Category: News

Central City to lose thousands in revenue

Temperatures rising over pending off-ramp closure

By David Josselyn

Work Session begins with a petition to join coalition

I-70 Coalition Board Member Mary Jane Loevlie addressed the Central City Council during its work session, Tuesday, February 5^th. The I-70 Coalition is a group whose mission is to enhance public accessibility and mobility in the I-70 Central Mountain Corridor and adjoining dependent counties and municipalities through the implementation of joint public and private transportation management efforts. The Coalition serves as an advocate for the interests of the communities along the I-70 corridor from Clear Creek to Garfield counties. “The main thing we have accomplished is CDOT listens to us,” emphasized Ms. Loevlie. She gave a brief history of the Coalition to the council and then made an appeal for Central City to join saying, “working together we can get things done, and we can get things done better.” One of the ways the I-70 Coalition has made an impact locally is that the mountain communities have agreed to put off their own pet projects in favor of the Twin Tunnels project, Mary Jane Loevlie stated. The Central City Council agreed to discuss joining the coalition.

Temperatures rise as CDOT makes an apology

Jim Bemelen, I-70 Mountain Corridor Manager and representative from CDOT, addressed the Council by beginning with an apology. He stated that no excuses can be made and he would take the responsibility. Bemelen was referring to the Twin Tunnels Project which will widen the eastbound lanes through the tunnel creating three lanes from Idaho Spring to Floyd Hill. During the project, the eastbound off-ramp from I-70 to Hidden Valley, the Central City Parkway, will be closed starting Monday, February 11^th for about one month. City Manager Alan Lanning was informed of this closure less than seven days before the work session. The apology from Jim Bemelen was met with resistance from the members due to the short notice, inconvenience and financial impact the lane closure will have on the city. Manager Lanning estimates that there will be a loss of $195,000 in revenues and taxes for the City during the period of ramp closure. He also declared that this does not include the additional loss of future revenues from people who decide not to come back because of the hassle. Jim Bemelen, true to his word, made no excuses, but offered no solutions. Mayor Engels demanded that CDOT put together an explanation of why the closure is necessary and offer solutions for a work-around. The mayor requested this be done before Monday, February 11^th, the day of the closure. Mr. Bemelen asked when would be a good time for the council to meet and Mayor Engels responded that they would open their schedules to be available to CDOT as soon as CDOT is ready with their presentation.

February 7, 2013
Going to the mat

Gilpin’s wrestlers begin season tourneys

by Patty Unruh

Gilpin County’s Middle School wrestling team began their season January 17 with a tournament in Bennett. Coach Royce McLain provided statistics for the Register-Call.

Eighth grader Dante Nadeau, in the 80-pound weight class, won both of his matches, but his classmate Uriah Hockley was unsuccessful in his two matches.

Seventh grader Josh Trujillo, in the 95-pound weight class, had two matches, with one win and one loss. Fellow seventh grader Jack Ball, in the 75-pound class, wrestled five matches with no wins.

Levi James, a sixth grader in the 100-pound class, also faced tough opposition, as he lost both of his two matches. Jake Duncan was out with an injury.

The team fared slightly better in their tournament with Fitzsimmons on January 29.

Nadeau won two of his matches and lost one.

February 7, 2013
Linda Dwyer remembered…

January 25, 1945 – January 22, 2013

Linda Lee M. Dwyer, 67, of Black Hawk, Colorado, formerly of Leominster, Massachusetts passed away at home on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 after an illness.

She was born in Leominster on January 25, 1945, the daughter of Sandino and Yvonne Venturi. She attended LeominsterHigh School.

Besides spending time with her family, Linda Lee enjoyed cooking, jigsaw puzzles and crocheting. She was the manager of the Dunkin’ Donuts on Route 117 until relocating to Colorado in 2001.

She leaves two sisters, Sandra Craigmyle of Granbury, Texas, and Pauline Frye and her husband Henry of Leominster, and her brother Sandino Venturi of Loris, South Carolina; two daughters, Laura Burtschi and her husband John of Black Hawk, and Melissa Howard of Shirley; three grandchildren, Melinda Lasonde of Shirley, and Harrison Dunham and Christopher Burtschi, both of Black Hawk.

Linda Lee was preceded in death by her husbands, Harrison W. Howard in 1983, and Robert Dwyer in 2002. She also lost her son, Ronald J. Howard in 2001.

Services will be held on Friday, February 8, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Central City behind Doc Holiday’s. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately at the Central City Elks. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made in her memory to: Leukemia Lymphoma Society of America, Massachusetts Chapter, 495 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham, MA 01701. 1-800-688-6572, www.leukemia.org.

February 7, 2013
In Memory of Marion Clark

October 23, 1935 – January 23, 2013

Born Marion Ruth Moser on October 23, 1935 in Gilroy, California, she was the second generation Gilroyan. Her grandparents, Clem & Clara Emlen, settled at Redwood Retreat at the base of Mt. Madonna in 1900.
Marion attended Gilroy schools, graduating from high school in 1953 with a scholarship to Highland School of Nursing in Oakland, California. She later obtained a degree in business from the College of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Marion married Raymond “Ray” Clark in 1954 and they raised three sons in San Jose, California. The family spent many holidays at their vacation home in Calaveras County, near Bear Valley ski resort.
In 1977, Ray was assigned to a position in Iran for AT&T. Ray, Marion and two of their sons lived there for only one year as the Iranian revolution of 1978 forced them back to the U.S.
Upon returning home, they settled in New Mexico where Marion obtained a position at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She spent the last six years of her tenure at the Los Alamos Office at Rocky Flats, where she retired in 1995.
She fulfilled a life-long dream of living in the mountains residing in Coal Creek Canyon while she worked at Rocky Flats. In 1999, she moved to a smaller home in mid-Gilpin County where her grandson, Raymond, joined her.
Following retirement, Marion worked for seven summers at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and occasionally part-time at the Gilpin Community Center.
She enjoyed being a member of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) District 9, was a founding member of “Notions” sewing group in Coal Creek Canyon, and attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Central City.
In 2009, she agreed with her family’s wishes and moved to Thornton to be near to them.
Marion was preceded in death by her son, Raymond, and brother, Albert. She is survived by sons Douglas (Tish) of Denver, Colorado, and Timothy (Ellen) of Scottsdale, Arizona; grandsons Raymond of Denver, Colorado, David and Kyle of Monument, Colorado, and Seaver and Silas of Scottsdale, Arizona.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 9th, at 11 a.m. at Chapel in the Hills, 29579 State Highway 72, in Coal Creek Canyon. Their website is www.chapelinthehills.org.
Donations in Marion’s memory may be made to Animal Urgent Care, c/o Liz O’Rourke, 7851 Indiana Street, Arvada, CO 80007.

February 7, 2013
Teachers and students FLIP for YouTube lectures

Gilpin School Board hears teachers’ presentation; considers proposal for panic button system

by Patty Unruh

The Gilpin County School Board held a meeting February 4. Those present were President Craig Holmes and other members Brook Ramsey, Kersten Armstrong, and Rusty Hardy, as well as Interim Superintendent Morris Ververs. Member Charlotte Taylor was absent.

FLIP Classroom Presentation

Secondary science teacher Barb Bedwell addressed the board about her implementation of a new classroom technique called the FLIP classroom. The technique in effect “flips” the traditional order, where the teacher gives a classroom lecture while the students take notes and then do homework. Instead, Bedwell videotapes her ten-minute lectures and posts them on YouTube. The students watch the lectures as homework, then use time in the classroom to address questions, discuss the material, and do projects. Bedwell has begun using the method with her chemistry, biology, and honors biology classes. She explained that the method was invented by someone in Colorado and did not originate with her.

Today’s tech-savvy kids can pull out their phone, Kindle, computer, or i-pad to watch the lectures. They can watch the videos at home or on the bus as they travel to a sporting event. They can access the videos as many times as necessary to gain understanding and can work more at their own pace.

