The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met January 6, 2026, at 11:01 a.m. Chair Andy Lee presided with commissioners Matt Bullock and Elsa Tharp present.
Commissioners approved an amendment allowing High Country Tours to add summer ATV operations after lack of snow prevented the company from opening its winter snowmobile season. The unanimous decision included a condition requiring a conditional use permit before summer operations begin.
High Country Tours received approval December 4, 2025, to operate guided snowmobile tours on County Roads 1, 2, 3, and 38. Anne Schneider, Community Planning and Development Director, told commissioners the weather impact has had an adverse effect on the company and its employees. The owner requested adding summer tours using both snowmobiles and ATVs.
A resident raised concerns during public comment that High Country Tours and other operators have been operating without required conditional use permits, in non-compliance with the land use code. The resident said he favors extending summer operations but suggested conditioning approval on obtaining the CUP.
Schneider acknowledged the county is working on CUP requirements for commercial recreation operators. After discussion with County Attorney Matt Hobbs, commissioners added the condition requiring CUP approval prior to summer operations.
Group Camp Approved With Fire Suppression, Septic Requirements
Commissioners approved a conditional use permit for Rose Hut and Peggy’s Bunkhouse Group Camp with 11 conditions. The board added two conditions beyond the Planning Commission’s nine recommendations.
Melissa Kendrick, Community Planning and Development Deputy Director, presented the application for the Backcountry-zoned property on south-facing slopes off Long and Derry Hill at the base of West Sheridan. The existing structures will be used for primitive overnight stays. The Planning Commission recommended approval December 22, 2025.
Commissioners required the existing well be operational for fire suppression in accordance with Lake County Fire Rescue standards prior to occupancy. The board also required an approved septic variance before Peggy’s Bunkhouse can be occupied.
Chair Lee thanked the applicant for working with the county on creative solutions to water issues.
Forest Service Fire Mitigation Buildings Approved
The board approved a conditional use permit for Sugarloaf Mountain Ranch to construct three buildings for vehicular storage and maintenance. The buildings will support a Colorado State Forest Service Agricultural program for forest health and fire mitigation. The Planning Commission recommended approval December 22, 2025, with two conditions.
January Declared Radon Action Month
Commissioners proclaimed January as National Radon Action Month. Alana Medeiros, Public Health Deputy Director, said radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. About 50% of Colorado homes have radon concentrations above the recommended action level. The proclamation aims to raise awareness and encourage home testing.
Board Sets 2026 Meeting Schedule, Courthouse Hours
The board approved Resolution 2026-01 establishing regular meetings on the second and third Tuesdays of each month at 11 a.m. Work sessions will be held on the first and fourth Tuesdays. County Manager Candace Bryans said meetings may be conducted in person, virtually, or in hybrid format.
The Lake County website will serve as the primary posting location for meeting notices, with the courthouse front window as the secondary location. Notices must be posted at least 24 hours before meetings unless an emergency meeting is called.
Resolution 2026-02 established courthouse office hours as Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Offices staffed only by a department head and one or fewer support staff may close over a designated and posted lunch hour.
Consent Agenda Includes Transportation Grant
The consent agenda included a Colorado Department of Transportation grant to Public Health supporting the transportation program at Lake County Senior Center. The board also approved payroll from December 26, 2025, and accounts payable packets from December 8-28, 2025.
Commissioner Updates
Commissioner Lee reported Governor Jared Polis delayed Department of Human Services changes by one year. The changes were originally scheduled for July 2026. Lee said the delay, responding to feedback from Lake County and other counties, provides time to implement changes properly.
Commissioner Bullock announced the Leadville Trail 100 Run & Boom has been rescheduled to March 14th due to lack of snow. The event needs volunteers. Registration is available through the Mineral Belt Trail website.
Public Comment
Max Cohen served the board with a writ of mandamus for documentation on behalf of Miguel Martinez. Cohen asked about Chris Floyd, a special attorney, and whether she still has office hours for the county. Bryans confirmed Floyd’s last day was the previous Wednesday and she is no longer on the payroll.
The meeting adjourned at 12:36 p.m.
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