Minutes were presented from the May 16, 2000 meeting. The minutes were approved as published.

Marci Bowman gave the Treasurer's report (because Yvonne Kramer's son was in a softball tournament):
   GCCHLA:  $7099.26
   YG Fire Dept.:  $7173.60

Special Presentation

Sorensen assured the Association that every historic would not be reopened. She also said that by law access could not be denied to a claim if an existing historic road crosses the property. She said that if a footpath was the only public access, it would not be turned into a road. She also said that roads created by 4 wheel drive rather than historic use would not be upgraded to road status. She said width of all newly opened roads could be strictly defined as no more than 8' wide.

There was a discussion, and question and answer session following. In response to questions, the following points were made:

• driveways that go over historic roads could be vacated by the county.
• the county considers all properly zoned mining claims to be buildable. There is a distinction between defined and undefined access. Clear Creek Mausey excluded some claims when they plotted the area a development, and at the time, the county concurred.
• Title companies do not guarantee access in their title policy.

Commissioner Sorensen also gave a brief presentation concerning current status of the I-70 expansion project. She asked us to attend the upcoming CDOT public meetings, and mention some of the following concerns:

• Widening I-70 would cause increased heavy metals in Clear Creek. Who would pay for clean up?
• Widening I-70 would cause increased highway maintenance costs. Again, who would pay?
• The initial Mountain Corridor Advisory Board has no local or environmental members. It is comprised mainly of representatives from the highway construction industry, trucking industry and others who would benefit from highway widening rather than high speed rail options.

[Note: Marci attended the CDOT public meeting in Jefferson county. When she mentioned the make-up of the committee, the facilitators became quite agitated. After the meeting, one of the representative pulled her aside and told her community representatives and Colorado Mountain Club representatives have recently been added. Hmmmmm]

Old Business

He told everyone that those with an email address would receive notice of meetings, and items of special interest. Home and landowners will be the only ones included on the list, so be sure to give the name of your claim when signing up for the list. If you want to be included, but are not receiving these notices, or wish to be removed, please contact Bill.

• York Gulch Road - Mark read the legal definition of eminent domain. He explained that using this definition, formation of a Home Rule city is the only way to stop another Home Rule city from encroaching into our community.
• Another possible source of city funds is Great Outdoors Colorado. We may be eligible for these funds also.
• There was a group discussion of the pros and cons of city formation. Increased taxes and adding another layer of government seem to be the chief concerns of those against city formation. Having an opportunity to prevent the Central City pipeline, and possible encroachment or annexation by Central; and the ability to control the future of the York Gulch (Solar) community ourselves were the main reasons for forming a city.
• Mark said the petition can only be signed by resident land owners. We will need 40 signatures on the petition. Voting is open to resident registered voters only. We have 54 registered voters . We will need 51% of the registered voter population voting in favor of the city.
• There was a brief discussion of city budget matters.

New Business and Reports

From the discussion it appears there are at least one adult male and a mother bear with two cubs living in York Gulch. From discussions with Colorado wildlife, residents have concluded the male may be a problem bear relocated from another area. The bears are more apparent near homes than anyone remembers in many rears. The drought conditions have made them hungry and bold.

A brief discussion was held regarding various means of bear control, including proper storage of trash and mulch. (Who would have thought an old travel trailer wouldn't be strong enough?)

As always, we need more persons for the York Gulch Volunteer Fire department. PLEASE consider volunteering!!!

Next Meeting