City to research low income loans for rental property owners

by Debra Krause
The City of Central held its regular scheduled council meeting on February 19, 2008. Mayor Buddy Schmalz, Councilmen, Ron Slinger, Ron Engels, William Wiman and Bob Spain attended.
The bill list for January 31st and February 7th & 14th was presented to the Council. Some of the big ticket items for the one and one half months included $ 10,998.46 for legal fees to several Attorney firms; $2,857.50 to Deere & Ault for Water Engineering; $15,275.00 to PEH Architects for work performed on the Mack Brewery in 2007; $23,200.25 to Benson Construction for restoration work on the Boodle Mill done in 2007; $29,608.33 to the City of Black Hawk for the February payment to the Transportation Authority; $14, 508.34 to Xcel Energy for electricity (including the parkway); $3,193.52 to Albert Frei for salt and sand; $2,800.09 to Blackwell Oil for fuel; Trash service provided bills of $4,263.30; Phone services (pagers, cell phones etc.) came to $1,907.49 and the first of two payments of $21,668.11 for the water truck was paid.
Total cash on hand for February 4th was $33,009.63, the deposit that week was $47,712.47 with payroll coming in at $48,209.49; February 8th the total cash on hand came to $33,506.65 with a deposit that week of $27,020.96; February 15th found cash on hand at $6,485.69, payroll at $48,000.00 but a deposit that week of $228,000.000 leaves the City with $173,514.31 cash on hand by February 22nd. January 22, 2008 the City of Central Council approved a $300,000.00 short term loan when litigations, debt service at the end of 2007 and council discretionary spending outside the budget made the City's cash flow uncomfortably low. The termination of employment of four City employees was also necessary under the current financial circumstances.
A response to a public forum comment at the January 22 meeting was provided. Reed Grimes, of the Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casinos, stated at the last meeting that he has been relying on Central City residents, business owners and employees to receive his information regarding their concerns about City of Central. Grimes stated that it was his belief that these groups had questions for the City Council and suggested holding a Town Meeting so those questions and concerns could be addressed on a regular basis. Grimes was directed by City Manager Lynnette Hailey, on behalf of the entire City Council, that in the future to direct any persons with questions or concerns to City Staff or the public Forum portion of the Council meetings. The current procedure for the Public Forum portion of the Council meetings is any member of the public may speak on any issue not on the agenda, three minute time limit, and City staff will provide a written response to any questions or concerns at the next scheduled Council meeting.
A Public Hearing for Ordinance 08-02 was unanimously passed and is set for March 4, 2008. The ordinance addresses reduced water rates for elderly persons owning and occupying residential units within the City. The current residential water rate is $112.00 per residence, per quarter. The City wishes to amend that amount for persons 65 years of age or older whom reside in their residence to $90.00 per quarter; provided the owner has first files a written application and proof of age and residency with the City's Finance Clerk.
A ratification of a phone/email poll of council members was approved in the public meeting by council. The issue is to alter the historic Grant guidelines to include casino related projects to be eligible for those funds. The request was originated by Ann Dobson of the Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casinos. At the January 22nd Council meeting the City Council overturned a decision of the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casino to be allowed to replace their retractable awnings with fixed awnings to provide their smoking customers with heaters which will be placed up in the awnings. At that meeting Councilman Ron Singer stated that particular concession for the business owners would cost the City no money.
The Council made decisions on two requests submitted under the Central City Promise program. The program provides Central City youths with $5,000.00 per year for tuition and books to be made directly to their schools. Qualifications are the student must be a Central City resident, a graduate of High School (or G.E.D.), make regular progress towards a degree and maintain a 2.5 grade point average.
Approved under the program requirements was Jennifer Laubhan's request for $655.70 for tuition assistance at Red Rocks Community College. A request from Kasey Combs for $1,096.62 was unanimously denied by Council for tuition money to attend a Continuing Education Program at CU in Boulder on the basis she has not graduated from High School yet which is a requirement for the program.
The Central City Promise program also provides for a working adult program for those who which to expand their vocations through education and training opportunities. The program is designed to assist with household expenses not to exceed $250.00 per month or exceed three months per year. A senior program provides for seniors 60 years or older, currently living in Central City for at least three years with a annual income not exceeding $25,000.00 per year. Available for those qualified is $250.00 per month, not to exceed three months per year to assist with household or bereavement assistance.
The Central City Clerk Wendy Heffner has been requested to research municipalities that provide free child care services to residents. As well as researching lending programs available, possibly the City acting as a mortgage company, for home owners with rental properties that would provide such with low interest loans. The request for the research was made by Councilman Wiman
The Central City Police Department, despite the elimination of two members of that department for financial reasons, will be continuing patrols at the City shops to monitor for illegal dumping which has been taking place there.
The next public meeting of the Central City Council will be on March 4, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.