CENTRAL CITY - Gilpin County’s Board of County Commissioners moved through a packed agenda to a packed room on July 22, mixing big-picture funding decisions with grassroots updates from local nonprofits. 

Nonprofits share progress and gratitude

A large portion of the meeting was devoted to mid‑year reports from organizations supported by the County’s 2025 Community Funding. Each presenter had five minutes to share stories of impact, with a few going over the limit.

At the podium, Janey Barker, Director of Human Services, spoke about the Mountain Kids Early Learning Center: “We’ve been working on a number of things as a board, and we’re hoping to open this fall,” she said, explaining how funds helped with inspections, payroll setup, and programming.

James Mahoney of Camp ACA shared an update: “As of today, we’ve done four clinics so far with the Eagle Summer Day Camp….We’ve served 22 Gilpin County youth and 166 total youth.”

Kathy Walker from the Belvidere Foundation said restoration work has turned a once‑endangered building into a hub: “We’ve completed phase one… doors, windows, and hardware… and we’re so grateful for your support,” she said.

Others, like Canyon Cares, shared stories of neighbors helped with emergency rent or medical bills. Commissioners thanked each group for their dedication.

Zoning rewrite approved with extra funds

Resolution 25‑092 passed, authorizing a contract with Fairfield & Woods P.C. to complete a full rewrite of the County’s zoning code. The project will cost $110,000, with $70,895 already allocated in the budget and an additional $39,105 to be split between 2025 and 2026.

The rewrite will include updates like sign code reform, a new Federal lands zoning district, and Proposition 123 compliance. Work is expected to begin in August.

New positions, streamlined roles

In another unanimous vote, Resolution 25‑093 approved removing two existing roles, Grant Writer & Manager and Administrative Analyst; and creating two new ones: a Manager of Strategic Projects and an Office Assistant in the County Manager’s Office. The move is projected to save the county about $6,115 while better matching current operational needs.

Consent agenda

Two items passed unanimously on the consent agenda. Resolution 25‑091 adopted Gilpin County’s Digital Accessibility Transition Plan and progress update, a roadmap to make County services more usable for all residents.

Resolution 25‑090 authorized the first amendment to the 2023 tower lease agreement with Pano Ai, Inc.

Other business and county updates

The board also held the first reading of Ordinance 25‑01, which would prohibit depositing snow and ice onto County‑maintained roadways. Staff noted minor future costs for signage and enforcement, and the ordinance will be published before its second reading in August.

Liquor license approvals went smoothly: Toss Wood Fired Eatery’s renewal was granted, and Very Nice Brewing finally received its local license.

A variance hearing for a Missouri Flats property was canceled and will be rescheduled due to a notice error.

The meeting also included a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2024 Cost Allocation Plan. Meredith Miller of MGT Consulting explained how indirect costs are calculated, noting allocations of $251,702 to Human Services, $203,793 to Public Health, and $61,436 to Victim Services. No board action was required.

Cookies and conversations ahead

Residents can keep the conversations going at the upcoming Cookies with Commissioners sessions:

• Monday, July 28, 6:30–7:30 p.m. District 3, Rollinsville Area; Timberline Fire Station #3, 19126 CO‑119, Black Hawk. Topic: Rollinsville Infrastructure Study Update.

• Saturday, August 16, 3–4 p.m. District 2, Mid‑County; Community Center Multi‑Purpose Room, 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk. Topic: County Budget.

• Tuesday, August 26, 6–7 p.m. District 1, Central City; Monte Lobo, 131 Main Street, Central City. Topic: Quality of Life Survey Results.

Residents are encouraged to share input online through the Quality of Life Survey, available now at www.gilpincounty.org/survey. Responses are being accepted through July 31, 2025.

The next regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025.