Central City Council meets with an empty seat

By David Josselyn

Regular Council Meeting

The Central City Regular Council Meeting convened at 7:13 p.m. All council members; Jeff Aiken, Judy Laratta, Shirley Voorhies, and Mayor Kathy Heider were present. Also in attendance for Staff were City Clerk Reba Bechtel, City Attorney Marcus McAskin, Finance Director, Abigail Adame, City Manager Daniel Miera, Community Development Director Ray Rears, Public Works Director Sam Hoover, Utilities Director Jason Nelson, and Fire Chief Gary Allen.

After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Kathy Heider asked for any amendments or additions to the agenda or if any agenda items presented a conflict of interest. Attorney McAskin requested an addition to the evening’s agenda adding an Executive Session to discuss pending water rights issues.

Consent Agenda

The Mayor called for a motion to approve the consent agenda which consisted of the regular bill lists through December 28, minutes from the December 20 meeting, and approval of the First Addendum to the City Manager employment agreement. Alderman Voorhies moved to approve the consent agenda and was seconded by Alderman Laratta. The approval of the consent agenda passed unanimously.

Public Forum

Mayor Heider opened the floor to the public for anyone who wished to speak to a topic on that night’s agenda. No one signed up to speak to the Council and no one volunteered to speak who did not sign up.

Annual and Other Appointments

The Council next approved appointments for the following six positions: for Mayor Pro-Tem – Shirley Voorhies; for Legal Publication for 2017 – the Weekly Register-Call; for Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) – Kathy Heider as primary with Daniel Miera as alternate; for Gilpin Ambulance Authority (GAA) – Kathy Heider as primary with Daniel Miera as alternate; for I-70 Coalition – Shirley Voorhies as primary with Daniel Miera as alternate; and for Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) – Judy Laratta.

The Council then approved appointments for the following open seats: for Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) – Margaret Grant, Alexander Thome, and Christine “Jackie” Mitchell (alternate); for Planning Commission – Barbara Thielemann, Margaret Grant, and Ernie “Dutch” Van Deucher (alternate). The HPC had four applications with the fourth being Paul Kelly of Northglenn, Colorado. The Council considered Kelly, but due a preference to have people on the Commission that live locally and that the other three candidates are all sitting members, the Council chose not to honor Kelly’s request at this time. The Planning Commission had no other applicants than those approved.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

City Clerk Bechtel introduced Resolution 17-01 which designates public places for posting of notices of regular and special meetings. No changes have been proposed so posting will be at City Hall on Nevada Street, and the Central City Post Office on Gregory Street. Notices will be posted for City Council, the Local Liquor Licensing Authority, The Central City Retail Marijuana Store Licensing Authority, the Planning Commission, and the HPC.

Alderwoman Voorhies moved to approve Resolution 17-01 and was seconded by Alderwoman Laratta. The Resolution passed unanimously.

Special Election Date Set

With the resignation of former Mayor Ron Engels and the election of Alderwoman Kathy Heider as sitting Mayor of Central City, there is an open council seat that needs to be filled. The Council approved a special mail ballot election to be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 with Resolution 17-02. Those interested can pick up a petition in the City Clerk’s office immediately. Petitions are due on or before January 23, 2017. The special election will include the question of fiber optic services as well.

Alderwoman Laratta moved to approve Resolution 17-02 and was seconded by Alderwoman Voorhies. The Resolution passed unanimously.

Fiber Optic Services Sent to Voters for Approval

Manager Miera introduced Resolution 17-03 which approves a ballot question to be submitted to voters related to the local right to use municipal fiber optic infrastructure. The Colorado State Legislature passed SB 05-152 in 2005 which mandates local municipalities to obtain the right to fiber optic infrastructure from the voters. Central City does not currently have a fiber optic system, but desires to maintain the authority to create a broadband system if and when it becomes available. The question will be added to the special election in April with the option to postpone the measure to the next election should only one person petition for a council seat.

Alderman Aiken moved to approve Resolution 17-03 and was seconded by Alderwomen Voorhies and Laratta simultaneously. The Resolution passed unanimously.

Adjusting Fees

City Clerk Bechtel next introduced Resolution 17-04 which would amend the City of Central Comprehensive Fee Schedule. The amended fees affect Parkway Access permits, Medical Marijuana New license applications, Retail Marijuana licenses, Pawnbroker licenses, Street Closure permits, Parkway Closure permits, Service Line Maintenance Fees, Capital Improvements fees, Water Base Rates, and Water Usage rates. The latter three are adjusted to be in line with Ordinance 16-06 passed last month.

Alderman Aiken moved to approve Resolution 17-04 and was seconded by Alderwoman Laratta. The Resolution passed unanimously.

Approving Signatories

Finance Manager Adame introduced Resolution 17-05 which would establish certain financial procedures specific to check signatories. The changes made are necessary to reassign authority to sign for purchases due to fluctuations in staff and council positions. This is a housekeeping measure removing Ron Engels as a signatory while adding Kathy Heider and Shirley Voorhies.

Alderwoman Laratta moved to approve Resolution 17-05 and was seconded by Alderwoman Voorhies and Alderman Aiken simultaneously. The Resolution passed unanimously.

Project and Staff Reports

Manager Miera informed Council that the City’s Community Development department will be receiving the Davey Award for excellence in developing the City’s website.

Council Comments

There were no Council comments.

Public Forum

Mayor Heider opened the floor to the public for anyone who wished to speak to the council on any items not on the agenda, but no one took the Mayor up on her offer.

Mark your calendars

The Council entered into Executive Session at 7:44 p.m. The next regular Council Meeting will be Tuesday, January 17, 2017.