Idaho Springs public meetings in 2023
37 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Historic Preservation Review Commission
The Idaho Springs Historic Preservation Review Commission is holding a work session to discuss a pre-application meeting for a project at 1535 Miner Street. The agenda includes public comment, with a three-minute limit per speaker. This is a preliminary review, not a final decision.
- Pre-application meeting for 1535 Miner Street project
- Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker)
City Council
The City Council will hold a work session to discuss preservation plans for the historic Idaho Springs Powder House, including a State Historical Fund grant-funded assessment and rehabilitation proposals.
- Powder House Restoration Project (State Historical Fund grant-funded)
- Historic Structure Assessment for Powder House rehabilitation
- Potential Parking Rate Change
- Dispatch Agreement with Jeffcom
- Website Project
Planning Commission
The Idaho Springs Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting and work session on December 6, 2023. New business includes a fee-in-lieu application for a Boba Tea Shop, a Smart Hotel ordinance, and an ordinance recommendation for Virginia Canyon Road alignment. The work session will discuss food truck regulations, animal regulations, and modifications to the fee-in-lieu program.
- Consideration of Boba Tea Shop Fee In Lieu Application
- Smart Hotel Ordinance
- Ordinance recommendation for Virginia Canyon Road Alignment
- Work session: Food Truck Ordinance and locations
- Work session: Animal Regulations and Fee In Lieu Modification
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a work session to discuss naming trails in Virginia Canyon Mountain Park, review signage plans, and consider updates to the Memorial Bench Program. They will also receive an update on the Innovative Housing Opportunity Planning (IHOP) project, including a proposal for a Multi-Jurisdictional Housing Authority. The regular meeting follows with routine approvals.
- Trail naming process for Virginia Canyon Mountain Park, with options including council-led, community-led, or hybrid approach
- Trek Bicycles $250,000 grant for trail building plus ~$27,000 for signage, with naming rights for individual trails retained by city
- Proposed trail names include 'Ten Day Jacks Trail', 'Dora's Drop', 'Griswold Grind', 'Tommyknocker Trail'
- IHOP housing project update: $165,000 DOLA grant plus $55,000 local match, with proposed MJHA annual contribution of $41K-$45K for Idaho Springs
- Memorial Bench Program: staff recommends waiving installation fee; bench cost now $1,915
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a work session to discuss the planning phase for remodeling the police station at 1744 Miner St., review a budget request from the Historical Society, and finalize the proposed 2024 budget. The police station discussion includes a programming report from Halsey Architecture and an engineering evaluation of the building's mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. No final decisions are being made at this work session.
- Police station remodel planning at 1744 Miner St., including space needs and cost estimates
- Engineering report on existing HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems at 1744 Miner St.
- Historical Society of Idaho Springs budget request
- Finalize proposed 2024 city budget
- Potential DOLA grant application for solar and LEED upgrades in March 2024
Planning Commission
The Idaho Springs Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two Final Development Plan applications: a new three-story mixed-use motel and café at 1503 Colorado Boulevard (Gem Motel) and a transportation maintenance facility at 320 Colo. Highway 103. The commission will also consider a fee-in-lieu application to pay $20,000 for one missing parking space at the motel site. The agenda includes approval of minutes from June 14, 2023, and public comment.
- Public hearing: Final Development Plan for Gem Motel, 1503 Colorado Blvd (three-story mixed-use motel and café)
- Public hearing: Final Development Plan for CCSD Transportation Maintenance Facility, 320 Colo. Highway 103
- Fee-in-lieu application for one parking space at Gem Motel ($20,000)
- Approval of minutes from June 14, 2023
- Public comment on non-agenda items
City Council
The City Council is reviewing the proposed 2024 budget, which includes a potential 6% wage increase for employees and a 3% water rate increase. The work session covers funding for police equipment, fire staffing, infrastructure projects, and water utility improvements.
