GILPIN COUNTY – The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) convened for a regular session on February 11, 2025, at the Historic Courthouse in Central City. All commissioners were present.

Janey Barker and Lyndsey Denton provided an update on the Gilpin Mountain Kids Early Learning Center. 

The organization has secured its federal non-profit status, established a bank account and liability insurance, and is undergoing a licensing process that is expected to take 60-90 days. 

Jobs may be posted within 4-6 weeks. Discussions on County employee discounts were tabled until finances become clearer.

JR Engineering Consulting Services presented Resolution 25-014 regarding the South Beaver Creek Road restoration. 

The commissioners questioned whether the project could still receive federal funding after the Trump administration's recent freeze. Gilpin County Manager Ray Rears said, "We don't know what the future holds. The uncertainty of federal funding is a new variable." 

Hollingsworth said, "It's not that we won't ever receive federal funding, but the uncertainty now looms over us."

After deliberation, the commissioners opted for the lower-cost proposal of $332,590, which was approved unanimously. 

Division Chief Sean Wheeler and Jennifer Cook, CSU Extension Director, presented Resolution 25-024, the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. 

The 2025 plan includes watershed-hazard risk assessments, evacuation route analysis, and collaboration with multiple agencies. The guidelines remain advisory and non-mandatory. The resolution was approved unanimously.

Resolution 25-021 authorized a legislative services contract with Policy Matters, LLC, for $35,000. Though not previously budgeted, the Board explained that hiring a lobbyist is in the best interests of the County. The resolution passed unanimously.

The commissioners reviewed legislative updates and took positions on various bills. They opposed SB 25-119, which proposed changes to the Department of Early Childhood Education, and SB 25-142, which altered the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board.

They supported SB 25-045, which funds a statewide healthcare assessment, and HB 25-1147 with amendments for municipal court transparency. They also supported SB 25-0245 with amendments, which concern Onsite Wastewater Treatment System enterprise programs.

Resolution 25-023, concerning the Law Enforcement Recruit Training Agreement, was presented by Sean Wheeler and Zak Adami. 

This agreement renews training partnerships with the City of Lakewood, Jefferson County, and the Combined Regional Police Academy. 

The program, which has successfully trained 11 deputies, is budgeted at $8,500 per cadet for 2025. It was approved unanimously.

The commissioners also approved Resolution 25-022, which ensures officers repay training costs if they leave within two years, aligning the policy with new state laws.

Resolution 25-019, which reviewed take-home vehicles for on-call employees, was approved unanimously. 

Rob Gutierrez, Community Development Director, presented Resolution 25-017, focusing on applications for EV charger funding. The County is exploring Xcel Energy’s rebate program and the Colorado Energy Office’s Charge Ahead grant to secure substantial rebates for public EV chargers. The resolution was approved unanimously.

An easement agreement update for Red Tail Cabins was addressed in Resolution 25-018, reflecting ownership changes without affecting road access or rights. It was approved 3-0.

The Board then reviewed appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission under Resolution 25-020. Susan Meade and Jeremy Kaiser were reappointed, and Steve Slawson was appointed to a vacant position. All were in favor of the appointments.

During the County Attorney’s Report, updates were given on legal matters, including law enforcement contracts, litigation, and OWTS enforcement. Commissioners agreed to hold an executive session if necessary.

The County Manager’s Report outlined upcoming work sessions, including discussions on wildfire building codes, planning commission bylaws, and employee vacation policies on February 18, and gaming funding for law enforcement, drug-affected properties, and COOP plans on March 4. 

Additional meetings in May and June will address conservation funding and public outreach efforts. Updates on broadband grants and historic preservation funding were also provided.

In their reports, the commissioners detailed their participation in regional and state meetings, including CCI steering committees, the Housing Needs Open House, the Opioid Council, NOCO forest management discussions, and the Mountain Rail feasibility study.

New hires were introduced by Chanda Johnson, Human Resources Director. Lee Snyder, Khafre Roberts, Katrina Patrick, and Eric Kim all recently joined the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office. Eric Kim was recognized for earning the academic achievement award at the academy.

The meeting adjourned at 11:27 a.m.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for February 25, 2025, at 9 a.m. and will be held in person at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City, and online via Zoom.