BLACK HAWK — Honeybees were all the buzz during the May 27, 2026, Black Hawk City Council meeting, as aldermen unanimously approved a new ordinance allowing residents to keep beehives within city limits under a regulatory framework.

Before getting down to business, Mayor David Spellman commented on the City's patriotic appearance as preparations continue for the community's celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States and 150th anniversary of the State of Colorado.

"The City sure is looking festive with all of the bunting and banners, and we have some of our statues up now, the Statue of Liberties are here, and Uncle Sam with the clock, so it's looking extremely festive," Spellman said. "Gregory Street is looking mighty sharp at this point."

A sweet deal for bees

Council Bill 11 creates a new section of the municipal code governing beekeeping within the city. The ordinance establishes licensing requirements, maintenance standards, and enforcement provisions for residents who wish to keep honeybee colonies.

Under the ordinance, residents may keep up to two hives per parcel. Hives must not be located in front yards, must include screening to direct bee flight above neighboring properties, maintain a reliable water source, and comply with nuisance regulations. Africanized bees are prohibited.

During the public hearing, no one spoke either in opposition to or in support of the proposal. After a brief presentation from staff, the council approved the ordinance unanimously.

Native Jeeps lease renewed

The group then unanimously approved Resolution 30-2026, authorizing a commercial lease with Native Jeeps LLC for non-exclusive use of the lobby area at 221 Gregory Street and the parking lot adjacent to the St. Charles Parking Garage at 250 Gregory Street.

According to City documents, the lease runs through October 31, 2026.

Lighting up downtown

Aldermen also approved Resolution 31-2026, authorizing up to $73,128 for Alpine Artisan Studios to install programmable lighting on aspen trees throughout Gregory Plaza, Stroehle Square, and Monument Park.

Public Works Director Tom Isbester explained that the lights will display red, white, and blue colors during the summer celebration season before being reprogrammed for Halloween and winter holiday displays later in the year.

Isbester got a chuckle from the council when he joked that Gregory Street wasn't looking "quite festive enough" yet, leading into the proposal for additional lighting on downtown's aspen trees.

The resolution passed unanimously.

Study to examine truck traffic impacts

The council approved Resolution 32-2026, authorizing a $59,600 agreement with Stolfus & Associates to study potential truck routes through Black Hawk.

The study is tied in part to the proposed Gregory Gulch Resort project in Central City, which is slated to break ground later this year. Black Hawk officials want to determine whether alternative routes could reduce impacts and whether fees could be established to help offset roadway damage.

The mayor and council voiced concerns about large trucks traveling through downtown and the strain such traffic could place on city streets. The resolution passed unanimously.

Water supply project moves forward

The council's final action item was Resolution 33-2026, approving a $65,671 contract with James Drilling Company to drill a raw water well in the Four Mile Gulch area.

The City staff explained that Four Mile Gulch has historically served as a water source for Black Hawk, but ongoing development in the Dory Hill area has reduced opportunities for future wells due to required setback distances. The new well represents the first phase of a larger effort to expand the City's water supply.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Following the regular meeting, the council entered executive session to receive legal advice regarding intergovernmental relations and certain real estate matters. No additional public action was taken.

The next regular meeting of the Black Hawk City Council is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 3 p.m. at City Hall, 211 Church Street.