CENTRAL CITY – The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) met October 14 at the historic courthouse in Central City to adopt important resolutions, approve service contracts, and introduce new employees. Commissioners Jeff Aiken, Susan Berumen, and Sandy Hollingsworth were all present.

Board of Appeals: another “hat” for BoCC

One notable discussion of the morning focused on Resolution 25-117, creating an International Residential Code (IRC) Board of Appeals to handle building code disputes.

Community Development Director Jamie Boyle explained that the resolution would “set us up in case an appeal does come forward,” giving the County a clear framework if someone challenges a building official’s decision.

Under the new policy, the commissioners themselves will serve as the appeals board, but each commissioner may appoint a technical expert when a case is highly specialized. The board also agreed that a nonrefundable filing fee—similar to the cost of a variance request (between $500 and $800)—will be charged to cover administrative work such as staff time and legal review.

Boyle said the resolution aligns with state law and the County’s zoning code, which already sends engineering and construction appeals to the commissioners. “It’s really just about being ready and consistent,” she said.

After a brief discussion on board size and costs, the commissioners amended the language to include a three-person minimum and passed the motion unanimously.

The members of the BoCC wear many “hats,” as it were, serving in multiple other capacities, acting as the Board of Equalization, the Liquor Licensing Authority, the Board of Adjustment, and now, with this recent resolution, the Board of Appeals. 

Gilpin to offer assistance in wake of Lakeview Fire

The October 9 blaze in Nederland destroyed about 20 businesses in the Caribou Village Shopping Center, causing partial evacuation of the town and decimating a large portion of the commercial district.

During his report, County Manager Ray Rears told the board, “I have been in contact with the Town Administrator of Nederland, seeing if there is any assistance we can provide to support them in this challenging time.” 

He plans on attending the next Nederland Board of Trustees meeting to offer support, noting that the town is facing “a loss of business, livelihood, and tax revenue of nearly thirty percent.”

County Manager update

Rears addressed water safety following an October 3 sewer main break near the Gilpin County Justice Center.

“A well tested for elevated levels of E. coli and the State Department of Public Health is involved,” he said. Follow-up tests showed “no signs of E. coli,” though the County is waiting for nitrate results before giving the all-clear for water use.

“So, we are recommending not to consume the water at the justice center, community center just yet,” he said,

Rears noted that the Gilpin Ambulance Authority is recruiting for a new chief. 

The next work session is set for October 21, concerning the budget, with adoption expected by December 15.

He also reported that construction on the Community Annex is slightly ahead of schedule. 

Service contracts and resolutions

The board approved several contracts and renewals, starting with Resolution 25-115, which continues the County’s partnership with Volunteers of America to fund Meals on Wheels and senior transportation.

Human Services Director Janey Barker said there were no changes from last year’s agreement, but said that “delays caused by the federal government shutdown” had slowed some paperwork and communications with partner agencies.

Barker reported that senior programs remain busy, with “about five consistent volunteers delivering meals each day” and continued transportation for doctor appointments and grocery trips.

Next came Resolution 25-118, extending the food services contract with Summit Food Services LLC for jail and senior meals.

Division Chief Zak Adami explained that Summit was the only bidder and that pricing is based on inmate population. He confirmed that the company plans to donate a new ice machine for the jail kitchen.

Hollingsworth pushed to add a spending cap of $280,000 to the resolution, since it is budget season, but Adami cautioned against it. “If we have an increase in inmate population, we’d end up short and have to come back for more funding,” he said. The board agreed to budget around $280,000 for the year, but the contract itself does not include a formal “not-to-exceed” amount.

The board approved the contract 3-0.

Resolution 25-116, updating the County’s official list of appointments, also passed. It adds the IRC Board of Appeals, confirms new hire Clayton Hood as Veterans Services Officer, and lists Berumen as the County’s representative on the Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation.

New employees introduced

Human Resources Director Chanda Johnson introduced a number of new staff members across departments.

Sheriff Kevin Armstrong welcomed Isaac Thibedeau, a new detention officer, who said he was “really thrilled to be part of the Gilpin County family.”

Clerk and Recorder Sahari McCormick introduced Shayna Campbell, the new recording clerk, and Summer Knight, who joins the motor vehicle division. “I grew up in Nederland and went to high school here,” Knight said. “I’m glad to be part of it.”

Barker welcomed Taylor Dunlap, a new office assistant in Human Services, and Rich Gravina, senior services aide. 

Hood was officially introduced and shared that he served in the U.S. Navy from 2010 to 2016 and is looking forward to helping local veterans. 

Barker explained that his full accreditation is temporarily delayed due to the government shutdown, but said, “He’s completed most of the training and already started assisting veterans with benefits.”

Jerilin Brewer, the new Manager of Strategic Projects, said she hopes “to make meaningful changes that will benefit the larger community.”

Before recessing the meeting, the board signed a joint letter to Governor Polis and state leaders addressing unfunded mandates. 

The letter asks for better funding, deadline extensions, and careful consideration when new state requirements fall on small rural counties like Gilpin.

After closing comments, the commissioners recessed to executive session. 

Upon reconvening, Brewer (the new Manager of Strategic Projects) was appointed as the Gilpin County Representative to the Early Childhood Committee.

The commissioners then adjourned with no further business.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Historic Courthouse, 203 Eureka Street, Central City. Residents can also attend virtually at tinyurl.com/GilpinCommissioners.