CENTRAL CITY - On March 25, 2025, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) convened for a full-day meeting with discussions that spanned land use and infrastructure to fire mitigation and funding for youth programming. 

The meeting included the adoption of multiple resolutions, a contentious public hearing, and extensive public comment on the County’s proposed Community Annex project.

During the first public comment period, several residents voiced concerns over the proposed $2.465 million Gilpin County Community Annex facility. Critics objected to the inclusion of a commercial kitchen and office space within the facility, citing budget concerns and a perceived lack of public input. Others defended the project, citing the importance of a secure food pantry as economic uncertainty increases.

The Board then moved into a series of approvals under the consent agenda. Resolution 25-038 passed, updating the bylaws of the Gilpin County Planning Commission. Changes include a new standardized interview process, performance standards for reappointments, and a ranked-choice blind ballot system for appointments. Term limits had been considered but rejected by the Planning Commission in a previous 5-3 vote.

The terms of Planning Commission members Melissa Harless, Jeffrey Green, and Sean Dow were extended by Resolution 25-045 through April 30, 2025, to allow time for interviews under the newly adopted bylaws.

By passing Resolution 25-034, the commissioners signaled support for a Mountain Passenger Rail station in Rollinsville. Staff committed to using grant-funded studies to assess feasibility and develop a station area plan aligned with the County’s growth goals.

Resolution 25-043 was approved to update the official appointment list. The Board unanimously adopted a proclamation naming April 2025 as Celebrate Diversity Month.

The Board recessed as the Board of County Commissioners and reconvened as the Board of Adjustment for a public hearing on Resolution BOA 25-2.

Petitioners Kristin McFarland, Michael Nuzum, Stacy Miller-Leonard, and Dennis Leonard requested a variance to allow a 12-foot fence at 601 Old Hughesville Road, which would exceed the county’s eight-foot height limit.

McFarland testified that the fence was a response to years of harassment and stalking by a neighbor. She argued that topographic conditions, including a mine tailings pile, rendered the eight-foot fence ineffective for privacy and safety. 

Staff had recommended denying the request, citing a lack of exceptional property conditions and concerns about setting precedent. After extended discussion, the Board voted 2-1 to grant the variance for a 40-foot section of the 700-foot fence, but the motion failed because a unanimous vote was required for approval. The variance was therefore officially denied.

After reconvening as the Board of County Commissioners, the meeting continued with a presentation from County Technical Services, Inc. (CTSI). Dana Foley stated that Gilpin County’s five-year loss ratio was favorable, with 47 claims totaling $463,900, well below the pool average. The County was encouraged to continue safety trainings and utilize defensive driving and de-escalation programs.

Later, the commissioners adopted Resolution 25-041, approving a $2.465 million contract with A.D. Miller Services Inc. for the Gilpin County Community Annex facility. The project had undergone significant value engineering to reduce its original $3.3 million estimate. Savings included relocating the building site, switching to wood frame construction, roofing with asphalt shingles, and moderating interior finishes and parking lot improvements.

The Annex project will be partially funded by a $650,000 grant, with the remainder from County funds. Commissioners added language to pursue additional grants and donations to support the project’s outfitting and operational needs.

Resolution 25-039 was approved, authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Colorado Judicial Branch for the 2025–2026 Court Security Cash Fund. Gilpin County received $92,000 from this fund last year. Without the grant, the County would be responsible for an estimated $180,492.57 in court security staffing costs.

The Board passed Resolution 25-035, allowing the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to conduct a pilot Air Curtain Burner project at the Gilpin slash site this summer. The burner will be used to dispose of wood waste. It will require an air quality permit and oversight by Timberline Fire.

Resolution 25-040 authorized a grant application to the Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council for approximately $400,000 to fund youth prevention services and purchase a new mini-bus for the Parks and Recreation Department. The funds would replace expiring state grant dollars and ensure continuity of programming beyond June 2026.

Resolution 25-037 was adopted to approve an agreement with JVA Inc. for engineering services related to the Rollinsville Infrastructure Feasibility Study. The project, supported by a $125,000 grant and a County match, will evaluate water, sewer, stormwater, roadway, and pedestrian infrastructure needs and inform future planning for a potential passenger rail station.

Through Resolution 25-036, the County approved a consulting agreement with C.O.R.E. Planning Group LLC to explore establishing a multi-jurisdictional housing authority with the towns of Nederland and Lyons. This effort, supported by a $104,000 grant and matching funds, aims to address regional housing needs and affordability.

Treasurer Mary Lorenz presented financial reports for November and December 2024 and January 2025. Resolution 25-042, the semi-annual financial statement ending December 31, 2024, was also accepted.

County Attorney Todd Messenger delivered his report, which included legal work on several intergovernmental agreements, ordinances, and ongoing litigation matters.

County Manager Ray Rears provided a comprehensive update on strategic priorities and administrative efforts. These included preparations for upcoming joint meetings with Clear Creek and Jefferson Counties, coordination with federal agencies, progress on scanning and records digitization, and policy development around workforce housing, ethics, and emergency planning.

During a second public comment session, community members again raised concerns about the Annex project, questioned budget priorities, and urged more transparent communication. Others reiterated support for the project’s mission, citing urgent needs among food-insecure residents.

The meeting concluded with the Board recessing into executive session under legal provisions for negotiations and personnel matters. Afterwards, Resolution 25-044 was approved, finalizing the 2025 employment agreement for County Manager Ray Rears.

A work session is scheduled for April 1, 2025, at 9 a.m., which will be in-person only. The next regular Board of County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for April 8. It will be held in person at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City, and online via Zoom.