- Proposed 6% wage/salary increase for all departments
- Proposed 3% water rate increase and 2% wastewater rate increase
- $2,400,000 RAISE Planning Grant for parking structure and mobility hub design
- $2,000,000 Chicago Creek Water Main Replacement Project Phase 1
- $1,000,000 Virginia Canyon Rd. & Virginia St. reconstruction phase 1
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding its regular meeting with mostly routine items. The only action item is a request to approve an estimate from D&B Construction for a 3-week program to replace 190 water meters, funded from line item #51-15-7006. The meeting also includes an executive session to discuss potential property acquisition and disposal.
- Motion to approve D&B Construction estimate for 190 water meter replacements (3-week program, line item #51-15-7006)
- Approval of bills to October 09, 2023
- Approval of minutes from September 25, 2023
- Executive session for real property acquisition/disposal strategy (C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(a),(e))
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a regular meeting with several resolutions for approval, including supporting ballot question 2A, joining the Colorado Retirement Association, adopting an updated fee schedule, and supporting a grant application for the Shelly-Quinn Ballfields. The council will also consider approving up to $75,000 for asphalt patching and will hold an executive session to discuss potential real property acquisition.
- Resolution #20 supporting yes vote on ballot question 2A to keep and spend all revenues without new taxes
- Resolution #21 to join Colorado Retirement Association and approve deferred compensation plan
- Resolution #22 adopting updated city fee schedule
- Resolution #23 supporting $1,250,000 LWCF grant application for Shelly-Quinn Ballfields redevelopment
- Motion to approve up to $75,000 with A-Fast Patch for asphalt patching
Historic Preservation Review Commission
The Historic Preservation Review Commission is holding a work session to discuss the relocation of the Roberts Brothers Garage (121 15th Avenue), which must be moved for the new Mobility Hub at Exit 240. Staff will present three alternative sites after the initial location was deemed infeasible. The commission will also review a Sites and Facilities Agreement with the Historical Society and discuss the 2024 city budget and potential projects. The building is not locally, state, or nationally designated, so no Certificate of Appropriateness is required.
- Roberts Brothers Garage relocation: three alternative sites under consideration
- Mobility Hub at Exit 240 of I-70 requires building removal or demolition
- Sites and Facilities Agreement with Historical Society
- City Budget for 2024 and potential projects
- Public comment limited to 3 minutes per person
City Council
The City Council will hold a work session to review proposed budget updates for the Administrative and Community Promotion departments. The discussion includes requests for staff training, facility renovations, and funding for community events.
- Proposed $17,500 quote for Brightly work order software
- Potential purchase of a new stage for $30,000 to $80,000
- Proposed $25,200 budget for July 4th fireworks
- Proposed $20,000 annual cost for Civics Plus or Granicus digital services
- Proposed $500 employee wellness incentive
City Council
This is the City Council's review of the independent audit of the city's 2022 financial statements. The audit reports a $710,461 increase in net position, driven by business-type activities, while governmental activities declined due to depreciation. The council is receiving the audited financial statements and related reports.
- Net position increased to $47,696,043, up 1.5% from 2021
- Governmental activities net position decreased by $357,410 due to depreciation
- Business-type activities net position increased by $1,067,871, including new Parking Fund
- General Fund balance $1,885,785, up 3.6%
- 1% Street Sales Tax Fund balance $1,685,566, with $632,313 debt service on 2018 bonds
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will consider approving a $634,418 proposal from FlowRide Concepts and McGill Trail Fabrication for Phase 2 trail construction at Virginia Canyon Mountain Park. The work includes about 5.5 miles of mountain bike trails, funded by grants and pledges. The council will also discuss affordable housing site assessments for city properties and receive a projects update.
