Posted on: July 29th, 2019

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the June 10th, 2019, Town Meeting

 Next Town Meeting will be Monday, August 12, 2019, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center

 ELECTIONS!  Who would like to step up and help?

 The meeting was called to order by Chair Tony Vrba.  Twenty-two people attended: Bear Carlson, Poppy Copeland, Elisabeth Caspari, Marcus Moench, Rick Sheingold, Chair Tony Vrba, John and Cherry Sand, Karen Simmons, Val Crist, Mary Ryan, Virginia Schultz, Pam Sherman, Rick Sinner, Chris Dikolf,  Emma Salmon,
Treasurer Martha Knapp, Jim Sidell, Vice Chair Marielle Sidell, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Also Ted Plank, the Maintenance Division Manager of the County Road Department and Jeff  Maxwell, the new Director of the County Transportation Department attended.

 The regular agenda was deferred so that Ted Plank and Jeff Maxwell could answer questions about our roads and road maintenance strategies.  Tony introduced them, thanked them for coming, and said that we are particularly happy with the Climb. She added that those over 60 can call VIA (303-447-2848) and get rides to doctors’ appointments, etc. after they get to Boulder. Val added that it’s advisable to call well ahead to set up a ride with VIA as they’re very busy.

Tony then called attention to our concern about the grey road base and it’s deteriorating condition with all the moisture this spring.  Ted explained that they are not happy either, of course, and they are removing it and resurfacing the roads with the regular product as quickly as they can.  They are working on a lot of roads in the county.  There is too much clay in the grey road base.  They plan to blend it with the other base material, around 1:5.  They will also be doing dust control, which is behind because of weather delays and now everyone needs it.  It turns out there are only 2 dust control companies in Boulder County and it is much more expensive for the County crews to do it themselves.

Jim Sidell asked if they will address drainage issues, especially along the shelf road and Ted acknowledged that the guardrail area is a problem.  They try to grade every week to 10 days and inspect a couple of times a week.  Gretchen said that there is also a spring near the east end of the upper shelf road that contributes to the drainage problems.  She emphasized that we appreciate all the work the road crews put in and that we know our roads present difficult challenges, so thank you!

Ted replied that they have remarkable people that make him look good.  Martha added that they are always polite and move over to allow us to pass.  Rick Sheingold asked which side should we drive on, when there is a berm in the middle because they are grading.  Ted said to follow the grader on your side and the will move over as soon as they can.

Tony said that there were a lot of concerns with the mud and access for emergency vehicles plus we’ve had increased traffic because of closures on other roads.  Ted acknowledged that this was “special mud this year” and they are working to get new surface down and will do extra dust control.  Rick Sinner asked about dust control on Main Street and Ted said they are trying to get back on their normal schedule and will have it done by the 4^thof July.  Tony added that they have had to schedule around the rain.  Ted replied that, unfortunately, gravel roads are dusty and it has been a difficult year.  John Sand told him that we appreciate it.

Mary Ryan asked if there is anything bad in the grey stuff, but Ted said that it is just high clay road base – no added chemicals.

With that, our regular meeting commenced.

Minutes of the April 8^thTown Meeting were approved as published.

Treasurer’s Report – Martha reports: At the previous regular Town Meeting in APRIL 2019 our bank balance was $12,310.56. Currently, our total cash assets are $12,604.26.

Revenue: Pint glass sales of $96 and Cemetery fund donation of $250 totaling $346.

Expenses: Annual fee for bank safety deposit box $52.30.

Current fund totals:           General Fund $689.71; Cemetery $5,739.85; Safe Link (combined funds for SafeSite, AirLink, NeighborLink projects) $2,847.75; Community Planning/Fundraising $1000; Forest Management $0 (zero;) Community Relief $2,326.95.

                                                                                                                                             

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Gold Hill Resilient –Virginia reports that at their last meeting they discussed solar – possibilities and new laws.  Some reimbursement programs are ending, so get in touch with Boulder County Energy Smart if you have solar plans.  Exel Energy is now allowing battery backup, which is a big step. 

            The Resiliency group now has 3 shares of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture – a Colorado local produce organization) for 8 people.

SafeLink/NeighborLink/AirLink – Marielle reports that the Community Picnic has been put off until next year –everyone is too busy!

Climate/Sustainability Update – Virginia reports that they are stressing that everyone should get their wildfire mitigation assessments done with Wildfire Partners.  Ten were done two years ago and 20 last year, but they want to do the entire community since we all affect each other.  Val added that follow up involves doing the mitigation work and there is some funding available for people who cannot do the work themselves or afford it.   There is a list of mitigation providers, but the assessment has to be done first.   John volunteered that they had it done, it’s very educational, and he highly recommends it.  Everyone would learn a lot.  There is a meeting with the BOCC for tomorrow and they are trying to get everybody their assessments for free.

