“We’re trying to work with the City, not against the City.””

RCI CEO Eric Langan

CENTRAL CITY - The ongoing topic of sexually oriented businesses (SOBs) returned to the spotlight at the July 1 Central City Council meeting, as officials announced weighing possible amendments to the municipal code and discussing the possible future sale of 130 Eureka Street during their Executive Session. 

Mayor Jeremy Fey announced at the outset that he would recuse himself from executive session discussions related to litigation and 130 Eureka Street, though he would participate in conversations regarding financial responsibilities tied to the case.

The executive session, held after the public meeting, was scheduled to examine potential changes to the city's SOB licensing rules and to develop negotiation strategies concerning the potential lease or sale of 130 Eureka.

Legal update: RCI dropping lawsuit

RCI Hospitality Holdings, the operator of Rick’s Cabaret, sued Central City earlier this year after being denied a permit for topless entertainment at 130 Main Street, a property located within the city’s historic core, where nudity is prohibited under the current code.

During the public comment period, RCI CEO Eric Langan announced that the company has filed to voluntarily dismiss its lawsuit, describing the move as a step toward cooperation. 

“We’re trying to work with the City, not against the City,” Langan told the council, noting the expense of the litigation for both sides. He pleaded that Ms. McDonald, one of the City’s attorneys, agree to the stipulation of dismissal.

As of the meeting, the City has not yet agreed to the terms, nor have they shared any specifics about the possible changes to the Municipal Code. 

With legal fees mounting, the question arises: can Central really afford not to accept the dismissal?

RCI had previously expressed interest in the Eureka Street property; however, no formal application has been submitted, and no proposal is currently under review.

Council approves scholarship, truck, and preservation easement

In other business, the council awarded a $5,000 Central City Promise Program scholarship to Joseph Lintner, a Gilpin County graduate currently attending a summer program at the Colorado School of Mines. Lintner, who plans to major in computer science, received praise from council members for his initiative and academic goals.

The group also passed Resolution 25-26 authorizing the purchase of a new pickup truck and related equipment for the Central City Fire Department. While the truck is expected to arrive later this year, outfitting components may not be available until 2026.

Another vote approved Resolution 25-25, establishing a 10-year preservation easement for the Belvidere Theatre. The easement was required as part of a $100,000 grant to ensure recent renovations remain protected.

Meeting time change and city updates

Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 25-03, officially moving regular council meetings from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m., beginning July 15. No public comments were made during the hearing.

City Manager Daniel Miera provided updates on several projects, including CDOT’s planned purchase of 0.406 acres of City land for $248,780 as part of the Parkway Hill project. A related 1041 permit application was found incomplete and returned to CDOT for revision.

Miera also noted that the City’s admission fee fund now totals $11,925.02, with recent contributions from the Central City Opera and the Stills in the Hills event.

Helicopter operations raise concerns

Alderman Zane Plsek raised questions about the Mighty Argo gondola project, which plans to conduct more than 90 helicopter flights on July 10, with some potentially beginning the night before. He questioned whether on-site refueling was permitted and whether the activity complied with safety protocols and existing agreements.

Community Development Director Marc Johns said that, to his knowledge, refueling was not part of the agreement. He said he would contact the developers the following day for clarification and provide updates to the council.

McCaskin: The city must still decide on dismissal

Following the meeting, City Attorney Marcus McCaskin said that the City must decide whether to accept RCI’s dismissal of the lawsuit in its Executive Session. As of July 1, no decision had been made public, and the council only reconvened after the Executive Session to adjourn the meeting. 

The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at 6 p.m. and will be held at City Hall located at 141 Nevada Street.