On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met online at 9:00 a.m. for a regular meeting. Commissioners Linda Isenhart, Web Sill, and Sandy Hollingsworth were in attendance. County Attorney Brad Benning was also present. Highlights included the Covid-19 Update, a resolution enacting Stage 1 fire restrictions, and a discussion on Clinica Family Health surveys to gauge interest in having a healthcare clinic in Gilpin County.

Following the Call to Order and Agenda Review, Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht gave the Covid-19 update. “Fifty-five percent of our population is vaccinated and we still have clinics every week,” said Albrecht.

Gilpin County has had a total of 285 confirmed Covid-19 cases (2 cases in the last 7 days), 11 hospitalizations, and 3 Covid-related deaths.

Next on the agenda, a vaccination clinic support agreement between the County and Mountain Spirit Healing Touch was approved for $40 per hour, not to exceed 624 hours.

County Treasurer Mary Lorenz delivered the Treasurer’s Report. By the end of June, the County had collected 94.48 percent of taxes, which was met with optimism from the board concerning the County’s financial well-being.

Chief Deputy Clerk Ashley Martin delivered the Clerk and Recorder’s Report. Yearly funds collected are up $23,140 from 2020 and the department is fully staffed.

Resolution 21-07, imposing temporary Stage 1 fire restrictions, which prohibits shooting or discharging firearms for recreational purposes on public lands, was approved with all in favor. Sheriff Kevin Armstrong said that he enacted the restriction on June 17 and that more data needs to be collected to see if we need to remain in Stage 1.

The Sheriff’s Office requested an increase in the overtime allowance for the Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division. Armstrong asked for an increase of $50,000 to cover the rest of the year in case overtime is necessary to fill shifts. A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

The board then recessed and reconvened as the Local Liquor Licensing Authority for an annual liquor license renewal for Underground Liquor, located at 15107 Highway 119. They have met all requirements and all fees have been paid. Sill moved for approval and all were in favor.

The board then adjourned as the Local Liquor Licensing Authority and reconvened as the Board of County Commissioners.

Former Commissioner and Senator Jeanne Nicholson presented information on the Clinica Family Health Surveys. Clinica Family Health has been asked to adopt Gilpin County and do an assessment to determine demand for health care in the county. Nicholson said that so far many people are enthusiastic about having the service but that a final decision won’t be made until late fall.

The survey can be found at https://managemycare.clinica.org/mtn-survey or by clicking the link on the County website under “Departments/Offices/Public Health Agency and Covid-19 Updates.”

Benning presented the Library District Intergovernmental Agreement between the Gilpin County Library District Board of Trustees and the Board of County Commissioners. Hollingsworth moved to approve and all were in favor.

Resolution SBE 19-02P concerning a subdivision exemption preliminary plan at 432 North County Road was approved in regard to the finalization of documents.

Parks and Recreation Director Gabrielle Chisholm requested six additional staff to cover the front desk, pool, and camp at the Community Center. With the current staff, she reported, it is very difficult to cover when someone is sick, on vacation, or in training. The new staff request total is $43,923. A motion was made to approve; all were in favor.

The County Manager Status Report included a vote to approve an additional $12,500 to match the REDI (Rural Economic Development Initiative) Grant, which is designed to help rural communities diversify their local economy. All were in favor.

A motion was made to approve two amendments to the employee handbook to meet the requirements for the CESF (Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding) Grant.

Next, the Board of County Commissioners’ Status Report was presented, which included a Notice of Public Meetings. The next BOCC meeting will take place on July 20.

The NACO (National Association of Counties) membership fees are due in the amount of $450, which was approved.

Finally, the board considered the minutes for meetings on June 10 and 15, 2021. All were in favor of approving the minutes.

The next regular meeting for the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 9 a.m. virtually 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