Idaho Springs public meetings in 2021
30 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will hold public hearings on the 2022 budget, the 2021 mill levy, and the Downtown Master Plan, and will consider a liquor license change for Clear Creek Cidery. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes and bills. The agenda is largely procedural, with the budget and master plan being the main substantive items.
- Public hearing on Resolution #27, Series 2021 adopting the 2022 budget
- Public hearing on Resolution #28, Series 2021 adopting the 2021 mill levy for the 2022 budget year
- Public hearing on Resolution #26, Series 2021 adopting the Downtown Master Plan
- Resolution #25, Series 2021 CDOT MOU Mobility Hub
- Public hearing on liquor license change for Clear Creek Cidery LLC (Hotel Restaurant to Vintners License)
City Council
The City Council is reviewing the city's financial statements for October 2021, including cash balances, revenues, and expenditures. The reports show the General Fund is at 98.4% of its budgeted revenue and 87.6% of its budgeted expenditures for the fiscal year. No decisions are being made; this is a routine financial review.
- Combined cash balance of $9,019,225.45 as of October 31, 2021
- General Fund revenue at $2,545,672.95 (98.4% of budget)
- General Fund expenditures at $705,471.53 (87.6% of budget)
- Police expenditures at $494,926.31 (94.5% of budget)
- Streets expenditures at $376,172.29 (79.5% of budget)
Planning Commission
The Idaho Springs Planning Commission will review the final draft of the 2021 Downtown Master Plan and vote on a resolution recommending its adoption to the City Council. The plan, developed over six months with community input, covers downtown improvements including parking, mobility, tourism, and land use. The meeting also includes approval of the September 1, 2021 minutes and a monthly report from Community Development.
- Resolution No. PC 1, Series 2021 approving the 2021 Idaho Springs Downtown Master Plan and recommending adoption to City Council
- Downtown Master Plan includes a $4 million CDOT pledge toward a parking structure and mobility hub
- Plan addresses Miner Street Marketplace, a temporary pedestrian mall tested during COVID-19
- Community survey and workshops informed the plan's vision and recommendations
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will discuss and possibly act on requesting a recount of failed Ballot Question 2B, a sales tax increase for water/wastewater improvements. They will also hold a second reading of an ordinance to form a Historic Downtown Parking Transportation and Mobility Special Improvement District. Other actions include appointing members to the Variance Board and approving a payment for parking lot lights.
- Discussion and possible motion to request a recount of failed Ballot Question 2B (sales tax increase for water/wastewater)
- Second reading of Ordinance #19, Series 2021: forming Historic Downtown Parking Transportation and Mobility Special Improvement District
- Approve $18,113.18 to Xcel Energy for parking lot light installation
- Appoint Ann Zimmerman and Douglas Smith to additional 4-year terms on the Variance Board
- Discussion on City Treasurer vacancy
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a special remote meeting on November 15, 2021. The only substantive item is an executive session to discuss potential negotiations and receive legal advice about leasing city property and city election results. No other business is listed.
- Executive session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) and (e) for negotiations and legal advice
- Discussion of leasing City property
- Discussion of City election results
City Council
The City Council is reviewing the proposed 2022 budget, which includes a minimum 4% wage increase for employees, a new long-term disability insurance policy, and several capital improvement projects. The budget also proposes adding a Deputy City Clerk position, increasing police starting pay, and funding major projects like a downtown parking structure and public works facility. The agenda is primarily a budget presentation and discussion, with no formal votes listed.
- 4% wage/salary increase for all employees
- New long-term disability insurance at $13,709/year
- Police starting pay increase to $58,169
- Downtown Parking Structure/Transit Center D&E at $800,000 (80% CDOT-funded)
- Public Works Facility Construction at $2.3 million
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will hold a regular meeting on November 8, 2021, with a second reading of Ordinance #20 to adopt the 2020 National Electric Code, and will discuss filling a council vacancy created by Chuck Harmon's election as Mayor. Most other agenda items are staff reports with no requests for action, and the meeting will be held remotely.
