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Gilpin County welcomes new leadership, keeps The Mountain-Ear

MINDY LEARY
Posted 1/15/25

GILPIN COUNTY – The Gilpin County Board of Commissioners convened on January 14, 2025, to begin the year with new leadership and significant decisions. 

Jeff Aiken was sworn in as the new District 1 commissioner, marking the start of his...

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Gilpin County welcomes new leadership, keeps The Mountain-Ear

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GILPIN COUNTY – The Gilpin County Board of Commissioners convened on January 14, 2025, to begin the year with new leadership and significant decisions. 

Jeff Aiken was sworn in as the new District 1 commissioner, marking the start of his first term after serving as a Central City Council alderman. Re-elected District 3 Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth also took her oath.

Among the highlights of the meeting, The Mountain-Ear was reaffirmed as Gilpin County's official paper of record for 2025.

At 8 a.m., First Judicial District County Court Judge Timothy Lane administered the oaths of office to Aiken and Hollingsworth. The Board then approved Resolution 25-004, outlining leadership roles and official appointments for 2025:

  • Chair of the Board: Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth (unanimously approved).

  • Chair Pro Tem: Commissioner Berumen (unanimously approved).

Key appointments included County Manager Ray Rears, County Attorney Fairfield and Woods, and Finance Director Joe Allaire. Public meetings will continue to be held at the Historic Courthouse.

The commissioners deliberated as to which publication should serve as the County’s official paper of record, a designation that ensures transparency in public notices. 

Managing Editors Becky Osterwald of the Weekly Register-Call and Barbara Hardt of The Mountain-Ear presented their proposals.

The commissioners questioned Osterwald about the WRC's coverage of communities along Highway 72 and Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) events, which represent significant portions of the county. Osterwald admitted the paper does not currently cover these areas but said, “We will pursue it now.”

Aiken raised concerns about the WRC's fact-checking practices, referencing an article claiming that Doc Holliday practiced dentistry in Central City. He described it as “sounding like a fairy tale.” 

Osterwald defended the paper and disputed the county attorney's interpretation of regulations for a paper of record, stating, “Your attorney is wrong. He does not look at the law and he does not look at the postal regulations.”

Hollingsworth said she notes that Osterman thinks the attorney is wrong and has not read the law, but added it is “a puzzling statement.”

Hardt emphasized The Mountain-Ear’s strong local ties, comprehensive coverage, and competitive rates. She noted the paper’s high readership, extensive coverage of all areas in Gilpin County, including Coal Creek and BVSD, and its office at 430 Lawrence Street in Central City. She also noted the paper’s 41 contributors, 12 of whom are residents of Gilpin County.

Hardt said, “We are entrenched in the community,” stressing the paper’s commitment to responsiveness and providing thorough public notice coverage.

Aiken moved to reaffirm The Mountain-Ear as the paper of record for 2025, with Berumen seconding. The motion passed unanimously. Congratulations to The Mountain-Ear for continuing this vital service to Gilpin County!

Then the commissioners designated roles in various intergovernmental organizations and their subcommittees:

  • Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI):

Hollingsworth: Public Lands, Justice and Public Safety Committees

Aiken: Transportation, Telecommunications, Tourism Committees

Berumen: Health, Taxation, General Governance Committees

  • Counties and Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT):

Hollingsworth: Natural Resources, Fiscal Reform

Aiken: Transportation

Berumen: Public Health and Housing

  • 911 Authority Board: Aiken

  • Upper Clear Creek Watershed Association: Aiken

  • Mountain Kids Early Learning Services: Janey Barker

  • Triad Bright Futures: Berumen

The Board discussed Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation's updated bylaws, which now include a representative from Gilpin County. To solicit interest in this position, the CCEDC has reserved the Teller House for events on February 13 and 14. This new development offers Gilpin County an opportunity to contribute to regional economic growth efforts.

The Board then welcomed several new hires:

Public Works Operator: Xander Taylor

Motor Vehicles Specialist: Valeriya Menhusen

Detention Division: Colton Tapia

Detention Division Chief: Zak Adami

Certified Detention Officer: Catherine David

Key Resolutions Approved:

Resolution 25-001: Appointing Linda Isenhart and Constance Reid to the Gilpin County Library Board.

Resolution 25-002: Renewing the contract with Rich Jortberg for commercial appraisal services.

Resolution 25-003: Extending the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program MOU through 2026.

Resolution 25-005: Submitting a grant application for the Youth Mental Health and Well-Being Challenge Grant.

The commissioners, serving as the Local Liquor Licensing Authority, approved the following licenses:

Last Shot: Renewal of liquor license approved unanimously.

Z Stop Gas Station: Renewal of retail beer and wine liquor license for the gas station at 1351 Highway 119. All requirements, including background checks, were met. Approved unanimously.

Public Hearing: Variance at 146 Dynamite Drive

The Board approved a variance allowing Brittanny and Tyler Briley to reduce setback requirements on their property. Berumen summarized that the applicants are working to get an unpermitted addition up to code and build a garage. One public commenter, a nearby resident, expressed no objections, and the variance was approved unanimously.

The Board discussed the upcoming work session on January 21, 2025, to address South Beaver Creek Road improvements, grant prioritization, and building code updates.

Gilpin County begins 2025 with new leadership and a continued commitment to transparency, community engagement, and effective governance. Congratulations to all appointees, new employees, and especially The Mountain-Ear for its continued role as the County’s official paper of record.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for January 28, 2025, at 9 a.m., held in person at the Historic Courthouse and accessible online via Zoom.