With the traditional classroom model, Bedwell said, “you’ll have some students who are very engaged and loving it, some who are lost, and some who are bored.” She added, “Homework is often a complete waste of time,” explaining that a student may get stuck on a concept and not complete the work, do all of the homework incorrectly, lack time to get it done because of other obligations, or forget to do it. “With FLIP, it’s the opposite. They go home and watch the lecture and do the homework at school.” She added that the videos are intended as a vehicle to aid what goes on in the classroom.

There are many advantages to this method, Bedwell asserted. “I can help a student who is lost. If someone works fast and is bored, they can move ahead. We can do discussions and projects in class.”

Bedwell, whose enthusiasm for the technique was infectious, said that her favorite advantage was that FLIP is self-paced. A student can rewind the lectures if they need to hear them again, or fast forward if they already understand the material. Another advantage is that it is flexible; it can be done at any time or any place. If a student is absent, they have access to the lecture at home so they don’t miss it.

Parents and kids can watch the videos and learn together. The parents can hear information about assignments. Fast learners, as well as learners with lower-end skills, can all benefit. Bedwell told the board that classroom management problems are gone. The young people are working together on science now, she advised, rather than visiting and passing notes.

She said that the method discourages students from copying others’ notes. Everyone is accountable for their own learning. The students have a responsibility to watch the lectures with understanding in mind. They are to bring questions to class, and she will address all questions.

Bedwell stated that the new method is “just one part of a culture change. It is a shift to a standards-based classroom. The student can’t move along until they demonstrate understanding.” The students have to articulate what they are supposed to be learning and use “I can” statements to tell what they know.

Bedwell admits it has been a huge amount of work to implement the FLIP method. “I’m about to shoot myself for going this big,” she said, “but I wanted all three classes to get the benefit.” She was pleased about the recent test scores for one chemistry class. She said the lowest score was 84 percent, where previously several of the students had failing grades. “Kids are now saying, ‘I know how to do this.’ Even kids who thought of themselves as failures are getting it. I get goose bumps because they are doing so well.” She has received mostly positive feedback from her students.

She added that math teacher Rachel White is also using the technique in her classroom.

Bedwell did say that most of the young people have access to the necessary technology. If they do not, they can learn the subject in a more traditional way.

Instructor Sunshine Vincent accompanied Bedwell, demonstrating smart board and clicker technology. She gave the board a demonstration quiz. The quiz was projected from her computer onto a smart board, with true-false, multiple choice, or similar questions. She gave board members some clickers, so they could respond as a student would. The clicker is a remote device on which students select an answer by pressing a corresponding button. The teacher does not know how each individual student answers, but he or she can see the overall results. The results can be displayed on a chart, or the chart can be hidden so the students don’t see the results. The students are also able to send text answers to certain questions.

Vincent is enthusiastic about the technology, because “it gives everybody a voice,” she said, “even the shy kids who don’t want to raise their hands.” The kids are trying to “one up” one another to see who can give the best answer.

The board members all agreed that it was an exciting presentation. When asked the cost of a smart board, Vincent estimated that it was about $2,700. She said a response receiver was about $400. Board member Hardy said the district should get more receivers and not wait until next year, but Holmes stated that the issue should be tabled until the next meeting, to have time to figure a cost and how many units to purchase.

Ververs brought up the fact that the school’s technical committee had met recently about what to work into next year’s budget. “We don’t have a plan or anything that ties into student outcomes,” he stated. We need to make sure that every dollar spent on technology affects student achievement, and we need to make sure that new technology is compatible with the rest of what we have.” His observation was that often school districts will go for the latest trend and do not consider how it will affect the students.

Panic Button

Since the Newtown, Connecticut school shootings in late 2012, the Gilpin school board has been working on a plan to beef up security by keeping a full-time deputy at the school. The board has also decided to cut down on emergency response time by installing panic buttons for several “front-line” staff members. An alarm would go directly into the sheriff’s department. Ververs presented a cost estimate for the installation of a panic button system, which he had obtained from SecureTech Systems, Inc. of Irving, Texas. The cost of a WAVE wireless instant notification system was quoted at $9,350, not including tax, and would include one control panel with an e-mail/texting module, four single button duress alarms, one repeater if needed, and on-site set-up and training. SecureTech’s proposal listed such features as a wireless receiver, the ability to add virtual buttons to computers within the network for transmittal of panic alarms, radios to transmit alarm notifications, and a backup battery that will keep the system functioning in case of power failure.

Ververs also met with County Commissioner Gail Watson about a full-time armed deputy and stated his intention to be at the Commissioners’ meeting on February 12 to discuss the issue. Ververs told the board that Watson suggested a Community Forum on Student Safety for February 20.

New Superintendent Search

At a special meeting of the board held January 28, member Hardy announced the four superintendent finalists. Board President Holmes stated he would notify each finalist. The next step in the search is training for the interview committees on February 13. Interviews will take place February 15 and 16, with final selection scheduled for February 19.

District Policies

The board approved on second reading several policies that they had been carefully reviewing for the past few months, including some policies that the board had referred to legal counsel.

Among these was the District’s policy on Parking Lot Searches, which states, “The privilege of bringing a student-operated motor vehicle onto school premises is conditioned on consent by the student driver to allow search of the vehicle when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will yield evidence of contraband.” The policy also states that if a student, parent/guardian, or owner of the vehicle refuses to allow such a search, that refusal may result in the motor vehicle privilege being terminated, as well as disciplinary action and notification of law enforcement officials.

The board also approved the policy on Student Interrogations, Searches and Arrests. This policy states that if a school official has reasonable grounds to suspect a violation of school rules or federal, state, or local laws, or to suspect the presence of something harmful, the principal or designee may search a student or student’s property, while on school premises. The official may seize any property deemed detrimental to the safety of students and staff. A search of the student shall be limited to the student’s pockets and any object in the student’s possession, and a “pat down” of the exterior of the student’s clothing. The search shall be respectful of privacy considerations. Anything found which violates the law, school board policy, or school rules or which presents an immediate danger of physical harm may be seized and offered as evidence in any suspension or expulsion proceeding or returned to the student or the parent/guardian, as appropriate. The student is allowed to appeal the search decision to the superintendent, whose decision will be final. The policy also addresses circumstances when a law enforcement officer should be involved.

The board approved the policy on Staff Leave of Absences, which states that leave days will be granted according to the terms of the employees’ contracts and will be earned monthly. An important feature of the policy is that any individuals wishing to donate days to another staff member may do so at the administration’s discretion.

Also approved was the policy on extracurricular activity transportation. This policy provides that students participating in a school-sponsored activity that requires travel outside the school district must ride to the activity with the group on transportation provided by the school. Students may have this requirement waived, provided that prior arrangements have been made with the activity sponsor and the proper consent forms signed. In that case, they may ride to the activity with their parent or other responsible adult designated by the parent or guardian. Following an activity requiring outside travel, with the agreement of the activity sponsor, a student may be released to his parent or other responsible adult. The proper form must be signed, and the parent must show the sponsor that the student is in his or her custody before the school-provided transportation leaves the vicinity.

Summit for Innovative Education

Ververs attended a Summit for Innovative Education held this week and gave a brief report to the board. The Summit’s focus was on pathways followed by top-performing schools in order to rise rapidly from poor to good, good to great, and great to excellent. Ververs stated that the topic was timely for Gilpin staff, which is working hard this year on improving student learning outcomes.

He also said that one of the main messages of the summit was that legislators and governors are concerned about America losing its economic advantage, and that test scores and student achievement is tied into our gross national project. One speaker had told the summit attendees that businesses have made changes to adjust to the world, but many schools still have not done so.

February 7, 2013
Timberline Fire Protection District directors set 2013 goals

Meeting with County Commissioners takes priority

By Lynn Volkens

Timberline fire Protection District’s Board of Directors met the evening of January 30, 2013 to discuss their goals for this year and develop plans to accomplish them. President Rick Wenzel and Board members Jim Crawford, Kay Johnson, Paul Ondr and Chris Samuelson were present. As the intent of the meeting was to deal specifically with Board goals, the fire chief and administrators were not in attendance.

