Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On September 8, 2020, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met online at 9 a.m. for their regular biweekly meeting. Commissioners Gail Watson, Linda Isenhart and Ron Engels were present as were County Attorney Brad Benning and County Manager Abel Montoya. Highlights included a Covid-19 update, a discussion on an IGA and a public hearing on STR rules.

 Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht said there are now 18 cases. The application for “Protect Our Neighbors” has been turned in but she is still awaiting a response.

The board then reviewed the draft of an IGA between the County, Black Hawk and Central City concerning Proximo’s purchase of some county property. Benning said, “It’s a lot of legalese and standard terms for an IGA.”

Next there was a public hearing about short term rental regulations in the county, ranging from septic capacity to snow removal. County Planner Stephen Strohminger talked about pets, signage, noise, fire control, vehicle capacity and more. 

Watson had some questions concerning signage and vehicle capacity. Signs will be allowed albeit unlit and the amount of vehicles is one per bedroom. 

The public hearing was then opened to the public for comments and questions. Concerns were made about residency requirements, of which is currently lacking in the proposed regulations, recycling and the number of STR’s in the area. 

On the counterpoint, concerns were voiced by STR owners citing that they employ residents in the county and that their guests bring in money for the area by using the casinos and restaurants.

Watson then read emails that were sent to the commissioners, echoing these same points and counterpoints. Concerns included absentee ownership reducing available real estate, how additional regulation is unnecessary and the need for more commerce.

Watson, an STR owner, was not permitted to vote on the issue but did voice her concerns about not turning residential properties into full-time businesses and the need for at least some regulation.

Isenhart weighed in, saying the planning commission did a good job writing up the regulations because there have been a lot of complaints.   

Engels asked if the fee structure could cover the employee pay, and Montoya said the fee should pay for the expense of salary plus benefits for the code compliance position.

 With about 80 STR’s in the county out of about 2,857 total residential units, the percentage of STR’s is less than one percent. Resolution 20-15 short-term rental regulations was approved 2-0. 

The Legal Status Report presented by Benning included some briefing information on the FAA Metroplex case. He also spoke about a follow up with the Sheriff about parking ordinances near East Portal and along county roads.

The commissioners approved the minutes for August 6, 18, 21 and 25. 

The meeting ended with another opportunity for comments and questions that ranged from getting table games approved in Black Hawk to more STR comments. The board then adjourned into executive session. 

(Originally published in the September 10, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)