Black Hawk Council just says “No”

To Channel 7 newsman

Lynn Volkens

04/17/2008 - Black Hawk City Council began the April 9^th meeting with the presentation of an award for the Black Hawk Police Department. All members of the Council were present.

Mayor/Manager Comments

  In response to a request from Channel 7’s reporter, Tony Kovaleski, Mayor David Spellman and City Manager Rick Lessner both read letters into the record stating they “are happy, on behalf of the City, to answer any questions you put in writing…” Both called Kovaleski’s accuracy into question, noting he had referred to Lessner as the Mayor in his correspondence to the City. “While precision and accuracy may not be important to you, it is critically important to the City and to us in our capacities as representatives of the City,” the mayor read. Lessner’s statement parroted Kovaleski’s correspondence and offered, “the opportunity in the spirit of accuracy, accountability, transparency and political integrity to submit written questions and receive written responses…” Kovaleski was seated in the gallery at the time, as was his colleague John Ferrugia and accompanying cameramen. After Lessner had finished reading his statement, Mayor Spellman publicly chastised Kovaleski for incorrectly identifying the City Manager as the Mayor. Spellman likened the inaccuracy to someone referring to Kovaleski as “Mike Landess” a long-time Channel 7 news anchor.

  Kovaleski has paid the City to access Historic Preservation Grant records.

  The City’s policy is to refer interview requests to Lessner in his capacity as Public Relations Officer. Spellman asked the Aldermen if they wished to change that practice. The unanimous consensus was “No.”

CACP Award

  Thanks to the efforts of Sergeant Tory Jantz and others in the department, Black Hawk Police earned the Colorado Association of Chief’s of Police “Professional Standards Compliance Award.” Police Chief Cole said the five-year accreditation award recognizes years of work by several members of the department to insure the City’s police policies and procedures are consistent with those throughout Colorado. “What we’re doing is in line with the best practices of law enforcement,” Chief Cole told the Council as he and Jantz presented the framed award.

Bond Refinance

  By passing Council Bill 10, the Aldermen authorized refinancing a portion of the$5,225,000 1997 water bond issue. There is still $2,170,000 outstanding of that issue. $385,000 of that amount (paying a rate of 5.2%) matures in December. The remaining $1,785,000 (at 5.7%) matures in 2012. By refinancing the bonds, City Manager Rick Lessner told the Council the City would save $20,000 in interest per year for the next three years. The City will reissue $2,170,000 in new bonds at an interest rate topping out at 5%. The new bonds will be sold in increments of $5,000. Total repayment of the new bonds, with interest, is not to exceed $2,400,000.

Renting Mountain City

  Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder Jessica Lovingier, requested a one year lease of a City-owned structure in Mountain City. She wants to use 436 Gregory Street for work space through the upcoming election. The County is helping other Colorado counties with ballot programming. The Aldermen postponed making a decision as the City Manager said there had been another inquiry about renting the property that he wanted to learn more about.

Playground Request

  A Black Hawk resident asked the Council to consider putting in a park for the City’s children. There used to be such a park where the Riviera Casino now stands, he told them. There are 10 children living in the City now, he said.

Executive Session

  Following the public session, the Council entered Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and election issues with City Attorney Corey Hoffmann. Black Hawk police were required to clear the chambers of Channel 7’s reporters and cameraman as Kovaleski unsuccessfully attempted to obtain a statement from the Mayor.