parking structure is not built and what happens if Council doesn’t approve the structure in the future. Rears responded the parking account would be separate from any other account and City Manager, Daniel Miera added the fees would be used for parking related expenses if needed. Alderman Hidahl inquired if this Ordinance would affect the PUD and Rears answered businesses requiring large scale parking would likely build their own parking structure. Mayor Fey asked what would happen if the parking situation didn’t satisfy the needs of the businesses and Rears felt political pressure would facilitate progress. The Ordinance was approved 5-0.

Item 20-10 TBD Academy- Cellular Tower was vacated due to the applicant withdrew their submission because the property owner had not approved the location of the proposed telecommunications facility. Alderman Hidahl suggested the City find an alternative location to solve the problem. The motion to vacate the item was approved 5-0.

Finance Director Abigail Robbins, requested a scholarship of $5000 for Adria Bleske for continuing secondary education tuition assistance through the Central City Promise Program. This is the third request from Bleske who is attending Colorado University of Denver pursuing a B.F.A degree in  Illustration. The Council congratulated her on her 3.6 GPA and approved her request 5-0. 

Resolution No. 20-30 is regarding Initiative 257 concerning voter approval changes to limited gaming. City Attorney Marcus McAskin, told Council this will allow voters to approve an increase in gaming limits in the upcoming election ballot. Black Hawk and Cripple Creek have already approved the Resolution for their cities. Mayor Fey stated he had spoken to all casino operators in town and reported they were supportive of the Resolution. It was approved 5-0.

Resolution No. 20-31 establishing the Fee-in-Lieu for parking in accordance to the Land Development Code was approved 5-0.  Resolution No. 20-32 extending the City of Central’s Emergency Disaster Declaration until September 16, 2020 was also approved 5-0. Council appointed Peter Droege to the Main Street Commission and many members thought he would be a good asset to the Committee. 

In staff updates, City Manager Daniel Miera publicly thanked Gilpin County Division Chief Tom Ihme for his 27 years of service and congratulated him on his retirement. 

In council comments, Alderman Laratta complimented the Public Works Department for their work during the pandemic and thought Main St. never looked like it was closed. Alderman Johnson agreed and applauded the department for their continued work trimming trees and doing maintenance work. Alderman Aiken called them grade A individuals. Alderman Hidahl restated a request to contact company owners to remove the utility poles that are located around town but no longer in use. Mayor Fey was proud of the casino’s adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines and operating at 90%. He encouraged everyone to attend the next Clean Up Day on September 17, 2020. 

Michele Rousseau addressed the Council during Public Comments by announcing her candidacy for the vacant council seat in the upcoming city election. The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m. 

(Originally published in the September 10, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)