BLACK HAWK — It was a short meeting, but the Black Hawk City Council still found time to support a pair of community causes, welcome a new police officer, and lend a hand to one of the city's newest businesses during its July 22, 2026, meeting.

Mayor David Spellman opened the afternoon by recognizing everyone who helped make this year's mining competition a success, giving special credit to organizer Derek Blake.

"I don't think the event would be in existence if it weren't for Derek Blake," Spellman said, adding that several city employees also pitched in to help with the event.

Before moving into the regular agenda, Spellman asked the council to support two local fundraising efforts.

The first was a $2,000 contribution to Charlie's Place, the no-kill animal shelter that serves Gilpin and Clear Creek counties. The donation will match another $2,000 from the Silver Dollar Metropolitan District and will help support a fundraiser hosted by Dostal Alley in Central City.

Council members also agreed to contribute $2,000 to the Fill the Bus school supply drive, organized by Horseshoe Black Hawk in partnership with participating Black Hawk and Central City casinos and the Gilpin County School District. 

The Silver Dollar Metropolitan District also pledged $2,000, bringing the total contribution to $4,000 to help purchase school supplies for local students before classes begin. Donations will be collected through August 9, with the school bus scheduled to be filled on August 10.

The council then welcomed its newest police officer, Tom Ellison.

Police Chief Ely Reyes introduced Ellison, a Colorado native who spent nearly 20 years in the finance industry before deciding to pursue a career in law enforcement. Reyes also noted Ellison's volunteer work with the Special Olympics.

Ellison thanked the council for the warm welcome. "I'm very happy to be here," he said. "I definitely plan on being here for the long term."

The council unanimously approved purchasing the Bobtail Lode Mining Claim from Young Ranch West LLC for $500. City Manager Lance Hillis said the 0.04-acre parcel fit better with surrounding City property than it did with the current owner.

Council members also approved a trademark licensing agreement allowing Rick Thomas Distillery to continue using Black Hawk's hawk logo on its bottles and promotional materials.

Hillis said the distillery has done a nice job promoting the city, pointing to bottles that feature the Black Hawk name and the city's hawk logo molded directly into the glass.

In another unanimous vote, the council agreed to extend the distillery's waiver of City water fees for one more year.

Acting Finance Director Leslie Parsons said the original waiver expired June 30, but the business requested an extension because spirits often spend years aging before they can be sold. Spellman said the distillery has worked through the challenges of opening a new business and is finally reaching the point where more products are becoming available.

"I think it's worthwhile for us to go ahead and extend the waiver for an additional year," Spellman said.

Before adjourning, Hillis asked the council for consensus to donate retired firefighter protective gear to the Colorado Division of Fire Safety. The equipment will be redistributed to smaller fire departments that can continue using it, and council members voiced their support.

With no executive session scheduled and no other business to discuss, the meeting wrapped up at 3:10 p.m.

The Black Hawk City Council is scheduled to meet again at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, at City Hall, 211 Church Street.