GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, Proposed minutes of the Monday, February 17, 2025 Fire Board Meeting by Acting Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer

Next Meeting is Monday, March 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at the Firebarn

MEETING BUSINESS – The meeting was called to order at 7:03 by Boyd Brown as President Kent Coghill was on shift.

Attendance – Present were other  Board Members Max Yeager and Jessica Brookhart, plus Val Crist and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Attending by Zoom: Leslie Finn, Kent Coghill, Chief Rich Caudill, Chris Finn, Marcus Moench and Steffi Wilson.

Minutes – of the last meeting were approved with one change.

CHIEF’S MINUTES

Operational Needs – Rich reports that we did get the grant from Boulder County 1B funds for 40% of the truck plus more for a generator and upgrading the firebarn doors.  Total is $150,000 ($106,000 for the truck).  Jess expects they will get the check by April 1.  Some concern was expressed regarding the expected tariffs on aluminum and steel and potential effect on the cost of the truck.  Speaking with Jordan at Fauts, they have sourced the chassis – not exactly as planned – it has more options, but they will honor the original cost.  Also, the body has started to be fabricated – probably ready the 3^rd or 4^thquarter as scheduled.  We will need to get the radios in approx. 3 months, and ok the graphics.  Has a 2 door panel with logos and a stripe along the bottom angling up toward the rear, orange and red striped chevron on the back.  Chief will confer with Val and Dave Sturtz regarding the radios – probably a Bendix King (BK) dual band head – has to set up account with BK.  Second radio will probably be off brand.

Training – They’ve done lots of GH only training on radios, driving, emergency procedures and now will cycle back into multi district training.  Next month will be wildland/urban interface training with other jurisdictions.  Sent letter to other agencies explaining that we had to get our internal training taken care of first – no snub.

Maintenance –5404 will go into the shop on March 3 for the intercooler line, etc. to Ft. Collins – they’ll work on it as soon as they can.  5439 – A leak was found around the hose reel – on investigation the issue is the ball valve in the pump – able to add a second connection, support hose to booster.  Maybe lay a weld.  Will pick up parts and Chris Finn will help.

Equipment – Need to purchase medical kits for 39 and 02 at approx. $400 each, plus odds and ends – couplings, etc. – maybe $60-$80 each – will rotate out incompatible stuff and will definitely be frugal.   Jess reports we have $5,000 budgeted for medical, so that’s fine.  Boyd asked if we have tried going through AMR.  Rich reported that traditionally AMR will resupply us 1 for 1 for supplies we use on scene.  He can check about anything else with them.  A business named Bound Tree has good deals. Also, he’s been doing shopping on Craig’s list – that’s where he got the big shelf behind the truck and the commercial laminator.  Is also looking at a mini weather station for wind, barometer, temp.  Found one for $150 (half the cost of new) because it’s not needed now.  Jess requested the best receipt he can get or a screen shot for records

Recruitment – Steffi is outfitting Drew.  Rich would like to generate interest by talking up the milestones we’re achieving, communicating about increased resilience (like back up electricity/generator for the Firebarn), upgrading equipment – hoping to generate some excitement around that. Planning notice to town – include what commitments for time and training look like.

Mitigation Festival – Boyd reports it’s scheduled for mid-June.  There will be a fire department table with the File of Life – list of medical stuff to magnetically post on refrigerators to let medical responders know any conditions or issues – the plan is to distribute to all within our district.

Infrastructure – Rich is looking at the old water tank in back  and a long range plan for the water supply for the firebarn – brainstorming with Max.  Thinking about replacing it with a potable water tank – increase our ability to clean up equipment, etc., after an incident.  Grants – Rich will be looking for national grants available for health and safety to help with the water project and other projects.

Operational Readiness – Boyd reports that he’s met with Donal Maloney and the GHTM and the Mountain Aging Alliance and is adding 3 items to the Strategic Plan: 1) the File of Life magnetic list of medical info – will distribute to everyone and establish accepted standard place to post (refrigerator?). 2) Emergency response – NeighborLink and AirLink – conferred with Deb Yeager.  Will use that based on the buddy system, especially for emergency evacuation and people can connect with a central person. When the  department is responding to the fire or other emergency,  NeighborLink will be really useful.  3) Make sure everyone is signed up with ODM (Office of Disaster Management) and Everbridge (the County reverse 911) go to https://boulderodm.gov for all kinds of emergency information and to sign up.

