Central City honors Judge Rodgers
Council Business overview
February 17, 2009– The City of Central held its regular City Council meeting Tuesday. Mayor Ron Slinger presided over the meeting attended by council members Ron Engels, Tom Reilly, and Bob Spain.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda was approved without discussion. It included the bills paid on February 5 and 12, 2009, the minutes form the last meetings, and a financial report for January.
The list of paid bills included a check to Gilpin County for $3,704.74 to cover the cost of the January election where the residents decided to approve certain enhancements for local casinos.
Responses to Public
In answer to questions she raised at the previous meeting, the City provided a written response to Rita Lee of Prospector’s Run. The City noted that the Planning Commission (PC) and Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) are currently reviewing the City’s Comprehensive Sign Plan.
Staff also provided additional data to Ms. Lee regarding water usage in the City and the storage capabilities of the reservoir to answer some of her pointed questions.
Public Forum
Rita Lee, acting as President of Prospector’s Run Homeowners Association expressed her disappointment after the City cancelled a work session with the group.
Local resident Gloria Gaines commented on the work session she attended last week with the City and its business representatives. Discussions centered on ways to promote the City and fill empty storefronts on Main Street. Ms. Gaines suggested the City host a similar work session with its residents.
Giving back the land
After a public hearing, Ordinance #09-01 was approved. The ordinance authorizes the conveyance of certain properties adjacent to the Central City Parkway that were not used in conjunction with its construction.
With the current owner finally obtaining the clean title required, the City issued quit claim deeds on three small parcels of land totaling about 0.69 acres to the owner. The land is located along the Parkway and the City was given a right-of-way during construction of the road. The deeds re-convey the unused land back to the family who authorized its use.
A quit claim deed simply conveys back to the owner any interest the City may have retained in the land.
Advisory Board duties clarified
A second public hearing was held resulting in the approval of Ordinance #09-02. This ordinance amends a portion of the Municipal Code to clarify the responsibilities of members of advisory boards within the City.
Planning Commission (PC) member Rita Lee spoke during the public hearing noting she saw “benefits and drawbacks” with the ordinance. She stated she believed the ordinance “restricts the voice” of the PC. She cited examples of other neighboring communities where the PC had broader responsibilities than in Central.
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) member Gloria Gaines indicated she was “happy” with the revised wording of the HPC section of the code. She voiced concern that since Council should “appoint Commission members who can handle this for you” and indicated the wording sounded like it “usurped the power” of the PC.
Under the new wording, the duties of the Planning Commission include “reviewing planned unit developments, rezonings, special use review uses, subdivision plats, and other development applications.” The PC is also responsible for updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, recommending changes to zoning regulations, or performing other assigned duties.
The Historic Preservation Commission had its duties defined to include the “ability to conduct surveys…for the purpose of determining those of historical and/or architectural significance”, maintaining lists of significant structures, and classifying this information. They also perform other specifically assigned duties.
The HPC is a decision making authority within the City. An appeals process to City Council is allowed for disagreements with HPC. The PC is considered an advisory board to the City Council and does not have final decision making authority which is left to the Council.
Councilman Ron Engels stated the Council did not intend to “in any way restrict the duties” of HPC or PC. He characterized the changes as “clarification” of the existing duties. Mayor Ron Slinger and Councilman Tom Reilly agreed with his take on the ordinance.
Structure Maintenance
The first reading of Ordinance #09-03 was approved with a public hearing scheduled for March 3, 2009.
If approved after the public hearing, this ordinance will amend a portion of the City’s Municipal Code concerning building regulations including the duty to maintain structures. The goal of the ordinance is to “provide clear direction to property owners, residents, City staff, and members of the public” regarding the requirements for maintenance and the enforcement procedures.
The City determined that the historical buildings “are of significant importance to the overall value, economic vitality and unique character of the City” and should be kept up to prevent damages due to neglect. The regulations focus on prevention of deterioration of external elements of historic structures.
The City may have the right to enter historic property to “ascertain the existence of a violation” of the Code. Owners can then be asked to correct the defect. Fines may be assessed for noncompliance or the owner may be prosecuted in municipal court.
This amendment to the Municipal Code will give the City the ability to impose fines and otherwise enforce the building maintenance codes.
Honoring Judge Rodgers
The City issued a proclamation honoring Judge Frederic B. Rodgers who has served as the City’s Municipal Court Judge for the last 29 years.
Judge Rodgers was recently selected out of a nationwide pool of candidates to receive the 2009 Outstanding State Chair Award from the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation.
The City echoed their approval of Rodgers and voiced their thanks for his professional service to the community with this proclamation.
Executive Session
The meeting was followed by an executive session to develop “strategy for negotiations on the James Peak property and Clear Creek Emergency Services Agreements”.
Next Meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday March 3, 2009 at 7:00 pm.