CENTRAL CITY - On March 25, 2025, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) convened for a regular meeting that covered topics ranging from iGaming and child abuse prevention to liquor licenses, new employees, and legislative concerns. 

Chair Sandy Hollingsworth and Commissioners Susan Berumen and Jeff Aiken were all present.

iGaming

Executive Vice President of Monarch Casino Jason Gumer presented information about iGaming at the meeting, following a similar appearance at the Black Hawk City Council on March 19. 

Gumer, also the vice chair of the National Association Against iGaming (NAAIG), asked Gilpin to be the first county to join the association. 

He cited considerable losses in economic output and increases in problem gaming, such as societal harms like adolescent gaming and domestic abuse.

Since late 2024, a movement actively promoting iGaming has spread to Colorado. Studies on the effects of online gambling show an increased risk of gambling addiction and other public health, mental health, financial, and other problems, Gumer stated.

He said this is not just about casinos, but many different types of stakeholders, including the City of Black Hawk, the first municipality to join the group. 

Gumer mentioned that 13 states have introduced bills approving iGaming, all of which have been defeated. 

When it comes to gambling, sustainable business practices require in-person checks and balances, ensuring age requirements and intoxication levels.

Hollingsworth mentioned Black Hawk Chief of Police Michelle Moriarty’s human trafficking classes regarding how to remain vigilant in the casinos. 

Gumer praised Sheriff Armstrong and his staff for keeping the casinos safe.

Hollingsworth recommended that Gumer speak to the Gateway to the Rockies Opioid Council. Gumer expressed interest and thanked the Commissioner for the recommendation. 

The Board agreed to join NAAIG and passed a resolution to that effect. 

Child Abuse Protection Month

Janey Barker, Paige Sons, Marie Cosby, and Bethany Haas, employees of the Human Services

Department, delivered the Proclamation naming April Child Abuse Prevention Month.

All were in favor, and the group distributed appreciation gift bags to the Commissioners.

Liquor licenses

Mid County Liquors, located at 17218 Highway 119, submitted its application for a liquor license renewal. Clerk and Recorder Sahari McCormick said all application materials were complete and recommended approval. 

All were in favor.

Krystal Meyer, Special Events Coordinator for the Gilpin County Community Center, presented liquor license and special event permit applications for three Gilpin County events—the Spring Wined-Up, the Gilpin County Fair, and First Responder’s Day. 

The public hearing opened to comment at 9:52 a.m., but no one commented, and it closed at 9:53 a.m.

Meyer said more fun things will be added to the Gilpin County Fair this year, following the success of last year. 

All the special event permits were approved. 

BLE

Planner Rachel Vigil presented Resolution BLE 25-01, approving a Boundary Line Elimination in the Skydale subdivision. 

The applicant seeks to eliminate the boundary lines between six parcels owned in the Skydale Subdivision. There is currently a single-family dwelling on one of the parcels.

Berumen asked how large the area would be after eliminating the boundary lines. Vigil said the lot would be approximately 2.34 acres.

Hollingsworth ensured the applicant knew that Boundary line eliminations are permanent–Vigil affirmed this. 

The BLE was approved 3-0. 

New Hires, County Attorney and County Manager reports

New hire introductions included two new employees–Gregory Graham, the new office assistant in the Treasurer’s Office, and Bethany Haas, the new caseworker in Human Services.

County Attorney Todd Messenger said he has been working on several ordinances, including the Dakota Hill Perpetual Access agreement, drug-affected properties, and the designation of county roads. 

County Manager Ray Rears delivered his report, saying that the next regular work session is scheduled for May 20, 2025, and will be a joint meeting with Clear Creek Commissioners. Gilpin will be hosting the meeting at 1 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse. 

Central City will host a Joint County/City meeting on April 15, 2025, to discuss housing needs.

The meeting recessed at 10:22 a.m. A legislative discussion with Policy Matter LLC was scheduled for 1 p.m. today.

Legislative issues

The Board reconvened at 1 p.m. to review a laundry list of Senate and House bills, and to take positions of support, amendment, monitoring, or opposition.

In summary, Gilpin supports bills about the regional county jail approach, the expansion of the county lodging tax, and overdose prevention resources.

Gilpin opposes mandates for complementary behavioral health services in jails, expanded municipal land authority, and proposed changes to the Wildfire Resiliency Code Board.

The next regular BoCC meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2025, and will be held at the Historic Courthouse located at 203 Eureka Street in Central City.