Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met online at 9 a.m. for a regular meeting. Commissioners Linda Isenhart, Web Sill, and Sandy Hollingsworth were in attendance. County Attorney Brad Benning and County Manager Abel Montoya were also present. Highlights included the Covid-19 Update, Sheriff’s Report and a contract with an internet auction provider to sell some unused properties.  

Following the Call to Order and Agenda Review, Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht gave the Covid-19 update. There have been 11 cases in the past seven days; that may include some from last week. Fifty-one percent of the county residents have been vaccinated with their first dose and 45 percent have been fully vaccinated. There is still a vaccine clinic at Ameristar Casino until the end of May. Smaller clinics will take over after that as needed.

Director Kayla Lowe delivered the first quarter report for Eagle’s Nest Early Learning Center. Thirty-three children are enrolled, which is a little over half capacity yet there is a wait list due to teacher shortages. 

Albrecht presented the contract to renew the public health contract from CDPHE, which was tabled until June 1.

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong presented the April Monthly Sheriff’s Office Report. There was an increase in 911 calls and domestic violence cases. There were no homicides. The department is looking for an additional cook to provide the senior meals the office provides. The Board decided to sign a four-year contract with Runbeck who is the current vendor and is the least expensive. All were in favor. 

Other significant events included a report of a person approaching porches near Hughesville who was apprehended shortly afterward with a small amount of heroin.

Senior Coordinator and Transportation Advisor Mary Ellen Makosky presented the yearly sub-contractor service agreement renewals with Volunteers of America for transportation and nutrition services. 

There are currently five volunteers, but Makosky said she is always looking for more help. Makosky is starting minimal medical transportation and wants to eventually do grocery trips for seniors. All were in favor of the renewal.

County Treasurer Mary Lorenz said Gilpin County currently owns 208 properties that it uses for the courthouse, justice center, parks and rec., etc. Over time the county has acquired 65 unused properties through treasury deeds, meaning the owner did not pay the taxes and the county eventually attained the property. 

The Treasurer’s Office wants to contract with an internet auction provider, SRI, for 17 of the properties. If they sell for the amount that is listed, the properties would garner $66,870 in revenue. After a discussion on the properties to be listed with Montoya and Lorenz, the board unanimously voted to sign the contract for auctioning the unused properties as long as there is commissioner review and the term “illegal alien” is replaced with “undocumented immigrant.”

Some property owners off of Willow Lane have raised concerns with the present location of a cross culvert in the Willow Lane cul-de-sac and claim that it creates runoff and excessive “siltation,” which Gilpin County disputed. To resolve the issue and come to an agreement after years of discussion, the County has agreed to install a new cross culvert equipped with an erosion control basin. All were in favor of approving the culvert agreement.  

The Board of County Commissioners Status Report included a Notice of Public Meetings on June 1 and 15 as regular board meetings.  

There was a motion to accept the resignation of David Sietsema from the Planning Commission and all were, regretfully, in favor.

A motion was made to approve the Trail Courtesy Campaign, which aims to strengthen awareness on outdoor activities. All were in favor.

Consideration of Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes for May 4, 2021 was made and the minutes were approved with all in favor. 

No public or press comments were made and the meeting adjourned.

(Originally published in the May 27, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)