[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6635784,"mediaKeyId","2619805-699824c83b2494722d371495b759ad13","parentId",2619805,"title","Residents urge against planning commission term limits; question consent agenda item on East Portal cabins","audioSeconds",1927,"startMs",3221000,"endMs",5148000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2619805-699824c83b2494722d371495b759ad13&start=3221&end=5148","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2619805-699824c83b2494722d371495b759ad13/thumbnail_3221000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6635784/Gilpin-County/Colorado/Residents-urge-against-planning-commission-term-limits-question-consent-agenda-item-on-East-Portal-cabins","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635784-ec337fd41d852bd68ba2a717c8d9e569/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142468&Signature=L-oAhXPlCQgrKtjVPnrZcPeuKr0GUkYiTOdBH9g-BvLE5UuBgzYXKG9HEpzMW5NwNAj8daPIWifXUsns6JilopPcTznRf4RsDj0qH8BwAnxFEsnenP-w2MfRRafYBWxJxbXb4wmo4KLgmt4qmtd~MEDQH1ns152xk~dOu0UXh9KUZAFuwiVSvbpAzbgneRYT~qYyr1EZbwMf9be-L~pMWUEC4M7EF0fm8o2wYP7I6zoev3c9EP69Qu2Cm1ZZQ3Pr--k2CV5kPsKM4WF6glqI-UHfxgGfIY0L730t6rK1mcg7G4OEqmmDUqc-9TxbRMRAsQNR09AHzVoLfEdkw0eQ-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Gilpin County","date","2025-02-28T08:12:10.183Z","article","Two members of the public addressed the Board of County Commissioners during the Feb. 25 meeting, urging the board to reconsider proposed changes to the Planning Commission appointment process and to give fuller public consideration to a consent‑agenda item related to East Portal cabins.

Raya Ortner Roble, who identified herself as a member of the Gilpin County Planning Commission and gave her address as 369 Lower Moon Gulch Road, told commissioners she opposed proposed term limits (including a forced gap year) for Planning Commission members. She said term limits with a gap year would “disrupt continuity, potentially leading to the loss of experienced members who have a deep knowledge of ongoing projects and local planning policies.” Ortner Roble argued that the county’s small population makes recruiting replacements difficult and that the existing reappointment process already allows for performance review and turnover.

Ortner Roble summarized her concerns in three categories: institutional knowledge loss, disruption of team cohesion and reduced ability to recruit experienced volunteers from a small population base. She recommended improving the reappointment process with standardized HR‑approved questions and clearer reappointment guidance rather than imposing term limits that would force experienced members to take a gap year.

Later in the meeting Marie Morris (Windsor Wright, Fox Road) spoke during the public‑comment period about the consent agenda item that included Resolution 25‑025 regarding potential acquisition of East Portal cabins from Union Pacific. Morris said audio problems at the start of the meeting prevented some remote participants from hearing instructions and that she disagreed with placing the East Portal cabins item on the consent agenda because the county could incur renovation, mitigation and environmental costs. Morris cited an estimated renovation cost she had seen of about $135,000 and said the potential for additional remediation work (for minerals in the ground) warranted a fuller public discussion rather than a consent‑agenda placement.

Staff and board responses

Commissioners acknowledged the public comments. County staff responded that the board held a work session on Feb. 11 that covered options and cost scenarios for the East Portal cabins and that the work session was open to the public. Commissioners did not remove the consent item from the agenda; the consent agenda was approved 3–0 earlier in the meeting.

What the meeting record shows

- The Planning Commission member’s remarks were taken as individual public comment; she explicitly noted that her statements were her own and not the Commission’s.

- The resident’s comment asked for fuller public consideration of a consent agenda resolution (25‑025) that would authorize the county attorney to negotiate with Union Pacific Railroad regarding acquisition of portal cabins; staff said prior work sessions had explored the issue and costs, and the board proceeded with the consent agenda vote.

