BLACK HAWK — The March 25 Black Hawk City Council meeting began with cake, music, and a moment rooted in history as the City kicked off its sesquicentennial celebration. The room was packed, with not a single empty chair to be found. 

Mayor David Spellman framed the evening as the official start of a milestone year.

“We’re going to consider this the kickoff, Black Hawk’s kickoff, to the semiquincentennial celebration of America and the semiquincentennial celebration of Colorado,” Spellman said.

The moment called for something meaningful, he said.

“How better to open up this celebration than to have Gilpin County’s very own centenarian be the bell ringer."

That centenarian, World War II Marine Donald C. Eaton, rang the ceremonial bell alongside his son, David, to open the meeting. Before the council moved forward, the room paused as a video of the Marine Corps hymn played across the chamber screens, filling the space in tribute to Eaton’s service.

Spellman reflected on the significance of honoring Eaton — whom he called a "local treasure" — and his peers.

“I think it’s also important that we recognize and honor Don’s generation, the Greatest Generation,” he said. “They sacrificed and endured a great deal so that we can enjoy the lives we live today.”

During a break in the celebration, the veteran spoke one-on-one with The Mountain-Ear, offering a more personal account of his time in service.

“No, I didn't have a tank. I was in an armored bulldozer. Armored bulldozer. It looked like a tank,” Eaton said. “I climbed down inside and there were just experiences to go with that.”

He described taking cover during an air raid near the beach.

“So I ran down that hill as fast as I could, drove under that bulldozer and was blocked by people. It was loaded under there,” Eaton said. “I said to a guy, ‘Get out of here, this is mine,’ and he said, ‘I’m a second lieutenant, I’m not getting out.’”

Despite the intensity, Eaton spoke plainly. “Well, it was quite a time,” he said.

Asked about his next birthday, he smiled.

“I would like to live through it,” Eaton said. “102 — then who knows.”

After the celebration, the regular meeting resumed. 

Wildfire code adopted

Council approved an ordinance adopting the 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code into the City’s municipal code, adding a new article to Chapter 18.

Tax language reaffirmed

Council approved Resolution 17-2026, reaffirming conditions tied to the City’s voter-approved education enhancement tax.

The 1.5% sales tax, approved in 2008, supports the Gilpin County School District. The resolution clarifies that the tax automatically terminates if certain conditions are triggered, including the imposition of a countywide tax.

“This is not a change,” Spellman said. “This is reaffirming what voters already approved. If those conditions occur, the tax ends."

Postal lease updated

Council also approved Resolution 18-2026, correcting a lease agreement with the United States Postal Service for property on Black Hawk Boulevard. The revision restores omitted language related to exterior maintenance.

The meeting adjourned shortly after 4 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Black Hawk City Council is scheduled for April 8 at City Hall.