The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) began the calendar year with three female Commissioners, a first in Gilpin County history. With the passing of Commissioner Web Sill in November of 2022, Marie Mornis was sworn in as his replacement during December. The Gilpin County Commissioners are Sandy Hollingsworth, Susan Berumen, and Marie Mornis.

Commissioner lsenhart’s last meeting was January 10. Commissioners Berumen and Mornis attended the New Commissioners Training on January 11-13, 2023.

Newly elected County officials were sworn in on January 10. Judge Vriesman swore in Susan Berumen as District 2 Commissioner, Kevin Armstrong as Sheriff, April Nielsen as Assessor, Mary Lorenz as Treasurer, and Sahari McCormick as Clerk and Recorder.

Though Berumen moved to nominate Sandy Hollingsworth as Chair, Hollingsworth asked of Mornis’ interest. Mornis shared her predecessor’s (Web Sill) plans to serve as chair in 2023. Hollingsworth asked if Berumen would like to amend the motion and she did. The motion passed 3-0.

In February, Commissioner Berumen was appointed to the Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation Loan Committee.

The Board was divided on a couple of issues in February. First, Mornis expressed interest in being appointed to the Northern Front Range Shooting Partnership (NRFS), but discussion occurred regarding Hollingsworth’s longstanding ties to NOCO 2050, the precursor to this initiative. Berumen moved to approve, Hollingsworth seconded, and vote passed 2-1 with Mornis voting against.

Another issue that divided the Commissioners was the County’s position on HB 23-1115, Counties and Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT) proposed rent control legislation. Mornis described how her family’s experience regarding other state government’s rent moratoriums negatively impacted landlords. She moved to monitor HB 23-1115 and not take a position to support or oppose at this time. Berumen seconded the motion which failed 2-0 with Berumen and Hollingsworth voting against. Hollingsworth moved to support the bill since other counties have expressed that it would be a useful tool. Berumen seconded the motion, which passed 2-1 with Mornis voting nay.

During March and April, the Commissioners had lengthy discussions on the Parks and Recreation Mill Levy to determine if the Board is supportive of a new mill levy after the current one sunsets, and if so, in what amount. Staff were also curious if the proposed mill levy would assist in the needed capital improvements and/ or operations of the Gilpin County Community Center. The Board’s consensus after the discussion was to support taking the mill levy to the voters, with Chair Mornis in opposition to a mill levy to address imminent capital projects.

The public made their voice heard in May concerning Resolution 22-3, Landmark Designation for the Russell Gulch Cemetery. The Gilpin County Historical Society sought the designation so they could apply for improvement grants. During public comment, five members of the public spoke in support of the designation to help preserve the history and prevent illegal access and littering. All the commissioners voted in favor.

Also in May, the Board decided to keep the 4-10 Schedule Trial Period for some county offices and shared survey results from residents and staff. Overall satisfaction of 70% was reported from staff with mixed support from the public. Pros and cons were discussed and the Board ultimately voted for making the 4-10 schedule permanent, 2-1, with Mornis voting against.

During public comment in June, many residents expressed disapproval of the proposed mill levy. Another resident disapproved of spending money on the restoration of the East Portal work cabins. Nonetheless, the Board approved a landmark designation for the cabins.

Notably, in June, the Board was divided on the issue of the development of a new Gilpin County Food Pantry Facility. A standalone building near the recreation center was approved with a plan development and construction-ready plans in the amount of $100,000. The motion passed 2-1 with Mornis in opposition.

In June, David Josselyn was appointed to the Gilpin County Public Library’s Board of Trustees.

September of 2023 was declared Opioid Awareness month, highlighting Gilpin County’s entrance into the Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council.

The Commissioners voted 2-1 in support of putting a 2.57 mill levy to fund Parks and Recreation before the voters.

Also in September, the Board approved two new positions: one in the Gilpin County Public Health Agency for the role of Public Health Generalist, with all in favor; and Gilpin County Community Engagement Officer position, which Mornis opposed. Mornis suggested waiting for the results of the staffing and compensation study.

Commissioner Berumen was nominated as the primary voter designee for Colorado Counties Inc. (CCI) legislative committee.

County Manager Ray Rears discussed a contract for legislative lobbying with Bowditch and Cassel Public Affairs, which passed 2-1, with Mornis in opposition, stating that being part of three lobbyist groups does not align with fiscal responsibility, and the extra $30,000 was not budgeted.

A special use review for 300 Swamp Angel Lane began in October and was finally approved in December. The applicant, Shoaee, is the Founder and Executive Director of Camp ACA, which provides a safe haven for at-risk youth, and people with chronic illness and disabilities. The members of her group have wilderness first-responder training, additional training and certification in outdoor education, first aid, CPR, and certifications such as CNA and special needs. The property had difficulty obtaining the permit due to its remoteness and lack of accessibility of the location, in addition to a mine shaft located on the property.

There was public outcry during an October meeting over an appeal to extend a temporary housing permit for 105 Conestoga Road in Black Hawk. Neighbors complained of hostile interactions with the resident, the burning of trash, and the lack of progress on the build. Ultimately, the Board approved the extension for a period of three months, with the conditions of demonstrating code compliance with sanitation (verification that the Onsite Water Waste Treatment System is working properly), no burn barrels, and 75% completion by February 13, 2024, which passed by a vote of 2 to 1, with Mornis stating she thought it should be six months.

Most notably in November, Eagles’ Nest Early Learning Center was forced to close its doors due to the mismanagement of funds, leaving a huge need for child care in the county. A previous financial advisor had instigated huge expenditures and there were allegations of theft.

Also in November, the Board restored the position of Public Health Director for the County. Rears reminded the Board that the key element is that Jefferson County supplied Public Health services to Gilpin County through an IGA that expires at the end of the year. The Board approved a new Public Health Director role in Gilpin County starting January 1, 2024. Creating the Public Health Director dedicated position limits the amount of contracted services that Gilpin County currently utilizes in this area and provides a regular full-time staff member to oversee Gilpin County employees in this department.

Budget talks were the highlight of December. The public expressed concern over the Parks and Recreation budget and would like to see the Community Center paid for out of the General Fund, stating that just because the 1A ballot measure for the mill levy failed, does not mean they do not want a fully open rec center.

The budget was approved at the final meeting on December 19, 2 to 1, with Mornis voting against.