Ondr got the work session off to a start by stating that he had three items on his list of goals: Board Policy; Station Locations and Conditions (specifically the potential of a ninth station, to be located in Rollinsville, and the existing Station 1 near Pinecliffe); and TFPD’s Relationship with Gilpin County.

Wenzel’s two-item list concurred with Ondr’s: Board Policy/Procedure; and the proposed Station 9.

Johnson also wanted to address Board Policy. She added Systems Issues to the list, saying that she’d like to see a system of monitoring and tracking the maintenance on vehicles and other maintenance issues plus a system to insure that there is follow through on maintenance needs. Noting “This may be a Chief’s thing,” she said that people have to be able to track information from the Chief and see a resolution. Johnson raised concerns about how many firefighters are really responding, if it’s always the same people and, if so, why. She asked if the new trainees are being monitored and how long it takes them to move from trainee status to that of firefighter.

The first item Samuelson mentioned was Performance Goals, Improvement and Tracking. He said TFPD needs to be able to show the public the direct benefits to taxpayers of the investments made. He also asked about firefighters “graduating up” to various certifications. “Are we making it valuable and worthwhile for cadets?” he asked.

“We have fundamental communication problems all the way from the top down,” Crawford commented. Communicating Better with the Community was the first item on his list. TFPD’s next Board election will be in May of 2014 and Crawford said he hoped TFPD could generate some interest in it, as well as building community awareness of best practices in fire mitigation, safety and being proactive about personal healthcare. “The best quality service is if the trucks don’t have to go out the door,” he stated. Next on Crawford’s list was Review and Update the By-Laws; Define the Process of Electing Officers; and Funding Avenues. Regarding the last item, he said TFPD needs to determine “how much do we need and what for” and then consider funding opportunities, including payment for wild land deployments, grants, and initiating fees to have the Fire Marshal review plans for new commercial construction to make sure it complies with the current fire codes. Crawford pointed out that should TFPD want to pursue a mill levy (tax) increase, that process could take several years. Developing a fee schedule for responding to calls in no-man’s lands (stipulated as non- U.S. or Colorado Forest areas that are not paying for fire protection services) was also discussed.

Samuelson asked “What denotes a ‘good’ district from a ‘bad’ district?” The Board discussed National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, response time, station location, and Insurance Services Operation (ISO) rating. Ondr suggested the Board could ask the chief to come up with some metrics to use as measurements. Samuelson countered that he’d like a third party to do that, stating “Asking the chief, ‘What (criteria) do you want or think we should meet?’ – we’d be shirking our duty.”

By 9 p.m., the Board members had combined and honed their lists to three areas they plan to address first: Governing Documents (Policy and By-Laws); Station Location; and TFPD’s Relationship with Gilpin County. They agreed to move forward immediately in building the relationship with the County. To that end, the Board planned to request a work session meeting with Gilpin County Commissioners.

The Timberline Fire Protection Board of Directors has scheduled their next regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at Station 7 (14908 Highway 119).

February 7, 2013
Desperados & Outlaws

BLACK HAWK POLICE DEPARTMENT • On January 28, at approximately 1102 hours, Officer Fiocca responded to a theft call at Bull Whackers Casino 101 Gregory Street. A flatbed trailer was stolen from the parking lot, between November 1st, 2012 and January 25th, 2013. The trailer was recovered in Lakewood. The investigation is ongoing. • On January 28, at approximately 2006 hours, Officer B. Davis responded to the Isle Casino on a report of a party on property with a warrant issued out of Black Hawk. The party was located, arrested and transported to the Gilpin County Jail where he was booked in on the outstanding warrant. • On January 29, at approximately 2004 hours, Officers responded to Isle Casino on a fight in progress. A male party was later arrested and charged with Harassment and Disorderly Conduct. • On January 31, Officer Ortiz responded to the Isle Casino, security office, on report of a possible stolen vehicle. After further investigation Officer Ortiz was able to determine there was no foul play and the vehicle was shown to be stolen by an unknown person. The vehicle was entered into NCIC/CCIC. • On January 31, Officers Ortiz and Hart were investigating a stolen vehicle, on level one of the Isle Casino parking garage, 401 Main Street. Upon clearing a possible suspect vehicle, it came back confirmed stolen from Thornton, Colorado. The vehicle was later released to the owner on scene. Case is under further investigation. • On January 31, Officer Ortiz took a report from a male construction worker who stated items were taken from the back of his truck while he stayed at the Isle Hotel. After further investigation the surveillance showed inconclusive due to the amount of traffic near the victim’s vehicle. • On January 31, Officer Hart was dispatched to the Ameristar Casino, 111 Richman Street, on the report of harassing phone calls. An unknown scam company was trying to talk with an employee, to try and gain financial information. They repeated their calls and became abusive when they did not talk with the employee. • On January 31, Officers responded to the KMM parking garage, 255 Main Street, on the report of shots fired. Officers searched the area and were unable to locate any suspects and/or evidence on scene. • On February 1, Officer Carrigan responded to the Isle Casino to investigate a report of a lost jacket. The jacket was taken by someone other than the owner. Officer Carrigan contacted the party who took the jacket and issued a summons for theft. • On February 1, Officers Hart and Ortiz responded to the Lady Luck Hotel on report of a medical, possibly a suicidal attempt. After further investigation it was determined that the female had attempted suicide and was transported to St. Anthony’s Central Hospital for her injuries. • On February 1, at approximately 2030 hours, drugs were found at Ameristar Casino. The drugs were collected and booked into evidence to be destroyed. • On February 1, at approximately 2200 hours, Officer Pinover responded to the Riviera Casino on the report of a counterfeit bill. Upon arrival, the bill was determined to be counterfeit and was seized. • On February 1, at approximately 2107 hours, Officer Osburn assisted Gilpin County Sheriff Office with a vehicle chase and foot pursuit which ended in the apprehension of a wanted felon. • On February 2, at approximately 0159 hours, Officer’s Osburn, Carrigan and Pinover responded to the Lodge Casino on the report of a disturbance in a hotel room. After the investigation was completed a male party was arrested for domestic violence harassment and booked into the Gilpin County Jail. • On February 2, Officer Hart was dispatched to the Gilpin Casino, 111 Main Street, on report of found drug paraphernalia. The pipe was seized and placed into evidence. No suspect information was available at this time. • On February 2, Officer Hart was dispatched to the Lady Luck valet area, on the report of a lost purse. The reporting party was at several casinos and noticed her purse missing when she arrived at the Lady Luck Casino, 340 Main Street. • On February 2, at approximately 1630 hours, Officer Pinover responded to the Isle Casino on the report of a stolen wallet. At this time there is no suspect. • On February 2, at approximately 1819 hours, Officer Pinover responded to the intersection of Highway 119 and Main Street on the report of a non-injury accident. Upon arrival the at-fault party was issued a summons and released. • On February 3, at approximately 0030 hours, Officers Osburn and Pinover responded to the Lady Luck Casino on the report of a counterfeit $20 bill. Two suspects were contacted and identified. The bill was seized and the case has been forwarded to investigations. • On February 3, at approximately 0030 hours Officer Carrigan conducted a traffic stop in reference to a driver failing to yield the right of way. The driver was subsequently arrested for D.U.I. • On February 3, at approximately 1547 hours, Officer Fiocca responded to a call in front of Golden Gulch parking area near the intersection of Richman Street and Main Street in response to theft of an iPhone. • On February 3, at approximately 1838 hours, Officer B. Davis responded to the Ameristar Casino on a report of money that was lost and then picked up by another party. The casino agreed to pay the money back to the victim because the suspect lost the money gambling. The suspect agreed to pay the casino back the money when he gets paid. • On February 3, at approximately 2231 hours Black Hawk Police Dispatch advised Officers of a R.E.D.D.I. at the Ameristar Casino Parking Garage. The vehicle was later located and contacted just inside Central City. The party was found not to be under the influence, but his driver’s license was revoked and HTO. The party was arrested and transported to Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office.

GILPIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE • On January 21, a Deputy was dispatched to the Golden Pawn Shop, 5312 Highway 119, Black Hawk, unincorporated Gilpin County, Colorado 80422, reference a stolen item out of Northglenn, Colorado. The item in question was recovered, a report completed and the item turned over to Northglenn Police Department. • On January 21, at approximately 1608 hrs, Deputies were dispatched to an address in Unincorporated Gilpin County on a fight between a male and a female. Upon arrival the parties were contacted and later the male party was arrested for Harassment Domestic violence. • On January 23, a Gilpin County Sheriff`s Office deputy was working as part of a joint task force with the Jefferson County District Attorney`s Office targeting Internet Predators. The deputy was informed by a DA Investigator he was in communication with an adult male who was later contacted and arrested for Internet crimes against children. • On January 24, at approximately 1030 hours, a Gilpin County Sheriff`s Office deputy received a telephone call from the owner/ manager of Mid County Liquors regarding a fraudulent – counterfeit bill. • On January 24, at about 1600 hours, an inmate received mail from a protected party of a Protection Order which is a violation of the Protection Order. • On February 2, at approximately 2048 hours a deputy conducted a traffic stop in south county for several traffic infractions. The driver was later arrested for the investigation of driving under the influence and booked into the county jail. • On February 2, at approximately 2110 hours, Deputy Ramsey was attempting to locate a local fugitive that had two felony warrants out of Jefferson County. Deputy Ramsey observed the male suspect backing down the road at a high rate of speed and then spun his vehicle around and proceeded to lead several agencies on a pursuit. Eventually the suspect was apprehended and arrested and faces several additional felony charges. • On February 2, a Deputy stopped a vehicle for careless driving on state Highway 119 within unincorporated Gilpin County, Colorado. The driver was later arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana and the passenger in the vehicle was cited for possession of marijuana. • On February 3, at approximately 1925 hours, a deputy responded to a house for a welfare check. A violation of a protection order is being investigated.

February 7, 2013
Black Hawk Council addresses recreational and medical marijuana use

New owners of Fitzgerald’s, City Manager’s contract

By Lynn Volkens

Black Hawk City Council with Mayor David Spellman and Council members Linda Armbright, Paul Bennett, Diane Cales, Jim Johnson and Greg Moates met for their regularly scheduled business meeting on January 23, 2013. They dealt mainly with regulations needed regarding the recreational use of marijuana and medical marijuana within Black Hawk.

Home Grown Marijuana

The Council approved Council Bill 4, an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to address marijuana cultivated for personal use in residential structures. The new Article X of Chapter 18 states that any person who is 21 years of age or older that is cultivating marijuana plants for his/her own use, may possess, grow, process or transport no more than six marijuana plants with three or fewer being mature, provided those activities comply fully with the Colorado Constitution. The plants must be possessed, grown, or processed within the primary residence of the person who will be using the marijuana for his/her personal use and must not be perceptible from the exterior of that primary residence. That means no visual observation (including signs); no unusual odors or other olfactory stimulus; no light pollution; and no undue vehicular or foot traffic, including excessive parking within the residential zone. Within a single-family dwelling, the cultivation, production, growing and processing of marijuana plants must be within a secure, defined contiguous 150 square foot area of the primary residence of the person possessing, growing or processing the plants for personal use. Within a multi-family dwelling unit, that secure, defined contiguous area is limited to 100 square feet within the primary residence of the person possessing, growing or processing the plants for personal use. These areas are to be locked or partitioned off and access limited solely to the person who is growing or processing the plants for his/her own personal use. The plants cannot be possessed, grown or processed in any accessory structure. All other City requirements related to building and life/safety, water and sewer regulations must be met and the City, upon reasonable notice, may inspect he premises to assure compliance.

The Aldermen also approved Council Bill 5, an ordinance that amends the Municipal Code regarding medical marijuana grown and processed in residential structures when done by patients for their own use or by primary caregivers. This amendment adds Article IX to Chapter 18. In addition to mainly setting the same stipulations as CB 4, this bill also defines a primary caregiver, consistent with the Colorado Constitution, as “a natural person, other than the patient and the patient’s physician, who is 18 years of age or older and has significant responsibility for managing the well-being of a patient who has a debilitating medical condition.” The bill goes further to state “In addition to other activities conducted on behalf of the patient, a primary caregiver, a patient or a group of patients cultivating marijuana plants for their own use may cultivate, possess, produce, use or transport marijuana or paraphernalia to administer marijuana for medicinal purposes, conditioned on compliance with the Colorado Constitution and Colorado statutes pertaining to the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code and Medical Marijuana Program.”

Council Bill 6, deals with possession of marijuana. This ordinance, approved by the Council, amends the Municipal Code (Section 10-144) to define “marijuana” and “marijuana accessories.” It states that it is unlawful to possess drug paraphernalia (defined under Colorado Revised Statute 18-18-426) when the person in possession knows that the paraphernalia could be used in violation of this code. CB6 also limits possession and consumption of marijuana to two (2) ounces or less. Conviction of having more than two ounces will be punished by a fine of not more than $100. Allowances are made for persons who are 21 years old or older and for those who possess or use marijuana pursuant to the Dangerous Drugs Therapeutic Research Act.

The Aldermen further amended the Municipal Code (Chapter 10, Article VII) regarding the procuring of marijuana by or for a minor, by approving Council Bill 7. This ordinance states that it is unlawful for any person to provide marijuana to any person under the age of 21 years and that it is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to possess, attempt to purchase, purchase or obtain marijuana.

For the complete and specific language of these sometimes lengthy ordinances, please contact the City Clerk’s office.

Idling Motor Vehicles

The City had previously prohibited the idling of motor vehicles (ie. the engine is running while the motor vehicle is parked, stopped or standing) within the City limits for more than five minutes, except in certain stipulated situations. In passing Council Bill 9, The Aldermen repealed Section 8-8 of the Municipal Code, eliminating that prohibition.

2013 On-Call and Service Agreements

The Aldermen approved a list of 19 contractor or consulting companies whose services can be used as needed via On-Call & Service Agreements in 2013. Services include such needs as water rights/water quality, transit, planning and development, elevator/escalator inspection, trash services, architectural, environmental, appraisals, surveying, video photography for historic preservation, etc. The City has budgeted various amounts for each category of service, ranging from $20.53 per residence per month for trash removal to $400,000 for water rights and water quality issues.

City Manager’s Contract

The first amendment to City Manager Jack Lewis’s employment agreement was approved by adopting Resolution 4. The Council established his base salary, including market adjustments, to be 10% above the highest paid department head and that their intention for the future is that the City Manager’s salary be established at not less than 5% above the highest paid department head. Lewis was hired in October, 2011. Retroactive to January 1, 2013, his Salary was set at $149,051 annually. Black Hawk is in the process of rehabilitating the residence at 201 Chase Street to use as housing for the City Manager. Until those premises are completed, the City will pay the cost of the City Manager’s rental property within the City. The city Manager’s cell phone/personal digital assistant (PDA) technological allowance is set at 1% of his annual base salary. Black Hawk pays up to an additional 6% of the City Manager’s base salary for his retirement plan.

Liquor License Transfer

The Aldermen approved the transfer of liquor license ownership from Majestic Colorado Gaming LLC (Fitzgerald’s Black Hawk Casino) to Kings, Queens and Jacks LLC. The latter company has purchased 100% of Fitzgerald’s stock and will continue doing business under the Fitzgerald’s name.

Bus Sold

The University of Wyoming purchased one of the City’s old shuttle buses for $2,600.

Executive Session

Following the business meeting, the Council met with City Attorney Corey Hoffmann to receive advice related to legal questions and to discuss matters which may require negotiation. The Council took no further action.

Heads Up

Black Hawk City Council meets next on February 13, 2013.

