Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On August 18, 2020, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met online at 9 a.m. for their regular biweekly meeting. Commissioners Gail Watson, Linda Isenhart, and Ron Engels were present as were County Attorney Brad Benning and County Manager Abel Montoya. Highlights included a Covid-19 update, a discussion about applying for a variance to lengthen alcohol service past 10 p.m. in casinos and an approval for a second round of census texts. 

Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht reported that there are 17 cases in the county with six more tests scheduled today. The only hospitalization was the first case, otherwise all have been mild cases. Soon the county will be hiring an epidemiologist to help with contact tracing.

Emergency Manager Nate Whittington said the EOC is still working to ensure that the county has enough PPE for the next anticipated “wave.”

The BoCC received a request from Central City Mayor Fay and the town of Black Hawk for clarification and change of alcohol sales to casinos. The state has a moratorium on variances now as we move into the “Protect Your Neighbor Phase.” Cory Hoffman, Black Hawk’s attorney, confirmed that he would like to work with the state to amend the Governor’s Executive Order, differentiating casinos from bars and restaurants. Benning reached out to the Department of Revenue as well hoping that casinos that give alcohol out gratuitously could be allowed to do so since it is the “good will” of the business.

Engels remarked, “If we are the only place within 30 miles of the metro area with alcohol service after 10 p.m., I’m a little concerned that our casinos will be overrun by those same twenty-somethings that have shown themselves to be non-compliant.”

Albrecht said she’s had one complaint about “One casino that when it gets past a certain hour and everyone’s had a lot to drink, that masks come off and social distancing has been ignored. If the casino can stay on top of monitoring everyone, then I would be okay with it.”

Central City has made a compelling case though, not asking for 24-hour alcohol service, just an extension of what’s in place. If the county creates a strict model ensuring safety, then larger numbers can be allowed.

The board has heeded Central City’s request and will be working on it in the next week.

The Clerk and Recorder, Sahari McCormick, had some help from Ashley Martin in gathering the Clerk and Recorder’s Report from March to July. The county is hiring for Chief Deputy, the former having resigned due to health concerns. 

Because the deadline for the census has been moved to September 30, the Advisory Board would like to do a second round of census text reminders and cold calling. This effort would cost about $150 and would be less texts than the first round because it would not be contacting those who have already responded. “The impact to Colorado is huge and it’s desperately important to Gilpin as well,” said Watson.   

Isenhart made a motion to approve up to $400 for text messaging for the census. Engels seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

On July 10, 2020, Deputy Zack Myer was the first graduate of the Post Academy and became certified by the State of Colorado. Deputy Myer, while in the academy, was chosen for a Corporal position. Sheriff Kevin Armstrong requested that the board approve the promotion of Corporal Zack Myer with a $23,000 raise through a recently rewarded grant. Watson, Isenhart and Engels all voiced discontent that it does not fit the current model of raise freezes and seems unfair to other county employees.

The Sheriff’s Department is requesting to hire and/or advertise for vacant positions as well. In March a moratorium was placed on new hires, however positions that are currently employed but vacant could be re-assigned, said Montoya.

This deputy is the only one currently at the jail who can fulfill this supervisory position. Isenhart said given the circumstances and the need for a supervisor in the jail, she made the motion to approve the promotion to corporal at $65,200 starting salary. It passed unanimously. 

Further discussion between HR, Finance and the Sheriff’s Department is necessary and a work session has been planned. Engels suggested revisiting the policy on job posting, hiring, raises and promotions after the county’s massive reorganization.   

A motion was made to accept the revised contract for the finance software and all were in favor.

Montoya presented the Compensation Study to benchmark that county employees are being paid fairly. 

Business Analyst Jaime Tirado reported on previous community center meeting survey findings, saying that 36% of the county agrees with a mill levy to raise funds for the center and/or the Sheriff’s Office. Watson expressed concern that these numbers may not be enough to pass a ballot measure if it even becomes a possibility.

The board is hoping to return to their normal, biweekly schedule for meetings as soon as September 2020. Special meetings will be held for specific issues that require urgent attention.

The BoCC does not know if it will be able to donate to community service agencies this year unfortunately due to massive budget cuts.

Cars parked illegally at East Portal are creating problems for first-responders and notices may be given to deter this. Trash, vandalism and violations of the fire ban are also cause for concern.  

The next special meeting for the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners was held on Friday, August 21, 2020, at 9 a.m. virtually.

Meetings are being held weekly on Tuesdays during the pandemic and can be accessed by following the instructions on the current agenda on the Gilpin County Commissioners website at http://www.gilpincounty.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=9285259&pageId=11072364

(Originally published in the August 27, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)