Posted on: November 18th, 2025

GHFPD Board Meeting, Monday, October 20, 2025 

Minutes by Gretchen Diefenderfer

Next Meeting – Monday, November 17, 2025, 7:30 p.m. at the Firebarn and by Zoom

The meeting was called to order at 19:05 by President Kent Coghill.  Present were board members Kent, Boyd Brown, Max Yeager, Jessica Brookhart, and Chris Dirolf plus Greg Buis, Kris Gibson, and Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Attending by Zoom were Leslie Finn, Chief Rich Caudill, Marcus Moench, Val Crist, and Virginia Schultz.

Minutes were approved with corrections – Max pointed out that, under Garage doors, 2.5 ft (not inches) in height.  Also, under Parking/Tourism/Town Congestion, roads are supposed to be 30 to 35 ft (not inches) wide (typos!).

CHIEF’S MINUTES – Rich reports no operational needs right now.

Operational Updates – Lumen/CenturyLink emergency communication problems are currently in the hands of the County and higherups including the Sheriff’s Office, BoCoCC s, and Congressman Joe Neguse who are in a task force working on it.

The new generator is up and running – automatic if the power fails or main breaker is turned off – takes 30-40 seconds to reach equilibrium.  It’s a monster – will power everything.  Kris asked about surges. Rich said it takes 20-40 seconds to come on and if it does fire and then the power comes back on, it will continue to run for ~5 minutes.

Equipment Needs – Rich asked about purchases for the new truck.  It won’t arrive until next year, but should we buy things like floor mats, tire chains, seat covers this year?  Jess thinks $ in the budget, so go ahead.  They’re checking stuff in surplus, plus Jerry cans, drip torches, hard suction come with the truck.  We will need some fittings and hand tools.  Given green light to purchase up to $5,000 – send list to Jess.  Will confer with Fourmile about outfitting the truck.

Recruitment – There’s some interest from outside our district to look at.  Leslie is onboarding Ben – should be operational soon.

Infrastructure – Cost for removal of old 1500g cistern?  Max thinks it could be included in the slab prep – probably an hour’s worth of labor.

Grants cont.  – Submitted for $44,000.  Need new SCBAs, UTV upgrade (doors and windows), a few sets of bunker gear.  All or nothing?  No.  might get partial.  Deadline is the 15^th.  Will probably have meetings with the CCs in December, so probably know outcome after that.

Capital Replacement Plan – Need to consider shed behind firehouse to replace old one (falling apart) and increase storage. Max added the Connex was intended to be temporary – could sell it.  12×16 shed is ~$7-$9,000.  Will talk more at Nov. meeting.

Budget – Jess reports tons of money since the new truck isn’t here yet.  Will reassess 2025 expenditures and work on budget at November meeting. Get ideas to Jess.  Chris D reached out to BWSC (Boulder West Advisory Committee).  Seems like there is money left there.  Also spoke with Meg Halford at the County and could possibly use that money for matching for SWAC grant.  Still working on that.  Kent reported Fourmile got funds for a tools/mitigation shed.  Marcus added that,  yes, there are funds there, some specifically for mitigation.  Walked Jeff Fishbaugh’s property with him – he’s had lots of work done, and might be eligible for some reimbursement

Leslie pointed out that the shed behind the barn is the Town Meeting’s, but Max said they’re amicable to its going away – they know it was cheap.

Boyd reported $4500 was given to our wood program for splitters, weed whackers.  Need to see what $ is actually left.  Marcus said Maya is the person to check with and Chris will check with Meg. He added the Atkinsons were told about possible mitigation work, as well.  Virginia said the BWAC is meeting Nov. 4 (Fourmile, Sugarloaf, Sunshine, and Gold Hill).  Looking at identifying and improving escape routes, emergency signage, purchasing gravel and how to determine who and what gets $.  Send Virginia a wish list and we’ll see. 

Vehicles – Rich reported a low battery problem with 5404 – Leslie discovered.  Lights came on when charger hooked up, so possibly need good post operational check review.

Inventory – Rich got hydrant wrenches for each vehicle and a spare. 

At the executive board meeting, they talked about the feasibility/usefulness of a command vehicle. Rich felt more advantages than disadvantages operationally.  Could put diesel transfer tank in back.  Good for training in remote locations, emergency response.  Probably $20,00-$35,000 outfitted with emergency equipment.  Considering.

Virginia interjected that if someone wanted to go to the Colorado Wildfire Incident Management Academy, there is money to send them.  Will put it out to see if there’s interest.

Kris added to the Command vehicle discussion that storage would be important.  Max said that it could be drained, if kept here.  For now, since Rich is more than ½ hour away, if he has it, he could run hot to a scene.  We had one previously.  Basis for further consideration.

New Station – Is in 5-10 year plan – looking at potential additional bay in interim? – also reorganization of fleet.  Still possible to do something in Rowena, too

General – Maltese cross logo?  Jess will reach out to her design guy, Barrett (pay him?), and send possibilities out to volunteers again – opinions were 50/50 earlier.

Fire Code – Given the recent fire in Nederland, should we look at the Boulder County Fire Code and see which codes might make our community safer. Speak with Nederland and see which codes they have adopted and what they might be considering now.  Plan to set up meeting this winter.

Need to set up meeting with Sheriff’s Office to discuss parking issues, emergency access, lack of BCSO presence, safety concerns from residents including drinking and driving issues and drinking on our streets.

Administrative – Considering changing our meeting start time to 7:30 or 8 to accommodate the Chief and others, too.  Jess so moved, Chris seconded and it was approved to change the time to 7:30 – still on Mondays.

OTHER BUSINESS

CWPP – Chris reports the grant has been submitted.  We need to look at any ideas operationally that we should ask for and make a wish list.   They’re looking at standards and continuity across the districts – signage, information kiosks, etc.  Home hardening is tricky, how that might shake out.  They would not be considering replacing siding or roofs – maybe gravel for perimeters.  Kris suggested signage informing people of the differences between Stage 1 or 2 Fire Bans.

Grants – Marcus reported that under other grants, Boulder Climate Equity also has some provisions for home hardening.

Website – Rich reported that websites for any government organization that uses public funds needs to be accessible per the disability act.  Virginia added that they dealt with this at CU – need to think about people who use screen readers and add screen descriptions of any pictures.  We should consult with our attorney about what this means for us.  Jess will research.  Will also look at Square Space and see if they have options for accessibility – maybe Vector Solutions has info.  Some analysis apps are free. 

Community Events – Jess pointed out that we generally cancel our December meeting, but do have a party for the volunteers.  Need to decide on the logo for any schwag – keep the sold one for any apparel, Maltese cross for trucks and any duty shirts?  Kent will send another email asking about dates, and apparel ideas, and will find out who can host.  Budget discussed.

No new business.  Max made a motion to adjourn, Jess seconded and the meeting adjourned at 20:40.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary