GILPIN COUNTY - The Board of County Commissioners met for a work session November 4 at the Gilpin Community Center to review updates from several departments, including the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Gilpin Advertising Panel, and Community Development.

Emergency management update

OEM Director Steven Mingura presented a detailed overview of his department’s responsibilities and projects since stepping into the role earlier this year. He explained that his office oversees planning, mitigation, preparedness, recovery, and coordination with both internal and external partners.

“We had a three-year vacancy, so a lot of my current role is seeing what we have and how we could update those,” he said. 

Mingura is updating Gilpin County’s Emergency Operations Plan, continuity plan, and hazard-mitigation documents, which he described as “living documents” to be revised as conditions or regulations change.

He told commissioners that the department’s new “Genesys” platform is set to launch in early 2026, providing real-time hazard mapping and improved communication between agencies and residents. 

He is also drafting a new memorandum of understanding with GCART, which will transition into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit handling animal-related emergencies. “We’re working to make sure there’s no legal liability on the County,” he said, stressing that funds would not be released until the structure and policies are finalized.

Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth, who attended remotely, praised Mingura’s efforts to rebuild organization and accountability. “It just sounds like you’re doing a good job trying to make it more formalized and a true understanding of what that will look like,” she said.

Mingura also noted progress on egress mapping for emergency evacuation routes and said he is coordinating with state and regional partners to integrate updated maps into Gilpin’s new software.

Advertising panel vacancies

Community Engagement Officer Melanie Bleyler discussed two vacant seats on the Gilpin Advertising Panel. The group oversees the use of the County’s lodging tax revenue for tourism promotion. 

Bleyler said three applications had been received so far, including one from a resident. Hollingsworth added that if the lodging tax increase on the ballot passes, “there will be more funding available for GAP.”

Commissioners agreed to continue advertising for the openings for several more weeks to attract additional local candidates.

Proposed fee changes

Community Development Director Jamie Boyle introduced proposed adjustments to the 2026 fee schedule. She said existing fees do not currently cover the County’s certified-mail costs.

“We’re not trying to make a profit," she told the board. "We’re just trying to recoup our costs.”

Commissioners also discussed a $50 delivery fee tied to building permits as part of Ordinance 25-02, which would establish non-truck routes on South Beaver. 

Public Works staff explained the change would protect restricted roads while ensuring materials such as lumber and septic supplies can still reach job sites.

The discussion also touched on shipping-container regulations, with Hollingsworth suggesting the zoning code should “tighten up” requirements for residential containers under 200 square feet.

The next regular Commissioners’ meeting is scheduled for November 18 at 9 a.m., at the Historic Courthouse, both in person and online.