Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On Tuesday, March 16, 2021, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met online at 9 a.m. for a regular meeting. Commissioners Linda Isenhart, Web Sill and Sandy Hollingsworth were in attendance. County Attorney Brad Benning and County Manager Abel Montoya were also present. Highlights included the Covid-19 update and monthly reports from the Clerk and Recorder, the Sheriff, and the Treasurer.

Isenhart said, “It’s important for everyone to continue to be safe: masks, distancing. If we can hang tight and be patient for the next couple of months I think it will really pay off.”

Whittingon said he moved the vaccination site to the third floor of the Ameristar and that they can now have up to 90 people in the waiting room. Phasing into 1B4 will take several weeks. 

Montoya mentioned a program called Dial 3.0 that gives back more power to the counties who are at status yellow or higher. It may be released by the governor this week and possibly take effect in April.

Clerk and Recorder Sahari McCormick delivered the monthly report and a special audit request for Gilpin Motor Vehicle fee records to discover missing revenue from 2018. 

McCormick said, “In recording we are up in 2021 compared to 2020. Motor Vehicle is down.”

“Because of Covid in the prisons, the State is way behind with their tags. The goal is to have everyone caught up by the end of March. If you renewed online and you’re still waiting for your tags, just hang tight a little more.”

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong delivered the February monthly report. Victim Services saw an increase in the number of people receiving services. There’s been an increase in domestic violence cases since last month there were no cases, and gaming bookings have doubled. The majority of the jail residents are not county residents. Total  monthly revenue is $227,817 and year-to-date is $320,011.

There was a case of a drug-related death at the casinos where a deceased female had three large rocks of what they call “purple heroin.” There was a burglary of an uninhabited summer home that may have been used as a chop house for stolen vehicles.

County Treasurer Mary Lorenz delivered the Treasurer Report for February. The county has been careful how to spend their money and is only 2 million short from a year ago February.

Human Services Director Laura Solomon presented the Tri-County Workforce Area Agreement, seeking an approval and signature to continue the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Jefferson County Workforce, who has ample resources and staffing opportunities. The agreement was approved with all in favor.

GCART (Gilpin County Animal Rescue Team) member Norma Jones requested to rename Gilpin County Arena and Exhibit Building in memory of Cody and Shelby Allen, a firefighting couple who recently tragically died. 

Isenhart agreed they were a force in the community but that the county shouldn’t name two county buildings after them. Hollingsworth was for the name change, at least for the arena. Sill agreed the arena could be renamed or perhaps a memorial erected. Ultimately, they tabled the matter for future discussion.

Parks and Recreation Director Gabrielle Chisholm presented the Parks and Rec Agreement with Instructors as Contractors. The RFP passed with all in favor. 

County Planner Tami Archer presented Resolution 21-05, Adopting Revised Schedule of Fees, Development Services, stating five fees to be changed, with one concerning camping permits with a 30-day max and a $15 cost. The change-in-use permit would track home-based businesses and how they comply with zoning regulations and would cost a one-time $100 fee for the lifetime of the business. The matter was tabled for further discussion and a work session suggested.     

People, Culture and Finance Director Lori Schrayer spoke about the Generalist position, which would pay a salary of $63,000, which is lower than most counties. Hollingsworth made a motion, Isenhart seconded and the motion passed. Sill was not in favor.    

Benning presented the Legal Status Report which included updates on FAA, a zoning violation and the upcoming parking ordinance. All briefing is done for the FAA case and is about to go to circuit court. Travis Knight further aggravates his case by missing a date to title his numerous vehicles, and Benning will seek an administrative warrant and a judgment/lien against the property. All were in favor for enforced action against 26 Hornblend Place. The first reading of the parking ordinance will be on the April 6 agenda and if approved will be published the following week in the Weekly Register Call.  

The County Manager Status Report included the snow/ice removal policy for the county in case of an emergency. For smaller snows, the plows don’t run between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., but as in the case of the huge, recent storm, the plows will run at other times. A DOLA grant has a deadline of September 2022 instead of previously thought of as September 2021.

 The Board of County Commissioner Status Report presented a notice of public meetings which include commissioner meetings for April 6 and April 20. March 24 there will be a 10 a.m. jail tour and a 2 p.m. work session with Central City and Black Hawk Councils. 

The board then considered and approved the meeting minutes with minor edits for March 2, 2021. 

No public or press comments were made. Meeting adjourned at 11:51 p.m.

 The next regular meeting for the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 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