Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met for their regular meeting online at 9 a.m. Commissioners Gail Watson, Linda Isenhart and Ron Engels were in attendance, as were County Manager Abel Montoya and County Attorney Bradford Benning. The highlights included a Covid-19 update, a fire discussion and the passing of Stage 2 fire restrictions, a health order to require masks in public and the approval of a variance request to allow table games at the casinos.

Emergency Manager Nate Whittington, Head of EOC (Emergency Operations Control), has been working with Public Health to develop mitigation framework to support the “Protect Our Neighbors” variance if it goes through by securing disinfecting supplies and PPE.

Whittington met last week with our assigned FEMA recovery specialist and has been working with DOLA to see if there’s any additional grants or funding sources outside of the CARES Act. The EOC is also working on a building a baseline for a second-wave response.

He also reported that the Evergreen fire, currently at 48 acres, is still under investigation. At 6:03 p.m. on July 13, 2020, G.C.A.R.T. was put on alert to roster a team. G.C.A.R.T.’S purpose and concern is for the welfare of all domestic animals in emergency situations.  G.C.A.R.T. assists firefighters in the evacuation of large stock animals and smaller companion animals in the event of wild fire, toxic spill, or other natural or manmade disasters that may occur in Gilpin County.

The EOC will continue to monitor the fire using satellite imagery that shows infrared data and aerial, in-time data of what’s actually taking place with the fire and where retardant has been dropped.

Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht said there are now eight cases and nine more tests today. All of the tests they have done on site have fortunately been negative.  

Albrecht reported that they are considering opening casinos for table games. Reconvened as the Board of Health, the board heard a variance that will be submitted to the state upon approval. Players should not touch cards, and if they have to, then there are protocols according to game. Where six feet of separation is not practical, then the dealer will enforce masking and hand sanitizing. Tables, seats and accessories will be sanitized prior to a new player being seated with sanitizer that is at least 70% rubbing alcohol. 

Albrecht requested a letter from both the Board of Health and Board of County Commissioners to support this variance request and the attached suppression plan. Engels stressed that this is still just a request for a variance, not an approval from the state. Isenhart made the motion to approve submitting the variance request to allow table games under this guidance, and all were in favor.

Still sitting as the Board of Health, the board discussed Public Health Order #20-10, which would require masks in public. Masks would not be required outside where distance is an option. Children three and under would not be required to wear masks. 

ADA cards stating the holder doesn’t need to wear a mask have no legal basis, says Benning.  Engels stressed that “If you do have one of those underlying medical conditions that you think disqualifies you from wearing a mask, then you should be staying at home.”

Engels made a move to approve the health order and all were in favor. 

Next on the agenda was the termination of the Public Health Order 20-2 that imposed a Stage 1 fire ban so as to go to Stage 2 Fire restrictions. The motion was made and all were in favor. 

Stage 2 restrictions, discussed in Resolution 20-10, was ratified by the Board. Watson noted that with the nearby Evergreen fire, county residents should have a plan and a to-go bag ready. Sheriff Armstrong agreed saying that there are not the normal resources available in case of a fire. Grills are allowed only if they are enclosed and use propane. All were in favor.

(Originally published in the July 16, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)