CENTRAL CITY — Central City Council appointed Dennis Denson to serve as the alternate member of the Planning Commission during its June 2, 2026, meeting, while also opening the door for new applicants to fill two expired Downtown Development Authority board seats.

Mayor Jeremy Fey recused himself from discussion and votes on two Gregory Gulch Gaming Resort-related agenda items due to a conflict of interest.

Gregory Gulch approvals move forward

Council unanimously approved Ordinance 26-08, authorizing a property exchange between the City and G3 Gaming LLC related to the Gregory Gulch Gaming Resort project.

They also approved the first reading of Ordinance 26-09, a development and vested property rights agreement between the City, G3 Gaming LLC, and DJ's Ventures LLC.

Community Development Director Jeff Noffsinger explained that the agreement allows the project to continue using the 2018 building codes rather than transitioning to the 2024 codes that take effect July 1.

"The project has moved along quite a bit on design," Noffsinger said, adding that the agreement provides consistency throughout construction.

The agreement also extends vested property rights associated with the project beyond the standard period established in the land development code.

City Attorney Marcus McCaskin explained that both state law and municipal code require public notice following approval of vested property rights.

Solar-ready code added

Central’s governing body also approved the first reading of Ordinance 26-10, adopting the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code.

Noffsinger said the code should have been included with the City's earlier building code updates but was inadvertently omitted.

"This is just sneaking it in here at the last minute before July 1 to comply with state law," he said.

Alderman Chuck Spencer asked whether the code requires new homes to be pre-wired for electric vehicle chargers. Staff said portions of the code include infrastructure requirements tied to future electric vehicle charging capacity.

Although Spencer expressed frustration with the state mandate, council acknowledged that adoption is required under state law.

Second reading and a public hearing are scheduled for June 16.

Planning Commission appointment

Two residents sought appointment as Planning Commission alternate: Dennis Denson and Deborah Wray.

Wray told council she has lived in Central City for 20 years and has remained active in community affairs, including helping secure funding and installation of fencing at local cemeteries. She also previously served more than six years on the Historic Preservation Commission, including terms as both vice chair and chair.

When asked why she stepped away from the commission, Wray said she needed time to focus on other parts of her life and wanted to return with a fresh perspective.

"I felt it was time that if I can do something more, I want to," she said. "Because this is my town. And I care."

Alderman Kathy Walker also asked about Wray's military background. Wray said she served 27 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant, and has been flying since she was 13 years old.

Denson told council he wanted to contribute his experience from three decades in construction.

"I've been a decision maker and problem solver in construction for 30 years now," he said. "I love this place just as much as anyone else."

After discussion, council voted 4-1 to appoint Denson as Planning Commission alternate, with Walker voting against the motion.

DDA vacancies announced

City Manager Daniel Miera informed council that two of the five Downtown Development Authority board positions currently have expired terms.

The City plans to accept letters of interest through June 16. Eligible applicants must be property owners or business lessees within the DDA boundaries.

A simple email to the City Clerk expressing interest will be sufficient, Miera said.

Staff updates

The group received updates from Community Development and Public Works. Fey thanked Public Works Director Marc Johns for the detail included in his monthly reports.

Among the updates, staff reported ongoing work related to the Floyd Hill project, repairs to Central City Parkway lighting infrastructure, road maintenance, guardrail repairs, utility coordination, and preparations for a citywide roads assessment project.

Miera also reminded residents that the Welcome Opera Picnic will be held on Wednesday, June 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Opera Gardens. Food will be provided.

Public comment

The general manager of Century Casino asked the City to consider partnering with the casino on repairs to sidewalks around its parking garage. Jewell said the repair bids were substantial and that he was not asking the City to cover the entire cost. Fey said staff would discuss the matter.

A Lake Gulch Road resident once again raised concerns about access to his property from the Central City Parkway. He said a boulder placed near his former driveway has prevented access for years and asked what steps would be required to restore that access.

Fey said he and Miera would discuss the issue and follow up with him.

Council comments

Walker thanked Wray for a recent presentation on the ceremonial folding of the American flag and reminded residents that Ermel's Emporium is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

She also announced the annual Corpus Christi procession at St. Mary's Church, which will begin around noon Sunday following church services.

Alderman Zane Plsek encouraged residents to review a recent quarterly presentation from the Gilpin County Sheriff's Office, saying he was surprised by the large percentage of inmates housed in the detention center who are not Gilpin County residents.

He also spoke about a recent trip to Cripple Creek, where he attended the annual wild donkey release and visited the Chamonix casino. Plsek said the experience reinforced his belief that new development can benefit an entire gaming community.

Spencer urged residents to pay attention to issues involving the Black Hawk-Central City Sanitation District and noted that its next meeting is scheduled for June 22 at 10 a.m.

Fey closed council comments by inviting everyone to attend the Gilpin Arts Association's 79th Annual Juried Art Show from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Washington Hall, which he said will prove to be the best potluck of the year.

The next regular meeting of the Central City Council will be held June 16 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.