Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met for their regular meeting online at 9 a.m. Commissioners Gail Watson, Linda Isenhart and Ron Engels were in attendance, as were County Manager Abel Montoya and County Attorney Bradford Benning. The highlights included a Covid-19 update, a proclamation of gratitude to the Mountain Masks Project and discussions on taxes and volunteer pay.

Emergency Manager Nate Whittington presented the Covid-19 update saying that PPE has been delivered to the courthouse. Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht said she has met with the casinos for inspections to reopen and that it has been going smoothly. There are now 6 cases and two more tests today, which are administered by local paramedics.

Next on the agenda, the commissioners discussed the renewal of Colorado Communities for Climate Action dues which are $5,000. Watson commented, “They are a very active group, they called me to testify twice before the air pollution commission.” Engels said that the work they’re doing is very important for when we recover from the pandemic. The board decided to include this item for renewal in the 2021 budget talks.

There has been a delay in delivering mail-in ballots. Clerk and Recorder Sahari McCormick says ballots were lost in a shuffle in Denver but should be hitting P.O. boxes today. Watson suggests delivering your ballot to one of the three ballot boxes around the county. 

The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners proclaims gratitude to the Mountain Masks Project which has 60 volunteers and has made over 5,000 masks for residents, businesses, and schools. Several names of volunteers were read aloud by each commissioner to honor their civic achievement. A vote of all in favor ratified the proclamation.

 The service agreement renewal for Volunteers of America was presented by Mary Ellen Makosky who is the Senior Services/Transportation Coordinator. The agreement is for transportation and meal services even though at this time they are not doing much of either one. 

Watson said, “It’s very important work that you’re doing.” Nothing in the agreement has changed but the dates. A vote to approve the agreement pending attorney review with no changes was passed unanimously.

A new House Bill, #1421, signed by the governor allows commissioners to reduce, waive, or suspend interest on property taxes between June 15 and October 1. About 10 casinos have not paid their taxes with six that did not pay their dues before the pandemic and have been accruing 1% interest per month. 

Isenhart said, “We should continue with tax payments with interest if they’re late.” Engels commented, “They have had zero cash flow. It would be a gesture to casinos to waive it.” Watson said she agrees with Engels because casinos are the hardest-hit industry. The matter was shelved for further thought.

The board then recessed and reconvened as the Board of Health. Many of the general managers of the casinos have asked to open one hour earlier tomorrow at 7 am instead of 8 am to avoid long lines and large congregations of people. The board voted unanimously to amend Health Order #20-09 to allow casinos to open earlier.

The commissioners then adjourned as Board of Health and reconvened as the Board of County Commissioners.

The Legal Status Report included a report of a resident who has too many vehicles on their property who doesn’t dispute the claim. Benning assures he will keep the process moving to achieve compliance.

The county’s portion of the Cares Act in the amount of $536k will be administered by DOLA (Department of Local Affairs). Benning is working on an interdepartmental agreement between the two cities of Central and Black Hawk to divvy up the funds. 

The County Manager Status Report included a follow-up on county employee pay while volunteering for an emergency response agency, but was tabled for further discussion in Executive Session.

The June 9 and 11 minutes were unanimously approved. 

The board then adjourned to seek legal counsel during Executive Session. Upon returning, the commissioners discussed pay for volunteers when specifically responding to a confirmed fire. The move to incorporate this motion into the employee handbook was approved unanimously.

(Originally published in the June 18, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)