- Motion to approve $634,418 proposal for Phase 2 trails construction (account #21-00-6024)
- Phase 2 includes Blue Downhill Trail and Buttermilk Loop, about 5.5 miles total
- Funding: $359,087 GOCO grant, $250,000 Trek grant, $16,357.50 COMBA in-kind, $10,011.60 Teens Inc. in-kind
- MACC pledged $400,000 for Phase 3 Black Downhill Trail construction
- Affordable Housing Site Assessments for City properties on agenda
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will vote on two spending items: $95,120 for paving part of the lot at the Water Reclamation Resource Facility (WRRF) and $21,410 for architectural services for 1744 Miner Street. They will also consider resolutions on election coordination and temporary handicap parking, and an ordinance amendment related to the Block 57 Development. Several staff reports have no action requests.
- Approve $95,120 from line item #52-72-7310 for paving part of the lot at the WRRF
- Approve $21,410 from line item #21-00-7045 for architectural services for 1744 Miner Street
- Resolution #17, Series 2023: Intergovernmental Agreement with Clear Creek County for 2023 Election coordination
- Resolution #18, Series 2023: Designating temporary handicap parking spaces on 13th Avenue between Colorado Boulevard and Virginia Street
- Ordinance #8, Series 2023: Amending Ordinance #18, Series 2021 regarding vacation of rights-of-way for Block 57 Development
Planning Commission
The Idaho Springs Planning Commission will hold a work session to discuss potential new regulations for smart hotels and dormitory-style housing, and to review draft food truck and pushcart code. Staff seeks direction on whether to allow these lodging types and how to regulate them, and will bring an ordinance forward if directed. The food truck code is being developed in response to numerous license requests and City Council direction.
- Discussion on adding definitions and criteria for unstaffed 'smart hotels' and dormitory-style housing
- Review of proposed Mobile Food Truck/Pushcart code section (Sec. 9-211 et seq.) with 26-foot length limit
- Staff update on annexation inquiries, IHOP/Clear Path Home affordable housing work, and Downtown Master Planning
- Utility billing software now calculates actual gallons used; 332 customers on Xpress Bill Pay
- Parking revenue $49,000 higher than last June; average stay 2-2:30 hours
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will hold a work session and regular meeting on July 24, 2023. The main item is a request to allow the Mighty Argo Cable Car Company to build a retaining/foundation wall at the upper gondola landing before all Final Development Plan conditions are met. The council will also vote on contracts for City Hall exterior and restroom renovations, a cost analysis for Virginia Canyon/Street projects, and a resolution for a temporary handicapped parking space.
- Resolution #15, Series 2023: grant exception to allow building permit for Argo retaining wall before all FDP conditions met
- Motion to approve $396,917.71 contract with Spectrum General Contractors for City Hall exterior rehabilitation
- Motion to approve $87,218.77 contract with Performance Construction for City Hall upstairs restroom renovation
- Motion to approve $19,989.00 for Stanton Constructability Services for Virginia Canyon/Street cost analysis
- Resolution #14, Series 2023: designate temporary handicapped parking at 1244 Colorado Blvd
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will hold a work session to discuss a potential de-Brucing ballot question for November, review whether to continue allocating opioid settlement funds to the regional task force, and consider amending animal regulations for farm animals and fowl. The regular meeting will follow with resolutions, a police building purchase, and other routine items.
- Discussion of referring a de-Brucing ballot question to voters in November
- Decision on continuing opioid settlement fund allocation to Region 10 Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Task Force
- Consideration of amending Chapter 10 (Animals) for domesticated farm animals and fowl
- Resolution #10: intent to conduct 2023 election coordinated by Clear Creek County Clerk
- Purchase agreement for 1744 Miner Street for new Police Department headquarters at $656,250
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a special remote meeting with an executive session to discuss the potential acquisition of real property, including strategy and negotiator instructions. No other business is on the agenda.
- Executive session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(a) and (e) for real property acquisition
City Council
The City Council is reviewing a proposed ordinance that would establish comprehensive regulations for mobile food trucks and pushcarts, including permit requirements, operational restrictions, and insurance mandates. The agenda includes the full text of the ordinance for discussion or potential adoption.
