CENTRAL CITY — The council approved two ordinances on April 21, 2026, setting both up for public hearings in May, while discussing legal costs and downtown development. A work session on short-term rentals was held beforehand.

Mayor Jeremy Fey called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., joined by Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Spencer and Aldermen Todd Williams (virtual), Marcia Enloe, and Zane Plsek. 

The consent agenda passed unanimously. During the discussion, Spencer asked for a breakdown of legal spending tied to the RCI case.

Staff said the City has spent about $49,000 so far. “That is through March,” staff said, noting portions may be reimbursed through CIRSA.

Spencer responded plainly, “That’s getting expensive.”

STR discussion signals changes

Earlier in a 5 p.m. work session, Community Development Director Jeff Noffsinger walked council through the City’s short-term rental (STR) rules, which date back to 2017.

The current code requires STRs to be tied to a primary residence or employee housing, with parking and licensing requirements in place.

Noffsinger said there are currently five registered units in Central City.

“The intent… was we didn’t want people to purchase residential dwellings and just use them as short-term rentals,” he said.

Fey said the Central City Opera has made a “soft request” to rent out vacant properties during the summer and potentially year-round.

Fey leaned toward loosening restrictions. “My vote is for free market policy,” he said.

Plsek asked whether STRs increase the number of emergency calls. Noffsinger said there is no clear data, but added, “We’d rather have occupied structures.”

City Manager Daniel Miera and City Attorney Marcus McAskin pointed to existing code language that may already allow some of the Opera’s STR plans if properties are used as employee housing for more than 30 days.

Central City Opera CEO Scott Finlay said the goal is to reinvest in aging buildings and bring people to Central.

“It’s about preserving historic properties,” Finlay said, describing ongoing upgrades and a plan to generate revenue through rentals.

Spencer voiced support for reducing barriers. “It’s not our job to micromanage businesses,” he said.

The council directed staff to draft an amendment to the STR policy, which will go to the Planning Commission before returning for formal approval.

Fire code adoption

The council approved Ordinance No. 26-03 on first reading, adopting the 2024 International Fire Code.

Noffsinger addressed questions about penalties. He said enforcement remains unchanged and tied to the existing code.

“The penalties are consistent with the code,” Noffsinger said.

When pressed further on fines, he clarified that the maximum penalty is set elsewhere in code and “is consistent with the existing language.”

The ordinance was approved on first reading, with a second reading and public hearing set for May 5 at 6 p.m.

DDA boundary expansion

The group then approved Ordinance No. 26-04 on first reading, allowing additional properties to be included in the Central City Downtown Development Authority.

Staff explained the change is tied to redevelopment potential. “It’s important that these become part of the DDA so that we can capture any tax increment financing,” staff said.

The request came from G3 Gaming LLC and had already been approved by the DDA board.

The ordinance passed unanimously. A second reading and public hearing are also scheduled for May 5.

Public comment, council discussion

During public comment, a resident questioned whether the fire code would require the city to assist with fires outside the area. He also questioned whether there was enough water.

Fey pushed back on the premise. “The fire code doesn’t pertain to giving other jurisdictions water,” he said.

He added that the ordinance applies to construction standards, not firefighting response. “These are building codes,” Fey said.

The resident asked how difficult it would be to reverse these actions once they were voted on. Fey responded that it would be “very, very hard.” 

The mayor explained the City’s position, noting the update is not by choice. “We have to adopt this. It’s not really an option,” he said.

He reiterated the scope: “This [the code] would provide you with the terms and conditions as to how to design and build a building.” Fey offered to speak with the individual after the meeting to clear up any confusion.

Plsek later thanked Public Works for the recent snow removal. “I’ve never seen snow pile up that fast… you guys did a great job,” he said.

Spencer raised a separate issue from the Business Improvement District, asking the council to get ahead of a resolution on street cleanliness.

“I’d like to see the staff go ahead and formulate a response,” Spencer said.

Fey noted that cleanliness is an issue after busy weekends. “The biggest issue… is Sunday evenings and cleaning up a weekend’s worth of cigarette butts,” he said.

Williams said the council could help move the conversation forward ahead of the summer season.

Executive session

Council entered executive session to discuss potential property acquisitions along Lawrence Street and in the Nevada Street, Nevadaville Road, and Central City Parkway areas.

The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2026, at 6 p.m. at City Hall, with online access available.