- Ordinance #20, Series 2021: adopt 2020 National Electric Code, amending Chapter 19
- Filling City Council vacancy due to election of Councilmember Chuck Harmon as Mayor
- Approval of bills to November 8, 2021
- Approval of minutes from October 25, 2021
- Liquor licensing authority and planning/community development reports
Planning Commission
The Idaho Springs Planning Commission will hold a work session to conduct a second review of the draft Downtown Master Plan, following presentations to the Chamber of Commerce and City Council. The commission will provide feedback to the consultant team, with a final recommendation expected in December. The agenda also includes a review of text amendments and short-term rental policies, plus a monthly planning report.
- Second review of draft Downtown Master Plan
- Review of text amendments and short-term rental policies
- CDOT pledged $4 million toward a parking structure and mobility hub
- Community survey: 135 responses, most favor parking structure
- Miner Street Marketplace discussed as potential permanent feature
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is reviewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would make the city a Participating Local Government in Colorado's opioid settlement. The MOU outlines how settlement funds would be allocated and used for opioid abatement. The council is deciding whether to sign the MOU.
- MOU allocates 10% to state, 20% to local governments, 60% to regions, 10% to statewide infrastructure
- Creates a 13-member Abatement Council to oversee opioid funds
- Requires funds be used for approved opioid abatement purposes
- Establishes regional councils for distribution of regional share
- Includes transparency and reporting requirements for fund recipients
Variance Board of Adjustments
The Idaho Springs Variance Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing on an appeal by 5340 Investments LLC, owner of the Club Hotel at 1601 Colorado Blvd, to remove a condition placed on the Certificate of Appropriateness by the Historic Preservation Review Committee. The condition requires that the logs on the exterior of the south addition remain visible. The proposed setback variance by the Clear Creek Fire Authority at 240 Colorado 103 has been withdrawn. The board will decide whether to uphold or remove the condition.
- Appeal to remove HPRC condition requiring logs on south addition of Club Hotel (1601 Colorado Blvd) remain visible
- Setback variance request by Clear Creek Fire Authority at 240 Colorado 103 withdrawn
- Public hearing on the appeal; staff recommends upholding the condition
- Applicant argues condition violates Design Guidelines and period of significance (1860-1910)
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is meeting to consider resolutions supporting two ballot questions: 2A, a marijuana excise tax, and 2B, a 1% sales tax increase for water and wastewater improvements. They will also hold a first reading of an ordinance adopting the 2020 National Electric Code, and vote on contracts for parking management and ADA ramp construction. The meeting includes routine approvals of minutes and bills.
- Resolution #21 supporting 'YES' on ballot question 2A (marijuana excise tax)
- Resolution #22 supporting 'yes' on ballot question 2B (1% sales tax increase for water/wastewater)
- Ordinance #20 first reading: adopt 2020 National Electric Code
- Agreement with Interstate Parking Colorado for parking management services
- $108,000 to ACC West Constructors for ADA ramp construction
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will hold a special meeting and work session on October 4, 2021. The special meeting includes an executive session on litigation and a potential agreement. The work session will discuss the Frei Quarry expansion and the 2022 budget, including a detailed police department budget request from Chief Nathan Buseck.
- Executive session on threatened litigation and negotiation
- Frei Quarry expansion discussion
- Police department budget request: hiring incentives, academy tuition, equipment, pay raises
- Proposed 3-year service agreement for new police hires
- Request for new patrol car and technology upgrades (dash cameras, Tasers)
Historic Preservation Review Commission
The Historic Preservation Review Commission will hold a work session to discuss two items: first, they will clarify the meaning of 'treatment of the logs' in a previously issued Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior work at 1601 Colorado Blvd, where the petitioner proposes to cover two sides of an addition, and staff interprets 'treatment' as a weatherproofing sealant. Second, they will receive a presentation and provide input on the Historic Resource Survey Plan, which is being developed to update the city's historic property inventory and meet Certified Local Government requirements.
