Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On September 29, 2020, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met online at 9 a.m. for their regular meeting. Commissioners Linda Isenhart and Ron Engels were present as were County Attorney Brad Benning and County Manager Abel Montoya. Highlights included assessor valuations, Covid-19 update and an Indigenous People Proclamation.

The board met as the Board of Equalization to accept the Hearing Officer’s recommendations from the Assessor on property values. All the motions were accepted and carried unanimously.

Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht said there are now 19 cases as of yesterday and that we are getting closer to getting an epidemiologist. 

Emergency Manager Nate Whittington said the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) has been working with Jefferson County to acquire the ultra cold freezer for Covid vaccinations. They are celebrating day 200 of EOC activation.

A proclamation for Indigenous Peoples Day was read by Isenhart, “Whereas the County of Gilpin recognizes the indigenous peoples of the lands later known as the Americas, have occupied these lands since time immemorial, and continue to play a vital role in local communities. The County of Gilpin recognizes the fact that Colorado was built upon the homelands and villages of indigenous peoples of this region, without which the building of the State would not have been possible. And whereas, Gilpin County encourages all residents to acknowledge the historic sacrifices of indigenous people.”

During the County Legal Status Report, Benning reported that they will be moving forward on one of their zoning cases; Travis Knight’s property which has still not been cleaned up and carries a total penalty of about $6,000.

Montoya reported that he would be providing an update on our grant status, which equal 21, next week when all three commissioners are present.

Upcoming meetings include October 6 for a regular meeting, October 8 as a work session with no decisions, and another regular meeting scheduled for October 20.

The board then adjourned into executive session.

(Originally published in the October 1, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)