Patrice LeBlanc, Central City. The Central City Council virtual meeting began at 7 p.m. on March 16. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro-tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Jackie Johnson and Alderman Kara Tinucci. 

Resolution 21-09 was amended during the Consent agenda. The Resolution amends the 2020 budget from the Public Safety Fund and was approved by Council 5-0.

Resolution 21-10 authorizes City Manager, Daniel Miera, to execute a contract with Agave Landscape and Masonry for work on the Belvidere Pocket Park. Lisa Roemhildt, Community Development Planner and Main Street Advisor, reported to Council the City received a $50,000 grant from Colorado Revitalizing Main Street Grant and the City matched $5000. Work on the park will include stabilizing the front wall, improvement to the entry and terrace, building a new back retaining wall and a new patio. All the designs are in compliance with the Historic Preservation Commission guidelines. The estimated cost is $54,965. The Council approved the Resolution 5-0.

The Council heard the first reading of Ordinance 21-02 establishing an administrative procedure to address alleged municipal campaign finance complaints and violations. City Attorney, Marcus McAskin explained in 2019 the Governor signed Senate Bill 19-232 that requires any complaint to be filed with the local municipality. The complaints had been previously filed with the Secretary of State. Mayor Fey inquired if the City is mandated to support this bill as they would now have to cover the cost instead of the State. He felt this set a bad precedence from the State to put the burden on the municipalities. McAskin answered that most cities have adopted this Resolution and recommended Central City do the same. Fey asked if there has been any inappropriate use of funds in the city. Miera responded no, but this would create clarity with the County and avoid confusion with any candidate. The Mayor would prefer the control to be from the bottom up, not the top down. The Ordinance was approved 5-0 with the next reading being on April 6. 

In staff updates, City Manager, Daniel Miera reported on reopening plans for the city. City Hall is still closed, however, improvements will make it possible to allow public interaction soon. The plan is to allow more staff in May and open to the public by June. A lot more can be opened as the population gets vaccinated. The City is working with the County on guidelines. 

The Council addressed the change of speed limits within the city and Central City Parkway. A study by a safety engineer is required when the speeds change, even if the speed is reduced. Drivers who previously didn’t violate the law, could unknowingly speed if they are unaware of the speed change. Mayor Fey inquired about the ramifications if the City didn’t do the study, and Alderman Laratta asked if the City had ever paid for a survey. Miera responded a survey was done when the Parkway was being constructed and funding for the roads could be in jeopardy if guidelines are not followed properly and recommended getting a study done.

Alderman Aiken asked about the condition of the plow that was damaged during the recent snow storm. City Manager, Sam Hoover, stated the plow was damaged when the Parkway was shut down on  March 14 during the blizzard. A F150 truck slid into the plow and damaged it. A claim has been filed with the insurance company and the City has two other plows for the Parkway.

Sheriff Armstrong updated Council on Covid-19 in Gilpin County. There have been 175 cases so far with six new cases in the last 14 days. The testing center will move to Ameristar Casino as only 3-4 people have been showing up each Thursday to get tested. To date, 1839 residents have been vaccinated. Vaccine eligibility will open up in the next couple of weeks for residents 50 and older. Armstrong added the Gilpin County Commissioners have requested a status of Protect Your Neighbor from the State and is waiting for the response.

The Council moved to Executive Session at 8:13 p.m. 

The next virtual meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. A link can be found on the City website at www.central city.colorado.gov.

(Originally published in the April 1, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)