- Clarification of COA condition for Jonah Hearne at 1601 Colorado Blvd
- Presentation on Historic Resource Survey Plan by Dr. Mary Therese Anstey
- Discussion of HPRC successes, challenges, and future priorities via questionnaire
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a work session to discuss updates on the Historical Society, Downtown Marketplace, and the Albert Frei quarry expansion, but the main item is a proposed revised parking management agreement with Interstate Parking. Staff is seeking direction on changes to the contract, including termination notice, revenue sharing, and staffing levels, before potential approval at the next regular meeting.
- Parking management agreement: Interstate requests 90-day termination notice; staff suggests 60-90 days
- Proposed revenue split: 50% of net parking revenue plus 25% of violation revenue to Interstate
- Interstate has issued about $214,378 in parking violations in 2021; managed parking charges about $213,000
- Staff wants monthly report deadline by 15th for agenda packet; Interstate removed this requirement
- Staffing: Interstate proposes one ambassador minimum, two on weekends; staff wants two during high tourism
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a work session and regular meeting on September 13, 2021. They will discuss the Library Landscape project bids and the Public Works Facility Project 1 bid, which came in over budget. The regular meeting includes resolutions on employee compensation and police records fees, second readings of ordinances including a sales tax increase for water/wastewater, and a request to approve $8,000 for engineering services for Colorado Blvd redesign.
- Public Works Facility Project 1: low bid $975,838 from Buildings by Design, over budget; options include cost-reduction alternates reducing price to $805,023
- Library Park landscape bid from Arrow J Landscape & Design: $34,405 for building maintenance, $204,293 for Phase 1, $50,760 for Phase 2
- Resolution #19: amended Compensation Plan for City employees and officers
- Resolution #20: amended Police Department Criminal Justice Records Fee Schedule
- Ordinance #16: referring 1% sales tax increase for water/wastewater capital improvements to Nov. 2, 2021 ballot
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will hold a regular meeting with several resolutions and ordinances, including referring ballot questions to voters for a marijuana excise tax and a 1% sales tax increase for water/wastewater improvements. The council will also consider a rezoning, a liquor license hearing, and various administrative items.
- Resolution #17: ballot question on city marijuana excise tax
- Ordinance #16: 1% sales tax increase for water/wastewater capital improvements
- Ordinance #17: rezoning 3.31 acres from P and C-2 to Planned Development
- Resolution #18: change of ownership for retail marijuana license at 15 Colorado Blvd
- Grant application for $600,000 (with $1,512,505 city match) for Public Works Facility Project 2
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will hold a work session to discuss whether to provide comments on a state mining and reclamation permit application for a quarry proposed near the city's east end. The city received delayed notice of the application and has the opportunity to comment, though the state has exclusive authority to issue the permit. The council will review legal considerations and potential comments to submit to the State Mined Land Reclamation Board before the decision deadline.
- Discussion of comment on Young Ranch Resource Quarry permit application
- State permit decision scheduled for October 14, 2021, with possible delay to November 13, 2021
- City cannot veto permit; state has exclusive authority
- Clear Creek County holds local land use and zoning review authority
- Legal memo outlines state criteria for permit denial
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will hold a regular meeting on August 9, 2021, with several action items including approving a $373,860 contract for Phase 1 trails in VCMP, accepting the post-construction alignment of Colorado Boulevard via ordinance, and approving multiple engineering contracts for public works projects. The agenda also includes a staff report on rezoning the Cemetery and a discussion of the Young Ranch Resource Quarry. An executive session is scheduled to discuss pending litigation and a negotiable city agreement.
- Approve $373,860 to Flow Ride Concepts for Phase 1 trails in VCMP
- First reading of Ordinance #14 accepting post-construction alignment of Colorado Boulevard
- Approve $115,000 to JVA Engineering for Idaho Springs Transit Center coordination
- Approve $17,200 to JVA Engineering for 16th and Wall St. civil engineering
- Approve $9,924 to Terracon Consultants for materials testing for Public Works building
Planning Commission
The Idaho Springs Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on rezoning the recently annexed Idaho Springs Cemetery (66.45 acres) to (P) Park & Recreation, and will also review and recommend approval of an ordinance accepting the post-construction alignment of Colorado Boulevard. The meeting includes approval of minutes from April 28, 2021, and a monthly report. The cemetery rezoning is required within 90 days of annexation.
