CENTRAL CITY – On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Central City Council convened its first meeting of the year, marking the start of a new chapter with the swearing-in of two recently elected members, Chuck Spencer and Zane Plsek. 

Both took their oaths of office, pledging to uphold the constitutions of the United States and the State of Colorado, before joining Mayor Jeremy Fey, Marcia Enloe, and Todd Williams on the council. Williams attended the meeting virtually.

Consent Agenda and Appointments

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included regular bill lists through January 2, 2025; minutes from the December 3, 2024, meeting; and Resolution No. 25-01, designating public notice locations for regular and special meetings.

The council then turned to annual appointments:

Mayor Pro Tem: With the departure of former Mayor Pro Tem Kara Tinucci, a new appointment was required. Both Williams and Spencer expressed interest, and Enloe moved to elect Spencer. Fey remarked that, while he would have leaned toward Williams for his seniority, he was confident Spencer would excel. The council unanimously approved Spencer as the new Mayor Pro Tem.

Legal Publication: The Weekly Register-Call (WRC) was reelected as the official city newspaper, continuing a tradition of over 150 years. The council discussed the availability and circulation of the WRC, with Plsek noting its prevalence in the area. The motion passed unanimously.

Other Appointments: Plsek was appointed as the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) representative, with Enloe and Williams retaining their roles for the Gilpin Ambulance Authority. Additional appointments included retaining Joe Behm for the I-70 Coalition and Williams for the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), with Plsek as the alternate. The council itself will serve as the Central City Urban Renewal Authority (CCURA) board.

Main Street Annual Report

Barbara Thielemann presented the Main Street Annual Report, highlighting the organization’s mission to revitalize Central City. Key achievements included obtaining 501(c)(3) non-profit status, successful events like the Halloween Spooktacular, and grants for improvements such as the pocket park near City Hall. Main Street plans to continue popular events like Spring Cleanup, Madame Lou Bunch Day, and Tommyknocker Holidays, while growing its volunteer base.

Staff and Public Updates

Plsek brought attention to practical issues, suggesting the retention of holiday lighting on buildings to enhance the city’s charm and asking for a gradual payment plan for new water meter costs to ease the burden on residents. He also flagged a misaligned billboard light on Central City Parkway, slated for repair.

During the public forum, Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth welcomed the new council members and outlined key initiatives, including the Housing Needs Assessment, senior housing projects, and the upcoming release of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. She also announced signing a lease for the new Mountain Kids childcare center, supported by $100,000 in startup funding.

Eric Langan, representing RCI Hospitality Holdings, addressed the council regarding a federal lawsuit over the City’s decision to relegate sexually-oriented businesses to the industrial zone. Langan stressed the financial impact, stating, “This escalation will cost the City and RCI hundreds of thousands of dollars. I would like to see the City and RCI avoid these expenses.” He urged mediation or reconsideration of the City’s stance. Langan has been trying to establish a sexually-oriented business on Main Street since 2022.

The meeting concluded with council comments. Plsek invited residents to connect with him directly, sharing his contact information and noting his availability as a retiree.

The next Central City Council meeting is scheduled for January 21, 2025, at 141 Nevada Street or online via Zoom. Details are available at centralcity.colorado.gov/meetings.