Leadville City Council approved temporary use permits for all seven 2026 Lifetime Race Series events at their February 3 meeting with five new conditions to protect local businesses from race-day disruptions. Council approved first reading of a development agreement with Rabbit Ears Ltd for a four-unit affordable housing project at 640 W 8th Street deed-restricted at 100 percent area median income, waiving $2,250 in city permit fees. The board unanimously selected Spectrum General Contractors as construction manager for Tabor Opera House roof repairs and approved a $999,999 DOLA grant application for the estimated $2 million project. Harvey Craig, owner of Moe’s Barbecue, testified that Saturday revenues drop from $4,000-6,000 to $2,000-4,000 during running events when non-customers camp at tables and overuse facilities. Council members discussed whether the city’s $3,750 total reimbursement for all seven events adequately covers municipal service costs. Councilmember Rebecca Thomas disclosed a new appointment to the Tabor Opera House board and recused herself from financial benefit discussions.
Race Series Permits
Council approved permits for the Leadville 100 Run, Leadville 100 Bike, Leadville 10K Run, Leadville Marathon, Heavy Half Marathon, Run Camp, and MTB Camp with five conditions added to address business impacts.
The conditions require service alleys on Poplar Street remain open for Moe’s Barbecue deliveries, double barricades on East 6th Street with directional signage to businesses, ambassadors to prevent misuse of Moe’s facilities by non-customers, and additional no-parking signs on the west side of Pine Street.
Craig testified about revenue losses and operational challenges during race weekends. He said non-customers bring outside food, camp at tables, and overuse bathrooms while paying customers cannot find seats. Craig said staff face confrontations when asking people to leave.
Council members discussed fee structures. The city collects an estimated $3,750 total in reimbursement fees for all seven events. Council members noted the city charges $75 per hour for police services and questioned whether current rates cover actual municipal costs.
Affordable Housing Development
Council approved first reading of a development agreement with Rabbit Ears Ltd allowing four affordable housing units at 640 W 8th Street. The units will be deed-restricted at 100 percent area median income.
The city will waive $2,250 in permit fees for the project. Community Development and Planning Director Chapin LaChance said the development agreement represents the city’s second application since the 2024 ordinance authorized this tool for density increases in exchange for affordability commitments.
The first development agreement with Felcrest produced four units at 80 percent AMI currently under construction.
Tabor Opera House Repairs
Council unanimously selected Spectrum General Contractors as construction manager for Tabor Opera House roof replacement. The total project cost is estimated at $2 million.
Council approved a $999,999 grant application to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Energy and Mineral Impact Fund. Tabor Opera House Executive Director Sara Edwards said the DOLA fund was severely reduced this year with only one funding round planned instead of the traditional four, creating a $15 million statewide competition.
Thomas disclosed a new appointment to the Tabor Opera House board. Thomas recused herself from financial benefit discussions but affirmed her ability to make unbiased decisions on the construction manager selection.
Municipal Court System
Judge Courtney Holm and Municipal Court Clerk Bre Ortiz presented updates on court operations. Ortiz digitized the court’s entire paper-based system since starting in October 2025. The court previously had no software tracking payments, defendants, or compliance.
The new system provides real-time order processing and comprehensive case logging. Holm said improved tracking will provide better budget projections for 2026.
Economic Development Funding
Council discussed a $500,000 commitment over three years from a private donor to fund a business liaison position through the Economic Development Corporation. The funding will support a business concierge role.
Upcoming Meetings
The February 17 meeting will include discussion of ski-joring permits and wildfire code adoption. Council members noted attendance concerns, with members unavailable for February meetings.
The Regional Housing Authority meets the first Monday of each month from 1:00-2:30 PM, with the next meeting March 2. The animal shelter will hold an open house February 15 from 11 AM-2 PM.
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