CENTRAL CITY — Central City Council appointed longtime journalist and planning commission alternate Kathy Walker to fill the vacant council seat left open by Todd Williams during a combined work session and regular meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

The 5 p.m. work session heard from four applicants seeking the temporary appointment. Kathy Walker, Peter Droege, Jenny Earnest, and Denny Denson each addressed the council and the public.

Walker spoke of her background in journalism, business, and community involvement. She stressed ethics and process.

“I’m very much in favor of responsible development, responsible growth,” Walker said. “Those little decisions—that’s where it all comes down to.”

Walker also referenced the recent public vote on sexually oriented businesses.

“I believe that the results of the vote last fall on 2A need to be upheld,” she said. “The citizens voted, the citizens spoke.”

Central City voters approved Ballot Question 2A in November 2025, amending the City charter to prohibit sexually oriented businesses in the majority of the city, including Main Street. The successful measure followed months of community controversy surrounding Rick’s Cabaret and ongoing debates over zoning, First Amendment concerns, and public sentiment.

Droege, a longtime resident and nonprofit grants manager, told council his motivation stemmed from his love for the community.

“I love Central City. I want to see Central City thrive,” Droege said.

When asked by Alderman Zane Plsek how he would balance competing views on growth and preservation, Droege said the city needs “a new vision.” He referenced debates over OHVs, the Boodle Mill property, and sexually oriented businesses while stressing the importance of community input.

Earnest spoke about her ties to Gold Mountain Village, social service agencies, and emergency preparedness efforts.

“I support new development in Central City because it will bring in the revenue that we need to better serve our citizens that aren’t always vocal at these meetings,” Earnest said.

She described having “mixed feelings” about sexually oriented businesses on Main Street, citing First Amendment concerns and the ongoing legal process.

Denson, who previously ran for council, said, “I like to see good things happen."

When asked about priorities for the city, he listed “quality of life, growth, and preservation.”

Following the interviews, the council opened the floor to public comment. Resident Deb Wray criticized the interview structure, saying all candidates should have been asked identical questions.

Former city manager Jack Hidahl strongly endorsed Droege.

“In all of my experience, I don’t think I have ever encountered a more qualified candidate for City Council than Peter Droege,” Hidahl said.

The work session adjourned around 5:30 p.m. before the regular council meeting began at 6 p.m.

Early in the regular meeting, Mayor Jeremy Fey proposed amending the agenda to fill the vacancy immediately. Council approved the amendment.

Plsek then moved to appoint Walker to the vacant seat, with Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Spencer seconding the motion. The appointment passed unanimously.

“I would just like to say thank you to all four candidates who applied,” Plsek said. “Please stay involved.”

Walker remained in the audience following the vote while the council continued with the regular meeting.

Regular meeting

During approval of the consent agenda, Fey brought up rising legal costs tied largely to the ongoing litigation involving Rick’s Cabaret & Steakhouse at 130 Main Street.

“I think the public should pay attention and look at the bill list that was submitted in this packet and see that there’s $120,000 being spent on fighting a local business versus improving our city,” Fey said.

He prefaced that statement with this one: "I think council needs to, and the residents need to be fully cognizant of the potential of not settling this issue and continuing to spend these dollar amounts."

City Attorney Marcus McCaskin later clarified that much of the legal work was related to development review for the Gregory Gulch project and was reimbursable; that it was not solely tied to litigation. City Manager Daniel Miera said approximately $39,300 of the legal bills were directly tied to litigation.

Council unanimously approved Ordinance 26-03 on second reading, adopting the 2024 International Fire Code to remain compliant with state requirements.

“This is just updating all of our international codes to be consistent with the 2024 version as mandated by the state,” Planning and Community Services Director Jeffrey Noffsinger said.

The group also approved Ordinance 26-04 on second reading, adding former Connolly and Ireland School properties into the Downtown Development Authority boundaries as part of the Gregory Gulch Gaming Resort project.

On first reading, the council approved Ordinances 26-05 and 26-06, advancing rezonings and Business Improvement District boundary changes associated with the Gregory Gulch project.

 They also approved the first reading of Ordinance 26-07, amending portions of the City sign code related to electronic messaging centers and mobile signs.

Plsek asked whether the changes mirrored recent actions by Black Hawk.

“That’s correct,” McCaskin replied, explaining the ordinance would clarify restrictions on electronic signs attached to moving vehicles while allowing limited exceptions for shuttle operations.

A lengthy staff update focused on complaints raised by the Central City Business Improvement District regarding Main Street cleanliness and maintenance.

Miera explained that Public Works had shifted from a reactive approach to a more proactive maintenance schedule that includes weekly sweeping, increased trash collection, and regular inspections.

He also warned that future growth from large development projects could eventually require restructuring City departments and increasing staffing levels for public works, utilities, fire, and police services.

During council comments, Plsek said he was glad the City was making Main Street a priority.

“For tourists that come to town, it’s the first thing they see,” Plsek said. “It may be the only thing they see. So, it’s important that we keep that up.”

After the meeting adjourned, Walker said she was “just so honored” to be selected for the vacant seat. She called Central City "a great town” and said it “deserves all of our energy” from residents and leaders alike.

Walker, who retired last year after serving as news director for iHeartMedia, said serving on the council will mark a major change from covering government to helping make decisions.

The next Central City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6 p.m. at City Hall, and online via centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.