The Gilpin County Commissioners met online via Zoom on Sunday, March 17, at 9 a.m., a special meeting to discuss an “Order Declaring a Disaster In and For Gilpin County.”

All three Commissioners, Susan Berumen, Sandy Hollingsworth, and Marie Mornis were joined by Emergency Manager Melissa Lewis, Sheriff Kevin Armstrong, County Manager Ray Rears, and Attorney Brad Benning.

Berumen thanked Public Works for all their hard work in plowing the roads during the recent snow storm. The winter storm affected Gilpin County more strongly than anywhere else in the entire state, dropping nearly 5 feet of snow in some areas.

The Sheriff issued a disaster declaration on March 14 in order to get additional resources to Gilpin County for all the stranded motorists that were detoured through Gilpin County when I-70 was closed due to the storm.

Armstrong said that Google Maps sent motorists down Highway 46, Golden Gate Canyon, where they became stranded. There were at least 32 people set up at a warming center at the Gilpin County Community Center.

Some residents called in needing food. Armstrong said, “This storm has been extremely challenging for all of us.”

He added that the disaster declaration has to be renewed every seven days. Hollingsworth asked about the current draft having an end date of March 16.

Armstrong replied that he would like to keep it open another seven days to get some answers on recovery help.

Lewis said resources have been overwhelmed in the state and keeping the declaration open might allow resources to free up in other areas.

Public Works Director John Combs joined the meeting and said that the team at Public Works worked tirelessly to take care of the citizens of Gilpin County. He continued that they will be working to widen the roads beyond one lane.

He added that he saw something worrisome in the forecast: “Rain can be very devastating after a snow storm.”

Combs said they worked with Alpine Rescue to rescue a man who was stranded on Missouri Gulch and transported him to the hospital. The Sheriff had to utilize a UTV to reach the stranded motorist.

Armstrong said there were a number of rental cars and out-of-state cars that had to be towed from Highway 46 on Saturday, March 16, in order for Public Works to reach the roads and neighborhoods there.

Resolution 24-62 would renew the emergency declaration for seven days until March 21, and then will automatically end unless renewed.

Hollingsworth moved to approve Resolution 24-62, declaring a local emergency in Gilpin County in effect March 14 to March 21. Mornis seconded. All were in favor.

Berumen opened public comment. Amber Cusano spoke and said that Gilpin County has a considerable population considered in poverty and over the age of 65. She noted that Gilpin should have a dedicated fund for emergencies, and added that several people in the storm have been unable to get out to acquire medicines and food. She pointed out that not everyone has the internet to access the Sheriff’s Department updates, and proposed a dedicated phone number for residents to access updates and leave voicemails.

The meeting adjourned at 9:42 a.m.