The Cripple Creek City Council met on May 20 and approved a resolution to purchase property located at 0 West Carr Ave. from Cactus Land and Development, LLC for the price of $455,000. The resolution authorizes the City Administrator to enter into the necessary negotiations for the real estate purchase. Currently the property exists as an empty lot; the city intends to use the property for construction of a new police station at some point in the future.

Police Chief Bud Bright acknowledged Diann Pritchard for 30 years’ service as a dispatcher for the city with Mayor Annie Durham presenting Pritchard with a service award.

“It has been rewarding to be in a profession where one truly makes a difference in peoples lives,” Pritchard said.

Goodbyes

At the June 3 council meeting, City Administrator Frank Salvato announced that he will be leaving his position following the recent sale of his home and upcoming move to Texas.

“The house sold, so I’ll be leaving,” Salvato said with a chorus of “No’s” resounding from council members and audience. Salvato has worked for the city as administrator since March 7, 2022, culminating over four years’ service.

Human Resources Director Carol Stotts announced that longtime resident and former employee Richard “Taz” Blevins passed away on May 30. He had served the city as an equipment operator from Jan. 1994 through Sept. 2008.

Building project

Elevation Community Land Trust made a presentation on affordable housing and a residential development known as the High Country Haven Housing Project.

Phase 1 development has completed three houses currently on the market, with an additional five homes under construction. An additional 13 units will be constructed under Phase 2. Although the homes are owned by purchasers, the land under which they are constructed has a 99 year lease at a cost of $100 a month. Home prices will be listed at an amount of $362,000 and $287,000. A $75,000 down payment assistance is available for qualifying buyers.

Legislative update

A Colorado legislative update was given by lobbyist Sol Malick and Stephanie Franson.

Malnick said 626 bills were introduced this fiscal year, adding that “We’re still very broke as a state.” Among other bills, they were watching Senate Bill 184 which addresses firefighter benefits saying that it does not offer equal protection for city, state and county firefighters.

Looking to the future, Malnick said the city should always be on the lookout for any proposed legislation that could affect the protections currently in place for the three constitutionally allowed gaming communities.

Malnick mentioned that the legislature is only one seat away from a Democrat supermajority.

The upcoming primary election is June 30.