Central City Economic Plan Adopted
By David Josselyn
The Central City Council and staff met for a regular council meeting of the year on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. All members of Council were present along with City Clerk Reba Bechtel, Public Services Director Shawn Griffith, City Manager Daniel Miera, Finance Director Abigail Adame, Police Chief Terry Krelle, Fire Chief Gary Allen, and City Attorney Marcus McAskin. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The first item of business was approving the consent agenda which included the Regular Bill lists of February 5, 12, 19, and 26; and the City Council minutes of February 3. Alderman Gaines moved to approve the Council minutes and was seconded by Alderman Voorhies. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Forum
The Council opened the floor to the public for addressing any issue on the evening’s agenda. No one from the public opted to speak to the council.
A Plan to Move Forward
City Manager Miera introduced Resolution 15-06 which would adopt the City of Central Interim Community Economic Development Strategic Plan. The Plan would sunset on December 31, 2016. Since the Plan was discussed in depth during the previous work session, there was no comment. Alderman Gaines moved to approved Resolution 15-06 and was seconded by Alderman Laratta. The Resolution passed unanimously.
New Check Signers for the City
Finance Director Abigail Adame introduced Resolution 15-07 which would change the signatories for checks and credit cards. Adame stated this is necessary to replace Shannon Flowers with Abigail Adame and replace Bob Spain with acting Mayor Pro-Tem Kathy Heider. This would also allow Aaron Behring to utilize the City’s credit card. Aaron Behring will be temporarily filling in some of the responsibilities for Public Utilities Director Shawn Griffith upon Griffith’s departure. Manager Miera asked to drop the wording of Interim Utilities Director after Aaron’s name as he does not officially have that title. Alderman Gaines moved to approve Resolution 15-07 and was seconded by Alderman Laratta. The Resolution passed unanimously.
Staff Updates and Council Comments
Alderman Gaines informed those who did not yet know that the roof of the Knights of Pythias building collapsed this morning (March 3). Fire Chief Allen stated that Colorado Code came out to check safety issues and deemed the exterior safe. An engineer will be coming this Thursday to ascertain structural integrity before anyone will be allowed to enter the building. A demolition permit will need to be filed to excavate debris and perhaps take down other damaged sections based on the engineer’s report. Alderman Gaines commented that “this is what happens when you demolition through neglect.”
Alderman Gaines also wished to clarify a statement she made at a prior work session regarding the Floyd Hill project. Gaines stated that CDOT has been saying for two years that they would start the project in two to six years. Gaines wanted to make it clear that it is her opinion the project would take six to ten years and that CDOT has not given a projected duration for the project.
Manager Miera congratulated Shawn Griffith for his new employment opportunity and wished him the best. Griffith has accepted a job with the City of Castle Rock. Alderman Heider thanked Shawn for his service to the City and said “we’ll really miss this knowledge” of all our water lines. Alderman Voorhies said she got another call from a citizen about how helpful Shawn is and Shawn will be missed very much.
Public Forum
The Council opened up the floor to the public for comment on any issues. Resident Sharon Cate addressed the Council. Cate stated she was recently in a fender bender and it was one of the City’s officers along with Chief Allen, Royce, and Cody that came to her rescue. Cate stated they were very professional and helpful.
Resident Jack Hidahl also took this opportunity to address the Council. Mr. Hidahl stated that it was a good thing that the Council and the Business Improvement District (BID) sit down together and he is encouraged by that. Hidahl also stated he supports the restriction of public comment during a work session as it should be a meeting between two entities without interruption from the audience. Hidahl then said he was also pleased to see the Mayor allow time for public comment at the end of the work session.
Next Meeting
The meeting entered Executive Session at 7:47 p.m. to discuss matters regarding personnel matters and legal questions regarding City operations and organizational structure. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 7, 2015, for the next regular council meeting.