The Cripple Creek City Council appointed Zeb Pennock to serve as the city’s Ward 5 representative at its Aug. 5 meeting.

The position became vacant when former Councilmember Jared Bowman stepped down due to a move from the area. Pennock will remain on council for the remainder of the term with the seat becoming open during the next Ward 5 election cycle.

Employee Melissa Beatty was presented a plaque in appreciation for her longtime service as secretary for the city. Beatty is retiring following “29 years, nine months and nine days,” saying she was grateful for her time working with the city and will “miss the customers, people and staff.”

Behavioral health crises

In his report to council, Police Chief Bud Bright said the department has partnered with Solari Crisis and Human Services, which operates the statewide contact center that powers 988 Colorado and Colorado Crisis Services.

According to its website, “Solari serves as the unified infrastructure provider for all local mental and behavioral health crisis operations.”

Bright said that departmental policy is to turn over “behavioral health crises” to behavioral health professionals.”

Bright said Solari is structured as a support system allowing the police department to work with professionals who are trained to evaluate behavioral health situations, adding that “a behavioral health crisis is not a crime … (but a) behavior.”

The partnership will help “save the Police Department from getting involved in areas they shouldn’t be,” Bright said, adding that “dispatchers are currently going through training.”

Promotional video

Cripple Creek, supported by its Main Street program, approved a contract with Five & Dime Studios to produce a promotional video. The 27-minute video will showcase the city’s history, Butte Theater, resident donkeys, museums and other related historical information. The cost of the production is $27,000 and funded with a matching grant of $13,500 with the city committing $10,000 and the 2 Mile High Club donating $3,500.

Off-Road Travel TV

Ken Faught of Off-Road Travel TV spoke to council about his upcoming plans to film in the city and surrounding areas for three weeks. He said they will focus on the city’s off-road amenities, exploring the trails, riding the train, visiting the donkeys and museums, plus give tips on things to do and where to stay while in Cripple Creek.

Parks & Recreation receives grants

Council gave approval for a Great Outdoors Colorado Community Impact Grant agreement for the Southern Teller County Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan. The $150,000 grant includes a 10% match-split of $15,000 which is divided between Teller County, Cripple Creek and Victor. According to Parks and Recreation Director Becky Franks, the total project is slated to begin in 2027.

Additionally, Franks said the city was awarded a Colorado Parks and Wildlife grant to install 3D animal targets and signage for an archery range at the “Wildlife Adventure Park,” which is close to the city’s Mountain View Adventure Park, southwest of the city. Franks said the department will provide safety training and orientation classes which are required prior to use of the archery range.

Franks said that her department is also seeking match funds from the city for the funding of a GOCO grant in 2027 to host Mile High Youth Corps to perform trail construction and maintenance.