CENTRAL CITY — Gilpin County is still looking for ways to bring more affordable housing to the area, since the original plan for a regional housing authority seems unlikely to move forward.

At the October 27, 2026, meeting of the Gilpin Commissioners, Community Development Director Jamie Boyle explained the status of the project, which began in 2024.

The original partners were Gilpin County, Nederland, and Lyons. Lyons has since dropped out, while Nederland is still interested, although discussions have slowed. Central City remains an informal partner, while Black Hawk has indicated it is out.

Boyle said that staff is now considering a different arrangement, one that could involve working with an existing housing authority or forming a less formal partnership.

"So, at this point, flexibility really is the main objective," Boyle said.

Commissioners approved Resolution 26-102, allowing the County to request an additional $45,000 in state funding and extend the project through March 31, 2028.

The new money doesn't require a local match, and the County still has $9,666 left to spend from its original commitment.

Boyle said some of the funding could pay for a consultant to help.

The group also discussed Gilpin's lack of water and sewer infrastructure, which makes larger housing projects difficult without help from neighboring towns.

Nothing has been settled yet. Boyle said any agreements would return to the commissioners for approval.

Mold concerns return

Resident Astral Carr was back at the commissioners' meeting to dispel misinformation about Gilpin Mountain Kids Early Learning Center.

 "I was accused of spreading some misinformation. So, I'd like to address that real quick. I've only presented myself with facts."

"I'm not here for my own personal amusement," Carr said, explaining that he was worried about the children.

He disagreed with earlier descriptions of mold being found beneath just two floor tiles, saying the affected area was closer to 10 by 20 feet.

Carr also said he hadn't received answers to his questions and asked for a public meeting with parents, officials, and anyone else concerned.

Public Health Director Alisa Witt was there to respond. She said she has continued speaking with experts, including the director of the laboratory that analyzed an earlier sample.

Witt said the black substance found beneath the flooring had been addressed, but she questioned whether it was all actually mold. She said testing confirmed mold on the underside of some tiles, where children wouldn't have direct contact with it.

She also said she had spoken with a flooring inspector who didn't believe the problem warranted tearing out and replacing the entire floor.

Witt explained that mold testing isn't always reliable for determining health risks because conditions can change quickly.

"Mold is something that every human being is exposed to at all times," she said.

Witt maintained that the available evidence doesn't show a danger to children or staff. She also said another round of testing was being done that day.

A public meeting is planned once the results are available, but a date has yet to be set.

Commissioner Susan Berumen said the dirt that had built up along the foundation of the learning center has been removed and the area regraded to correct moisture problems.

Carr continued speaking out of turn while commissioners questioned Witt and was asked to let the discussion proceed.

Later, Berumen thanked him for coming but asked him to "help maintain a sense of decorum in our meetings."

Fire ban over

Gilpin County lifted its fire restrictions on September 28, but commissioners made it official Tuesday, unanimously approving Resolution 26-099.

Undersheriff Greg Demo explained that Sheriff Kevin Armstrong made the decision after consulting neighboring counties, fire officials, and the U.S. Forest Service.

The county had been under Stage 2 restrictions earlier in the season before dropping to Stage 1 on September 8.

Demo said officials continue to monitor conditions and could recommend restrictions again if necessary.

There was also some optimism about the weather, with cooler temperatures and possible precipitation in the forecast.

More people using food pantries

The County's food pantry is seeing more people asking for help, according to Deputy Human Services Director David Josselyn.

"We have numbers now for unique households that are greater than during the COVID-19 pandemic," he told commissioners.

Josselyn was there to discuss Resolution 26-100, an agreement with the Food Bank of the Rockies to provide additional food and assistance during disasters.

He reminded commissioners that during last year's extended power outages, the organization brought in a refrigerated truck to help keep food from spoiling.

The agreement would put that existing relationship in writing.

Commissioners approved the three-year agreement unanimously. No additional County funding is required.

Bridge grant application approved

Public Works is hoping to get some state help with Tolland Road Bridge No. 2.

Commissioners approved Resolution 26-101, allowing the County to apply for a $255,750 grant to clean and repaint the bridge.

If the grant is awarded, Gilpin would have to come up with $63,937.50. The project is already included in the proposed 2027 budget.

The work would involve cleaning and applying a protective coating to the bridge's steel structure.

Rollinsville planning takes longer

Commissioners also approved a request for more time to finish the Rollinsville planning and infrastructure study.

The County is asking to extend the project through August 31, 2027.

One issue has been the possibility of a passenger rail stop in Rollinsville. County staff first tried to meet with Union Pacific in February, but the meeting didn't take place until September.

Now the railroad is asking for an estimated $75,000 reimbursement agreement to review possible station locations.

The extension would give the County more time to finish the plan and continue discussions with the railroad.

The next regular commissioners' meeting is November 10, 2026 (the only regular meeting scheduled for November). A work session is planned for November 17, 2026, to discuss food pantry operations, nonprofit fees, solid waste fees, and county policy matters on the agenda.