The January 3, 2023, meeting of the Gilpin County Commissioners was called to order. All three county Commissioners were present.

At the beginning of the meeting, Board Chair Sandy Hollingsworth said residents are concerned about mountain lions in the area. The County has a list of what to do on the website, as well as information on how to live with mountain lions.

In public comment, Barbara Hardt, Managing Editor of The Mountain-Ear newspaper shared an observation that inaccurate information is being shared about American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to The Mountain-Ear. The amount requested in 2021 and funded in 2022 was $25,000. No additional funding has been requested or paid.

Director of Public Works John Combs requested that the commissioners sign a letter for the State of Colorado Certification of Highway Users Trust Fund (HUTF) mileage for Gilpin County. The letter needs to be signed to receive 2023 HUTF payments. The December payment will be made this month.

So far, the County has received about $618,300 from this fund, which is directly related to the gas users’ tax. This amount is somewhat lower than last year. People are driving less and using hybrid vehicles. The County also has lost some roads because the expansion of the city limits of Black Hawk and Central City has incorporated them.

The Board approved signing the letter.

Sharon Cate, deputy clerk to the Board, introduced the annual liquor license renewal application for Z Stop Gas Station, located at 1351 Colorado 119, with a new expiration date of December 27, 2023.

The operator, Eric Persson, has submitted the required forms and fees, and the Sheriff’s Office has performed a background check on the operator and this establishment and has indicated there is no reason not to renew the license.

Cate said the business is in good standing and recommended approval. The Board approved the renewal application.

County Manager Ray Rears and Administrative Analyst Sam Bower introduced a resolution for the County Manager’s Office Fee Schedule. It had been brought back to the Commission after several adjustments.

Rears said the long-term goal is to have a comprehensive fee structure. Bower said that after the presentation at the last meeting, they made some changes, especially the fee for those wanting to provide transportation for County residents. The fee will be $200 to cover inspections.

The County will charge $100 for a license. County Attorney Brad Benning said applicants must have insurance and follow certain rules. Drug screening and federal and state requirements are included.

According to the resolution, the Board adopts an updated fee schedule annually. The Board desires to provide a fee schedule for the County Manager’s office that is justified in cost and which can be equitably applied. The fee schedule will be effective on January 3, 2023.

The Board approved the fee schedule.

Benning said he has been working on an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Clear Creek County that allows Gilpin County to continue to use the animal shelter in Clear Creek County. Isenhart had expressed concern about the future of Charlie’s Place. Hollingsworth said the County is still contributing to the shelter and should revisit this at the next meeting.

Benning said the State has passed a law that retail outlets must charge for plastic bags. According to Attorney Benning, the County only has two companies that fall under this law, Taggert’s and Z stop. The County can choose whether or not to enforce it. The County will not enforce the bag fee requirements at this time.

Rears reported that staff are working on the audio/visual for this meeting room, which the County has budgeted for.

The Board has approved moving their meetings to the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The next meeting will be on January 10, 2023, at the Courthouse.