The July 5 meeting of the Central City Council was called to order at 7 p.m. by Mayor Jeremy Fey. In attendance were Mayor Jeremy Fey, Mayor ProTem Judy Laratta, Alderman Kara Tinucci, and Alderman Jill Story. Alderman Jeff Aiken was absent.

Mayor Fey recused himself from Resolution 22-24 as he was one of the organizers of Knock Out Central. Alderman Tinucci also felt she might have a conflict as a vendor in the upcoming event. However, she felt she could render a fair decision. The consent agenda was approved unanimously.

Public Forum: a resident inquired if the paint she picked out met the requirements of the Historic Preservation Paint Reimbursement Program. Historic Preservation Officer Jamie Boyle assured her the color was approved.

Central City Program Request: Juan Garcia requested the amount of $5000 to help with tuition assistance. This is a second-year request. He originally attended Metropolitan State University in Denver, then he transferred to California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in California. Mayor Fey commented on Garcia’s impressive letter to Council. The award was approved unanimously by Council

Appointment to the Planning Commission as alternate: Matt Price. Price did not appear in person at the Council meeting. However, he was approved unanimously.

Resolution No. 22-23 approves the Clear Creek Broadband LLC telecommunication License Agreement. The Licensee requested to install a small antenna on a billboard located on City- owned property to provide broadband service to the Saddleback neighborhood. Representatives from the company attended the Council meeting. There were no questions from the members and the Resolution was approved unanimously.

Ordinance No 22-06 excludes 341 Gregory Street from the boundaries of the Central City Business Improvement District. The property was classified as commercial in 2003 and was reclassified in 2008 as residential. The property is still under Central City Business Improvement District (BID) boundaries. The owners have petitioned that their property be excluded from the BID taxes. The second reading will be on July 19, 2022.

Mayor Fey recused himself and stepped out of the room for Resolution No. 22- 24. A special permit was requested for August 6, 2022, for Knock Out Central, where Main Street will be closed from 5:30 -10 p.m. All street closures must be presented and approved by Council. The event organizers also requested an in-kind donation from the City for barricades and fences. Resolution No. 22-24 passed unanimously.

Proclamation recognizing the 90th anniversary of the Central City Opera: Mayor Fey announced a Proclamation for the Central City Opera which is celebrating their 90th anniversary. The Opera is the fifth oldest-running Opera in the U.S. Fey presented the award to Director of Historic Properties Eric Chinn on behalf of the Opera.

Staff Updates: Public Works Director Sam Hoover explained the work that was done on the Central City Parkway earlier day on July 5. A-One Chipseal was doing granite work when an unexpected rainstorm occurred. The oil asphalt was not cured and the road was left with a slimy film that many cars went over. Travelers complained there were oil stains on their vehicles that would not come off.

Hoover requested an accountability from the company, and A-One Chipseal claimed responsibility for all damages to the vehicles and offered to clean any car that was affected. A-One Chipseal can be reached at 303-464-9267 or information can be found on the City’s web site or Facebook page.

Mayor Pro Tem Laratta inquired about the Central City Paint Reimbursement Program and if non-contributing residents to the National Historic Register can qualify. Jamie Boyle explained the language for the program can be interpreted in favor of their eligibility.

Council Comments: Mayor Pro Tem Laratta commented she is upset about what was happening in the country, especially the stripping away of women’s rights by the Supreme Court. Laratta explained she fought for women’s rights 60 years ago and felt Roe v. Wade was the right decision. She was also upset about the Fourth of July shootings in Illinois. She asked, “How much will the country tolerate before it stops?”

Alderman Tinucci commented she was glad the residents in Central City enjoyed a nice holiday. Alderman Story commented the Gilpin Ambulance Authority is in the process of hiring a new Chief. She added that she learned a lot from the Colorado Municipal League conference she attended and has good information on grants after Covid.

Mayor Fey mentioned that the Teller House is celebrating its 150th anniversary and claimed it is the crown jewel of the downtown area. He also thought the rainbows from the last three weeks were spectacular.

Public Forum: Resident Mary Laffey stated her car was damaged by the oil from the Parkway and wanted to know if a cleaning service can come to residents instead as she did not have time to go to them. Mayor Fey asked Hoover to reach out to the company to see if that could be arranged.

The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m. The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. on July 19, 2022, at Central City Hall, 141 Nevada Street, or online. Information can be found on the City website: centralcity.colorado.gov/ meetings.