"And a fact is right now that the CDC and HHS are putting out a lot of public awareness about mold effects on children. They breathe faster. They have smaller lungs all the way from asthma to neurological effects. And so, what I'm here to say is I see this as an opportunity for this board to champion for children. Just raise the standard."”

Brady Fowler

CENTRAL CITY — Is the mold problem at Gilpin Mountain Kids Early Learning Center really taken care of? That was the question raised at the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Gilpin County resident Astral Carr questioned the commissioners during public comment about the mold concerns at the nonprofit childcare center on Highway 119 in Black Hawk. His wife is a former director of the center.

Carr said he wants to see the center succeed, but he doesn't feel the mold issue has been adequately addressed. He questioned why some materials he believes have mold on them are still in the building and whether enough is being done to prevent the problem from coming back.

"So my question is simply, why has the mold not been removed? What is the standard? What is the threshold?" Carr asked.

A packet of information about the public health investigation was available on a table at the meeting for anyone who wanted a copy.

County Manager Ray Rears explained that the County owns the building, but Gilpin Mountain Kids, which operates as a nonprofit, is responsible for its maintenance.

He said Gilpin County Public Health has been involved for months and has worked with state specialists to investigate the complaints. According to Rears, testing so far has shown mold levels considered acceptable.

Commissioner Susan Berumen, who serves on the Gilpin Mountain Kids board, had quite a bit to say about the situation.

She noted that specialists, including people at the state level, have looked into the concerns, and the center has been following their recommendations.

Berumen explained that mold is present just about everywhere, especially in the mountains, and that indoor samples are compared with outdoor samples when testing.

She also described the air purifiers in the classrooms, which were installed during COVID-19. They are still being used, and staff watch the indicator lights for changes in air quality.

She said the lights generally stay green, though they sometimes turn yellow when the air has more dust.

The center also watches for moisture and other conditions that could lead to mold or mildew.

Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth wanted to know if another mold test was planned.

She said she had read the report but wasn't clear on what the ongoing monitoring involved. She felt another test would be a good idea, even if only to reassure parents and others worried about the building.

Berumen said additional testing could be done if needed, but the center has also had a lot going on as they hire a new director and deal with staffing changes. 

"But the misinformation that's coming forth is really discouraging because it's undermining what work needs to be done and what we are trying to do with this," Berumen said.

She said the negative comments have been hard on staff morale, especially when the center is trying to improve and expand its programs.

Kelly Smith is the new Executive Director, and the center is considering offering Friday childcare to help families who need care that day.

Berumen said she wants people to see the work that has already been done and the work that will continue. She encouraged residents to read the public health information rather than rely on rumors.

The County is also planning a public meeting where parents and residents can ask questions and hear more about the investigation.

Rears asked when the meeting could be scheduled. Berumen said it would depend on the availability of public health officials and others involved, but she hoped it could happen within the next few weeks.

The subject came up one more time at the end of the meeting.

Brady Fowler, who is running for Gilpin County commissioner, spoke during the final public comment period.

Fowler said he had listened to both sides and wasn't there to take sides. He felt the County could use the situation to look more closely at its standards for childcare facilities.

He suggested a zero-tolerance policy for mold, mildew, and radon in buildings where children are cared for.

"I would suggest that right now to kind of help the public understand what's going on is let's talk about what was mitigated. When was it mitigated? And then let's implement regular testing so that the public knows that this is being taken seriously," Fowler said.

The commissioners did not take any formal action on the mold issue.

In other business, the board approved employee benefits for 2027. Medical premiums will increase by 10%, and dental premiums by 15%.

Parks and Recreation Director Gabrielle Chisholm and Youth Programs Supervisor Jacon Rippy updated the board on the youth programs at the Gilpin County Community Center.

The programs include after-school childcare, teen activities, field trips, and classes that teach decision-making and other life skills. Rippy said the programs receive about $250,000 a year through a grant from the Colorado Attorney General's Office.

That funding runs out in June 2028, and staff is already looking at what comes next. They hope to find more grants to keep the programs running.

The commissioners appointed Jacqueline St. Germain to the Historic Preservation Commission. She has more than 35 years of construction experience, including work on historic buildings. Her term runs through December 31, 2027.

The board also agreed to participate in another three-year cycle of Proposition 123, the state's affordable housing program. Gilpin County's new commitment is 14 affordable housing units by the end of 2029.

The County met its previous goal of 18 units through a regional agreement with Idaho Springs. Staff said partnerships with nearby communities will likely be needed again because building affordable housing in Gilpin County comes with challenges, including limited infrastructure and available land.

The commissioners also approved an agreement with Clear Creek County to share a full-time veterans' service officer. The officer will spend two days a week in each county, with Gilpin's annual cost estimated at $51,713.

The board approved the consent agenda, including a letter of support for a fuel reduction project, the Clerk and Recorder's September financial report, and minutes from the September 22 meeting.

The commissioners noted that at least two of them plan to attend the Spooky Stroll at the Gilpin County Community Center on October 23.

The board went into executive session at 11:16 a.m. to discuss the ongoing Mathews litigation and property matters.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Historic Courthouse in Central City.

Also in this issue: A separate pullout story looks further into the mold concerns at Gilpin Mountain Kids, including an interview with Gilpin County Public Health Director Alisa Witt. The pullout also includes the information packet handed out at the October 13 meeting.