- Public hearing on rezoning Idaho Springs Cemetery (66.45 acres, four parcels) to (P) Park & Recreation
- Recommendation on ordinance accepting post-construction alignment of Colorado Boulevard
- Approval of minutes from April 28, 2021
- Monthly report
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a work session to discuss referring two ballot questions to the November 2, 2021 election: a 0.5% sales tax increase for water/wastewater capital improvements and a 5% marijuana excise tax. The agenda also includes a job description update for City Clerk, the Horseshoe pits project, a projects update, and a recognition party for Mayor Bob Bowland and Diane Breece. The meeting is a work session, so items are for discussion, not final decisions.
- Ordinance referring 0.5% sales tax increase for water/wastewater capital improvements to November 2021 ballot
- Resolution referring 5% marijuana excise tax on first transfer of unprocessed marijuana to November 2021 ballot
- Discussion of Special Improvement District for downtown parking deck, with proposed assessment up to $2,000 per 22 front linear feet for 20 years
- City Clerk job description update
- Horseshoe pits project and projects update
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will vote on a resolution conditionally approving a final development plan for a residential townhome project at 1628 Virginia St., a topic that drew public safety and density concerns at the July 12 meeting. The council will also consider three ordinances on first reading that restructure city administration, including creating a Deputy City Clerk and transferring oversight of the Police Chief and Public Works head to the City Administrator. Additionally, they will act on liquor license modifications, a proclamation for Olympic athlete Hailey Washington, and a $1,500/month contract for municipal court prosecutor services.
- Resolution #8, Series 2021: Conditional approval of final development plan for townhomes at 1628 Virginia St.
- Ordinance #12, Series 2021: Creates Deputy City Clerk position and clarifies administration roles.
- Ordinance #13, Series 2021: Transfers oversight of Police Chief and Public Works head to City Administrator.
- Ordinance #14, Series 2021: Codifies Water/Wastewater department organization under City Administrator.
- Services Agreement with Suzanne Rogers for Municipal Court Prosecutor at $1,500/month.
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a work session to discuss several items, including a proposed increase in the city prosecutor's monthly pay from $800 to $1,500, potential improvements to 16th Avenue and Virginia Street, a mid-year financial update, and the kickoff of the 2022 budget process. The council will also consider ordinances related to the Deputy City Clerk, City Administrator, and Public Works Department positions.
- Prosecutor contract update: proposed increase to $1,500/month plus mileage
- 16th Avenue and Virginia Street improvements: evaluation of four intersection options
- Mid-year financial update: General Fund balance $2,228,415 as of June 30, 2021
- 2022 Budget kick-off: schedule and timeline for budget adoption
- Ordinances for Deputy City Clerk, City Administrator, and Public Works Department positions
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a special remote meeting. The only substantive item is an executive session to discuss property transactions and to receive legal advice from the City Attorney. No other business is scheduled.
- Executive session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(a) and (b) for property purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale
- Executive session to confer with City Attorney on legal questions
Variance Board of Adjustments
The Idaho Springs Variance Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing on a variance request from Jerry Blackwell, owner of 1047 Miner Street, to use gravel instead of the required paved surface for a parking area serving a new off-road touring business. City planning staff recommends denial, citing that the request does not meet the criteria for a variance and that paving would eliminate the need. The board will also consider appointing John Hatch as a regular member.
- Public hearing on variance request to allow gravel parking at 1047 Miner St. where paved surface is required
- Staff recommends denial of the variance for the Jeep tour business parking area
- Appointment of John Hatch as regular board member
- Approval of minutes from May 19, 2021 meeting
Historic Preservation Review Commission
The Historic Preservation Review Commission will hold public hearings on three certificate of appropriateness (COA) requests, including a continued hearing for replacing storefront windows with operable windows at 1600 Miner Street. The commission will also review a rehabilitation project at 1601 Colorado Blvd. and a window replacement at 1545 Miner St. Staff recommends denial of the 1600 Miner St. request, citing conflicts with design guidelines.
