Posted on: May 1st, 2023

Notes on the GHFPD Board Meeting 4/18/23     by Gretchen Diefenderfer

The meeting was called to order by President Rich Lopez.  Ten people attended: Rich, Board members Kent Coghill, Boyd Brown, and Jessica Brookhart, Chief Bret Gibson, Assistant Chief Whitey DeBroux, Kris Gibson, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Max Yeager, and Steffi Wilson.

Approval of the minutes was deferred as Chris Dirolf was out of town and unable to email them.

Chief’s Report – Bret suggested that the report could be abbreviated, but does think the types and number of calls, as well as any changes are important.  He submits an annual written report to the Fourmile Board on yearly training and estimated costs.  His goal is to go over the skills covered at the academy and throw in a few more local ones.  Rich pointed out that  the Board had felt there was an absence of needed information and are fine with modified report in the future. Rich has heard feedback from people that they hope the MOU stays in place for at least a year or more.

Bret reported that he and Chief O’Brien have been having conversations about what’s next.  In short, we do have an OK department, but progress stopped some time ago and we need to reinvigorate and modernize.  It takes time and money, and training should be more relevant to us and our equipment.  He recommended a Firefighter course directed toward women in the fire service and the techniques would be helpful to all.

Trucks – the medical truck (5404) has been taken out of service and taken down to Mountain View for repairs and evaluation.  Addendum – here is the report: Engine 5404 Maintenance Status Report from Mt. View FPD Maintenance Division as of Friday Apr 28, 2023.

Work Order submitted: Change all fluids and filters and give the truck a thorough visual inspection looking for reasons to replace the truck as opposed to maintain and keep it in service.

Inspect and test the pump for function and certification noting that the drain valves are seized and non- functional.

Inspect the emergency/parking brake for overall condition. It does not hold on steep terrain.

Presuming the truck is a “keeper”, perform a DOT roadworthiness inspection and give us a report and estimate of cost to bring the truck into compliance.

Findings/Progress:

Fluid and Filter service is complete, and the truck reported to be in excellent condition for a 1981 model year.

The pump failed the function/certification test. In addition to the seized drain valves the primary pressure relief valve was seized in the open position. After cleaning and servicing all three valves the pump passed the test and is now performing as it should and is signed off as certified.

The emergency/parking brake was worn to the point of metal on metal and the linkage deformed and mis-aligned. The drum has been turned and the shoe re-lined and the linkage and cable bracket straightened and adjusted.

Expenses at this point $1720.00.

The DOT inspection revealed the 20” tires to be weather checked and the manufacture date code to be out of compliance by 25 years. 9.00 x 20” tires are not available in traction tread and the rims on 5404 are two-piece split rims so the remedy is switching to 11R 22.5 tires and wheel rims. Cost estimates are $4,279.50, $4,606.32, $4,922.64, $5,388.30, $3030.00 for tires only plus mounting and we supply the wheel rims.

The DOT inspection also revealed that the service brakes have 1/16^th of an inch or less of service life remaining and replacement is recommended. Parts books and software are showing the parts as obsolete, so we have authorized Mt. View to dis-assemble front and rear brakes from one side of the truck to send in for sample to find out if they can be reconditioned if stamped part numbers reveal new parts to be un-available. Cost estimates pending results of this action.

The truck remains dead-lined and out of service for the time being and we will not decide on tires until the service brake issue is resolved.

Bret added that the red truck, 5439, represents the needs Gold Hill has.  The Yellow truck has a great pump, but as a response vehicle it is difficult  to operate and respond with effectively and efficiently.  In the long term, we need to make a decision on when to replace it.  New diesel trucks are becoming more expensive because of new EPA standards and used vehicles are also getting more expensive all the time.  We need to always be looking and to clarify our goals.  We need agreements with other agencies around us regarding purchases for the mutual good.

