BLACK HAWK - The Black Hawk City Council welcomed a new face Tuesday as Gilpin County Sheriff Kevin Armstrong introduced Steven Mingura as the City’s new emergency operations director. 

Mingura, who started May 26, spoke briefly about his background in emergency management and his plans to build connections in the community.

“What I’ve noticed here in Black Hawk and Gilpin is that it’s a lot like where I’m from. I’m from a town in Arizona called Morenci. So if you guys aren’t familiar, it’s the largest open‑pit copper mine in the world, so a lot of history within that.” 

Mingura told the council that he holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in emergency management from Grand Canyon University. He worked in Nebraska as the Director of Emergency Management, collaborating with the Ponca tribe, and involving populations of neighboring states. 

Before the meeting began, Mingura was invited to ring the old bell. He thanked the council for the honor. 

The council then approved the minutes from July 9, two resolutions, and a liquor license application.

Resolution 42‑2025 awards Western States Reclamation LLC a $1,839,655 contract for the Black Hawk Detention Pond Conversion project. It authorizes the mayor to execute a trade contractor agreement. It also approves a professional services agreement with Drexel Barrell and Co. for engineering services during construction in an amount not to exceed $60,000.

According to staff, the project replaces an existing detention pond on the municipal campus on Miners Drive, with an underground detention system designed by Baseline Engineering. The change will allow parking for RVs and additional storage, creating a higher use for the land that is currently devoted to storage.

Resolution 43‑2025 authorizes the mayor to execute a quitclaim deed for Ms. Daryl Telios, who is replacing Steve Sirianni as a board member representing Maverick Gaming Colorado/Z Casino on the Silver Dollar Metropolitan District.

The council also advanced the liquor license process for Hard Luck Black Hawk LLC, doing business as the Copper Kitchen Pizzeria at 307 Gregory Street. The first public hearing is scheduled for August 27, with the highly anticipated restaurant expected to open shortly afterward.

The meeting concluded with a vote to enter executive session for legal advice on pending litigation and potential land acquisition matters. No further action was expected afterward.

The next regular meeting of the City Council of Black Hawk is scheduled for August 13, 2025, at 3 p.m. City Council meetings take place in-person only, in the Council Chambers located at 211 Church Street, Black Hawk.