Central City residents speak up Above, left; Robert Young addresses plans for the new quarry planned for Young Ranch. Above, right; Former Mayor Kathryn Hieder tells Council, “Don’t allow a strip club on Main Street in our town”. PHOTOS BY PATRICE LEBLANC[/caption]

Mayor Jeremy Fey called the Central City Council meeting to order at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor Pro Tem Judy Laratta, Alderman Jeff Aiken, Alderman Kara Tinucci, and Alderman Jill Story.

Consent Agenda: Applicants requested reimbursement for 314 East High Street and 318 East High Street for the Historic Preservation Rockwell Rehabilitation Program. Applicant requested reimbursement for 102 Casey Street for the Historic Preservation Paint Reimbursement Program. Council approved the requests on the Consent Agenda.

Ordinance No. 22-08 pertains to the hauling fees amending previous sections and adding sections to the City of Central Municipal Code. City Manager Daniel Miera explained to Council the amendment deals with the heavy traffic that is expected on Central City Parkway from the potential quarry that is planned at the Young Ranch. The operator will be required to pay fines for activity beyond standard maintenance. The City Council approved the Ordinance unanimously.

Resolution No. 22-35 approves a Conditional Use Permit/ Mining Permit for property located in the Resource and Industrial Zone Districts. Karl Barton, a planning consultant for the project, offered detailed information on the Resolution explaining the Planning Commission recommended approving the permit and needs approval from the Council to proceed. An underpass is planned to help with traffic flow. A master plan was developed to cover how the quarry should be operated and designated hauling routes that would deter wear and tear on the Parkway.

Robert Young, owner of Young Ranch, commented that his family has owned the ranch for many years and they have developed a criteria for opening a quarry; do justice to the land by revegetating affected areas and re-establishing the slope of the mountain, do justice to the wildlife with mitigation and preservation, do justice to the community by maintaining the Central City Parkway. They also plan to work with the City for future water rights. The proposed quarry is planned on being in operation for 100 years.

A public forum was held for residents to voice their opinions. Michael Payne inquired if the hauling fees would be fixed or adjusted for inflation. He was told the fees would be adjusted. Payne also inquired who would be responsible for cracked windshields. Daniel Miera stated no automatic responsibility would be from Young Ranch as with any public highway. Payne wanted assurances the noise limitation would be monitored. He recommended a mechanism to assure restoration with an annual assessment. Betty Mahaffey was in support of the quarry and felt it was a great benefit from the community. Mahaffey pointed out the City suffered greatly during the pandemic when the casinos shut down and another source of revenue was needed. Mayor Fey pointed out the quarry was part of the Bond Agreement for the Parkway and he complimented Robert Young on the effort he put into the application. The Council approved Resolution No. 22-35 unanimously.

Development and Vested Property Rights Agreement between the City and Young Ranch Resource LLC: Todd Messenger, special counsel to the City, explained statutory vested rights are put in place so that future City Councils cannot take away the rights that have been established. If the rights are violated then they will be forfeited. A public hearing will be held on October 4, 2022. Ordinance No. 22-09 approves the development and vested property rights agreement with Young Ranch Recourse LLC. A public meeting will be held on October 4, 2022.

Council Comments: Mayor Pro Tem Laratta announced there will be a memorial for Cheryl Kresak on Friday, September 23, 2020, and a Celebration of Life at the Central City Elks Lodge (113 Main Street) from 2 - 7 p.m. Alderman Tinucci added the event is a potluck. Alderman Story was regretful she would not be able to attend the memorial as she would be out of town. Mayor Fey commented that Cheryl’s death was a tragedy that hit close to the community.

Public Comment: Barbara Thielemann presented invitations to the Council for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Belvidere on Friday, September 30, 2022, at 2 p.m. Steve Boulter objected to the potential adult entertainment business that is trying to obtain the Scarlett Building on Main Street for its operation. Boulter noted another local casino is looking at the location to expand their operation and they should have preference. Former Mayor, Kathy Heider, made a pointed statement, “Don’t allow a strip club on Main Street in our town.” Buddy Schultz hoped that the Council would listen to their constituents and to do what is right for the community. Bron Wright felt a strip club would hurt the Central City Opera. He asked, “What type of tourist does the City want to attract”? Another resident noted that with women’s rights being taken away, what message would the City be giving by having a strip club. Council should represent the community. Barbara Mahaffey also objected to an adult entertainment establishment on Main Street.

The Council went into Executive Session at 9:27 p.m. The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. on October 4, 2022, at Central City Hall, 141 Nevada Street or online. Information can be found on the City website centralcity. colorado.gov/meetings.