Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On Tuesday, June 2, 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. Highlights included a retirement farewell for Gordon Thompson, an update on Covid-19 and Human Resources resolutions. 

Public Works Director Gordon Thompson is retiring and heartfelt words were spoken in honor of his service to the county. Watson said she wished everyone could have been present at the courthouse to see Thompson receive an award.

Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht has a few people signed up to be tested at the new community testing happening June 6, 2020. There has also been one additional case of Covid-19 reported, bringing the total count in the county to four.

Emergency Manager Nate Whittington is helping deliver all the supplies to the testing site and gauging the success and scope of the project. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been collecting PPE and hand sanitizer to support the county in the next phase of opening.

There had been some question as to worship services since churches are not allowed to be open yet. County Attorney Brad Benning stated that individual pastoral services are allowed under the health order as long as social distancing is observed and there are 10 or fewer people.

Human Resources Director Lori Schrayer presented information on the revision of the 401a retirement plan, employee handbook changes or Resolution #20-08, and the continuance of copays to employees for telehealth expenses. Currently, Gilpin County pays 100% of employees’ copay for telehealth and the board voted to extend this option until September 2020. The board approved Resolution #20-08 and accepted the revisions to the 401a Retirement Plan.

After a lengthy review of the furniture purchase and installation at the new Public Health/Human Services from business analyst Jaime Tirado, the board voted to approve the contract with KI for about $65k.

Heidi Williams, Director of Opioid Response for the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and former mayor of Thornton, gave a presentation on opioid addiction. The Sacklers who own Purdue Pharma have been sued by the Attorney General for claiming Oxycontin to be non-addictive. A multi-state settlement will come in over the next 18 years, 15% of which will go to communities for abatement.

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong said about 80-85% of the county jail population have some kind of substance abuse and they have been working to get Narcan, a drug that can prevent a fatal opioid overdose. 

During the Legal Status Report, Attorney Brad Benning said that sports betting will be sought as an additional revenue stream but is still in legislation. 

The County Manager Status Report included a discussion of the CARES funding in the amount of $536k for Covid-related expenses. Community development permits, such as roofing or housing permits, have been increasing slowly and jail stats are still down in regard to booking. 

The meeting minutes from May 19, 21 and 26, 2020, were approved with no changes and no public or press comments were given.

(Originally published in the June 4, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)