CENTRAL CITY — Gilpin County is back to Stage 1 fire restrictions, and residents can once again use qualifying fire pits and shoot on private property with a safe backstop.

The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners made the change during its September 8 meeting at the Historic Courthouse in Central City. The commissioners also revisited the two Rollinsville cistern projects, discussed a first responder wellness program, and took positions on several statewide ballot measures.

The board approved the consent agenda and welcomed Chanda Johnson, the county’s new Human Resources director.

Back to Stage 1

Undersheriff Greg Demo said current conditions no longer meet the criteria for Stage 2 restrictions, although fire danger is still heightened.

With due regard to public safety, Gilpin County residents can now exercise their Second Amendment rights to practice shooting firearms on private property. A proper backstop is necessary, and Demo said it is up to the homeowner to make sure it is safe.

The Sheriff’s Office does not inspect or approve backstops ahead of time, but deputies may respond if there is a complaint.

Clear Creek and Jefferson counties are also in Stage 1, along with the U.S. Forest Service.

Rollinsville cisterns

The two Rollinsville-area cisterns have been in the works for some time. The County has been working with Timberline Fire Protection District, property owners, and others to figure out locations, costs, and who will pay for what.

The cisterns are planned for East/Gold Dirt and West/Public Works. Each will hold at least 48,000 gallons.

Strategic Projects Manager Jeri Brewer said staff looked at increasing the tanks to 60,000 gallons. The larger tanks would cost about 35% more for only about 20% more capacity, so staff did not recommend it.

Rollinsville Mini Storage and Timberline have each agreed to contribute $25,000 toward the West/Public Works cistern. The County’s commitment for East/Gold Dirt is $166,781.

Brewer added a not-to-exceed amount of $316,000, plus or minus 5%, for the County’s cost for both projects. That includes the tanks, geotechnical work, concrete, assembly, and equipment.

Commissioner Jeff Aiken wanted to make sure the plan was still to get the cisterns done this year.

“That is clearly the direction from the board, to get it done as quickly as possible,” County Manager Ray Rears said.

Rears said doing both at the same time may save money. He also said gaming funds came in higher than expected and the County is in a good financial position.

Wellness for first responders

The Sheriff’s Office is applying for a $55,000 grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation for a first responder wellness program.

Administrative Manager and Public Information Officer Tera Demo said the program would include peer support, counseling, wellness checks, an app, optional brain mapping, and a wellness room at the Justice Administrative Center.

Undersheriff Greg Demo said law enforcement officers are not always comfortable reaching out through traditional employee assistance programs.

“We’re not very open people, and we’re not very trusting when it comes to wellness,” he said.

The grant would cover a three-year pilot program without using County General Fund money. The commissioners unanimously approved the application.

Remembering September 11

Communications Officer Melanie Bleyler read the County’s Patriot Day proclamation. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The proclamation remembers those who died and recognizes local law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and dispatchers.

The annual September 11 Memorial Stair Climb will be held in Black Hawk. First Responders Day follows on September 12 at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds, along with the Buck for the Badge benefit rodeo and High Country Auxiliary flea market.

More public records requests

The commissioners approved an update to the County’s Colorado Open Records Act policy.

Rears said CORA requests have increased significantly and are taking up more staff time. Some are coming from in-state, and some from out of state, but the increase was not explained.

“Unfortunately, CORA is not the clearest of all statutes,” County Attorney Todd Messenger said.

Messenger also said 202 pages of proposed land use code changes were recently given to the Planning Commission to work through.

The comprehensive fee schedule was tabled until September 22.

Ballot measures

Commissioners spent a time toward the end of the meeting going through statewide ballot measures and deciding whether the County should support, oppose, or remain neutral on each one.

They opposed Initiative 85, which increases criminal penalties involving fentanyl and certain synthetic opioids. Commissioners questioned the long sentences that could result and what more incarceration could mean for county jails.

They also opposed Initiative 95, concerning cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Undersheriff Greg Demo said Gilpin does not report someone based on suspicion of their immigration status or conduct interviews on behalf of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The board stayed neutral on Initiative 108, which increases penalties for human trafficking of a minor. Commissioners discussed whether longer sentences would actually reduce trafficking and the fact that victims can sometimes be coerced into trafficking others.

In the end, the board opposed Initiatives 177, 85, and 95; supported Proposition NN and Amendment 87; remained neutral on Initiative 108; opposed Propositions 134 and 135 and Amendment 84; supported Proposition 137; and opposed Proposition 136.

More information and the language for proposed initiatives can be found on the Colorado Secretary of State’s Initiative Filings, Agendas & Results page.

County updates

Rears said the commercial kitchen at the Community Annex should be available soon. Parks and Recreation is reaching out to people interested in using it. Hollingsworth said about 13 people are waiting.

Commissioners also mentioned Human Services Director Janey Barker’s retirement and the interview process for the Gilpin Mountain Kids executive director position.

Cookies with Commissioners will be held on September 14 at 6 p.m. at the Gilpin County Community Center. A work session is scheduled for September 15, with the next regular meeting September 22.