BLACK HAWK - The Black Hawk City Council made its position clear last Wednesday, August 13, 2025, during the City Manager's report: fireworks will not be returning to the city anytime soon.

Mayor David D. Spellman and aldermen Jim Johnson, Paul Bennett, Greg Moates, Benito Torres, Hal Midcap, and Linda Armbright backed the position, citing public safety, wildfire danger, and economic concerns.

Fire Chief Chris Woolley told council, “It really is a significant risk that I don’t recommend the City take in reimplementing fireworks for the Fourth of July event.”

The city’s only viable launch site, Bates Hill, is surrounded by dense forest and close to homes in both Black Hawk and Central City. Past shows have resulted in falling embers, spot fires, and property damage.

“Anything that starts is going to spread very rapidly,” Woolley said, pointing to fuel moisture readings in recent years that have dipped into the single digits.

City Clerk Melissa Greiner said the City’s insurance carrier, CIRSA, supports the ban. “$10 million is a drop in the bucket” compared to the potential damage of a major wildfire, she said, referring to available coverage.

While some residents and business leaders have asked about alternatives, drone and laser shows have proven costly and limited by the mountain terrain.

Liquor license for The Nest

The council, acting as the Local Liquor Licensing Authority, unanimously approved a lodging facility liquor license for Club Vista Properties II, LLC, doing business as The Nest at Black Hawk, located at 990 Miners Road.

Applicant representative Michael Eveland said, “We ideally are trying to bring more business and more visitors here to Black Hawk so they can also explore everything else at Black Hawk. It is an awesome, amazing little city. I love it.”

Vehicle for Copper Kitchen

Resolution 44-2025 passed unanimously, transferring ownership of a white 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer from the city to Hard Luck Black Hawk LLC, operator of the Copper Kitchen.

The vehicle, which had been slated for auction, was sold to the business for $10. It will be used exclusively for food delivery, and if the business stops using it for that purpose within five years, it must be returned to the city.

Engineering contract for surge tank

Resolution 45-2025 approved a contract with JVA, Inc. for the final design of the Bobtail Surge Tank, not to exceed $236,000. Public Works Director Greg explained the project will address extreme pressure fluctuations in the City’s water distribution system.

Mining claim acquisition

The council also approved Resolution 46-2025, acquiring the Banzi, Banzi South, and After Supper mining claims from the Branecki Family Limited Liability Company for $120,000 plus closing costs. The roughly eight-acre property is adjacent to the Dory Hill Water Plant.

The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at 3:32 p.m. The next Black Hawk City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 3 p.m. at 211 Church Street, Black Hawk.