The Gilpin County Commissioners selected sites for the November elections and for the Food Pantry during a regular meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. The Board also discussed ordinances for fire restrictions, weapons in County buildings, and massage therapy licenses.

Clerk & Recorder Sahari McCormick asked the Board to approve a location for the November 8 election. From March to May 2, she solicited public comments as required by Colorado revised statutes, and the two sites selected were the Courthouse and the Community Center.

She issued another survey from May 27 to June 11, receiving 16 responses voting for the Community Center, but McCormick said if the elections were there, the ballots will then have to be transported back to the Courthouse for counting. Commissioner Web Sill expressed concern about transporting the ballots, and after discussion, the Board approved holding the elections at the Courthouse.

McCormick and County Attorney Brad Benning said that at the primary election several ballots arrived in the mail too late to be counted. They suggested voters use the three drop- off boxes in the County instead of mailing them.

Ryan Keenan, facilities manager, presented his selections for a Food Pantry site. They are looking at 101 Norton Drive, Black Hawk, the Food Pantry’s current location; or the southwest corner of the Gilpin County slash yard. He has a grant application in process to fund this project.

The site selection will allow the County to progress closer to a phase where a cost estimate can be provided. The project will involve eight main phases, and they hope to move into contract by October. The feasibility study phase would be next.

The current location is a 24 by 64 foot office trailer that is 22 years old. The Board approved the slash yard location for the Food Pantry Site.

County Attorney Brad Benning introduced a resolution authorizing the Gilpin County Sheriff to enact fire restrictions and fire bans within the unincorporated areas of Gilpin County.

It will allow the sheriff to move quickly for a fire ban, and then the Commissioners can ratify them at the next meeting. It also gives the Commissioners the ability to reverse the decision. The Board approved the resolution.

Benning introduced the first reading of an ordinance concerning the restriction of open fires, contained open fires, fireworks, public displays of fireworks, and the use of combustible devices. He said this is a cleanup ordinance, but it has more teeth.

It imposes a fine of up to $1,000 and other penalties that can arise from fire restrictions that will help with enforcement. It is posted on the website. The Board agreed they will have the second reading at its August 2 meeting.

Benning introduced the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting firearms in all County buildings. This ordinance outlines the statutory authority in which Gilpin County is able to prohibit firearms in County buildings. It also outlines the penalties should someone violate this. ordinance.

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong reminded the Board that former Sheriff Bruce Hartman said that people who have concealed weapons permits have received training and have been vetted with a background check.

Commissioner Web Sill said this ordinance is not rational, and not possible. He added that the Sheriff’s office can’t afford it. “It makes no sense at all to do that,” he said. “I’m not going to vote for every County building.”

Benning said the second reading will be a public hearing and folks can give their testimonials. On August 2, there will be a work session to discuss concealed weapon carry, so this can be set for the August 9 meeting for the second reading. The Board agreed that it needed more discussion and research time,

Benning introduced the first reading of an ordinance establishing a licensing authority to regulate massage businesses. The State legislature has passed regulations concerning massage facilities. They are concerned about human trafficking and illicit procedures.

The ordinance allows enforcement with specific penalties. The Board agreed on a second reading of the ordinance.

As the Board of Adjustment, the Board denied a variance request for 30 Severance Lodge Road. The applicant requested a setback variance of 33 feet for construction of a single family home because it is an unusually-shaped property. The property is on a privately maintained road.

Staff recommended denying the request. According to public comment, it is a narrow road and will cause snow removal problems in the winter. Eventually, the Homeowner’s Association will need to expand the road and this house will be in the way.

Representatives of the owner said they have submitted a request to withdraw the application. Benning said the Board should proceed with the denial, and the Board agreed.

The Board then approved the job description for the Deputy Clerk, Recording Specialist, which has been previously approved.

The next meeting of the Gilpin County Commissioners will be a Town Hall meeting on short- term rentals and will meet on Tuesday, July 19 at 9 a.m. For more information go to https://www.gilpincounty.org/public_ meetings/ bo_ c_ c_ meetings.