January 31, 2013
Wild land fire in south Gilpin back country ignites 2013 fire season

“Just a little one,” says Central City Fire Chief

By Lynn Volkens

The 2013 wild land fire season has already begun in Gilpin County. At 7:20 Tuesday evening, January 22, 2013, a wild land fire was reported on the ridge between Central City Parkway and south Highway 119 (approximately mile marker 3). It is believed that the fire was sparked by a hunter’s or hiker’s cook fire. Central City Fire Chief Gary Allen said he was reluctant to risk anyone’s safety by putting firefighters into the “nasty terrain” after dark on Tuesday night, so he enlisted the aid of the Flight for Life helicopter to do a flyover of the area and the information he needed in determining how to attack the fire. Keeping firefighter safety as a priority, Allen decided to attack the fire on Wednesday morning.

Located about two miles from the lower Lake Gulch area, the terrain in that area proved to be so rugged, that it took an hour and forty-five minutes for firefighters to hike into the area, Allen reported. Personnel from Central City Fire Department, Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office, Clear Creek Fire Department, Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office and Timberline Fire Protection District, fifteen firefighters in all, responded. Allen said firefighters were able to contain the fire by 3 p.m. Wednesday, keeping it to about one quarter of an acre in area. “We watched from a distance on Thursday,” Allen said. There was no further flare-up. He and firefighter Phil Headrick walked back in to the fire scene on Friday, to check for hot spots, but found nothing of concern. With little snowfall to date, the fire risk in the back country is high and this early fire just reinforces how very careful people must be to avoid igniting a wild fire.

January 31, 2013
Wiring sparks Central City house fire

Very little damage

By Lynn Volkens

A “water thaw mishap” was the cause of an attic fire at the residence at 207 West First High Street in Central City on Monday morning, January 28, 2013. Central City Fire Chief Gary Allen said the thawing project had caused a problem with the wiring in the attic, and that had led to a fire in the insulation. A workman at the house spotted smoke coming from beneath the eaves shortly and called in the fire at 7:20 am. Central City Fire Department (CCFD) soon had seven firefighters on the scene. As a precaution, Allen said he called Black Hawk Fire Department (BHFD), “just in case the fire “popped,” but he soon released BHFD, after assessing the situation. The home is owned by Randolph Cox and Carmel Lubeck.

Other than some water damage – “We used only about 300 gallons,” Allen noted – the home remained in good enough condition that he expected the occupant to have full use of the living space in short order, “Once an electrician fixes the wiring,” he added. The blown-in insulation, a bane to the firefighters, will have to be replaced. While the insulation served its purpose in keeping the home warm, it also hid the location of the fire. Allen compared it to a duff fire (the highly combustible dried leaves and other dry, fine vegetative matter that settles into gutters or other little disturbed areas). Firefighters were forced to remove all of the insulation in order to find the fire and extinguish it. Firefighters cleared the scene around 11 a.m.

January 31, 2013
Gilpin Commissioners deal with controversial issues

New Commissioner Watson jumps right into the fray

By Lynn Volkens

Gilpin County Commissioners Buddy Schmalz, Connie McLain and Gail Watson considered an unusual septic system request, dealt with the usual annual renewals and appointments and conducted two work sessions, one of which relates to providing better internet service in Gilpin County. Commissioner Watson, the “newbie” of the board, had clearly done her homework. She arrived well-prepared, unhesitatingly asking informed and pointed questions throughout the meeting.

Missouri Flats Road ISDS

Commissioners approved a vault individual sewage disposal system (ISDS) for the 3.49 acre property of Jerome Hulderman located at 325 Missouri Flats Road in the Russell Gulch area. The vault will be supplied with water from a cistern and must have a device installed to warn when it nears capacity.

Clerk and Recorder’s Report

Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder Colleen Stewart shared her November 2012 report to the Treasurer with Commissioners. It showed revenues for that month of $130,480. Of that, $59,393 was disbursed to the State, $53,700 to the Gilpin County Treasurer, $4,222 to Central City, $87 to Black Hawk, $20 to the Domestic Abuse Fund, $20 to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Fund, $3 to the State Health Fund and the County Clerk retained $13,035. Motor Vehicle late registration fees raised $2,160 for the State and $590 for the County.

The report for December 2012 shows revenues for that month of $104,521. Of that, $46,802 was disbursed to the State, $46,356 to the County Treasurer, $6,275 to Central City, $50 to Black Hawk, $60 to the Domestic Abuse Fund, $16 to POST, $9 to the State Health Fund and the County Clerk retained $4,953. Included in the revenues was $2,295 for the State and $600 for the County generated from Motor Vehicle late registration fees.

Stewart included her annual revenue report showing the total revenue for her office, in 2012, was $1,703,095.

Treasurer’s Report

Gilpin County Treasurer Alynn Huffman’s December, 2012 report showed the County finishing the year with 99.71% of taxes collected. As of December 31^st, County coffers contained a grand total of $10,146,369. Compare that to the 2011 grand total of $9,713,801.

The Treasurer also included her 2012 final semi-annual report, showing the financial activity of the County’s accounts from July 1 through December 31, 2012. Commissioners accepted the report.

Ambulance Licensing

Commissioners received a report from Gilpin Ambulance Authority (GAA) stating that the annual license inspection had been done for 2013 on the vehicles they use to help Gilpinites and visitors to the area. Medic Units 103, 108 and 109 were approved as Advanced Life Support units. Medic Units 102 and 106 were approved as Advanced Life Support Reserve Units. Medic 101 was approved as a Basic Life Support Unit-first Responder. Medic 101 is the specially equipped four-wheel drive pick-up truck that is used to access areas the larger ambulances cannot reach. It then transports patients to the nearest fully equipped ambulance. GAA work under the medical direction of Dr. Peter Vellman, M.D. from Centura Health at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood. Criteria used in GAA’s inspections is the same as that used for Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Elbert and Jefferson Counties. Commissioners accepted the report.

Highway Users Tax Fund

Commissioners also approved Public Works Director Curt Logsdon’s report of the County’s road miles that are eligible for funding via the Highway Users Tax Fund (HUTF). That report goes to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) which earmarks roads as “arterial” and “local” service roads and provides funding to be put toward the upkeep and repair of those roads. Paved and chip-sealed roads are favored over gravel/dirt roads, Logsdon noted. He said the County currently has 149.14 eligible road miles and that his department has been in the process of re-measuring the mileage to make sure it is accurate. He expects that study to be done by next year. HUTF funds come mainly from gasoline taxes and vehicle registration fees. The County expects to receive approximately $600,000 in HUTF funds for 2013.

Church Ditch Water Rights

Gilpin County owns three inches of Church ditch water rights, which the County is not currently using. As they have done for several years, Commissioners approved a lease of those water rights for downstream irrigator, Val McCurdy. McCurdy will pay rent for the water rights of $300 for use of the water during 2013.

Planning Commission By-Laws

A recent revision of the by-laws for the Gilpin County Planning Commission, an advisory committee that deals with land use matters, required, and received approval from the County Commissioners. The revisions mainly cleaned up language regarding compensation (mileage only), removed the stipulation requiring County Commissioners to appoint a Planning Commission secretary, and allowed for attendance and voting privileges by alternate Planning Commission members, as needed.

Historic Preservation Advisory Commission

Commissioners re-appointed current Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (HAC) members Bret Johnson and Linda Jones to new terms, ending December 31, 2016. They also appointed alternate member Herman Gaines, Jr. to full membership. The HAC is seeking another member to replace Gaines as alternate member.

RETAC Appointment

Christopher Williams, a Black Hawk firefighter and EMT-B with Gilpin Ambulance Authority, received the Commissioners’ approval as the County’s alternate representative on the Foothills Regional Emergency Medical and Trauma Advisory Council (RETAC) Board of Directors. Foothills RETAC includes Gilpin, Clear Creek, Grand, Jefferson and Boulder Counties. The RETAC recently awarded a grant to Gilpin, and the other member counties, of $5,000 each, to be used for basic Emergency Medical Services needs within the respective counties. In return, RETAC asks for documentation showing how the money was spent. Additional grants are also awarded on a competitive basis. There are eleven RETACs in the state, formed in 1997 to partner with emergency service providers with help in planning and advising on ways to best meet the community’s needs.