- Requires a city business license and mobile food truck/pushcart permit for operation
- Prohibits mobile food trucks/pushcarts in residential zones and within 500 feet of another vending stand
- Mandates liability insurance of $100,000 per incident and $300,000 aggregate
- Sets application deadline of 30 days in advance and permit validity of 1 calendar year
- Exempts nonprofit and governmental entities from license fees
Planning Commission
The Idaho Springs Planning Commission is holding a work session to discuss potential new regulations for dormitory-style housing, unstaffed boutique hotels, and extended-stay hotels/motels, which are not currently defined or allowed by city code. At the regular meeting, the commission will consider recommending approval of the Sports & Recreation Complex Master Plan for the Shelley-Quinn Ballfields, which includes a skatepark, tennis/pickleball courts, and other amenities, with an estimated cost of $4,086,540.12.
- Discussion of creating definitions and zoning for dormitory-style housing and unstaffed boutique hotels
- Discussion of potential regulations for extended-stay and apartment-style hotels/motels
- Review of Sports & Recreation Complex Master Plan for Shelley-Quinn Ballfields
- Estimated project cost of $4,086,540.12 for the sports complex
- Approval of minutes from April 12, 2023
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a special meeting and work session on June 12, 2023. The special meeting includes an executive session to discuss potential real property acquisition. The work session will discuss food truck regulations and receive a police administrative update.
- Executive session to discuss potential acquisition of real property
- Discussion of food truck regulations, including licensing, setbacks, and operating rules
- Police administrative update
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will hold a work session and regular meeting. The work session covers a solar thermal letter of support, camping and sponsorship requests for Rapid Grass, and updates on dispatch and streets. The regular meeting includes public comment on sewer relief requests, a police officer swearing-in, and several public works contracts for road restriping, parking lot repairs, and park lawn rehabilitation.
- Public comment on sewer relief requests from Indian Hot Springs, Beau Jo's, and ARGO Water Treatment Plant
- Swearing in of new Police Officer Saleem Romo
- Resolution adopting revised job descriptions for Deputy City Clerk, Deputy Treasurer/Municipal Court Clerk, and Administrative/Utility Clerk and City Services Navigator
- Proposal from Colorado Barricade for restriping on Colorado Blvd from Exit 241 to Stanley Road, $79,210
- Proposal from Express Paving & Sealcoating for parking lot repairs between 15th and 17th Aves and Idaho and Water Sts, $22,500
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will consider an ordinance regarding weapons possession and two engineering-related expenditures. The meeting includes reviews from the Liquor Licensing Authority and various city departments.
- Second reading of Ordinance #7, Series 2023, regarding weapons possession in response to federal case law
- Approval of a fee memo to JVA not to exceed $27,000 for the Roberts Brothers Building relocation and foundation design
- Approval of a $126,000.00 engineering estimate from JVA for the Montane Water Tank reconstruction
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council and Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District are holding a joint work session to review and receive feedback on a draft master plan for the Shelley-Quinn Ballfields Complex. The plan proposes a new sports and events complex with a skatepark, playground, tennis/pickleball courts, and other amenities, with an estimated cost of $4,086,540.12. No final decisions are being made at this session; the plan will be finalized and adopted later.
- Draft master plan for Shelley-Quinn Ballfields Complex presented by THK Associates
- Proposed 15,000 sq ft skatepark, playground, tennis/pickleball court, half basketball court, walking trail, 68-stall parking lot, restrooms and concession stand
- Estimated project cost: $4,086,540.12, split into two phases (first phase about $1,900,000)
- City budgeted $200,000 in 2023 for initial projects such as master plan creation
- GOCO grant application not selected; CPW LWCF grant application considered for later this year
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a work session to discuss a reorganization of the Public Works department. This is a discussion item, not a final decision, and no other business is listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of Public Works reorganization
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider a Final Development Plan for a 7,215-square-foot marijuana cultivation facility at 2820 Colorado Boulevard, adjacent to an existing dispensary. The project requires approval from both the Planning Commission and City Council. Staff analysis notes the proposed exterior materials may be prohibited under East End Overlay District standards, and the applicant has been asked to present alternatives.