Ending

Commissioners did not take immediate action to change the Planning Commission appointment process or to remove the East Portal cabins item from the consent agenda at the Feb. 25 meeting. Both issues remain available for further public engagement and board consideration in subsequent meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Gilpin Commissioners' Meeting 2/25/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Two residents used the public‑comment period at the Feb. 25 Gilpin County commissioners meeting to urge the board not to impose Planning Commission term limits and to request fuller consideration of a consent‑agenda item about acquiring East Portal cabins.","taxTitle","Gilpin County, Colorado","taxId",27340,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6635789,"Gilpin County commissioners approve Red Cross shelter agreement, liquor manager change and continue planning hearing; consent agenda passes",115,4338000,4453000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2619805-699824c83b2494722d371495b759ad13&start=4338&end=4453","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2619805-699824c83b2494722d371495b759ad13/thumbnail_4338000.jpg","/articles/6635789/Gilpin-County/Colorado/Gilpin-County-commissioners-approve-Red-Cross-shelter-agreement-liquor-manager-change-and-continue-planning-hearing-consent-agenda-passes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635789-be281e34460325f0deda3c4c89b4a92d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142468&Signature=Nt0JKJve7ln3pfTYDOXQGGfy9g80MiYw6IJ-aQhpEo7lm3RHHKiEcnEP7OqA0oLhmPvDcHrdtscP6ZlRA2o8agdQtpS4SIXujMLTquSnWVpeXB16Gm77FpaYvOHvu2W28~Bu10HDfT3e2rONskY66IhbVnBmBa695kkwxsBIYdmgJg4lgE-a06Zks9i0Gr4vW-Q71AvPudF~PUlbnnj21myEuoRjBYIGbsKF1ifTSHnVla3muIwF2ce-7IEbKOvk-SyBc-b71eEHnwCGudDdZQCRVFLIPQgfapoTbhsaMg25joXWFZao~tFTcXC12uHK2kqjl89c~WxXR6KNHlCRWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners recorded several formal actions Feb. 25, including adoption of a Red Cross facility‑use agreement for the county recreation center, approval of a change in liquor‑license management for a local eatery, acceptance of notice related to Timberline Fire impact fees and the continuance of a Board of Adjustment hearing to March 25. The board also approved its consent agenda at the start of the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda approved (including Resolution 25‑025 and Resolution 25‑026): Motion to approve the consent agenda passed 3–0. The consent agenda included Resolution 25‑025 authorizing the county attorney to negotiate with Union Pacific Railroad relative to acquisition of East Portal cabins and Resolution 25‑026 adopting the list of official appointments. (Motion introduced at 09: ?; outcome recorded as “consent agenda approved 3 to 0.”)

- Resolution BOA 25‑2 (Board of Adjustment public‑hearing continuance): Commissioners voted to continue the public hearing on Resolution BOA 25‑2 to March 25, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.; staff explained the continuance was requested after staff determined mailed and posted notices had not been completed for the original hearing date. (Motion moved and seconded; commissioners concurred.)

- Timberline Fire intergovernmental agreement termination (information and acceptance): The county accepted a letter from Timberline Fire Protection District indicating termination of the IGA for assessment collection and remittance of Timberline impact fees, effective 03/31/2025. The county discussed working on a new IGA that would clarify Timberline’s role; staff said no immediate action by the board was required beyond accepting the termination notice.

- Resolution 25‑016 — facility use agreement with the American Red Cross: The board adopted Resolution 25‑016 authorizing execution of a facility use agreement with the American Red Cross for the Gilpin County Recreation Center and authorized the county manager to sign the contract on behalf of the county. Motion passed 3–0.

- Liquor license management change — Toss Wood Fired Eatery LLC: The board approved a management change for Toss Wood Fired Eatery LLC (management now listed as Reid Sullivan). Background checks were reported clear (CBI/FBI) and fees paid. Motion passed 3–0.

Motion and voting details

Where a motion recorded a mover or a second in the transcript, the meeting minutes reflect that motion and that a vote was taken; when the transcript recorded a unanimous voice vote the outcome is described as passed 3–0. Where the transcript shows no roll‑call tally for an item, the board recorded acceptance or consensus in the meeting record rather than a numeric roll‑call vote.

Context and staff comments

- Board of Adjustment continuance: Rob Gutierrez, Gilpin County Community Development director, recommended continuing the BOA hearing to allow for mailed and posted notices to be completed; Gutierrez confirmed staff had re‑noticed in the newspaper, posted a notice near the property, and sent letters after the hearing date was missed.

- Timberline IGA: Gutierrez and county staff said state law changes allow fire districts to collect impact fees directly; county staff said they intend to negotiate a new IGA that clarifies Timberline’s role in permitting and fire code enforcement and that the county has operated informally in this role to date.