Shooting Range Funding Opportunity

At the request of Commissioner Watson, Commissioners Schmalz and McLain approved pursuit of $131,250 grant proposal to the Department of Parks and Wildlife to put toward creating a shooting range in Gilpin County. Currently the Sheriff’s Department and limited others are allowed to practice shoot on a remote property that is privately owned. Watson noted that, if the grant is approved, Gilpin County must commit $90,000 as a match, which would allow for purchase of a land parcel and the improvements needed to create the range. That money would come out of the 2014 budget, she noted. Commissioners McLain and Schmalz, both noting the County’s budget constraints, nevertheless agreed to approve the grant proposal. Commissioner Schmalz noted “This is an opportunity, not a commitment,” adding the caveat, “I’m not afraid to turn down a grant if we don’t have the money to match it.” A grant deadline of February 1^st, had required the immediate decision.

911 Update

Commissioner Schmalz provided an update on recent activity of the County’s 911 Authority Board. He said they are looking at “the next generation 911” system – which could include texting and other electronic notification capability. That board has also gone back to its original by-laws, setting the membership to four members with representatives from Gilpin County, Central City, Black Hawk and Timberline Fire Protection District.

Executive Session

Following the business meeting, Commissioners met in Executive Session with County Attorney Petrock to discuss the Brannan litigation and two water court items. They took no further action.

Work Sessions

Commissioners spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon conducting two work sessions; the first had to do with Eagle-Net, the organization funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Under that Act, Eagle-Net has $100.6 million to build infrastructure and make improvements needed to bring high speed broadband service to 170+ Colorado communities by August 2013. Eagle-Net does not provide direct service to private businesses or residences, but rather provides the means for private providers to hook into a hub and extend their own services from there. In Gilpin, the Gilpin County RE-1 School is the potential hub.

The second work session included discussion about several employee handbook and policy revisions, including a way to let volunteer emergency responders continue to draw their County pay while responding to a very limited number of emergencies, as needed (mainly natural disasters such as a wild land fire, and structure fires). The proposed revisions are scheduled to be approved at the next Commissioners’ meeting.

Heads Up

Gilpin County Commissioners meet next on February 12, 2013.

January 31, 2013
Gilpin Men’s Basketball team scores first league win

Eagles edge Denver Waldorf

By George Snyder

The Gilpin Men’s team scored their first 5280 League win by edging Denver Waldorf 43-40 in a squeaker last Tuesday at the Gilpin gym. The win, coupled with a 66-30 loss to league powerhouse Community Christian, gave the Eagles a 1-2 league record heading into the third week of league play.

The Denver Waldorf win avenged a non-league 38-35 defeat earlier in the year. Both games featured a 4th quarter rally by the winner.

The Eagles looked like they were headed for a runaway, enjoying a 25-9 half time lead. But in the 3rd quarter, Waldorf unleashed a devastating press that created many bad passes, and Gilpin found itself ahead by only 29-27 at the end of the period. The Spartan continued to apply the press, and the Eagles continued to have problems. With only two minutes left, Waldorf seized the lead at 40-37, and the noisy Gilpin crowd went silent. Then the Eagles’ offense came alive and on the next two possessions, leading scorer Chase Boulter cashed in the last of his 23 points to regain the lead. Waldorf failed to sink the basket on its next possession and, in the clash for the rebound, Dalton Dziedzic was fouled. He sank his two free throws and cinched the lead. All was not done yet as Waldorf got two shots at the basket in the last 7 seconds. The second shot, a 3-point attempt, fell to the right, and Gilpin recovered the rebound as the buzzer went off. Boulter and Dziedzic, with 16 points, scored over 90% of the Eagles’ tallies. The game was a lesson in perseverance for the young Eagles and demonstrated their ability to respond to difficult circumstances and come through in the clutch.

The Friday game demonstrated another quality in the Gilpin team – the ability to keep fighting when the opponent is taller and more experienced. For three quarters, the Eagles fought the Crusaders on relatively even terms, although they trailed 42-28 at that point. Then Community Christian applied a very aggressive full-court press, and the Eagles fell apart. Boulter once again led the scorers with 10 points.

In older news, the Eagles dropped their first league game, losing 70-24 to the Denver Jewish Day School Tigers at the JDS facility on January 15. The game was never close. Using a tenacious full-court press, the Tigers tortured the Eagles in three of the four quarters, roaring out to a 30-15 half time lead. At the half, the Eagles still had some hope for turning the game around because they outscored DJDS 9-7 in the second period. Before and after that, it was all Tigers! Boulter led the Eagles in scoring once again with 14 points. No other player scored in double figures.

The Eagles resumed league play Tuesday with a visit to Cornerstone Christian. Their next home game is this Friday against Belleview Christian. Both teams are about equal to Gilpin in experience and ability, so the games should be close and interesting.

January 31, 2013
Return to victory for Lady Eagles

Basketball team overwhelms opponents

by Patty Unruh

Battle with Community Christian

The Gilpin County School varsity girls’ basketball team scored another win at home January 25 against opponent Community Christian. The Lady Eagles shut down the Crusaders 54-10 in conference play. The team’s record stands at 11-2, and the wins of the past week are welcome after losing to Vanguard on January 19.

Gilpin missed players Andromeda Ramsey and Stephanie Siegrist, who were out with injuries from the Vanguard game, but their teammates rose to the occasion.

Samantha Peterson led the Eagles’ scoring with 16 points, seven of which came from two-point field goals. Alyssa Chareunsouk also scored in double digits with 11 points, including an amazing seven for seven free throws. Khristine Barr helped her team with eight points and Ashlen Cortez contributed six. Cortez dunked two three-pointers, and Hannah Randall added one.

Gilpin snatched a total of 45 rebounds, had 18 steals, and 18 assists to clinch the win.

Versus Denver Waldorf

Denver Waldorf had issues getting points on the board against the Eagles during the January 22 league match. Eagles routed the Spartans 55-17, racking up 38 points in the first half, while Denver remained scoreless. Both teams made 17 points in the second half.

Peterson again led the Eagles with 12 points, followed closely by Barr with 10. Randall and Cortez each chipped in with seven points. Delainey Lepro, Grace Diekman, and Katura Sales contributed six, five, and four points, respectively. Chareunsouk and Maria Garcia added two apiece. Although most of the scoring came through two-point field goals, Cortez and Randall did each manage a three-point field goal. Diekman plunked in a free throw for good measure.

The Eagles grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and 16 defensive rebounds. Barr got five steals and Garcia three.

January 31, 2013
Swearing, marijuana, and sex offender registration in Central

Issues addressed at Central City Council Meeting

By Wes Isenhart

In the first Central City Council meeting of 2013, the council said goodbye to outgoing members Rita Lee and Bob Giancola and welcomed as new members Gloria Gaines and Kathy Heider. The first meeting of the year featured a number of yearly appointments as well as the first reading of two ordinances regarding the regulation of marijuana cultivation for personal use in personal residences and the purchase of a new truck for the Water Department. Council also approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with Douglas County Commissioners for access to a metro-wide sex offender registration system called SOTAR. Mayor Ron Engels presided over the meeting with all old and new council members present along with all department heads and legal counsel.

Council Member Recognition and Swearing-in

The meeting started with two ceremonies. The first ceremony was a recognition and appreciation for the service and contributions of the two outgoing council members Bob Giancola who served on the council for five years and Rita Lee who served for a year. Mayor Engels presented both with plaques of appreciation and both expressed in their final remarks an appreciation for the opportunity to serve as council members and highlighted some of the accomplishments that occurred during their terms. The second ceremony was the swearing in of the two new council members Kathy Heider and Gloria Gaines who took the oath for the office of Alderman that was administered by Municipal Judge David Goss and then took their seats on the council.