- Final Development Plan for 7,215 sq ft marijuana cultivation facility at 2820 Colorado Blvd.
- Parking variance approved Feb 16, 2023, waiving 5 required off-street parking spaces.
- Proposed building may violate East End Overlay District prohibited materials (pre-finished metal panels).
- Applicant to provide 4-ft sidewalk easement along Gilson Street and right-of-way to City.
- Proposed signage includes 664 sq ft total, with a pole sign not meeting 10-ft setback.
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a work session to discuss two items: the Clear Creek Superfund Site Operable Unit 5 and its impact on redevelopment, and SB 23-213 regarding land use and housing affordability. The council will hear a request from Four Points Funding to advocate for delisting the Block 57 property from Superfund investigations to avoid delays and costs. No formal decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion session.
- Discussion of Clear Creek Superfund Site Operable Unit 5 and redevelopment
- Review of SB 23-213 on land use requirements and housing affordability
- Four Points Funding requests city advocacy to delist Block 57 property from Superfund investigations
- EPA/CDPHE investigation of mine waste piles in residential areas; over 500 potential piles identified
- Sampling of 100 waste piles underway; remedial investigation expected by 2025
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council is holding a special meeting and work session to discuss several items. In executive session, they will confer with the City Attorney about a potential real property conveyance and the Jacobs House relocation. The work session will cover the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), a Mobility Hub land swap and buildings relocation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and a Downtown Marketplace update.
- Executive session to discuss potential conveyance of real property to the City and Jacobs House relocation
- Discussion of LIHWAP and LEAP assistance programs for low-income households
- Mobility Hub land swap and buildings relocation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
- Downtown Marketplace update
Variance Board of Adjustments
The Variance Board of Adjustments will hear an appeal by Ross Bradley, owner of 1546 Miner Street, against the Building Department's interpretation of the International Existing Building Code requiring an accessible restroom for a change of occupancy from Business (B) to Mercantile (M). The board may affirm, overturn, or modify the Building Official's decision. The meeting is otherwise procedural.
- Appeal hearing: 1546 Miner St. change of occupancy from B to M
- Dispute over IEBC Section 305.8.10 accessible restroom requirement
- Applicant argues accessible parking improvements exceed 20% cost threshold
- Building is in National Historic District, zoned Historic District (HD)
City Council
The City Council is reviewing a legal memo recommending the repeal of a city code section that prohibits firearms in licensed premises, following the Supreme Court's Bruen decision. The memo also discusses the city's ability to regulate firearms in sensitive places like government buildings and polling places.
- Repeal of Sec. 17-67 (possession within licensed premises) recommended
- No changes proposed for Sec. 17-64 (discharge of firearms), Sec. 17-66 (unlawful concealment), or Sec. 17-68 (selling weapons to intoxicated persons)
- Discussion of potential new restrictions in sensitive places (e.g., city buildings, polling places)
Planning Commission
The Idaho Springs Planning Commission will discuss a proposed parking fee-in-lieu program that would allow property owners in the downtown Historic District to pay a fee instead of providing required off-street parking. The commission previously reviewed the concept and directed staff to begin drafting an ordinance. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from December 7, 2022.
- Parking fee-in-lieu program: $20,000 per space for restaurant/retail, $10,000 for office/personal service, $2,500 for residential
- Program boundary: Water St. to Colorado Blvd., 13th Ave. to Riverside Dr.
- Discussion of parking structure timeline (best case 2025) and loss of ~60 spaces during construction
- Recreation complex master plan presented by THK (estimated $3.5-4 million, includes 15,000 sq ft skate park)
City Council
The City Council is holding a work session to discuss an addendum to the EV charging station license agreement with HiON (formerly EV Build, LLC). The station would relocate from the Bustang Lot to a site on Colorado Blvd east of the fire station. Staff seeks direction on whether to include a second pull-through space in phase 2. The agenda includes only this item, with no other business.
