Intersection and parking issues a priority

Diane Rutherford

1/13/2005 - Mayor Buddy Schmalz started this week’s meeting with a plaque presented to outgoing Councilman Jim Voorhies, and the swearing in of newly elected Councilman Ron Slinger and returning Councilman Chip Wiman.

Visitor Center

  The Visitor Center representative requested funds from the City to pay their bills for the last three months. The council members approved, giving the Visitor Center $678.23.

Christmas Lighting Contest Awards

  First Place was CinDee Spellman at 330 East High, Second Place went to Ron Slinger at 108 Casey, the Mayor took Third Place at 221 West First High, and Fourth Place went to Gary Meredith at 212 Lawrence.

Public Concerns

  Business owners Havana and Don Boring expressed concerns for Annie Oakley’s future. Because of the recent parking changes brought about by the new Central City Parkway, business was down for December. Havana Boring stated that she fears the worst for Annie’s and asks the Council Members to provide them with a new parking plan. Don Boring pointed out that since the opening of the new road, the casinos are doing well but Annie’s is suffering. He believes the citizens would prefer the offerings of Annie’s to 100 new slot machines. The owners and employees of Annies’s have been directing customers where to park to avoid fines levied by the city, and are spending a lot of time doing this. The city has issued 25 parking tickets to customers of Annie Oakley’s. City Manager Lynnette Hailey informed the council members that the parking tickets were only at a cost of $10 each – more of a warning than anything else. Boring requested the city to address his concerns within 30 days, instead of waiting for the February 28 reviews regarding the road. Mayor Buddy Schmalz responded by saying the intersection is a work in progress and the City needs to have the engineers look into this matter. Councilman Francis O’Neill volunteered to look into it for the Borings.

  Robert Griffith of Russell Gulch, who says that one day he hopes to live in Central City, came before the Council to express some concerns about the Central City Parkway. One concern was the signage on I-70 – he believes that people are exiting at the Black Hawk exit instead of going the extra two miles to the Central City exit. Hailey, who had already checked into this matter, said any changes in signs could not take place; the signs already comply with CDOT. A second concern he felt, was that the intersection in the city is too dangerous - many people think that it is one way and are driving on the wrong side of the road. Griffith requested signs to keep the drivers to the right. A third issue was with the speed on the parkway, as he felt drivers are going to fast. Council members responded by stating that the speed limit signs have been posted, but the City is only responsible for the speeding in the city proper. Finally, Griffith expressed a need for an exit off the new Parkway for the RV Park guests and the apartment residents. 

Planning Commission

  Chris McDonald was recommended as a new member to the Planning Commission which he accepted. This is a four-year commitment, which also includes the completion of Susan Dunn’s term.  

The Wrap-up

  Hailey informed the Councilmen about the Work Session scheduled for Thursday regarding the parkway. Slinger expressed his appreciation to the City Manager for the reports that he has received. Councilman John Starkey requested plans so he could review the traffic issues. O’Neill commented about the buses on Gregory Street and that the transit system between Central City and Black Hawk is going well. Wiman restated that the intersection is a work in progress, commenting that the city had gone with the plan that was affordable to the city at the time. Mayor Schmalz adjourned the meeting at 7:40 pm.