Posted on: August 17th, 2026

GHFPD Board Meeting Minutes, Monday, July 20, 2026

Next Meeting – Monday, August 17, 2026, 7:30 p.m. at the Firebarn and by Zoom

 GHFPD BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING

 The meeting was called to order by President Kent Coghill at 19:37. Present were Chief Rich Caudill, Board Members Kent, Boyd Brown and Chris Dirolf, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Attending by Zoom were Val Crist, Board Member Jessica Brookhart, and Leslie Finn.

Minutes – Boyd moved that the minutes be accepted, Kent seconded and all voted aye.

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES – 

Equipment – Rich reported that 25g Jerry cans came with the vehicle and will be rotated into the station supply.  They’re getting specialized Rotopix fuel cans that will be mounted on the back.  He’s looking at what hand tools are needed.  Kent suggested 4 or 5: Pulaski, big scrapers, shovels – can get from the supply cache at the Wildland Tool Co in Ft Collins.  The sliding tray/passthrough compartment is here and Rich will install – opens 80% on each side.  The SCBAs will be mounted on one side.  It should gain space for the medical compartment and extrication gear.

Recruitment – Nothing new, but JJ is moving out and will turn in his gear.

10 Mile Cistern – Rich checked and Boulder County Public Works has no record of using water from our cistern.   Chris Finn has been measuring and the level seems to be holding – possibly someone accessed it earlier.  Rich thinks we should get a heavy-duty hydrant cap locks – approx $150 each.  Would put in combination locks.  Jess is ok with funds.

Signage – We’re working on them with Sunshine, Fourmile.  Sunshine has a vendor.  Standard for cistern – will label with catalog number, capacity, directional signs.  They’re working on standard evacuation route signs and finalizing the Kiosk design – something like 6’ bulletin board, with cover on top and space for information boxes, fire restrictions, etc.  We’re slated for one at the Firebarn.  If there are funds, we could get a second – top of Sawmill?  Switzerland Trail crossing?

Infrastructure –

Garage Doors/Apron – Max is meeting with the engineers.  Had to start over with new plans and now final plans are into the County, so will proceed whenever they get approval and permits.  Would need to get done before cold so vehicles can be outside.  Estimated about a month for concrete to cure and maybe 2 weeks for the doors. 

OPERATIONAL READINESS

Strategic Planning

Campfires

Thoughts on petitioning USFS to permanently shut down any wood or charcoal campfire use on camping areas due west of town.

• The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) manages permanent or long-term campfire bans through what is called a Subpart B

Special Order (under Title 36 CFR 261.50). Because a year-round ban restricts public recreation, the Forest Service must build a legal case file that proves the restriction is necessary for public safety and resource protection.

• Specifically for a ban on open wood and charcoal fires

• Would require partnership with the Sheriffs Office, discussion with local Ranger, proof of extensive call volume to those locations, amongst other efforts.

• Other option: ask the District Ranger to implement an Emergency Temporary Closure Order specifically for the campground for the remainder of the current high-danger season while the permanent order is routed.

Given that the danger is immense, it seems worth trying. Boyd added that the rub would come with the public use/public mission of the USFS.  The responsibility will definitely fall on us.  Val reported that 4 of the 8 calls in July were fires.  Boyd added that the Sheriff’s are issuing immediate tickets – no warnings.  Enforcement is always a question.  Rich reports that there are approx. 800 active wildfires in the US currently.  He will reach out and open a discussion with the FS on permanently shutting down open wood and charcoal fires on the camping areas west of town.

BUDGET – Jess states we have to begin thinking about next year at the next meeting.  She will get reimbursement of $14,250 and 5% match from IAFC.

