Mayor Jeremy Fey opened the Central City Council meeting on July 16, 2024, at 7 p.m.

During Council Comments, Alderman Todd Williams said he believes there has been misinformation and possibly disinformation regarding the actions, or inactions, attributed to the Council in respect to the Sexually-Oriented Business (SOB) issue.

“It’s my understanding that in the last two years, [regarding] the sale of 130 Main Street to RCI in October of 2022, the Planning Commission did not refer any recommendations to the City Council after that sale. Earlier this year, the only action regarding 130 Main Street was for us to approve liquor licenses associated with potential businesses that would be located at 130 Main Street.”

He said that the recusal of the Mayor and Mayor Pro-tem Kara Tinucci from the SOB issue has reduced the elective body to only three members. He suggested moving the issue to a vote of the people to allow them to decide whether to allow SOB operations within the gaming district. He recommended a ballot measure be drafted for the upcoming November election.

City Manager Daniel Miera said ballot language would have to be approved by September. The Council agreed to discuss this further at their next meeting.

Alderman Jeff Aiken encouraged everyone to attend the Gilpin County Fair this weekend on July 19-21 at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds.

Fey announced that the parade will commence at 9:30 a.m. from the Big-T lot. He also invited everyone to take a shot at dunking him in the dunk tank at 2:30 p.m. at the Fair.

Historic Preservation Grants were ratified: RWG 24-01 for 304 E. 4th High – rock wall grant; RG 24-08 for 102 Casey – roof grant; and WG 24-02 for 200 E 3rd High – window grant.

Alderman Jeff Aiken raised the question of the scope of the project and expressed concern regarding taking down walls needlessly. Miera said he could verify that information prior to the project commencement. Aiken volunteered to take a look at the properties in question.

2023 Audit Presentation. Finance and Human Resource Director Abigail Robbins presented the audit, noting a $475,000 savings, primarily from commercial development and public works projects. The City Auditor confirmed compliance with regulations, and the Council thanked the staff for their budgeting efforts.

Resolution No. 24-22. This resolution updated the list of authorized check signatories among department heads and was approved.

Resolution No. 24-23. This resolution awarded a bid for the 2024 City Hall Remodels Project to Restoration of the Rockies, Inc. The project, which includes workspace remodeling and making bathrooms ADA compliant, came in under budget at $66,000. The resolution passed unanimously.

Appointments to the Belvidere Foundation Board. Kathy Walker and Corey Marshall were appointed, increasing the Board from four to six members. Marshall expressed enthusiasm for restoring the Belvidere.

Public Forum. Mary Ann Yuthas introduced herself as the new Marketing Manager for Main Street Central City, aiming to boost tourism and foot traffic.

A resident from Roworth Heights expressed dissatisfaction with a new development that obstructed her view and criticized the density, drainage, and high prices. She urged better communication about future developments.

Resident Zane Plsek praised the staff for their careful spending.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Central City Council is scheduled for August 6, 2024, and will be held at Central City Hall, 141 Nevada Street, second floor; or online via Zoom. Information can be found on the City website, centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.