CENTRAL CITY - The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) held a regular meeting on April 22, 2025, at the Historic Courthouse in Central City, moving through a packed agenda that included multiple public hearings, resolutions, and land use discussions. Commissioners Sandy Hollingsworth, Susan Berumen, and Jeff Aiken were all present.

Green light for Russell Gulch reclamation project

After a lengthy public hearing, the commissioners approved Resolution 25-053, granting CRS, LLC a 1041 permit for the Russell Gulch Reclamation Project. The plan involves processing 50,000 tons of old mine tailings on the East Leavenworth Claim over a two-year period.

According to the applicant, "Tailings will be processed, and benign material will either be stored on-site or hauled off for other uses such as construction fill material.” 

The site disturbance will remain under one acre, meaning it does not require a general stormwater permit. No hazardous chemicals or explosives will be used, and all activities will comply with environmental regulations and Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommendations.

The project received necessary driveway and road grading permits from Gilpin County and is also pending final approval from the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS), which has already deemed the application complete.

One resident spoke during the public hearing, expressing concerns about environmental impacts—specifically, the cutting of fresh trees, which could attract pine beetles. They recommended following best practices for re-vegetation and sourcing appropriate seed mixes to prevent the spread of invasive species. 

In response, the applicant committed to working with experts and regulatory agencies to manage vegetation responsibly and monitor site compliance.

Food assistance revenue leads to budget adjustment

The Board approved Resolution 25-052, allowing a supplemental appropriation of $325,985.46 to the 2024 Human Services Fund. The adjustment reflects additional SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) revenue received from the State of Colorado.

Roadway vacations in Rollinsville spark concern

Two public hearings addressed vacation requests submitted by Rollinsville West LLC.

• Resolution VPL 25-01 requested the vacation of a 10-foot strip along Tolland Road adjacent to Block 00K and 182 Tolland Road.

• Resolution VPL 25-02 sought to vacate the 30-foot right-of-way known as Third Avenue in Rollinsville.

The applicants argued that historical surveying discrepancies and a permitted building encroaching on the right-of-way justified the request. They said the relief would allow for better use of small lots and additional commercial infrastructure.

However, opposition from the County’s Public Works Director, John Combs, stressed the importance of retaining rights-of-way for future infrastructure, drainage improvements, and public access to a potential rail station. 

Combs said, “Once ROW is given up, you may never get it back.”

Commissioners also discussed the lack of firefighting water infrastructure in Rollinsville, especially as future development increases demand. The existing buried tank near 182 Tolland Road was mentioned, but its current status remains unclear and requires further investigation.

Following extensive discussion about survey conflicts, property access, and future development impacts, the commissioners voted to continue both vacation requests indefinitely to allow for further research, site visits, and legal consultation.

CDL training program approved

The Board unanimously passed Resolution 25-050, launching an Education Agreement so that eligible Public Works staff could obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The agreement covers training costs through Excel Driving School, with a clause requiring prorated repayment if the employee leaves County employment within two years.

Homestead working group takes shape

With the approval of Resolution 25-051, the commissioners finalized appointments to the Rudolph Ranch Homestead Working Group. After some discussion, they opted for a nine-member structure rather than including two alternates. The group will explore possible uses for the County-owned property, which was acquired in December 2024.

Consent Agenda

The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included first-quarter departmental reports and four key items:

• Resolution 25-049 authorizing additional expenditures for special counsel services with Dagner, Schluter, and Werber, LLC

• Resolution 25-048, renewing a longstanding lease of the County’s Church Ditch water rights to Gary Gambino for the 2025 irrigation season at no cost to the County

• Meeting minutes from December 17, 2024, and April 8, 2025

• Planning commission appointments and a nomination to the Limited Gaming Impact Advisory Committee were also added and approved.

The commissioners then adopted Resolution 25-054, recommending the appointment of a Gilpin County resident to represent both Gilpin and Clear Creek counties on the Jefferson Center for Mental Health Board of Directors.

Legislative and financial updates

During board and staff reports, commissioners discussed ongoing GIS corrections, future policy workshops, and survey challenges related to land use and road planning. 

The Board noted a concerning 20.58% drop in gaming tax revenue for Central City compared to last year, which may influence upcoming budget planning. Recent changes include the downsizing of staff and the cessation of table games at the Century Casino.

The meeting concluded with updates on the May 9 public meeting regarding South Beaver Creek Road, wolf monitoring efforts by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and legislative concerns, including cuts to Head Start programs.

The next regular BoCC meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2025, and will be held at the Historic Courthouse located at 203 Eureka Street in Central City.