Annual Appointments

Annual appointments were the first item of business by the new council and were all approved unanimously. These annual appointments included Bob Spain as the Mayor Pro-tem, the Weekly Register-Call as the legal publication for 2013, Ron Engels as the DRCOG Representative and the appointment of city manager Alan Lanning to be the Gilpin Ambulance Authority Representative with Finance Director Shannon Flowers as the alternate.

Ordinance and Resolution 13-01

The first ordinance of 2013 (13-01) which was unanimously approved on first reading concerned the posting of notices for regular and special meetings in public places. Ordinance 13-01 amends the Municipal Code to establish posting procedures and the public places designated for posting of meetings. In conjunction with Ordinance 13-01 was Resolution 13-01 which designated the two posting locations to be the Post Office and the front door of City Hall so as to be visible 24 hours a day. Washington Hall was removed as a posting location. Resolution 13-01 was approved unanimously.

Ordinances 13-02 and 13-03 Marijuana Regulations

In response to the passage of Amendment 64 legalizing marijuana which passed in Gilpin County by a thirty percent margin (65%-35%), Council unanimously approved on first reading Ordinances 13-02 and 13-03 which will regulate the cultivation of marijuana for personal use in residential structures and set a public hearing and second reading for February 5th. The purpose of Ordinances 13-02 and 13-03 are to address the personal possession of marijuana by conforming existing Municipal Code provisions to Amendment 64. Ordinance 13-02 defines marijuana and marijuana accessories to be consistent with Amendment 64, legalizes the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana by adults 21 years or older, prohibits the purchase or possession of marijuana for consumption by any person under 21 years of age and prohibits possession or consumption of any amount of marijuana in a public place.

Ordinance 13-03 amends zoning regulations that the City Council previously adopted concerning residential cultivation of medical marijuana to expand the limitations on the number and location of plants in a residence. The new zoning ordinances prohibit marijuana from being grown outside in a garden, in separate structures like a garage and not displayed in visible areas like the front window of a house. Marijuana plants will be limited to six per individual with no more than twelve plants per residence if there are multiple adults in a residence. Councilwoman Gaines inquired about rentals and townhomes. Attorney Michow said that the renters would be subject to the terms of their rental agreement and attached properties would be regulated so that there would be no cultivation in the common areas of a multi-family or attached residential building. Due to the scheduled absence of legal counsel at the next meeting, the public hearings on Ordinances 13-02 and 13-03 will be opened at the February 5th meeting and then continued to the February 19th for a final vote. These two ordinances only regulate the cultivation and possession of marijuana for personal use. Council will have to determine before July 1st whether they will license retail pot shops in the business district or impose a moratorium on them like they did with the casinos.

Resolution 13-02 Sex Offender Registration

Chief of Police Terry Krelle presented Resolution 13-02 to council regarding the approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Douglas County Commissioners for access to a sex offender registration system called SOTAR. Central City currently does not have a publicly searchable database to enter registered sex offenders. At any given time Central City has 1-8 registered sex offenders in residence in the city. Thirty two law enforcement agencies that contribute to the SOTAR database and DouglasCounty require an IGA from each agency that participates. Motion to approve Resolution 13-02 carried unanimously.

Resolution 13-03 Spending Authorization

Resolution 13-03 which establishes financial procedures for specific authorized check signatories and the use of credit or debit cards was presented by Finance Director Shannon Flowers. The authorization of check signatories and credit card users in an annual resolution and lists authorized city employees by name for bank purposes. Resolution 13-03 was approved unanimously.

New Water Department Pickup

Operations Director Kent Kisselman presented a motion to approve the purchase of a Ford F-150 truck for the Water Department in the amount of $34,668. Funding for this purchase will come out of the Water Funds Adopted 2013 Budget. The budgeted amount was $46,000. Director Kisselman said that the city received favorable discounts for the modified truck to get the below budget price. Motion to approve the purchase of the Ford F-150 truck for the Water Department carried unanimously.

Metered Water Bills Credit

During staff updates, Finance Directory Flowers told council that the first metered water bills went out in January. There was a billing mistake charging seniors and a two dollar credit will show up on their bills in February.

Council Comments

The two new council members took the opportunity during council comments to thank those who supported them in the election. Mayor Engels extended his welcome to the new members and said that he was looking forward to working with them. Councilwoman Voorhis reported that there had been a few complaints regarding how the roads had been plowed during the last snow storm.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Central City Council will be on February 5th at 7 p.m.

January 24, 2013
Walter Perryman’s wonderful wood carvings

Surprising exhibit at Gilpin County Public Library

By Lynn Volkens

Patrons of Gilpin County Public Library (GCPL) know to take a look at the big glass display case in the lobby, just to their left as they come in the main entrance. That’s where GCPL puts the work of some of Gilpin County’s most talented artists on exhibit. Currently, that’s the work of woodcarver extraordinaire, Walter Perryman. With titles like “Bear Hunter,” “Collision Course,” and “Rescue,” each of Perryman’s intricately carved tableaus tells a story. In fact, each piece tells more than one story, in intricate “How’d he do that?” detail. In “Rescue,” for example, there’s the calf’s story, the cowboy’s story, the horse’s story and the mama cow’s story. Perryman has conveyed the emotion in each figure and combined their stories into one fluid moment in time. He favors western themes, mountain men and wildlife, and that’s the GCPL exhibit theme; but Perryman has carved other subjects, too. His carvings are sometimes a single subject and smaller in size, but also range to larger standing pieces. Many of those at GCPL are in the dimension of around 18 inches – easily displayed on a shelf or tabletop.

As an adult, carving was a hobby, something he did in his spare time, Perryman explained. He’d gotten started in junior high school, carving soap and doing a little whittling. His first real carving project in wood was a Santa’s helper elf, with beard and cap, which he saw in an art book provided by his art teacher. The teacher said it would be “too hard for me” Perryman, said, which just made him more determined to accomplish it. That meant starting with a block of wood, whittling away the excess to shape his elf, and then smoothing and painting it. “My teacher put it on display on her shelf,” he said, “She may still have it.” He found he enjoyed carving “little things” with his pocket knife and giving them away and he continued to build his skill as he grew up. An American Indian headdress that he carved as a Boy Scout neckerchief slide won him first prize. (The prize for continuing to carve “little things” out of soap, was getting his children into the bathtub.)

Perryman said he gets his inspiration from things he sees or reads. That’s the hardest part of the process, he declared, “deciding what I want to carve.” “I like telling stories when I carve something. I think of a good story and try to figure out how to do it.” Once he’s got an idea of what he wants to carve, he researches the anatomy of the animals or people he will be carving. For “Bear Hunter,” Perryman’s son, Jeff, then in high school, donned his swimming trunks and posed, “attacking” the garage door with a broom. Perryman studied and transformed what he saw. In the carving, the trunks became a breechcloth; the broom, a spear; the face, Native American; and the garage door, a ferocious bear. With all of his pieces, Perryman must hone his inspiration to meet the story he wants to tell, working out the size and placement of the figures he’ll carve by first modeling them in clay. He uses power tools to cut away the excess wood and “get close to the skin,” he says, and then switches to the standard carving tools. Each one takes about a month to do, from clay to wood, he reckoned. Perryman favors walnut in his carvings – “a good hard wood, but not as hard to carve as oak.” He likes maple for the color and the grain. He often gathered driftwood from the Oregon coast to use as bases for his work, and says yew also makes a good base because it’s really hard. Carving the base just right creates the environmental background for the figures he’ll add later, and becomes integral to the story.

Perryman is a Colorado native, having grown up in Lakewood, graduating high school in 1954 and Colorado School of Mines in 1959. He worked for the United States Forest Service as an engineer in Oregon for some 30 years, then returned to finish his USFS career in Colorado. He moved to Gilpin County in 2001. Many Gilpinites know Perryman. He’s been active in the community, including serving many years on the Colorado Sierra Fire Protection District’s Board of Directors, but his skill as an exceptionally creative wood carver came as a surprise to all but those who know him well. He hasn’t displayed his work locally, although he had routinely entered his work in galleries and exhibits in Oregon, including the state fair. His work was a staple at the Williamette Western Art Show and Auction in Salem, Oregon’s summer show.