             Tony reports that energy savings is an important area for sustainability and the IMA has asked the Energy Smart folks to be more mountain friendly as many of the regulations are more oriented to people on the plains.  They are looking into water supply and testing our water safety – it seems to be costly.  Rick thinks there is a lab in Gunbarrel and will find out information on them.

Museum Update – John reports that there is a new exhibit on Tellurium, which was discovered in the Red Cloud in 1872.  Ed Raines will be giving a talk at the Museum Community Outreach event on July 12 at 7 preceded by a cocktail party at 5.  We are upgrading with a composting toilet and a Tuff Shed. Gretchen added that 2020 Calendars will be out by the 4^thof July.

IMA Update – Pam reports that there is a land-use subcommittee and they are pooling their voices to have a stronger voice together. From OEM (Office of Emergency Management Flood Presentation at MACS meeting 6/3/19 – Lower than usual chance of wildfire next 90 days.  Probably won’t see fuels becoming dry and brittle.  A high snowpack does not automatically mean flooding on the plains.  Floods can happen in a time of drought (d/t rainfall) as well as I wet years.  Floods are common in Colorado.  They happen every year. We don’t know what will happen during monsoon season in terms of flooding, which could be roughly mid-July through mid-September. Rock or mudslides could be of concern in the mountains.  Think of the three S’s: slope (steep), soil (composition-granite), saturation.  When granite soils get saturated on steep slopes, slides can happen.

The IMA is participating in mountain-wide asset mapping at Ned Fire on 6/26 at 1 pm, led by staff from the CU Natural Hazards Center.  Firefighters and town planners, etc., are encouraged to attend if you can. Need to register.

AirLink has an every Tuesday night gabfest, which is spreading throughout the County, mainly thanks to Mark and Dina Elder.

Weed Management – Pam reports that there are some great videos that can identify some invasive weeds that are coming up now or soon.  There are so many!  Just go to YouTube and Google Cheatgrass, Leafy Spurge, Canada Thistle, Oxeye Daisy, Spotted Knapweed, Common Mullein, Field Bindweed, or others you have picked out from their profile photos on the Noxious Weed Species list at the Colorado Weed Association: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/agconservation/noxious-weed-species

            People like to mow or dig, depending on the plant. Replant with non-invasive, native species found at Low Water Native Plants for Colorado Gardens Mountains 7500’ and Above.  https://conps.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Native-Plant-Guide-Mountains.pdf

Also,there is a good Boulder County website on noxious weeds – https://www.bouldercounty.org/property-and-land/land-use/noxious-weeds/identification-of-noxious-weeds/  helps identify they and how to treat them.

Forestry Report-Virginia reports that there is a county group getting together and sharing information.  The CU Natural Hazard Center is doing asset mapping.  Caroline Ashley is looking into funding for her mitigation work.  Maya from the Fourmile Watershed is working with her and the State Forest Service – a good resource.  Contact Virginia for contact information.  Virginia encourages everyone to encourage their neighbors to participate in the Wildfire Partners Assessments and mitigation.

Tony added that Colorado State Forest Service is trying to take care of the slash piles and doesn’t intend to leave them.

Karen Simmons came across dying trees on the south side of her property and is concerned that the grey clay road stuff is bad for them.  Pam noted that there are catchment basins used in some places to deal with run off and Gretchen added that the road people have been ditching seriously as they are working on the roads, which should help.  Tony said that there is an input form on the County Transportation website – let them know your concerns.

Tony added that the Meadow is ours and do we need to mow it for wildfire mitigation?  Virginia suggested goats.  Gretchen will get copies of the deed to the Meadow to the board members.

Wildfire Partner Days – Virginia asked if it would be ok to use the town logo on the postcards being sent out to notify the community about the assessment programs, etc.  Rick moved to use the logo, Bear seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Town Clean Up – The best available date for the clean up for the Inn and the County is June 29^th  and Bear graciously agreed to move the Bocce Tournament (usually the Saturday before the 4^thof July) to Sunday, the 30^th.  And, yes!  We do need volunteers

Historic Zoning – Bear reported that Joyce Robinson’s project is progressing.  Also Greg Buis would like to add on to his house on Pine Street and will have plans soon.

Cemetery – Chellee Courtney has a really interesting new book out about the history of the Gold Hill Cemetery, Digging Up the Dirt, and it’s for sale at the Museum.

Mining – Gretchen reports that there hasn’t been much obvious activity, they did get an extension on their permit process, which should up soon. 

GHFPD – Rick Sheingold stressed that if there is an emergency, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1.

Upcoming Events

 Town Clean-Up- June 29^th

Bocce Tournament – June 30^th

GHFPD 4^thof July Pancake Breakfast and Parade

 

Respectfully Submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary