The Black Hawk City Council authorized the demolition of two buildings on Highway 119 during a regular meeting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at 211 Church Street. The Council also approved the requirement that short-term rental applicants must live in the residence.

Vince Harris with Baseline Corporation introduced a resolution conditionally approving the Certificate of Architectural Compatibility to allow the demolition of buildings at 7291 Black Hawk Boulevard and 100 Chase Street. The hearing was continued from July 27.

City Attorney Corey Hoffmann said this is a consideration of whether these structures are contributing to the history of the area. If not, this does not compel demolition but rather authorizes it.

Vince Harris with Baseline presented the proposal for demolition. Both buildings have been declared dangerous and fees have been paid.

“In the fall of 2019, City and Baseline staff notified the property owners of the Gold Mine Casino and Silver Hawk Casino buildings regarding nuisance violations and land use violations at both buildings,” according to the staff report. The property owner removed all stored materials and notified the City of plans to demolish the buildings.

A Certificate of Architectural Compatibility (COAC) is required for the demolition of any non-historic building in the city. City and Baseline staff have been working with the property owner and their contractor with the COAC process for the demolitions.

On August 17, 2021, the City received an application request for a Certificate of Architectural Compatibility from William D. Hillen III of Hillen Corporation. The request involves the demolition of the Gold Mine Casino and the Silver Hawk Casino located at 7291 Black Hawk Boulevard and 100 Chase Street respectively. The property is owned by Colorado MG 1031 LLC (Maverick Gaming); Eric Persson, Manager, has given authorization to Hillen Corporation to apply for and obtain the requested COAC

The COAC application was submitted on August 17, but was not complete until November 6. First referral comments were sent to the applicant on January 9, 2022, and the second submittal was received on May 4.

The application was determined sufficient for City Council review upon the receipt of the third submittal on June 20. The buildings involved are deemed noncontribution buildings. Staff recommended approving a Certificate of Architectural Compatibility for the demolition of the Gold Mine Casino and Silver Hawk Casino with four conditions.

The Demolition Plan and the Traffic Control Plan must be updated to the satisfaction of the Planning and Public Works Directors prior to mobilization of demolition contractors to the site or beginning any demolition work. All erosion control measures and post-demolition procedures must be performed in accordance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan as submitted.

All applicable building, electrical, and Public Works permits must be obtained prior to commencement of any work or mobilization of demolition contractors to the site. The COAC approval is valid for 180 days after the date the COAC resolution is signed.

The Council approved the authorization for demolition.

City Attorney Corey Hoffmann introduced an ordinance requiring short- term rental properties to be conducted only in the applicant’s primary residence. Hoffmann said that at the end of the last meeting he was asked to address short- term rentals.

He said this proposed ordinance is similar to models from Denver and other cities. The Council approved the ordinance.

Fire Chief Christopher Woolley introduced the Gilpin County Emergency Operations Plan. In an effort to develop collaborative and consistent operations during emergencies, City staff worked with Gilpin County Emergency Management to update the Gilpin County Emergency Operations Plan. This plan serves as a policy level and guidance document. It has been written and approved to respond to major incidents and disasters within Gilpin County.

All organizations participating in emergency management activities (mitigation, preparedness, response, and/or recovery) are to follow the concepts and coordination systems specified in this plan. The accompanying Emergency Support Functional Annexes recognize that each incident is unique and may require some variation in implementation.

The plan has been written in consultation with the participating organizations. It has been designed to coordinate the activities of various organizations that may not interact daily while recognizing the standard mission of the organization.

Nothing in this plan is intended to interfere with the delivery of the organization’s primary services. However, resources may have to be temporarily redirected for the public good during a crisis. As necessary, a local disaster declaration may be issued to address those issues.

Chief Wooley requested that the Council adopt the updated plan, last updated in 2017. This plan outlines how organizations will work together during emergencies within the County. As such, staff recommends the adoption of the 2022 Gilpin County Emergency Operations Plan update. The Council approved the plan.

The next meeting of the Black Hawk Council will be on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at 2011 Church Street in Black Hawk. For more information, go to https://www.cityofblackhawk.org/.