“I sold quite a few pieces,” Perryman says, but adds that he never got into it to the level needed to gain fame and fortune. Most of his work would sell in the range of $1,000 – $3,000, he figured. Although his western-themed work is a favorite, Perryman’s inspiration is broader and diverse. He carved a scene of Antonio Stradivari making his last violin, describing it as the master violinmaker “at his work table, thumping the violin to check the sound.” Then there’s a large standing piece called “Conan the Captive Barbarian” that he carved of the fantasy sword warrior who became the focus of comics, books, television shows and movies. In that carving, Conan has a beautiful female cohort chained to him while his evil captor sits nearby.

Over the years, Perryman figures he’s given away hundreds of his carvings “I don’t even know how many,” he said, shaking his head. Prior to this limited exhibit at GCPL, his last show was in 1985. He collaborated with a wildlife painter at the time. She did a wildlife painting and he added a carved mount of the same animal, creating unique three-dimensional pieces. He’s included the similar singular mounts in his GCPL exhibit. Perryman still “whittles a little” he says, then pauses to consider whether he should start carving again. “I like people saying, ‘Wow’ – I like to show off,” he confessed with a grin.

Perryman is a regular visitor to GCPL – likes “detective stories” and named Grisham and Patterson as a couple favorite authors. It was in a casual conversation with Library Director Larry Grieco that Perryman’s carvings were discovered, at least here in Gilpin. “Bring one in,” Grieco had told him, and that led to the unique display in the case. Perryman’s carvings will be on exhibit through February. It’s worth a special trip to GCPL just to see and wonder at the technique, skill and creativity of this special Gilpin County artist, and the result (which should please Perryman no end) has been a whole lot of “Wow’s!”

January 24, 2013
Timberline Directors amend Chief’s working agreement

Firefighters restricted from talking about department business

By Lynn Volkens

Timberline Fire Protection District (TFPD) Board of Directors met January 14, 2013 with President Rick Wenzel and Directors Jim Crawford, Kay Johnson, Paul Ondr and Chris Samuelson present. Also at the table were Fire Chief Chris Jennings and Business Manager, Jennifer Hinderman. The Directors spent nearly half their meeting time in Executive Sessions, first with the District’s paralegal and then with Chief Jennings.

Executive Session

Immediately after roll call, Wenzel announced an addition to the agenda: an Executive Session to discuss issues with TFPD’s legal counsel. Paralegal Mikki Wadams was present; Wenzel said that attorney Linda Glesne was unable to attend. The topic of the confidential session was Personnel, specifically Chief Jennings. The public, Jennings, and Hinderman were banished to the bay for approximately 45 minutes, after which the Chief was asked to join the Directors behind closed doors. The Executive Session continued until 9:20 p.m., at which time the public meeting re-convened with final adjournment half an hour later.

Chief’s Work Agreement

Following the executive session, the Directors voted unanimously to lock in Chief Jennings’ salary for the next 24 months at the current rate of $85,000. The Chief had been hired a year ago at a salary of $65,000 and the Directors voted in November 2012, to increase his pay by a 31%. Under this stipulation, no further raise can be considered until 2014, unless there are significant changes to the district structure. The date that salary becomes effective is planned to coincide with when the new healthcare plan becomes active, a date yet to be determined.

The Chief will be allotted $3,300 per annum for healthcare purposes. The original pay agreement had included up to $900 per month ($10,800 per annum) for healthcare purposes. However, the Directors have since changed insurance providers and standardized the healthcare plan options for all employees. Samuelson explained that had meant taking approximately $6,600 from the Chief’s former healthcare allocation and they had arrived at the new $3,300 figure by “splitting the difference.”

Jennings will be required to live within five miles of the fire district borders by March 1, 2013. The Chief had lived at Station 3 during the first six months of this year and then had found housing in the metro-area, using a District vehicle to commute. That meant it was taking him a minimum of nearly half an hour simply to arrive at the District’s borders should an emergency call occur when he was at home. The Directors commented that housing options within Timberline’s boundaries are limited so extending that housing boundary by five miles would open up areas in Golden Gate Canyon, Coal Creek Canyon, Nederland, Black Hawk, and Central City.

Chief’s Performance Evaluation

Johnson and Samuelson are currently working on the Chief’s Performance Evaluation process. They are to have a report ready by the next Board meeting. Wenzel said he had received the Chief’s input and had solicited comments from the officers, but is still awaiting comments from two or three officers. He added that Boulder Rural Fire Protection District Fire Chief, Jeff Webb, had also been solicited for help in doing the evaluation. Wenzel and Johnson were hoping to review that evaluation and “hammer out a preliminary evaluation for the rest of the Board” by the end of the week. Other Board members had offered their input, too, Wenzel said, but couldn’t say when the actual evaluation will be finalized.

Treasurer’s Report

Samuelson provided the December 2012 financial statements. As of December 31^st, TFPD’s General Fund contained $389,362; the TABOR Reserve, $20,861; the Capital Fund, $416,892; the Boulder Water Fund, $8,622; and the Pension Fund, $1,504,843. Expenditures for December totaled $350,378 among them: a payment for the new fire truck of $264,094; Pension Fund Contribution, $42,380; Salary and Benefits Expenses, $15,625; Excavation for Station 8, $3,650; Legal Services, $3,441; CenturyLink and AT&T Mobility, $833; Public Safety and Professional Communications,$695; Bank of America (Credit Card), $3,390; Fuel, $1,117; Engineering and Construction, $2,150; Apparatus and Repairs, $3,041; Power and Heat, $4,486; and DirecTV, $91. Directors observed they were 17% under-budget for the General Fund and 10% under-budget for the Capital Fund.

Chief’s Report

The Station 1 feasibility study arrived last week and is available. It will be presented to the Board at a later date. The new fire engine arrived and a few minor challenges are being worked out. Putting in the concrete for Station 8 has been postponed because it will be less expensive to do it when the ground doesn’t need to be heated. There are currently 56 firefighters on the roster, including new recruits. The number of calls in December was 37; no breakdown of type of calls was provided. Regarding the proposed Central City inclusion, Jennings said the ball is in Central City’s court. TFPD has had internal discussion but is just waiting to hear from Central City, he said and more information will be needed regarding Central City’s firefighter pension, specifically. The Golden Gate Fire Protection District proposed inclusion “is not dead,” Jennings reported, adding that that proposition would have to benefit TFPD, too.

Timberline Website

Asked when the website would be back up so that meeting schedule and agenda, budget and other information would be available to the public, Ondr replied, “No idea. It is not a priority.”

Information to be Channeled through Chief

Asked by a citizen during public comment time, if the Chief had forbidden firefighters from talking to the press, Jennings said that he had restricted firefighters from talking about department business and that all comments and questions from press or public are to go through him or through Board Secretary Paul Ondr. In attempting to clarify First Amendment freedom of speech and press issues, as well as identify problems in getting a response from the Chief without lengthy delay, the discussion degraded and Wenzel cut public time short, simply announcing he was “putting a stop to this” and moving on.

Working with Gilpin County

Board members discussed arranging a meeting with Gilpin County Commissioners as an “outreach with the County to try and persuade them to see things our way” – and to see their side. TFPD is looking to improve access to water, roads, fuel and sharing facilities. The Directors tentatively planned to discuss the matter at a special meeting at the end of this month.

Heads Up

The TFPD Directors have scheduled a special “High Level Strategy Meeting” to establish the District’s and Chief’s priorities, at 6 p.m. on January 30, 2013 at Station 7. A future work session, still to be scheduled, will be to update policies on spending. TFPD’s next regularly scheduled meeting is February 19, 2013, 7 p.m. at Station 7.

January 24, 2013