Mindy Leary, Central City. At approximately 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, Central City Council held their regular meeting online only. The meetings can be accessed by dialing in by phone or online by visiting the Central City website at centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.   

There was a call to order followed by roll call. Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-tem Judy Laratta, Council members Jeff Aiken, Jackie Johnson, and Kara Tinucci were present. The Pledge of Allegiance was said and any additions and/or amendments to the Agenda were made. 

The City Council minutes from May 4, consent agenda, and the regular bill lists were examined. All were in favor of approval.

New business included Resolution No. 21-13: A resolution of the City Council of the City of Central, Colorado, recommending the approval or conditional approval of the Special Event Application for Madam Lou Bunch Day scheduled for Saturday, August 14, 2021, and authorizing the temporary closure of Main Street during the event. 

The event will last a full day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event will cost $4,260, including marketing, entertainment, live music audio tech, and prizes. Main Street Central has $2,298 designated for the event in their non-profit bank account, and remaining funds are expected to be brought in through advertising. Revenue is expected to be about $3,000 from the races and team fees. Pedestrian safety was brought up as a concern. 

Laratta moved to approve the special event application and all were in favor.

Next, Resolution No. 21-14: Declaring support and appreciation for the Gilpin County’s Sheriff’s Office, was presented. The Sheriff’s Office is still understaffed and the resolution was offered at the Mayor’s request. Under the leadership of Kevin Armstrong, the office ensures the safety of Central City. With only 40 officers working long hours, their dedication brings peace and security to the city. Central City declares and acknowledges their support and appreciation for the Sheriff’s Office’s hard work. Laratta moved to approve and all were in favor. Armstrong said he was extremely humbled by the Council’s support. 

Next, a public hearing was held concerning the Appeal of Conditional Approval for Special Event Permit Yellow Rose Ball’s Extended Street Closure for Eureka Street. The closure in the past was for 45 minutes, whereas the extension is requested from 4:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This is to accommodate the Flower Girl classes of 2020 and 2021, involving double the number of families. Also, because of Covid restrictions, the waltz and opera performances have to be outside.

Public Forum was closed at 7:54 p.m. and Laratta moved to approve the Central City Opera’s appeal to allow the extended street closure. The motion was seconded and then opened for discussion. Residential and emergency access were concerns and alternate routes discussed. 

Mayor Fey wanted to let the applicant know that this is a big request with a lot of conditions such as advance-notice messaging to residents about alternate routes and plans for emergency access. The motion was approved with conditions. 

Staff updates included discussions on the GAA Facility Plans and the Belvidere Foundation Budget Request.

The meeting adjourned at about 9:30 p.m. 

(Originally published in the May 27, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)