Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On June 11, 2019, at 9 a.m., the Gilpin County Commissioners met at the Central City Courthouse. First on the agenda, Human Resources Director Susie Allen presented the guidelines for recognizing public servants. The Employee Recognition Program provides opportunities for employees and the Senior Leadership Team to recognize employees, team achievements and successes. 

The program specifics include a Shout-Out Award which allows employees to personally acknowledge the efforts of fellow employees. The Welcome Aboard Email Blast introduces new employees on a monthly basis and the Employee Newsletter is designed to communicate with employees regarding a multitude of topics such as new employee introductions, benefit updates and county happenings.

At 9:19 a.m., they reconvened as the Board of Health to receive a presentation by Bonnie Albrecht concerning the annual contract renewal of the Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE). If approved, Gilpin County would receive $26,236 from CDPHE for the term July 1, 2019, to June 1, 2020. If approved, the funds would go toward the implementation of core public health services and maternal child health programs. 

Chair Linda Isenhart called for a motion and Commissioner Ron Engels called for the approval of funds for public health services. Commissioner Gail Watson seconded. “All in Favor?” asked Isenhart. The vote was 3-0 in favor.

Deputy Clerk Sharon Cate presented the Liquor License Renewal Application for Coyote Liquors, 5312 Highway 119, Black Hawk. Isenhart asked for a move to approve, Engels created the move and Watson seconded. 

 Next on the agenda, Sheriff Kevin Armstrong presented the US Forest Service Patrol Agreement with the recommended action for approving the use of $8,100 for patrolling forest service areas. The roads patrolled include Upper Apex Road, Apex Valley Road, Mammoth Gulch Road, East Portal Road, Rollins Pass Road and Missouri Gulch Road. Emphasis for law enforcement patrols will focus on illegal off-road use, illegal cross-country travel, going around closed gates, natural resources damage, mudding and OHV registration compliance (permit sticker/license plates). 

Isenhart asked if some of the funds would be used for equipment and Sheriff Armstrong replied that he would rather have more patrols. Watson brought up the idea that, “Obviously we’re going to approve this, but I’d like to suggest that we have a joint letter from the board about the real time and money spent back there. I just did some simple math that over 30 days of the summer that’s only 1.3 hours a day. If you have rescues or anything more difficult, we’re spending a lot more time out there and if we collect our real time, maybe we can get them to cover us a little better.” 

The board then conducted a public hearing for the Temporary Use Permit #19-04 for the Peak to Peak Music Association to hold a Fourth of July Barn Dance at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds, 230 Norton Drive. The applicant, Kristen McFarland, applied for a Class B permit for the event which will consist of a bluegrass barn dance with arts and crafts, food booths, beer and kid activities. Peaceful Security will be providing security at all entrances and exits. All profits go to the Gilpin County School District for music programs. 

Isenhart said, “That’s really nice, that’s after you pay your staff?” McFarland replied, “We’re going to be giving a donation to the Gilpin School Music Department regardless.” She went on to say that this event is “not meant to replace Nedfest; our organization will probably be putting events on in Nederland in the future. This event is meant for Gilpin County by Gilpin County people.”

(Originally published in the June 20, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)