 Capital Improvements – Kent has conferred with Chief O’Brien in Lefthand about his recommendations for a new Station.  He plans to put out an email to ask for interested parties to be on a committee to begin planning. We can apply for a DOLA grant for around $1 mil – has to be a match and has to include community space.  There is potential to apply to Boulder County Emergency Grants every year tor approx. $200,000 for plans, architect, etc. to help offset the matching.  Kent will be on the committee, would like 2 from the board – Max volunteered and the Chief, plus they want 1-2 firefighters, plus townspeople.

Budget – Jess reports that they had the grant in the budget already, so it didn’t change it.  They’re looking at iPads and the GIS system.  Jess would like to not spend everything this year and push other large expenses to next year.  Boyd added that frugal is a great strategy.  Rich plans to pursue grants for the GIS system – Firehouse Subs Grant process opens in April.  He’s in agreement with pushing out big expenses to 2026.  Max and Jess agreed. 

Vehicles/stickers.  Jess will do mock ups and then get professional help.  What about the Maltese Cross?  Rich said it was discussed at the company meeting – some people felt we’d decided on the logo we have now.  Any new design will be out for discussion to the membership.

5404 – Chief and Max will take it up on March 3 to get the pump intercooler line, etc. fixed

02 – is stable and the UTV is stable.

T-Shirt order? – Steffi reports we’re shy on XL, but have tons in some sizes. She’ll order if needed.

General – We need a decision on the DEO and a motion for the DEO to cancel the election if appropriate (no more candidates than positions to fill).  Jess, Kent, and Max will be interim DEOs, with Kent the lead.  Jess moved to appoint Kent DEO, and authorize him to cancel the election if appropriate.  Max seconded. Motion passed.

Grants – already reported on.

Mitigation Festival – Marcus, and Dan Maedke have been heavily involved in following up on the goats and checking on vendors recommended by Maya.  Gretchen mentioned that the goats had been pretty unpopular with the neighbors.  Teens, Inc. are scheduled to work following the festival.  Piles are being burned today and will finish up tomorrow.  Michael Wollard has been observing as the person closest who would be affected.  It’s produced lots of smoke and ash, but conditions are great – wet and no wind.  Steffi also reported that to say the neighbors were unhappy with the goats is an understatement. Dan is getting in contact with various vendors.  Steffi asked if there is a way for neighbors impacted to have input.  Marcus will check with Dan.  Boyd added that there is one vendor with a bigger herd that stays on 24 hours a day.  We need to address concerns, plus others in the subdivision are interested, too – lots of grasses there.  Boyd and Donal walked that area.  Chris Dirolf offered to walk it as well and approach landowners whose land would be affected.  Mitigating the undergrowth is important to slow fire spread.  Val asked if Teens, Inc. have specific projects.  Marcus replied that they’ve scheduled 4 days a week and will focus on areas of grow back from previous mitigation work.  Dan is the main contact, so talk to him with questions or concerns.  Boyd reported they’re working on a 5-7 year plan to stay on top of regrowth.  The know, with the current political climate, money sources are uncertain in the future – looking to develop some kind of rolling fund to be able to manage and keep on top of mitigation and regrowth.

Collaboration/CWPP – Chris D will report next meeting.

Website – no report.

Community Events/Fundraising – Kent reported that Larry as well as Paul and Anna and some others make donations every year and definitely wanted to make sure people are thanked.  Jess writes thankyou notes.

Parking Issues – Leslie reported that someone said that Whitey was planning a snowboard even on Main Street like last year, which was a disaster for traffic and access.  Nothing definitive so far.  Leslie added they would need a permit and medical plan, and have to notify the Fire Department.  Boyd will check in.

Signage – Rich reports Joanne Cole has emailed the Boulder County Sheriff again about Fire Danger Rating signs and he wants to see how that goes.  He’s talked to one vendor – estimated $300 – $340 per sign, also talking about burn ban signs and possibly a box to hold printed information that people could take concerning fire danger, protocols, etc. 

NEW BUSINESS

Credit/Debit Card for Rich requires a resolution to give him authorization to sign on the bank account so he can make purchases and pay bills.  Boyd so moved, Max seconded and it passed.  Jess will check with the bank and make sure about the necessary forms.

Exemption from Audit – Jess reported that since our budget is less than $750,000 a year, we can request exemption from audit.  She would use the same accountant as last year, John Cutler.  Max so moved, Jess seconded and it passed.  The resolution will need signatures of all the board members

Max moved we adjourn at 8:25 – passed.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary