Patrice LeBlanc, Nederland. The Central City Council approved Ordinance No. 19-06: Amending Chapter 4, Article XI and Chapter 6 regarding Liquor and Marijuana Licensing on September 17, 2019. The purpose of the ordinance requires the city to update their codes to meet state standards. Colorado legislation moved from Title 12 to Title 44 making the current codes outdated. The ordinance was originally approved on the first reading at a previous council meeting on August 20, 2019. A public hearing was scheduled for September 3, however, this was not announced prior to the meeting, so the public hearing was moved to the September 17, meeting. There was no public comment and this hearing and the council approved the ordinance 5-0.

The council addressed Ordinance No. 19-07: Special length for vehicles and vehicle/trailer combination on certain roadways which had been approved on the first reading at the September 3, meeting. The ordinance came about as a result of a citizen calling attention to the issue of oversized vehicles using Spruce Street between Nevada Street and Moriarty Lane causing destruction to the road and the vehicles due to the steep decline. City Manager, Sam Hoover, reported his findings to the council and recommended the ordinance should be changed prohibiting vehicles of 22 feet instead of the previous agreement of 25 feet. Mr. Hoover explained several factors determine if a vehicle could travel the hill, including the length, height, distance between the rear axil of a vehicle, and the amount of material in the vehicle. Hoover suggested  a solar beaker could be set to flash continually to warn drivers of the hill. In addition, signs could be posted prohibiting any vehicle over 22 feet to travel on Spruce Street. A no left turn sign could also be posted for northbound traffic on Nevada Street. The council debated if all vehicles should be fined since some trucks and cars can travel on Spruce Street without any problems. Alderman, Jack Hidahl, commented he was more concerned with any vehicle no matter what the length that got stuck on the high center of the road. City Attorney, Markus McAskin, stated the city could not fine a vehicle if they stayed within the 22 feet allowance, however, they could write a ticket if they got stuck and the driver could take that to court. Another concern the council had pertained to the GPS directions that directed travelers to Spruce Street. Hoover suggested getting in touch with GPS associates to resolve the issue. Mayor Fey proposed changing the grade of Spruce Street as a preventive measure. The council amended the ordinance of vehicle length from 25 feet to 22 feet then approved it with a 3 to 2 vote.   

Resolution No. 19-27: Professional Services Agreement 2019 Extension with Deere & Ault Consultants, Inc. for on-call water right related engineering services. Acting Utilities Director, Jack Beard explained there was additional work on three projects and the state is changing how the water rights report is submitted. He requested an additional $90,000 to cover the estimated $50,000 shortfall plus a reserve for any future projects that may arise. Alderman Hidahl asked if this was a one-time increase or a continuous request. Beard answered he did not anticipate any further increases at this time. The council approved the request with a 5-0 vote.

Ordinance 19-08: Regarding Contractor Licensing. City Clerk, Reba Bechtel updated the list to expand contractors working within the city to include all commercial contractors would need to get a license. This would protect any business or resident from lawsuits. Alderman Hidahl thought this ordinance would make it more difficult to obtain people to work in Central City. Mayor Fey thought there should be a need for allowances on small jobs and to write in a scope parameter into the ordinance. The council determined the ordinance needs further discussion and requested a revised list to narrow the scope of contractors. 

Central City Opera Disbursement request. The council agreed on a grant to the Central City Opera of $25,000. This grant is consistent with past grants to the Opera, however, the council requested documentation on how the funds are spent. Alderman Aiken would like to see the money spent on preserving the houses through repairs instead of painting. Mayor Pro Tem, Judy Laretta would like to see an emphasis to preserve the natural beauty of the properties. The request passed 5-0.

Public Forum:  Chuck Spencer, owner of the KOA campground commented that the Hot Rod Hill Climb committee should be more proactive in their signage where parking is allocated for race participants. Spencer claimed there was much confusion and many of the racers parked their vehicles at the campground. Resident Belita Persichini would like to see the small cottages owned by the Central City Opera turned into Bed and Breakfast establishments which would generate revenue for the Opera and Central City. 

(Originally published in the September 26, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)