Notes on the GHFPD Board Meeting 6/21/22

 President Rich Lopez called the meeting to order.  Ten people attended: Board members Rich, Chris Dirolf, Kent Coghill, Jessica Brookhart and Boyd Brown, plus community members: Rick Sheingold, Max and Deb Yeager, Marcus Moench, and Gretchen Diefenderfer.

Minutes – of the May meeting were approved.

Chief’s Report – was deferred until the next meeting in Chris Finn’s absence.

Mitigation News – Chris Dirolf reported on the Four District CWPP proposal.  They will put out a Survey Monkey soon to all – will have a meeting soon to go over it and get it right.  Then they will have a Zoom meeting for all four districts.  Although it’s expensive, the City of Boulder will be starting helicopter work for hard, steep areas.  Rich added that it’s great to have all four districts cooperating on the IGA.

            Boyd reported on the Ashram mitigation work – there have been some glitches with contractors – Maya will know the timing.  Friday a.m. there will be a walk through with Teens, Inc.

UTV – They still have the $13,000 from the Community Foundation grant and could be short some $5,000 or more.  Kent researched a small, lighter unit that carries 20 gallons of water with a CAF system.  Leslie’s concern is evacuating patients.  They need to be able to access rough terrain, given our district, particularly for the scouting and patrol options.  Chris has access to a trainer who could certify our firefighters.  A welder could make a skid to hold a backboard.  Kent added that he’d recommend a Type 6 engine for a new wildland fire truck.

            A motion was made to authorize up to $25,000 to purchase a UTV – passed unanimously.  The Ranger base model is $15,400.  A trailer is a good idea if we have extra money.  Rich will take the lead and start shopping.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions – We need more signs saying No Fires and maybe flyers to hand out with information for campers.

Email from Clare Tone – regarding numbers of UTVs all over the place out west.  Apparently, there is an outfit in Estes Park that rents UTVs and sends them to the Switzerland Trail. Rich wonders about liability issues and will make some calls.

Religious Exemption for Fires – does not apply in Red Flag conditions.

Grants – No word on the IFG grant yet.  Chris Finn has sent a questionnaire to Jessie re: grant info.  Rich asked Maya, “What if we just hired you to write grants for maybe $40/hour?”  She doesn’t have any time now, but others might.  Jess pointed out that with grants and money, they have to start working on the budget for next year.

Mill Levy – Chris D reported that the discussion regarding the amount of increase is ongoing (somewhere between the 6.6 we have now and Fourmile’s high of 22).  Community members opinions cover the whole range of possibilities.  Boyd thinks they should have a big sign and flyers at the 4^th of July to explain their needs and plans for the future.  Presently the mill levy income is approx. $48 – $49,000 per year.  Maybe double the present levy?  We need to develop a clear 5 and 10 year plans for the future so that people will know where the money will go.

Teens, Inc. – will be in Gold Hill the 11^th through the 15^th to help with weed whacking, gravel perimeters around homes, and chipping.

Next Board Meeting will be July 19th – Regular meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Notes by Gretchen Diefenderfer