Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On Tuesday, February 2, 2021, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) met online at 12:30 p.m. for a regular meeting. Commissioners Linda Isenhart, Web Sill and Sandy Hollingsworth were in attendance. County Attorney Brad Benning and County Manager Abel Montoya were also present. Highlights included the Black History Month Proclamation, a Covid-19 update and a vote to pursue allocating a shooting range with Clear Creek County.

The County of Gilpin recognizes the people of African American heritage in the development of Central City, churches, Lincoln Hills and other aspects of the history of Gilpin County. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements and has been recognized by every President since 1976, and Gilpin additionally names February as Black History Month. 

Emergency Manager Nate Whittington and Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht presented the Covid-19 update. In the last 11 months, Gilpin has had a total of 149 cases, with eight in the last 14 days. Positivity rate is 1.8% and the incidence rate is 160 per 100,000 residents. The State will be moving to a new dial.

“Vaccination clinics are going pretty smoothly,” says Albrecht, with 459 first doses and 187 second doses having been administered. 

Vaccination administrations have moved to the Ameristar with a drive-thru site slated for the future. Gilpin Ambulance and Timberline continue to help with operations.  

A supplement to the 2021 budget for costs associated with the Gilpin County Vaccination Plan in the amount of $150,000 was approved with all in favor.

Hollingsworth made a motion to approve and adopt the prior board’s policy of supporting the shooting range with Clear Creek County (CCC) that includes the allocation of $400,000 with the condition of an IGA with CCC and USFS. It was approved 2-1.

Benning presented the Legal Status Report which included a zoning matter at 26 Hornblend Place because there are at least 14 unlicensed vehicles on the property. Travis Knight, the owner, is handicapped and owes roughly $19,000. It is up to the board to enforce the issue, which has been going on for nearly two years. The board has decided to pursue it.  

The County Manager Status Report included an update on the Human Services building with February 22 slated as its business opening.  

Montoya addressed a recent article about employee salaries. The article in the Weekly Register Call misrepresented salaries as raises. Montoya said, “The county put a freeze on merit increases for both 2020 and 2021. Salaries must be publicly posted in February and June.” 

The Board of County Commissioners Status Report presented the notice of public meetings, including the next BoCC meeting on February 16 at 9 a.m.

Sharon Cate presented the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) need for representation from Gilpin County. Residents at large can represent the aging to advocate for seniors at state and local levels. A motion was made, and all were in favor.

The meeting minutes for January 19 were approved with minor changes. All were in favor.

A public comment was made, and the meeting was adjourned.

The next regular meeting for the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at 9 a.m. virtually and can be accessed by following the instructions on the current agenda on the Gilpin County Commissioners website at http://www.gilpincounty.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=9285259&pageId=11072364

(Originally published in the February 4, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)