- COA to replace storefront windows with operable windows at 1600 Miner St. (continued from May 18)
- COA for rehabilitation of 1601 Colorado Blvd. (preliminary review)
- COA for window replacement at 1545 Miner St.
- Public comment sign-up via email by 3:00 p.m. on meeting day
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will hold a public hearing on a resolution to conditionally approve a Final Development Plan for a residential townhome project at 1628 Virginia St. The council will also consider ordinances clarifying City Clerk duties and prohibiting simultaneous membership on the Planning Commission and City Council, plus a resolution for a temporary handicap parking space at 220 10th Ave. Additionally, the council will vote on applying for a federal COPS Hiring Program grant for the police department and approve routine bills and minutes.
- Public hearing on Resolution #8, Series 2021: Final Development Plan for townhomes at 1628 Virginia St.
- Resolution #12, Series 2021: temporary handicap parking space at 220 10th Ave.
- Ordinance #09, 2021: defining City Clerk duties after 2021 election.
- Ordinance #10, Series 2021: disallow simultaneous Planning Commission and City Council membership.
- Police request to apply for FY 2021 COPS Hiring Program Grant (U.S. Dept. of Justice).
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a special remote meeting and work session. The agenda includes an executive session for legal advice on quasi-judicial hearing procedures and potential negotiations involving City-owned real property. The work session will discuss re-enacted gun fights, Planning Commission membership, a draft ordinance on City Clerk changes, and ballot measures. The draft ordinance would shift most day-to-day City Clerk duties to a deputy clerk or other staff, leaving the elected clerk with statutory duties like records custody and certification.
- Draft ordinance redefining City Clerk duties, effective after November 2, 2021 election
- Discussion of re-enacted gun fights (Wild Bunch shows) in Idaho Springs
- Planning Commission membership discussion
- Ballot measures discussion
- Executive session on legal advice and City-owned real property negotiations
Variance Board of Adjustments
The Idaho Springs Variance Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing and vote on Resolution #VB 21-02, which would allow a 7-foot rear yard fence at 715 Colorado Boulevard, exceeding the 6-foot maximum. The applicant, Chris Depweg, requests the variance to contain a dog that can jump a 6-foot fence. Staff recommends approval, subject to a building permit for portions over 6 feet. The board will also appoint a regular member and approve prior meeting minutes.
- Public hearing and vote on Resolution #VB 21-02 for a fence height variance at 715 Colorado Blvd.
- Appointment of regular member John Hatch
- Approval of minutes from March 17, 2021 meeting
Historic Preservation Review Commission
The Historic Preservation Review Commission is holding a public hearing to consider a Certificate of Appropriateness request to replace the storefront windows at 1600 Miner Street with operable sectional roll-up windows. Staff recommends denial, citing that the change would alter a character-defining feature and conflict with design guidelines. The commission will also review a preliminary proposal for rehabilitation at 1601 Colorado Blvd.
- COA request to replace storefront windows at 1600 Miner Street with sectional roll-up windows
- Staff recommends denial of COA for 1600 Miner Street
- Preliminary review of rehabilitation at 1601 Colorado Blvd.
- Public comment sign-up via city clerk email by 3:00 p.m. on meeting day
City Council
The City Council will hold a work session to discuss several management agreements and a COVID-19 update. Key discussions include a parking management contract with Interstate, a library operation agreement, and compensation terms for a proposed electric vehicle charging station license.
- Parking Management Agreement with Interstate involving 50% net revenue disbursement to the City
- Library Operation and Maintenance Agreement with Clear Creek County Library District
- EV Licensing Agreement compensation dispute: Staff proposes $10,440 annually; EV Build proposes $7,200 for the first year
- Proposed parking fee structure: $1.50 for first two hours, $5 for subsequent hours
- Executive session to receive legal advice regarding existing agreements