The Gilpin County Commissioners (BoCC) convened for their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. All commissioners – Susan Berumen (Chair), Marie Mornis, and Sandy Hollingsworth – were in attendance. Key officials including County Attorney Brad Benning, County Clerk Kimberley Kaufman, and County Manager Ray Rears were also present.

Onsite wastewater systems are multi-stage systems that collect, treat, and disperse wastewater generated by homes or businesses. These systems treat and discharge wastewater to the soil instead of transporting it to a wastewater treatment plant. Most homes in Gilpin County rely on these septic systems to process sewage.

Alisa Witt, Public Health Director, and Ray Rears, County Manager, discussed possible legislative consideration of septic system replacement expenses with the Commissioners.

Alisa Witt explained that most septic systems are not designed to last the entire lifespan of a typical home. They usually last only 20-30 years. Homeowners can be blindsided by the cost of replacing these systems, which can range from $40,000 to $60,000, and state law requires them to replace their old systems with expensive new ones.

Smaller properties, which require higher treatment levels and have less land to work with, often incur higher costs. Additionally, septic systems cannot be placed on the same ground as wells, and must be at least 200 feet away.

Witt mentioned a case in Jefferson County where homeowners were forced to abandon their property because they couldn’t afford to replace the septic system.

Lobbyist Ed Bowditch suggested that low- or no-interest loans might be available from the state, but securing these funds could be challenging. Rears asked the commissioners if they would like Bowditch to lobby for a bill to address this issue. Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth replied affirmatively.

Bowditch noted that while developing the loan process would be a significant hurdle, securing funding would be the biggest challenge. Some states do have grant programs to assist with these costs.

Samuel Bower, Administrative Analyst, presented Resolution 24-105, electing to participate in the State of Colorado’s opioid settlement with the Kroger Company. Commissioner Hollingsworth moved to adopt the resolution, Commissioner Mornis seconded, and all were in favor.

Meredith Miller, Director of MGT, joined the BoCC meeting online to review the Cost Allocation Plan. Gilpin County has hired MGT Consulting to work on the Cost Allocation Plan, coordinating with staff. MGT’s 2023 Cost Plan indicated an overall cost increase of about 13%, with the highest increases in Parks and Recreation for maintenance, finance, and human resources, equating to a 63% rise. Commissioner Mornis inquired about the cost of the Food Pantry, which Finance Manager Joe Allaire said would be included in the Human Resources Department’s allocation.

Finance Director Joe Allaire discussed Resolution 24-107, which involved amending Gilpin County’s participation in the United Power Green Power Partners Program. Allaire noted the cost increase to $804 per month. Hollingsworth proposed an amended resolution to adopt 75% of the program, reducing the cost to $603 per month. The resolution passed 2-1, with Mornis voting nay.

Paralegal Sarah Baciak and Human Resources Director Chanda Johnson presented Resolution 24-103, which aimed to amend the Master Policy and Procedure Manual’s Contract Management Policy. Commissioner Mornis requested a rewrite of Section 7.1. Despite this, the resolution was adopted 2-1, with Mornis voting against.

Rears announced a work session, scheduled for July 30, covering topics like wildfire mitigation on private and county lands, drug-affected properties ordinance, field worker safety policy, dispatch fee structure, and a noxious weed ordinance. Rears also introduced Kimberly Kaufman as the new Deputy Clerk to the BoCC and mentioned successful outreach efforts at the County Fair.

The consent agenda, including the Treasurer’s monthly report for June 2024, Q2 department reports, Resolution 24-106 amending the list of official appointments, meeting minutes from July 9, 2024, and a summary of a legal matter settlement, was unanimously approved. The commissioners adjourned into Executive Session at 10:58 a.m.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for August 13, 2024, at 9 a.m. and will be held in person at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City and online via Zoom.