Talking health: Public Health Director Alisa Witt and her team discussed the future of Gilpin County’s Public Health at the Gilpin County Commissioners’ work session on December 5, 2023.[/caption]

The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) called their work session to order at 9 a.m. on December 5, 2023, at the Gilpin County Courthouse. In attendance were Commissioners Marie A. Mornis, Susan Berumen, and Sandy Hollingsworth, as well as County Manager Ray Rears.

The work session was called to discuss some topics outside of the Board’s regular meetings, including a Community Health Improvement Plan, Master Policies and Procedures Manual, and the CenturyLink Connectivity Status Update.

Alisa Witt, Public Health Director, presented the Community Health Improvement Plan. Witt explained that understanding Gilpin County’s needs can be challenging since many studies involve 100,000 people whereas Gilpin has only about 6,000 residents.

One highlight included the fact that Gilpin has a sizable senior population that is below the poverty level.

On page 9 of the Plan, concerning housing, 31% of households spend 30% or more on housing costs. The recommendation from the federal government is to not exceed 30%.

On page 10, regarding access to health care, a distinction is made between “Gilpin region” and “Gilpin County.” The region refers to Clear Creek as well. Health care access in the region is 66.6% compared to the federal recommendation of 70%. Witt said improvement in this area is necessary.

Radon is an issue in Colorado and particularly in Gilpin. Sixty percent of homes test above the level regarded as safe, and Public Health is offering free radon test kits via a QR Code in The Mountain-Ear.

On page 14, the regional data on bullying was 16.4% compared to 11% on the state level. On January 18, Gilpin Schools will be included in a data set study.

Gilpin has higher levels of youth marijuana use and adult tobacco use than in Colorado as a whole. 24% of Gilpin residents admitted to binge drinking compared to 18% in Colorado.

The Community Engagement section showed that the Gilpin public believes there is a lack of transportation, job opportunities, and varied entertainment.

Sam Bower, Administrative Analyst, presented the Master Policies and Procedures Manual. By having a set Gilpin County Policy, it gives administration more power to handle requests in a timely fashion. One addition included using the commissioners’ signature stamp in their absence. The stamps can only be used with express, written consent.

Public meetings are required to be on the website for a year. Gilpin will retain them for 13 months. The budget and financials will be retained on the website for 8 years. Anything the public desires can be requested specifically as well.

These additions to the Master Policy will be presented in full to the Board on Tuesday, December 12 at the regular meeting.

Jaimie Boyle, Grants Manager and Writer, presented a concern from the public that involved a letter from CenturyLink stating that several residents have outdated equipment that will no longer be serviced and that they could face a permanent outage. This is not about their modems.

Some residents of Clear Creek County have also received a similar notice. CenturyLink is not releasing any public notices; the only way to know if you are affected is by receiving a letter from the company. Here is a copy of the letter:

“As a reminder, the equipment that currently delivers your CenturyLink internet service has been retired by the manufacturer. This means we can no longer repair or replace your CenturyLink operated equipment, leaving your internet service at risk for a permanent outage. Note: This is not an issue with your modem.

“Contact us today to discuss your options:

“Call us at 877-523-5941 from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. CST.

“Or chat with us between 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. CST.

“You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

“We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to helping you through this change.

“Thank you for choosing CenturyLink.”

Boyle expressed how difficult it was to get information from CenturyLink on the matter. In the event this equipment fails, those with the outdated equipment will be forced to find another provider.

From informal conversations, Boyle gleaned that it is copper DSL insulation that is no longer being serviced or repaired. Boyle suggested informing representatives on the state level.

Boyle expects more response from CenturyLink in the next week. Hollingsworth suggested letting Senator Bennett’s staff know. A public notice was also suggested. The County would like to know who will be affected and are trying to determine a way to gather the information.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for December 12 at 9 a.m. and will be held in person at the Historical Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City and online via Zoom.