Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met online at 9 a.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 Covid-19 Update, an application for a variance, a discussion on dispersed shooting and a resolution concerning the use of force policy during peaceful protests.

Following the Call to Order and Agenda Review, Emergency Manager Nathan Whittington and Public Health Coordinator Bonnie Albrecht gave the Covid-19 update. There have been 13 new cases in the past 7 days and 51 percent of the county have been vaccinated with their first dose, 35 percent with the second.

The Governor’s Mask Order now allows restaurant staff to go without masks if 85 percent of their staff are vaccinated. If 80 percent of patrons occupying a space are vaccinated, then they can go mask-less as well.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the board presented a formal proclamation. The past year with the global pandemic has significantly impacted people’s mental health. Jefferson County Mental Health thanks the board for making the proclamation and shining a light on mental health. The motion to proclaim May as Mental Health Month passed unanimously.

 The Local Prioritization of the Limited Gaming Impact Grant Application was presented by Lorna Plamondon. The purpose of the Local Government Limited Gaming Impact Grant Program is to provide financial assistance to eligible local governments to address documented gaming impacts stemming from limited stakes gaming in the communities of Cripple Creek, Black Hawk and Central City.

The applicants that would benefit include Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Detention, Gilpin Ambulance Authority, Gilpin County Victim Services, Eagle’s Nest, Jefferson Center for Mental Health, and the District Attorney. The commissioners were asked to rank the prospective recipients according to need and the aforementioned order was accepted 3-0.

Hollingsworth was voted as alternate representative to the Gilpin Ambulance Authority, and will attend meetings in the event that Commissioner Isenhart cannot attend.

The board then adjourned as the Board of County Commissioners and convened as the Board of Health to conduct a public hearing for an application for a variance from the Gilpin County Onsite Wastewater Treatment Resolution 21-01.

County Planner Tami Archer presented the application concerning Kristina Lang’s purchase of one of the last existing cabins in the historic town of Apex, in which she intends to live year-round. Staff recommends the approval of the current vault septic system, with the requirement of being pumped twice a year, because the addition of a soil treatment area would be impractical. The variance was approved 3-0.

Next on the agenda was a discussion on dispersed shooting within the county and on US Forest Service Lands. Since 2015 Gilpin and Clear Creek have been working on securing a shooting site. Devil’s Nose, near the entrance of Mount Evans, is scheduled to open for the 2022 season to the general public. 

Sill expressed concern to preserve the freedom to bear arms and the pursuit of liberty. He understands the 150-yard rule for shooting ranges but thinks a range is a tremendous waste of money.

Isenhart countered with concern for the safety of residents that have had bullet holes in their driveways or homes and their rights. She appreciates gun ranges that have legitimate targets and encourage community education.

Hollingsworth expressed the need to preserve residents’ rights to quiet enjoyment of their homes.

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong spoke of a fire caused by a bullet ricochet that burned 12 acres and the importance of having proper backstops. 

Attorney Benning spoke about population density and the ability to prohibit shooting activities and that private communities have enacted effective covens.

After a short recess, the Church Ditch Water Rights Lease was discussed. The county still owns four shares which are not needed for community purposes. The board unanimously approved to lease the water rights to Gary Gambino for the purpose of irrigation. 

Medicare-based health plans would allow seniors to use the Community Center at lower rates with no cost to the county. On a side note, the pool should be open and functional by May 17. Hollingsworth moved that the county pursue the contract with Optum Healthcare and American Specialty Health for their 65+ healthcare access programs. All were in favor.

Resolution 21-06 regarding protection of individuals engaging in nonviolent civil rights demonstrations was approved unanimously and includes the following statements: 

“It is the policy of the Board to prohibit the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction against any individuals engaged in nonviolent civil rights demonstrations. It is the policy of the Board to enforce applicable State and local laws that prohibit physically barring entrance to or exit from a facility or location which is the subject of nonviolent civil right demonstrations within its jurisdiction.”

Montoya presented the County Manager Status Report which included a talk with the Ambulance Authority Director about moving to the Apex facility. This would allow the ambulance crews to have sleeping spaces and storage and free up the Black Hawk Fire Station.

Speeding and motorcycle traffic on Highway 119 is beginning to increase with the warmer weather and has been mitigated by placing a police car on the highway. There will be a meeting with Colorado Highway Patrol for the public to discuss these issues and will be announced on the website soon.

Amendments to the Ethics and Secondary Employment Handbook included permitting independent contracting work only if there’s no conflict of interest and prohibiting substantial financial transactions between employees and the county. The amendments were approved with all in favor.

Board of County Commissioners Status Report included a Notice of Public Meetings for May 18 for the regular commission meeting.

Consideration of the Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes for April 20 and 30, 2021 was made and the minutes were approved with all in favor. 

No public or press comments were made and the meeting adjourned at 12:19 p.m.

The next regular meeting for the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 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 May 6, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)