CENTRAL CITY — Strong winds knocked out power across parts of Central City on December 9, leaving commissioners to conduct their meeting in a dim room with no lights and limited equipment. They raised their voices to be heard and moved steadily through the agenda.

The Gilpin County Commissioners convened at 9 a.m. with Chair Sandy Hollingsworth noting the recent loss of Senator Faith Winters, who died in a multi-vehicle crash November 26, and wishing the community peace after Thanksgiving.

Consent agenda approved

The board approved the full consent agenda with no discussion. Items included Treasurer and Clerk reports, graywater regulations, fee schedules, personnel resolutions, the 2026 Silicon Plains agreement, appraisal services, the Gravity Audit agreement, and approval to apply for and accept the EPIC grant. Minutes from October 28 and November 18 were also approved.

New hire welcomed

Sheriff Armstrong and Detentions Division Chief Zak Adami introduced Charles Johnson, a new detentions officer with 20 years of DOC experience and recent work teaching CDL training for veterans.

Z Stop liquor license renewal

The annual liquor license renewal for Z Casino Black Hawk Operator LLC (Z Stop Gas Station) passed 3-0.

Voting equipment contract

The board approved Resolution 25-135, entering into a new three-year agreement with Clear Ballot Group, which matched prior pricing and offered support for two elections if signed before year-end.

Property leases at Dakota Hill

• Pano AI

The board approved Resolution 25-133, updating Pano AI’s wildfire-camera lease to comply with Forest Service requirements.

• United Power

Resolution 25-141 updated United Power’s tower lease under the same guidelines. It passed unanimously.

Public hearings

The board recessed at 9:39 a.m. and reconvened as the Board of Adjustment.

BOA 25-4: Temporary housing extension

Applicants Deborah Peck and Marcia Renslow asked to extend their temporary housing permit at 304 Genevas Way. Their construction progress stalled earlier in the year due to heavy snow, a contractor switch, and widespread labor shortages. Staff confirmed progress had since improved from roughly 20 percent to nearly 50 percent.

Peck said their builder is facing the same workforce shortage many contractors now report, and delays have also affected window and door manufacturing. The couple sold their former home to secure financing and cannot afford alternative housing during construction.

No public comments were offered.

The board approved the extension 3-0, aligning the expiration with the building permit date of April 1, 2027, with all staff-recommended conditions.

BOA 25-2: Early reapplication request

Community Development requested permission to resubmit a previously denied fence-height variance before the 12-month waiting period. Staff now has corrected measurements, clearer visuals, and clarified zoning standards.

The board approved the early reapplication request 3-0.

Supplemental appropriations

Interim Finance Director Lorna Plamondon presented Resolution 25-132, adjusting the 2025 budget. Updates included:

+ $141,889 in General Fund gaming revenue

+ $100,000 to Timberline Fire

+ $8,889 statutory transfer to Public Health

+ $33,000 to Coroner deputy wages

+ $54,971 Youth Challenge grant revenue for Parks and Recreation

There were also increased health-benefit costs for the library ($22,000), Human Services ($32,000), and Public Health ($22,000)

The resolution passed 3-0.

Advertising Panel appointments

The board approved Resolution 25-144, appointing:

Jessica LaFone: 3-year term

Brianna Schroth: 2-year term

Shaun Wicen: 1-year term

Human Services update

Director Janey Barker spoke about the Governor’s proposed changes at the Colorado Department of Human Services and how they may affect county programs. She noted several areas likely to shift in 2026, including funding structures, workflow requirements, and reporting expectations for counties. She will bring more details forward as the state finalizes its guidance.

County Attorney report

County Attorney Jack Reutzel reviewed ongoing contract work, preparations for the Board of Assessment Appeals, open records assistance, and ongoing revisions to the Land Use Code.

County Manager report

County Manager Ray Rears reviewed 2026 scheduling changes:

1. Move the February 3 work session to February 17

2. Move the November 3 work session to November 17

3. Cancel the December work session

4. Cancel the May 26 work session due to a scheduling conflict

He also noted the county will sign a letter confirming its $3,450 commitment toward DRCOG aerial imagery. A December 15 special meeting will consider adopting the 2026 budget.

Meeting close

After most of the morning without electricity, the power came back on near the end of the meeting. No final public comments were offered. The board adjourned to executive session for negotiation strategy and legal advice regarding the Early Childhood Council selection and the Mountain Kids Early Learning Center.

The next meeting is scheduled for December 15 at 9 a.m. in the Historic Courthouse. The public can attend either in person or through the county’s virtual meeting platform.