On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met online at 9:00 a.m. for a regular meeting. Commissioners Linda Isenhart, Web Sill, and Sandy Hollingsworth were in attendance. County Attorney Brad Benning was also present. Highlights included the COVID-19 Update, a public hearing, a request to rent the fairgrounds and a vote to lift the mask order at the transfer station.

Following the Call to Order and Agenda Review, Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht gave the COVID-19 update. “Things are definitely slowing down. The last 7 days we’ve had five cases with eight total this month,” said Albrecht.

On July 2 the State will have vaccines available in Gilpin County. Jefferson County will have vaccine clinics as well at the Gilpin County Fair and the Farmers’ Market. Johnson and Johnson vaccines are still available Wednesday mornings.

County Planner Tami Archer presented the application for Public Hearing Temporary Use Permit-21-3 concerning the Bike Race. Concerns over emergency services and sanitation prompted the applicant to withdraw their request for approximately 700 bicyclists to pass through Gilpin County. The applicant might revisit the idea next year. A motion was made to accept the withdrawal of the application and all were in favor.

Benning and Archer presented Public Hearing Special Use Review 21-1 concerning the Boulder County Parks/ Open Space Trail Construction Request for the Tolland Ranch Trail.The trail will connect the West Magnolia Trail to the Jenny Creek Trail over a 6-mile distance. The proposed trail is completely on private property and will be regularly maintained and patrolled by Boulder County Open Space Rangers.

Justin Atherton-Wood, Senior County Planner with Boulder County Parks and Open Space, made a presentation on the importance of the Tolland Ranch Trail. Public comment and commissioner discussion followed.

Boulder County has a property right to the trail boundaries within the conservation easement that runs through Tolland Ranch. Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office still has jurisdiction over the area and Boulder County would like to enter into an intergovernmental agreement so that Boulder County Rangers can enforce Boulder County Open Space Rules on the trail. Commissioner Sill expressed concern over jurisdiction.

Following the conclusion of the public hearing, Parks and Recreation Director Gabrielle Chisholm spoke to the board about the Tivity Health Contract which provides Silver Sneakers benefits, Fitness for Seniors. The Board unanimously approved the agreement with Tivity Health.

Chisholm also presented Fairground rental requests by Holistic Homestead to have a Farmers’ Market on July 2, 3, and 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a Labor Day Fun Run event, and an event in December. About 100 people are expected to attend the Farmer’s Market and the barn lobby restrooms should suffice for sanitation needs. The commissioners decided to vote only on the July Farmer’s Market and to table the requests for the other events. The Farmers’ Market dates for July were approved.

The Board then recessed as the Board of County Commissioners and convened as the Board of Health to discuss the potential lifting of the mask order at the Gilpin County Trash Transfer Station.

Isenhart said, “I’ve been approached by employees as well as residents that feel that they don’t really need to wear a mask at the trash station.”

Albrecht agreed but encouraged those who are not vaccinated to continue to wear a mask. A motion was made, seconded, and all were in favor.

The Board adjourned as the Board of Health and reconvened as the Board of County Commissioners.

Benning presented the Library District Intergovernmental Agreement, which was tabled to be amended and will be revisited on July 6, 2021.

Next, the Board of County Commissioners Status Report was presented, which included a Notice of Public Meetings. July 6 will be the next BOCC meeting. Summer evening meetings will be held for residents’ convenience, with dates yet to be decided.

The commissioners then discussed membership in the National Association of Counties (NACo), which is $450 annually. The issue was tabled until County Manager Montoya returns from vacation.

Finally, the Board considered the meeting minutes for May 13, 18, and 24, and June 1, 2021. All were in favor of approving the minutes.

The next regular meeting for the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 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