“Shall the City of Cripple Creek form a home rule charter commission for the purpose of drafting a home rule charter?”

This question will be placed on the ballot for Cripple Creek voters to decide in the upcoming Nov. 4 election.

A public hearing held July 2 at the city council meeting continues the formal process for the city to become a “Home Rule” municipality versus “Statutory,” meaning Cripple Creek will be in charge of its own destiny by a charter as determined by its citizens.

Council’s passage of the ordinance initiates the proceedings for adoption of a home rule charter, which requires an initial election to form a charter commission and to elect its members.

In the meantime, formation of a home rule charter commission consisting of a total of nine members would be elected by qualified electors at-large on Nov. 4.

The city is now seeking candidates for the Charter Commission meeting the following criteria:

All registered voters of the city are eligible to serve on the charter commission.

Candidates for the charter commission shall be nominated by filing with the City Clerk, on forms supplied by the City Clerk.

A nomination petition signed by at least 25 registered electors and a statement by the candidate of consent to serve if elected,

The nomination petition and statement shall be filed within 30 days after publication of the first election notice.

Throughout the approximate 18-month process, and once the nine-member charter commission is elected by petition, local citizens (electors) will attend subsequent public meetings to offer input and, using an amendment process throughout a six-month period, will adopt a charter document.

At this point a public hearing will be held and, upon approval of the charter by commission, is placed on a ballot for either approval or rejection by a vote of the people.

Interested parties wishing to serve on the commission may call City Hall at 719-687-2502 for additional information.

Cripple Creek is one of only a few cities in Colorado that carries the statutory distinction; 93 percent of the cities in the state have adopted the home rule governance option. Home Rule is permitted by Article 20 of the Colorado State Constitution.

Currently, as a statutory city, Cripple Creek is bound to conduct all actions under state dictates .

Prior to the Nov. 4 election, and in the upcoming weeks and months, the community will be involved in discussions for consideration in making informed decision towards establishing “Home Rule Charter Status.” Mayor Annie Durham commented that there doesn’t appear to be many drawbacks.

Cripple Creek Main StreetThe city continues the process of establishing Cripple Creek as a Main Street City and the adoption of a strategic plan through selection of volunteers joining the city’s effort in revitalizing the downtown area. By collaborating with local, state, and national organizations and leaders, the Main Street program aims to protect the historic character of the city’s downtown and promote shared prosperity throughout the community.

Council approved the following as representatives from various segments of the community:

Ryan Bowman, Project Manager, Urban Landscapes, LLC, Cripple Creek Resident

Krystal Brown, Teller County Treasurer, Cripple Creek Resident

Michael Duffy, Business Owner, Hospitality House, CCME Resident

Brandie Larsen, Business Owner, Western Skies, Cripple Creek Area Resident

J.R. Gatlin, Land Developer, Cripple Creek Resident

Tracy Koval, Small Business Owner, Cripple Creek Resident

Kathy Reynolds, Non-Profit Consultant, Cripple Creek Resident

The Board of Directors, Subcommittees, and Street-Team Volunteers will be responsible for implementing initiatives that align with future mission and goals. Main Street is seeking subcommittee volunteers interested in serving in the following areas:

Promotions (Downtown marketing, events, program awareness)

Design (Downtown beautification, flower planters, murals, signage)

Organization (Operations, volunteer management, software, project planning)

Financial Sustainability (Fundraising, grants, economic vitality) Main Street Market (seasonal)

Skatepark to be resurfacedFollowing the city’s formal bid solicitation process, review and recommendation for a resurfacing project at the Skatepark, a $275,000 contract was awarded to Bohannan Houston Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.