- Relocation of EV charging station to north side of Colorado Blvd, east of fire station
- Phase 1: 3 pull-in and 1 pull-through charging spaces; Phase 2: 4 more spaces, possibly another pull-through
- License agreement: $300 per space per month for 6 months, initial 4 spaces = $7,200/year, 5% annual increase
- 10-year license term with renewal options
- Staff recommends replacing picnic tables/pads if affected and widening greenway path if needed
Historic Preservation Review Commission
The Historic Preservation Review Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss updates on the Club Hotel and the Jacobs House relocation, as well as its strategic plan. The agenda includes public comments and approval of prior minutes, with no votes scheduled on specific projects.
- Update on Club Hotel
- Update on Jacobs House relocation
- Strategic Plan discussion
Variance Board of Adjustments
The Idaho Springs Variance Board of Adjustments meeting covers two items: approval of a shed setback variance at 2122 Virginia Street and a resolution approving a parking variance for a new 7,215 sq ft marijuana cultivation facility at 2820 Colorado Boulevard, reducing required off-street parking from five spaces to zero. The board approved the shed variance 3-0 and passed the parking variance resolution.
- Approved variance at 2122 Virginia Street to allow shed within rear and side yard setbacks, with conditions including a 3-foot distance from western lot line
- Approved Resolution VB 23-01 reducing required off-street parking from 5 to 0 spaces for new marijuana cultivation facility at 2820 Colorado Boulevard
- Facility is 7,215 sq ft, classified as light manufacturing, requiring 1 parking space per 1,500 sq ft under Code Sections 21-125 and 21-127
- Variance based on steep slopes on east side along Gilson Road and north side to Clear Creek, and applicant's statement that facility will be automated with only 3 employees
- Parking variance effective for one year; lapses if building permit not obtained
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council will hold a work session on Beau Jo's 50th anniversary and water usage at the Water Resource Recovery Facility, followed by a regular meeting. The regular meeting includes a second reading of an ordinance to amend water and sewer rates, a resolution adopting the 2022 Historic Resources Survey Plan, and a liquor license application review for Slaymaker Cellars at 1428 Miner Street. The council will also approve bills and may enter executive session to discuss property negotiations.
- Second reading of Ordinance #1, Series 2023 amending water and sewer rates and charges
- Resolution #2, Series 2023 adopting the Idaho Springs Historic Resources Survey Plan, 2022
- Review of Sales Room Application for Slaymaker Cellars at 1428 Miner Street
- Approval of bills to February 13, 2023
- Executive session to discuss possible purchase, sale, or swap of real property
City Council
The Idaho Springs City Council approved a $230,500 contract for engineering services related to the Chicago Creek waterline replacement project. The council also reappointed members to the Historic Sites and Facilities Committee and discussed the life of Courtney Riley Cooper, the park's namesake. No other action items were requested.
- Approved $230,500 letter agreement with JV A Consulting and Engineers for Phases 2 & 3 of Chicago Creek (Highway 103) waterline replacement
- Reappointed Phyllis Adams, Dennis Johnson, Lue Howard, and Reba Bechtel to Historic Sites and Facilities Committee for one-year term
- Police Department reported safe and quiet holidays, no action requested
- Council discussed Courtney Riley Cooper, author and namesake of CRC Park
Historic Preservation Review Commission
The Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC) will review and recommend a draft Historic Resources Survey Plan to the City Council. The plan, funded by a State Historical Fund grant, aims to document and preserve significant historic sites in Idaho Springs, including the Downtown Commercial Historic District and other areas.
- Review and recommendation of the Historic Resources Survey Plan (funded by State Historical Fund grant #2020-SP-001)
- Landscape and Building Improvement Plans for Carnegie Library at 219 14th Avenue (COA amendment for guardrail substitution approved)