Side by side on Norton Drive, the nearly completed Community Annex building rises next to the aging modular food bank it will replace.

Photo by Mindy Leary

GILPIN COUNTY — On February 10, 2025, the Gilpin County Commissioners' meeting opened with an agenda change, shifting the tour of the nearly completed Community Annex on Norton Drive to follow executive session. Commissioners moved through remaining agenda items ahead of the scheduled public hearing.

Public hearing

A public hearing on a Rural Development Exemption began at 9:36 a.m. The owners of the subject property, Tolland Ranch LLC, represented by Edward Toll, requested approval to divide land at the junction of three existing parcels.

The proposed division would create a parcel of approximately 20 acres with a 4-acre building envelope. The envelope currently contains a small historic cabin that is uninhabitable.

The Planning Commission reviewed RDE-25-1 on January 13, 2026, where it received a unanimous 7-0 recommendation for approval. Staff also recommended approval based on compliance with established criteria and adherence to the existing conservation easement.

During a site tour of the new Community Annex, from left: Facilities Manager Ryan Keenan and Commissioners Jeff Aiken, Susan Berumen, and Sandy Hollingsworth review construction progress. County Manager Ray Rears stands behind them.

Photo by Mindy Leary

During public comment, a resident said her family has lived near the Toll property since 1910 and voiced support for the request. She said she appreciates what the Toll family has done in placing the land under easement and hopes they remain part of the valley.

Toll said the exemption would allow possible future development of the site. Whether the pre-existing building is considered historic has yet to be determined, but with the County rules, Toll said, it would be limited to two buildings with a combined footprint of 2,500 sq. ft. He stressed that future development is only theoretical, with no current plans.

“My generation will probably not build anything,” he said, noting it would likely fall to the next generation. Under the easement, they may reintroduce greenback cutthroat trout into ponds as part of a hatchery effort, if the Division of Wildlife can negotiate with the Water Board to divert some water. 

Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth asked whether the conservation easement would remain in place after the separation of the 20 acres. Toll confirmed that it would.

Chair Susan Berumen said she appreciated that the retained acreage allows flexibility for future generations while keeping roughly 330 acres protected under the easement.

The board unanimously approved the exemption. The public hearing closed at 9:58 a.m.

Consent agenda, public comment, and employee promotions

The consent agenda included approval of January 27 meeting minutes, a letter of support for the Golden Gate Canyon State Park Urban Night Sky Place designation application, and the Treasurer Public Trustee semiannual report.

All commissioners voted in favor. Hollingsworth noted the County’s General Fund ended the year with $28.8 million and total County holdings of $36.5 million.

During public comment, a resident thanked commissioners for supporting the dark sky designation effort for Golden Gate Canyon State Park, saying it demonstrates the County’s commitment to protecting natural resources and limiting light pollution.

Longtime Human Services employee David Josselyn was promoted to Human Services Deputy Director and Community Benefits Manager.

“I can feel the weight of responsibility just kind of settling on my shoulders,” Josselyn joked, describing entering the position during “a time of lots of underfunded opportunity.”

Lorna Plamondon was officially hired as permanent Finance Director after serving in the role on an off-and-on interim basis for several years.

Lone resolution expands four-day work schedule

Human Services Director Janey Barker presented Resolution 26-014 (the only resolution during the meeting), requesting inclusion of the department in the County’s four-day workweek schedule.

Human Services Deputy Director and Community Benefits Manager David Josselyn (left) and Human Services Director Janey Barker during the February 10 Gilpin County commissioners' meeting.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Barker said the change supports employee well-being and helps staff manage the emotional demands of human services work. Not all employees wished to adopt a four-day schedule, so the department will remain open on Fridays by appointment only.

The building will be open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in line with other County facilities. Senior Services programming, including Friday lunches, will continue.

The board unanimously approved Resolution 26-014, with implementation beginning March 16, 2026.

County reports

County Attorney Todd Messenger reported ongoing work on land-use code revisions, legal agreements, and continued support of the recently approved Dark Skies Program.

County Manager Ray Rears said code enforcement cases continue to move forward but can take time to resolve. He also previewed an upcoming work session covering the employee handbook, slash yard operations, and wildfire-related planning with Timberline Fire leadership.

Rears added that discussions are underway with a Rollinsville business owner about installing a firefighting water cistern, partially funded by lodging tax revenue, to support future development needs.

Lorna Plamondon, newly appointed Finance Director for Gilpin County, stands with County Manager Ray Rears during the Board of County Commissioners' meeting on February 10.

Photo by Mindy Leary

Commissioner Hollingsworth reported she was elected chair of TRED—Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development. She said the group is addressing unauthorized Forest Service trails that encroach on private lands. She also noted that the shooting range, to be operated by the Clear Creek Recreation Special District, is expected to open by April.

Commissioner Jeff Aiken said he testified at a Public Utilities Commission hearing about Power Supply Planned Shutoffs (PSPS) and their impacts on residents and businesses.

Chair Berumen reported attending a Colorado Counties, Inc. legislative briefing and an Early Childhood Council meeting, during which stakeholders adopted the new name, Gateway Partnership for Early Childhood.

County offices will be closed February 16. The transfer station will be closed February 15–17. A public wind event meeting is scheduled for March 24 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Community Annex site visit

Following executive session, commissioners toured the new Community Annex building with Facilities Manager Ryan Keenan.

The new build will replace the outdated modular food bank structure next door, providing a more permanent and modern space for County services.

Keenan explained that the building sits slightly lower than originally planned but noted that the grading adjustments will help direct water away from the structure.

The tour included the commercial kitchen, pantry space, storage areas, and future office layout. Officials said the design allows for possible expansion if needed.

The building will include ADA-accessible sidewalks, access control security, and dedicated refrigeration areas for food preparation and storage. A larger transformer and backup generator pad are being installed to support the facility’s fully electric systems.

In the event of a power outage, the generator will preserve the food and supply heat. The building may be used as an emergency shelter. 

Construction remains on schedule, with completion anticipated by June 2026.

The next regular meeting of the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City, with remote access available via the County website.