- Red Cross agreement: Parks and recreation director Gabriel Chisholm and undersheriff Greg Dimo presented the recommended agreement. Staff described the contract as the first step in formalizing the county recreation center as an approved American Red Cross shelter, noted coordination on volunteer staffing and backup power planning and asked the board to authorize the county manager to sign the facility use agreement.

What the board did not decide

- No new taxes, fees or contract amounts were authorized in open session during these items; the Red Cross agreement does not commit the county to major capital spending at this time (staff said future backup power options remain under budget discussion). Nor did the board take final action on the BOA land‑use matter; that public hearing was continued for additional notice.

Ending

All recorded motions described above passed or were accepted by unanimous voice vote where recorded (3–0). Commissioners instructed staff to continue negotiations or bring return items with recommended contract language, timeline or budget details when appropriate.","Gilpin County commissioners on Feb. 25 approved a Red Cross facility‑use agreement for the county recreation center, accepted a Timberline Fire IGA termination notice, continued a Board of Adjustment hearing to March 25, and approved a liquor‑license management change, with the consent agenda passing 3–0.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6635793,"CDOT outlines multi‑year Floyd Hill construction schedule, traffic and blasting impacts",2174,656000,2830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2619805-699824c83b2494722d371495b759ad13&start=656&end=2830","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2619805-699824c83b2494722d371495b759ad13/thumbnail_656000.jpg","/articles/6635793/Gilpin-County/Colorado/CDOT-outlines-multiyear-Floyd-Hill-construction-schedule-traffic-and-blasting-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635793-9895e62e075b1b0d3ed14bed848a5b09/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142468&Signature=hM8hWZqelWHgn5VOBb~WVMma18iq89auEMjrFVAr99FwC18fN8NzQMfSzeQIaavm13LWWHGnibdv0Syc4vRxa5sRQKSCwwJVAXQo9B4bmZF4kV~4w84XwnR40s6Be8LRTk0Sl0fDaXgjrXSNH7Ia72U5bDna2oC03M62b44diMYjeD3T24DXAgSRJJaCUMjnGK-gX1hm8maZ8rCQrkWi72VshzTpwg0tx6mU7D7QFL01cxJOusPCE-0A2Ck2LRAMXb8Y-eo2drvP8F6nT-WvScWwKS4Yvm7kaOh9FAbojCw6IOES7SR49Z3iHM1FjpAeg62-E9AYPmE4xRBDYuRM~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Colorado Department of Transportation officials presented an update Tuesday to the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners on the multi‑year Floyd Hill reconstruction project on Interstate 70, describing construction milestones through 2029, frequent rock blasting and steps CDOT is taking to limit traffic impacts and protect wildlife and trail users.

The presentation, delivered by Kirk Kianka, CDOT Floyd Hill project director, and Tamara Rollison, CDOT Region 1 communications manager, said construction began in July 2023 and is being delivered in three primary sections — east, central and west — with different completion milestones for each. Kianka told commissioners the project is “under construction for a little over 18 months” and that work on the heavy central section will continue into mid‑2029.

CDOT gave a timeline of major milestones: the west section is expected to be complete at the end of 2027; the eastbound I‑70 alignment is scheduled for the end of 2028; weather‑dependent paving, landscaping and frontage‑road work are expected to extend some finishing work into 2029. Kianka said the project has interim milestones that will open travel benefits earlier than the final completion date.

Why it matters: CDOT said the project aims to improve travel‑time reliability, relieve a westbound bottleneck on the descent of Floyd Hill, upgrade aging bridges and roadway geometry, improve multimodal connections and add resilience by creating a new frontage‑road alternate route that ties into County Road 314. Commissioners were told the project will add a full‑time toll express lane in the westbound direction, extend an eastbound on‑ramp so merging vehicles have more distance to reach highway speed, and reconstruct the Greenway Trail to 10‑foot concrete ADA standards.

Key technical and schedule details provided by CDOT:

- The project adds a third westbound lane (operated as a 24/7 toll express lane) and extends ramp capacity on the eastbound side to improve merge safety on a 7% grade.

- CDOT is building a long viaduct/segmental bridge structure in the saddle area; some spans will exceed 300 feet and require in‑place balanced‑cantilever construction because standard girders cannot be transported to the site.

- The central section is the heaviest‑construction area; CDOT anticipates cranes, temporary bridges and 80‑foot columns to appear in summer and fall construction seasons.

