On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met online and in person at 9 a.m. Commissioners Linda Isenhart, Web Sill, and Sandy Hollingsworth were in attendance. County Attorney Brad Benning was also present. Highlights included a celebration of Finance Director Clorinda Smith’s service to Gilpin County, the COVID-19 Update, and a resolution.

Smith has worked for Gilpin since 2001, and was celebrated for her service to Gilpin County with a plaque. The staff sang her praises, citing her quality of character and excellent finance management skills. A temporary employment agreement with Smith was presented by County Attorney Brad Benning. She would work at an hourly rate of $49.90/hour until a new Finance Director is hired.

Following the Call to Order and Agenda Review, Epidemiologist Kelly Schossow gave the COVID-19 update, since Bonnie Albrecht is on vacation. “We have only had one new case in the last week. Fifty-six point seven percent of our population is fully vaccinated and we have a clinic tomorrow from 9 to 10 a.m.” said Schossow.

A request to shift the emergency management planner position from grant-funded to County-funded was presented by Emergency Manager Nate Whittington. This position is needed to assist in grant management and the statutorily required mandates for the operations of the OEM. The request was approved.

Resolution 21-08, the disposal of abandoned property in the Sheriff’s Office, was presented by Evidence Technician Susie Allen. Sheriff Kevin Armstrong said that these are items that have not been retrieved by the owners and he would like to free up space. It was approved unanimously.

The Sheriff’s Report presented by Kevin Armstrong included five suicides and two homicides. Highway Patrol continues to help with traffic control.

The telecommuting policy update was accepted unanimously by the board.

COVID sick leave policy was extended until September 20 with all in favor.

After a discussion on vacation accruals, the Board voted unanimously to approve the vacation accrual one-time optional payout for those at 208 hours at the end of the current pay period. They have the choice to cash out at 50 percent or to choose a six-month extension into next year to use those hours.

Two full-time senior aide positions will be offered at a starting rate of $15.51 an hour. One will be funded by the County and the other will be funded by the American Rescue Plan. All were in favor.

The Board wants to rename People and Culture to Human Resources, since the designation has caused some confusion and the surrounding counties all use the latter title. A new organizational chart was presented and approved with all in favor.

A new Human Resources Director, David Woodlock, will be joining the County on August 2. Lorna Plamondon will be appointed Budget Officer for the remainder of the year. The County Manager role is being filled by the Board and the County Attorney. Hollingsworth moved to approve the changes and updates to the Gilpin County annual appointments and all were in favor.

County Treasurer Mary Lorenz submitted a request to cancel fees that cannot be collected. The business in question, Buffawhale, was not reachable at all. All were in favor.

Jeremy Kaiser was approved unanimously to join the Historical Preservation Society.

Next, the Board of County Commissioners’ Status Report was presented, which included a Notice of Public Meetings.

Finally, the board considered the meeting minutes for July 6 and 9, 2021. All were in favor of approving the minutes and the Board adjourned into Executive Session.

The next regular meeting for the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners will be held on August 3, 2021, at 9 a.m. virtually and in person, 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?portal Id=9285259&pageId=11072364 or by attending in person at the Central City Courthouse located at 141 Nevada Street.