Million dollar offer to purchase Leavitt Street

Lisa Kunz

04/24/2008 - The April 15^th meeting was called to order by Mayor Schmalz at 7 pm. Present were Alderman Chip Wiman, Alderman Ron Spain and Mayor Buddy Schmalz. Also present were City Manager Lynette Hailey and City Clerk Wendy Heffner. Absent was Alderman Ron Engles.

  No Conflicts of Interest were presented.

  The Consent Agenda was moved to be approved by Alderman Wiman to include the regular bill lists dated April 3 and 10, 2008 and the minutes of April 1, 2008. Alderman Spain seconded the motion and the motion was carried unanimously.

Planned Unit Development Ordinance Adopted

  Alderman Spain moved to approve Ordinance 08-03 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REENACTING ARTICLE V OF CHAPTER 16 OF THE CENTRAL CITY MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. Alderman Wiman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Subdivision Regulations Ordinance Adopted

  Alderman Wiman moved to approve Ordinance 08-04 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 17 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE CONSERNING SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE CITY OF CENTRAL REGULATIONS CODIFIED IN CHAPTER 17 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE AND PUBLISHED BY THE CITY OF CENTRAL, COLORADO. Alderman Spain seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Fortune Valley Modification of Liquor License

  Much discussion was had as to how Fortune Valley is requesting to modify the liquor license they now hold to include the fourth floor of the parking garage. The change has been requested to enable Fortune Valley to provide guests the ability to drink during special “roof top” events. Questions were raised about transporting the glasses containing liquor through the casino and gift shop to gain access to the top of the parking barn. Also questioned was if the change in license would affect the automobiles parked on the fourth floor of the parking garage. Learning that more information would be forthcoming from Fortune Valley regarding the intricacies of the modification, Alderman Wiman moved to table the request until either more information was gained or a representative of Fortune Valley was present to answer all of the questions of the Council. Alderman Spain seconded and the motion was carried unanimously.

Downtown Flower Basket Program-Funding Request

  After a successful program last year, much the same as the one now being decided, the staff recommended that Garden Barn again be used for all the flower needs of the City this summer. Alderman Spain moved to approve $2,920 for the planting of 42 baskets and approximately $200 for the equipment necessary for maintaining the baskets. The baskets last year seemed to be a big hit with residents and tourists alike. Alderman Wiman seconded. Mayor Schmalz stated that he thought that the businesses in Central City should “step up” and provide flowers for downtown. Alderman Wiman stated that the budget originally reflected $10,000 from the Conservation Trust Fund (Colorado Lottery money) which has now been scaled down to $3,120. Mayor Schmalz called for a vote and the motion was carried, 2-1, with Mayor Schmalz opposed.

Offer extended to purchase Leavitt Street

  The Staff continues to work with Global International Holding Corp regarding the purchase of 11,947 square feet of unimproved Leavitt Street. There is a new financial group involved and they will have a definite answer as to whether financing is available by the first of June. Alderman Spain moved to approve the request to extend the offer to purchase Leavitt Street for one million dollars to June 3, 2008. Mayor Schmalz seconded. Alderman Wiman stated that he should have opposed the extension the last time it was up for vote. Alderman Wiman wants Global to perform as they have promised, not to continue to ask for continuances. Wiman feels that approval would be giving credibility to a company that has not performed. Mayor Schmalz called for a vote, and the motion carried, 2-1, with Alderman Wiman opposed.

Central City Promise Program Funding Options

  At hand was the roll-over option for the funds in the Central City Promise Program, a program that provides scholarships to the youth of Central City. Mayor Schmalz stated that there was not a need to vote at this meeting, but wanted discussion regarding the options available to the City. Manager Hailey provided to the Council the two options available. Option #1 would be to fund every year through the Gilpin Foundation. Option #2 was that any monies not expended would roll over from year to year. Alderman Wiman asked if it was possible to set parameters on the monies given to the Gilpin Foundation. Manager Hailey stated that yes, parameters can and will be set as the subject is further discussed at the April 22 work session. $10,000 has been slotted for the distribution to the Gilpin Foundation.

Setting Residential Impact Fees for New Construction

  Chapter 18, Article VII of the Municipal Code designates a capital improvement fee (impact fee) to be paid by all building permit applicants for residential units. The staff explained the circumstances which set the $2,557 rate. This figure will be used until another study can be completed to determine the current market impact rate. The current rate was set in 2003. The City Attorney advises that the rate need be set by ordinance, so the Staff will return with an ordinance for the May 6, 2008 meeting. Discussion was held as to where the impact fees are spent. It was explained that impact fees help off-set the expenditures for new police officers, new roads etc. that are incurred as Central City becomes home to more residents. Alderman Wiman moved to adopt Resolution 06-08 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CENTRAL, COLORADO ESTABLISHING A SCHEDULE OF CAPITAL IMPACT FEES. Alderman Spain seconded. Alderman Wiman asked that the City be prudent in setting these fees as it adds $2,500 to a project. Alderman Wiman asked how many cities along the Front Range have impact fees. Staff will complete the research, but added that this is a housekeeping function. Getting an ordinance passed to keep in line what is already happening in fact. Mayor Schmalz called for a vote and the motion carried unanimously.

City Manager Update

  A work session is being set to deal with financial policies and the financial overview of Central City. The City Finance Director, Shannon Flowers, has worked diligently on these policies. The work session is set for April 22, 2008. 

  The Brannon Quarry Project/County Public Hearing was postponed. When the hearing is reset, Manager Hailey will provide that information to the Council

Council Comments

  Best wishes were extended to Fire Chief Allen after his recent heart attack.

  Mayor Schmalz adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:35 pm. The next meeting will be May 6, and will take place in conjunction with the Boodle Mine tour.