- CDOT reported that it will remove more than 500,000 cubic yards of rock on the project and that crews have completed about 40 rock blasts to date, with more than 200 blasts planned through 2026.

Traffic management and public notices

Kianka and Rollison emphasized strategies to limit disruption on the I‑70 corridor. CDOT said it will keep at least one travel lane open in each direction during off‑peak overnight work windows and will perform most lane closures overnight. When rock blasts require short traffic holds, CDOT said they typically last up to 20 minutes; worst‑case scenarios can take up to 45 minutes to clear in congested areas such as Argo. Kianka said, “we are committed to keeping all lanes and ramps of I‑70 open during peak times.”

CDOT also described measures to reduce traveler impacts: working behind barrier, building over live traffic with protective scaffolding where needed, coordinating schedules with other nearby projects (including the Peaks To Plains Trail), and notifying emergency responders before blasts. Rollison urged residents to sign up for “rock blasting” text alerts (text FLOYDHILL to 21000) and pointed to weekly e‑blasts, a project website on codot.gov, the cotrip.org traffic site and variable message signs as keys to communications.

Safety, environment and multimodal improvements

CDOT noted several non‑motorized and environmental improvements: reconstruction of the Greenway Trail to a 10‑foot concrete, ADA‑compliant route, four miles of wildlife fencing and a wildlife crossing previously constructed at Genesee that CDOT said is already being used by elk, bobcats and other animals. CDOT stated the crossing is expected to reduce wildlife‑vehicle collisions in that area by about 90 percent. The project team also said two permanent air‑quality monitors were installed — one in Idaho Springs (upstream) and one at the eastern end of the project — and the data are posted on the project website.

Community coordination and mitigation

Project staff said they coordinate with first responders and community stakeholders through a CSS stakeholder group that includes recreation, rafting, fishing and biking representatives. CDOT said it has implemented an on‑demand courtesy shuttle (Pegasus) in summer months that can use the Mountain Express lane to reduce single‑occupant vehicles, and it plans to provide a shuttle when the Greenway Trail is closed for construction.

What residents can expect next

CDOT laid out near‑term work by quarter: continued median work and drainage on the east section, major traffic shifts and foundation work for the central section starting in early summer, and continued blasting on the west section with substantial excavation expected near the transmission tower and Saddlecut. CDOT said work that requires low creek flows — river work and close‑to‑stream foundations — will occur in the low‑flow season, and that segmental bridge construction over live traffic will become visible in fall and winter phases.

Commissioners’ questions and public comments

Commissioners asked about hours of closures (CDOT reiterated most work is overnight with lane closures, and that full I‑70 closures are not expected), rock disposal destinations (CDOT said excavated rock is sent to multiple off‑site locations including sites near Central City Parkway and other places in the I‑70 corridor), and whether Central City Parkway would be closed during construction (CDOT said prolonged closure is not planned and that access to Central City is a priority). Commissioners also asked about the size and placement of a future roundabout at the Central City Parkway interchange; CDOT said the roundabout is being designed for semi‑truck turning radii and that artwork and landscaping in the roundabout are under discussion with stakeholders.

Limitations and outstanding questions

CDOT did not present new cost figures in the meeting. Project staff said certain timeline items — paving, landscaping and final frontage‑road work — remain weather‑dependent, which is why some finishing work is scheduled into 2029. Several construction methods (for example, segmental bridge casting in place) were described at a high level rather than with detailed engineering specifications.

Commissioners were told CDOT will continue outreach and coordination, and staff offered to return with further renderings and details, including a future rendering of the Central City Parkway roundabout.

Ending

CDOT left commissioners with two practical recommendations: sign up for rock‑blast text alerts and use cotrip.org for live traffic conditions. The agency said it will continue stakeholder engagement and return with additional design visuals and construction updates as the project progresses.","Colorado Department of Transportation officials gave Gilpin County commissioners a detailed update on the I‑70 Floyd Hill project, including timelines through 2029, daily rock‑blast holds, traffic mitigation measures and wildlife, trail and air‑quality protections.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge against planning commission term limits; question consent agenda item on East Portal cabins

Gilpin County commissioners approve Red Cross shelter agreement, liquor manager change and continue planning hearing; consent agenda passes

CDOT outlines multi‑year Floyd Hill construction schedule, traffic and blasting impacts