CENTRAL CITY - The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) met on Tuesday morning, October 28, 2025, at the Historic Courthouse in Central City. Commissioners Jeff Aiken, Susan Berumen, and Sandy Hollingsworth were present.

The major topic at the meeting wasn’t land use or road work, but whether the County should require a formal review before any job opening is filled. The proposal brought questions from elected officials about communication and authority, and the board ultimately decided to pause the decision so staff could weigh in.

This involved Resolution 25-123, Requiring Justification and Approval Prior to Filling Any Vacant or Soon to be Vacant Position

Several elected officials said they had not seen the draft before it appeared in the agenda packet and asked for more time to understand how the process would work. 

Commissioners agreed that the policy needs more review and input from departments before any decision is made. They asked the County Manager’s Office to circulate a revised version for staff to look over and bring it back at a future meeting. 

In the meantime, they directed Human Resources to move forward with posting three open positions that had been on hold.

Public comment

County Treasurer Mary Lorenz and Clerk and Recorder Sahari McCormick spoke during public comment about the proposed policy that would require extra review before hiring staff into vacant positions. 

Lorenz said, "I would request that a time limit be placed on the County Manager's decision so that it does not drag on. And I would request that an appeal process to the BOCC be added."

McCormick said she wished elected officials had been notified earlier, adding, "Communication and transparency are key."

Consent agenda approved

The board approved the Clerk and Recorder’s September financial report, Resolution 25-119 naming Commissioner Berumen and Strategic Projects Manager Jerilin Brewer to represent Gilpin County in regional early childhood coordination work, and the minutes from the October 14 meeting.

Native American Heritage Month

Community Engagement Officer Melanie Bleyler read the proclamation recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month. The proclamation acknowledges that Gilpin County stands on the ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples.

Boundary line elimination approved

The board approved Resolution BLE 25-5, combining two parcels into one larger parcel near Star Peak Road. Staff explained that merging the lots would result in a single parcel of roughly 20 acres. Commissioners confirmed that access to nearby properties would not be affected.

Non-truck route ordinance moves forward

Public Works Director John Combs and Right-of-Way Specialist Andrew Decker presented Ordinance 25-02, which would limit heavy truck traffic on Dory Hill Road, Gap Road, and South Beaver Creek Road. The concern is that heavy trucks are using these roads as shortcuts, causing damage.

The ordinance would require trucks over 26,000 pounds to apply for a permit unless they are hauling to a local home, are tied to an active building permit, or are septic pump trucks serving residents. Emergency vehicles are not affected.

The commissioners passed the first reading. A second reading and public hearing will take place in November.

Public hearing on building envelope change

The board held a hearing for a request to relocate a building envelope on a parcel off North County Road. The property owner said moving the building site to a lower portion of the land would reduce tree removal and limit visibility from the main road. 

The new location also aligns with existing cleared ground and earlier septic test pits. The board approved the change and also reaffirmed the earlier recorded subdivision approval to keep the property history clear.

Hiring incentive policy approved

The board approved a revised Hiring Incentive Program for safety-sensitive positions. Human Resources Director Chanda Johnson said the change focuses the incentive on jobs that are difficult to fill and essential during emergency conditions. The program will only move forward if funding is approved each year.

Sheriff’s Office transition hire approved

The board approved a temporary over-hire in the Sheriff's Office to allow overlap training before a long-time administrative manager retires in February. Sheriff Armstrong said the extra time is needed to pass along knowledge essential to legal and daily operations.

Manager’s report

County Manager Ray Rears gave updates on the community annex construction, SNAP food support funds, well testing near the sewer line break, the Rollinsville Water Cistern planning, and ongoing budget work. He also noted that the December 16 meeting will be canceled.

The board’s next public session will be a work session on Tuesday, November 4, held in person at the Community Center Meeting Room, 250 Norton Drive in Black Hawk. 

The Board of Health will meet on Wednesday, November 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. via Zoom, followed by a budget work session at noon in person. 

The next regular commissioners meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18 at 9 a.m., available both in person and online.