         On the flats, because they have hydrants, a structure fire requires 2 trucks and a battalion chief.  For a structure fire in the mountains, we need two engines, 3 tenders, 2 brush trucks, and 2-3 command personnel. We need to share among us to respond with all this equipment.  The BCFFA is on board.  Bret and Chris O’Brien would like to have an extended conversation with the new board to plan for this.  We need to bring our vehicles more in line with our mission.  Several departments have vehicles and equipment they are phasing out and we need to initiate conversations between givers and receivers.  Money is an issue and we need to have a 3-5 year strategic plan.

         He pointed out that at the time Margaret Hansen was chief the departments were all their own fiefdoms and we’ve gotten a lot further along now. Fourmile, Gold Hill, and Sunshine (neighbors who train together) were close to coordinating and moving trucks around so we would all have better response capabilities, but the momentum got lost some time ago. 

         There is now real progress toward dispatching by trucks versus department.  During the Fourmile Fire, tones went out by agency versus trucks which led to some confusion.  “Standard of Cover” is the new phrase applied to dispatch by truck vs agency.  The BCFFA (Boulder County Firefighters Association) is on board and the new Sheriff is going to put some money into the Communications Center, so we’re moving forward.

         Rich asked how the board can help and Bret replied they need to support this and maybe send someone like Kent, who is a professional firefighter, to speak for the department in support.  Fourmile, Sunshine, Gold Hill, Sugarloaf, Boulder Mountain and Boulder Rural all may be willing to move apparatus around.  We already have an IGA not to hold other agencies responsible for “OMG, you wrecked my truck.”  Insurance follows us in normal business practice.

         As Districts, we answer to the State.  Cities’ response is limited to their boundaries. 

         He also reported on Amendment 1B, which will provide quite a lot of money for fire needs in four general areas.  The Mountain agencies have requested increased support for education: the Firefighter Academy, wildland training, and EMS.  Allocation of funds for our medical advisor, Dr. Solvendahl, needs revision. We cover 70% of the county, but only 30% of the County pays for it.   Presently, west of 36, 90% of medical calls are on non-residents.  Gold Hill and Jamestown have more resident calls, but still a large percentage.  Also hoping for money for fleet maintenance – one goal is for the county to contract for fleet maintenance for all of us.  There is a mobile mechanic who could organize trips to our agencies and it would save money if coordinated among us.   Could mean less money for new fire trucks, however, so we’ll see.  He encourages everyone to attend a meeting in May at Sugarloaf to really talk about “Standard of Coverage” and in June the BCFFA is hoping to cement the Standard of Coverage protocols.

So, what do we really need? We need to make decisions.  What do we really need vs what would we love to have.

Bret adds that it’s imperative that the new Board take on additional tasks, like organizing district maps.  He strongly recommends we join the Special District Association, which would provide free legal counsel, free legal calendar, and training.  He thinks our department is small enough that the board needs to manage more.  So much needs to be repaired and managed.  As far as grants, we need a data set (Population, area, budget), a library of data that can just be plugged in.

Talking to Doug Ray and Paul Dennison about the IGA establishing the Boulder West Wildfire Authority, they need our formal resolution in support – moved, seconded and passed.

Brush Truck – Whitey asked what we do in the interim and Bret said please tone out Fourmile.  They also plan to put a UTV at the bottom of the Switzerland trail which carries 16g. of CAF, tools, etc.  Max suggested that since we have an empty bay right now with the medical truck gone, we need to get our UTV in it and start getting it serviceable.  Bret added we need to get GHFPD stickers on it so that if we use it on the roads the Sheriff will know it’s a FD vehicle. 

AIM Grant – the GHFPD has been asked to act as the fiscal agent for this and that motion passed.

Elections – Boyd reports that mailings have gone out for requested absentee ballots, judges chosen and trained, ballots printed.  Deadline to request an absentee ballot will be the 24^th.  Bret recommended signs at the crossroads and Martha’s corner and Boyd will do.

The Ford truck is back in Fourmile and the brush trucks are gone to Calwood.

Rich reports that the GHTM has requested money for Chief Finn’s retirement party.  Motion made, seconded and passed.  Discussion ensued about appropriate awards – decided on and will be pursued.