At the start of the City Council meeting on July 24, 2024, a special moment was set aside for the new Black Hawk Police Department employees to ring the Black Hawk City Council chambers’ big old bell – a beloved tradition that marks the beginning of the meeting.

Each of the new hires took a turn ringing the bell once. This ringing of the bell not only marked the beginning of their journey with the city but also celebrated their official welcome into the Black Hawk community.

Black Hawk Chief of Police Michelle Moriarty introduced the new employees to the City Council: Emily Perhats, Police Records Specialist; Jewelyssa O’Brien, Communications Officer I; and Tayler Innis, Communications Officer. Each new employee was welcomed warmly by the council members, shaking their hands as they went around the room.

After the introductions, Alderman Paul Bennett, who has served on the Black Hawk City Council for two decades, joked that the new hires should commit to at least five years before considering any changes in their employment.

Alderman Linda Armbright was noted as absent but excused from the meeting.

The council then moved on to the consideration of Ordinance 2024- 10, which addressed the issue of residential water rates. Originally, Ordinance 2002-40 eliminated the base charge for residential water taps of 0.75 inches. However, subsequent amendments to Section 13-23 of the municipal code inadvertently removed this provision. The newly proposed Ordinance 2024-10 aims to reinstate the exemption, ensuring that the City does not impose a monthly base charge for these smaller residential water taps.

Next, the council reviewed Ordinance 2024-11, which proposed an amendment to Section 13-3 of the City of Black Hawk Municipal Code. This ordinance seeks to prohibit the construction and drilling of private water wells within city limits.

The rationale behind this ordinance is to control development within the City, particularly concerning single mining claims, and to ensure that all premises are connected to the municipal water and sanitary sewer services.

The council then acted as the local liquor licensing authority to consider a special event liquor permit for evo Denver. The event, known as the evo Trailgate party, is a celebration of mountain biking and a fundraiser for the Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA).

It is scheduled to take place on August 24, featuring community group rides on the Maryland Mountain trails, followed by refreshments at the Hidden Treasure Trailhead.

Deputy City Clerk Michele Martin explained, “They plan to have beer after their bike ride event on Saturday, August 24, at the Hidden Treasure Parking Lot and trails. No objections were received by today’s deadline, so technically there’s really no need for the public hearing.”

During the discussion, Mayor David Spellman asked for a motion to approve the permit. Alderman Hal Midcap expressed his desire for further discussion, questioning why the event could not be held at the plaza or Rick Thomas Distillery.

Alderman Jim Johnson responded, “I thought we already agreed that we weren’t going to put that in the plaza.”

Mayor Spellman clarified that the plaza is currently under construction, and Alderman Benito Torres added that it could pose a safety issue.

Despite Midcap’s concern that the event would be more appropriately placed at a different venue, the council approved the permit with a 5-1 vote.

The council also considered several resolutions related to construction projects within the city. Resolution 66-2024 and Resolution 67-2024 authorized temporary construction easements to ESCO Construction Company for the staging and depositing of materials.

These resolutions support the Gilpin County School District’s project to install a new sanitary sewer line from Black Hawk to the Gilpin School along Highway 119. The City approved the use of 7630 and 7670 Black Hawk Boulevard as a construction staging area and the Country World site for depositing unneeded materials, provided they meet City requirements.

Lastly, Resolution 68-2024 authorized the Mayor to execute Quitclaim Deeds on behalf of the City to three new members of the Silver Dollar Metropolitan District Board: Steve Peate, Jeannie Magdefrau, and Amanda Hansen. These new board members replace previous members and are granted a one percent interest as joint tenants with right of survivorship.

The council meeting adjourned into Executive Session at 3:14 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Black Hawk City Council is scheduled for August 14, 2024, at 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 211 Church Street, Black Hawk, Colorado.