Central City rejects Black Hawk's offer

“To me, the Briggs Lot has nothing to do with the Red Shuttle,” said Councilmember Zane Plsek. Fey chimed in: “It’s just leverage.” ”

Plsek and Fey

CENTRAL CITY — Central City is not ready to take Black Hawk’s latest Red Bus deal, but council members say they still want to talk about keeping the shuttle running.

The Central City Council discussed Black Hawk’s offer during its meeting on Tuesday, September 1. The proposal would allow Central City to withdraw its notice ending the transportation agreement, but with some big strings attached.

Black Hawk wants Central City to disconnect the Briggs Lot from the city and not oppose its annexation into Black Hawk. Black Hawk would pay Central City $500,000 and give the city 11.77 acres near the Gold Mountain Apartments, including land for a proposed one-million-gallon water tank.

Council members quickly recognized the proposal. It was essentially the same land deal Central City had turned down months earlier.

Mayor Jeremy Fey said he did not see a connection between the Briggs Lot and the shuttle.

“To me, the Briggs Lot has nothing to do with the Red Shuttle,” said Councilmember Zane Plsek. Fey chimed in: “It’s just leverage.” 

Central City gave notice June 25 that it planned to end the transportation agreement after casino owners objected to an increase in gaming device fees used to help pay for the shuttle. 

At its August 18 meeting, the council reconsidered that position and asked staff to find out whether Black Hawk would allow the City to withdraw its notice.

Fey said he still believes ending the Red Bus is a mistake, but most Central City casino operators have made it clear they no longer want gaming device fees used to support it.

Fey said they would like to continue with a conversation about retaining the Red Bus, but without those conditions. 

RCI petition rejected

In other business, the council upheld City Clerk Reba Bechtel’s decision that an initiative petition concerning Rick’s Cabaret at 130 Main Street was legally insufficient.

The petition had enough valid signatures. The problem was what it proposed.

The measure sought to create an exception allowing RCI Dining Services to operate a sexually oriented business at 130 Main Street, despite city zoning restrictions that prevent such a business from operating there. 

The clerk determined the proposal was administrative rather than legislative and therefore could not be placed before voters through the initiative process.

Before the public hearing on the matter, Fey questioned City Attorney Marcus McAskin about whether he had a conflict of interest. Fey had signed the petition and had sent messages supporting it. McAskin said it gave the appearance of a conflict of interest, but it was ultimately the mayor’s choice to recuse himself.

Fey argued that other council members had also made their positions on RCI clear in the past. After a lengthy discussion, he followed the city attorney’s advice and left the room for the hearing.

Petitioner Eric Langan told the council that the group had submitted nearly 160 signatures, of which 117 were determined to be valid. He asked the council to find a way to place the issue on the November ballot rather than forcing supporters to start over, potentially triggering a special election.

In the end, the council voted to uphold the clerk’s finding of insufficiency.

City buys Lady Luck parcels

The council also unanimously approved the purchase of three adjoining parcels commonly known as the Lady Luck parcels.

The properties total about 1.9 acres and will cost $125,000. The City also authorized up to $10,000 for legal and administrative costs associated with the purchase.

The vote took place before Fey arrived at the meeting. Alderman Kathy Walker was selected to serve as temporary chair, and the council moved ahead with the agenda. Fey arrived about six minutes after the meeting began.

Later, Fey apologized for being late but said he believed the council should have waited for him. He said he had attended roughly 175 to 180 meetings during his time as mayor and had rarely missed one.

During public comment, Gilpin County Commissioner Jeff Aiken praised Central City’s recent boxing event. Residents also returned to the ongoing dispute over access to the Rittenhouse property, with several people expressing support for the family.

Staff also reported that three Water Department positions remain vacant, work continues on the Chase weir and water treatment plant projects, and Public Works is beginning to prepare equipment for winter.

The Central City Council will meet again Tuesday, September 15.