The Gilpin County Commissioners (BoCC) held a work session on June 4, 2024, at 9 a.m. at the Historic Courthouse in Central City. The session was attended by Commissioners Susan Berumen (Chair), Sandy Hollingsworth, and Marie A. Mornis, along with County Manager Ray Rears, County Attorney Brad Benning, and Deputy Clerk Melanie Bleyler.

Director of Public Health Alisa Witt presented several topics to the Board, including a Field Worker Safety Policy, an ordinance concerning drug-affected properties, and a form for reporting illicit drugs on County property.

Field Worker Safety Policy

Witt explained that the new Field Worker Safety Policy aims to help county employees navigate and manage potential risks when visiting private properties. This policy was prompted by a hostile incident where a health inspector felt threatened by a resident, and cautioned that county residents might resort to violence against inspectors.

Given the issue of poor cell reception in some areas, Witt suggested providing radios for field workers. Public Works Director John Combs questioned the necessity of the policy for all field workers, to which the Board clarified that it would only apply to those accessing private properties.

Human Services Director Janey Barker noted that caseworkers are already trained to handle home visits and manage cell reception dead zones. Mornis inquired about the existence of a written policy, and Barker confirmed that it is included in their training.

Rears proposed the policy serve as a basic framework, with each department developing specific guidelines. He commended Witt for raising the issue and announced that a draft policy would be introduced at the next regular meeting.

Ordinance on Drug-Affected Properties

Witt then discussed an ordinance addressing drug-affected properties, prompted by an incident involving contaminated rental property. The proposed ordinance, based on Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) standards, would require homeowners to hire licensed professionals for decontamination, with potential condemnation if unmediated. Berumen requested another work session on the ordinance, now scheduled for July 30.

Form for Reporting Illicit Drugs on County Property

Witt explained the form for reporting illicit drugs on County property, which includes reporting paraphernalia. She has prepared a resolution for the next meeting.

Legislative Session Summary

Lobbyists Ed Bowditch and Jennifer Cassell summarized this year's legislative session, highlighting a Democratic majority and the introduction of 705 bills. Bowditch mentioned Proposition 50, which would limit property tax revenue increases, while Cassell noted tax credits for restoring historic properties and SB24-213, which exempts certain structures from county regulation.

Digital Accessibility Plan

Administrative Analyst Sam Bower presented the Digital Accessibility Plan, aiming to provide disabled individuals access to online tools and technologies. He suggested training employees and potentially hiring an outside consultant to meet the July 1, 2025, deadline.

Gross Reservoir Plan Amendment

Director of Community Development Rob Gutierrez discussed an amendment to the Gross Reservoir plan, switching from truck to helicopter transport for felled trees in order to address heavy traffic concerns. Felled trees and biomass will be moved from the inundation area and then removed by truck.

Electioneering Policy

County Attorney Brad Benning outlined the electioneering policy, which imposes penalties for violations, such as displaying campaign material within 100 feet of a polling center. For clarification, a violation could include a bumper sticker or campaign slogan within 100 feet of the polling center. Polling centers include:

Gilpin County Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City, CO 80427

Gilpin County Recreation Center, 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk, CO 80422

Gilpin County Public Works, 135 Tolland Road, Rollinsville, CO 80474 (light blue building on north side of road)

Benning said that violating the electioneering policy will carry a penalty of 120 days in jail and/ or a fine up to $750. The policy is effective from June 5, ending at 7 p.m. June 25 and applies during any elections throughout subsequent years.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for June 11, 2024, at 9 a.m. at the Historical Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City, and online via Zoom.