Patrice LeBlanc, Central City. The council started off the year with their annual appointments for representatives to affiliated organizations. The council meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. on January 7, 2020, by Mayor Jeremy Fey. Council members in attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Jack Hidahl and Alderman Jackie Johnson.

The first appointment was for Mayor Pro-Tem Judy Laratta to be reinstated in that position. Mayor Fey felt the January meetings were a good opportunity to revisit appointments but questioned why a Mayor Pro-Tem had to be appointed each year. City Attorney Marcus McAskin pointed out the annual appointments were part of the charter for the city. Laratta was voted in with a vote of 5-0 as Mayor Pro-Tem for 2020.

The council read a request from the managing editor, Aaron Storms, of The Weekly Register Call newspaper to be considered as the Newspaper of Record for the upcoming year, 2020. They would publish all legal notices paid with public monies including elections, ordinances, public bills and salaries, construction bids, budget meetings and bond issues. They would also list notices paid with private monies such as tax delinquent lists or real and personal property, annexation elections, public hearings for zoning and liquor licenses, property sales and purchases including public trustee and sheriff’s sales, foreclosures and applications for issuance of treasurer’s deeds. The council approved the request 5-0.

The council appointed representatives with a vote of approval 5-0 to the following: Mayor Fey, representative, Alderman Johnson, alternate to DRCOG. Alderman Johnson, representative, Alderman Aiken, alternate to Gilpin Ambulance Authority. Alderman Hidahl, representative, City Manager Daniel Miera, alternate to I-70 Coalition. Alderman Laratta, representative, Alderman Johnson, alternate to Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Resolution No. 20-01 regulating a designated public place for posting notice of special meetings was presented to council. House Bill, 19-1087 from the state includes posting on the city website to meet the requirement to comply with the revised statute. This is a state law to transition to online posting for a two-year trial period. Alderman Hidahl was in disagreement with the resolution as it assumes everyone has internet access to get the public postings. He felt the city should continue to post at City Hall and the Post Office. Mayor Fey inquired if digital postings could be done by email. City Clerk Reba Bechtel responded with the fact that they already send emails of packets and agendas for upcoming meetings. The Resolution was approved 5-0.

Resolution No. 20-02 was presented as a motion to extend the appointment of Jack W. Berryhill as the Central City Municipal Judge through January 31, 2022. Mayor Fey appreciated the judge’s interest in Central City and felt he was a good match for the city. The resolution was passed 5-0.

In staff updates, City Attorney Marcus McAskin followed up on a request by Alderman Hidahl on the jurisdiction of Clear Creek County law enforcement on Central City Parkway. McAskin stated he was unable to discuss this matter due to attorney/client privilege.

Council comments began with Alderman Laratta complimenting the city for the Christmas decorations and thought they were an improvement from previous years. She felt it made Central City look like a mystical old town. Alderman Aiken wanted the council to know there was a public works employee in the hospital. Alderman Johnson said she was excited for the new year and thought the tone was set by last year. She is looking forward to new business.

Alderman Hidahl asked about the scheduled work session on January 14 and Miera reminded him the council had agreed to hold their work sessions on alternate Tuesdays when council was not in session. The council decided on a time from 2-5 p.m. for the work sessions.

Hidahl reported he had read an article on internet growth in rural communities and that governments had paid for upgraded service. Hidahl was aware that many residents in Gilpin County can’t get reliable internet or cell service. He wanted to encourage the County Commissioners to take a survey where service is needed.  Mayor Fey agreed a broadband network would be beneficial to the city but wondered if there were enough of a customer base to justify it. He would like to see cell service on Central City Parkway and send points of interest to phones for tourists. Fey asked about the progress of additional lights on the Parkway that had been discussed in previous council meetings. Miera replied there is a plan to add lights for the needed areas and he was waiting for a response regarding the fees.

There were no public comments. The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

(Originally published in the January 16, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)