Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met for their regular meeting online at 9 a.m. Commissioners Gail Watson, Linda Isenhart and Ron Engels were in attendance, as were County Manager Abel Montoya and County Attorney Bradford Benning. Highlights included updates on Covid-19, a vote to extend the Emergency Declaration and relief grants.

Emergency Manager Nate Whittington presented the Covid-19 update saying that Gilpin County has two confirmed cases with one probable. Community testing in the form of a nasal swab will be provided for anyone experiencing symptoms with or without a doctor’s note starting June 2 at the Public Health building. They will be utilizing a scheduling system to keep up with the flow of testing. 

There are some notable changes coming to the Safer-At-Home order. Beginning on May 27, restaurants will be able to open at 50% capacity or no more than 50 people whichever is less with outdoor dining encouraged.

The Gilpin County Emergency Declaration is set to expire this coming Friday but the county has chosen to extend it due to many reasons, one of which is federal aid. Like the state, Gilpin County has been reviewing the emergency orders monthly. The commissioners approved the extension of the emergency declaration until June 30 unanimously.

Engels said the variance to open casinos is very detailed including protocols such as having every other bathroom stall or urinal closed and hand washing regulations. The County Jail would have strict protocols to prevent the spread of the virus as well. 

Teller County, who had also applied for a variance, was denied for casinos and bars opening because the state is still working on guidance. Engels suggested sitting on the variance for a week or more or just applying for the museum to open. A special session will be scheduled for Thursday, May 28 at 9 a.m. to address the final application for the variance.

The board unanimously approved a grant for History Colorado Education Scholarship application in the amount of $200 to send the chair and vice-chair to the virtual NAPC 2020 forum. 

Benning presented the Legal Status Report including Airbnb complaints and how the county has been working with the company to post the state orders on their website. Short-term rental regulations are being drafted and uses Clear Creek County as a model. 

The Board of County Commissioners Status Report included residential complaints of non-resident travel on their roads and an issue of a United Power line being partially exposed in the road. Montoya said that United Power has been notified. Watson suggested installing traffic count wires to get some data on the use of county roads.

In the County Manager Status Report, Montoya said he is drafting an application to DOLA for a grant for Covid-19 related expenses.

After adjourning for Executive Session the board reconvened to talk about a Sheriff’s Office Grant for backfill of lost revenue including salaries and benefits. Engels moved to approve the grant with corrections and all were in favor.

The Gilpin County Paint Recycling Program was a huge success last year and will happen again this year on Thursday, July 30, but residents will have scheduled time slots and will remain in their vehicles. There is no charge to the county or to the residents.

No public or press comment was given.

A special meeting for the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 9 a.m. virtually and can be accessed by following the instructions on the current agenda on the Gilpin County Commissioners website. Check the county website for the schedule of meetings held weekly, every Tuesday during this crisis.

(Originally published in the May 28, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)