VEHICLES –Rich reports that water has been leaking around and in back of 02 and we need to investigate before we make a final decision on the trucks – maybe get Front Range (or Max suggests Ft Collins) to look at the tank.  Also, maybe Poudre Valley Fire to work on our trucks?  Kent asked if 04 is fine.  Rich drove it to Lefthand and it did fine.  02 is a CAFs unit, too, which is another consideration.  Max had a plan to cycle a vehicle a year down for professional check-up and maintenance.  Rich suggested maybe apply for a Boulder County grant.  Nobody wants to work on 02s engine, but the transmission is good.  The gas engine was modified to be diesel.  Maybe we pull 04 back up until we solve the leakage problem on 02.  Rich will check.  Kent met a guy from Lefthand on a call who used to work at Front Range who’s really knowledgeable – he’ll contact him. 

Rich reports Fourmile has a jeep with 12,000 miles on it – possible command vehicle.  On hold for now.

Equipment – Rich working on acquiring a Porta-Pond, SCBA, sets of gear – 2 bunker, 1 EMS for Austin who’s applied for the Fall Academy. 

Station Maintenance – We do have a potable water system – 2 tank system; one potable and 1 non potable.  Will replace the old steel tank.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mitigation – Marcus and Boyd have been leading the effort along with Chris D with Wildfire Partners assessments.  People have to sign up for the assessments and Chris gets assigned.  We have one more week of Teens, Inc. doing weed whacking and home hardening/barriers. Gravel beeds to be ordered.   CWPP grant has been acquired for home hardening – basically people can get a $500 rebate for labor and materials.  Eric Kennedy is the contact.  Gravel from Colorado Materials.

Kent asked, scale wise, do we need to look at the north side of town?  The previous project was great but was just a start and needs maintaining. – looking toward the future.  Boyd suggested Maya is the person to contact – really aware.  Chris D added Meg Halford is a great resource for grant funding through the County.  Important contact.  We need to patchwork it all together.  Any work on BLM land down Lickskillet os ok’d through 2030.  There is now so much beetle kill at the bottom of Lickskillet and all around.  He believes the push will be to preserve valued trees – Geesaman does injections (pheromone packets are iffy).  The density of beetle killed trees are a big challenge.  He’s happy to have conversations with folks about options and recommendations.

Parking/Tourism/Town Congestion – Rich will schedule a conversation with Steve Durea, Director of Public Works regarding concerns with traffic and keep us informed.

Station Mainenance – Leslie requested funds for a new vacuum cleaner – old one burned out – thinking Dust Devil for maybe $100 – approved.

NEW BUSINESS –

Use of Upstairs –Rich suggests that, for anybody requesting use of the upstairs, we have a document that spells out uses and how it needs to be left, etc., and we need to be giving it to them.  Agreed by all.

School and 4^th of July – Rich also reported that BVSD helped us tremendously to manage the 4^th of July by letting us use the School (with today’s regs, the full value is probably $12-13,000.  He’d like a formal letter signed by the Board thanking them.  Kent will put together.  Boyd explained that there is now an organization called Community Schools which mandates paying rent to use a school – trying to maximize profit.  Also, Rich really thanks the community and  Leslie really helped!  Rich talked to the custodian afterward and he was impressed and pleased with how the facility was left.

Fire Response – Kent expressed kudos to Austin and Dave for catching that fire start down Fourmile – speedy, well done, big deal professional.  Chris D added that Seth said it was great, too.  Leslie said it went super smooth.  Chris D. suggested S112 Saws training would be helpful.  Boyd also has volunteers who would take some training.  Chris said that, if there is enough interest, he could maybe get someone to come up here for the Fire Department.  Boyd would find a site.  Chris added that if safety is the issue, he could teach folks in town who are not part of the Fire Department.

Fire Marshall Issue – Kent reports that Lucas Hayes, County Ranger, and he are in talks.  He’s been speaking with Bret Gibson and it sounds like he could help.  We need to continue to explore possibly hiring someone and adopting codes – maybe need someone ¼ time to guide us through adopting a code.  Rich asked if he should actively solicit applications.  Can get come clarity from Fourmile’s experience.  Need someone impartial.  DFPC (Division of Fire Prevention) is a source – looking at ways to engage with the State.  Rich will reach out to them, too.

Boyd moved we adjourn, Max seconded, all agreed.

And then Jeffrey Combelic arrived.  He reported that he has a battery backup system and people could talk to him about it.  Also, would like to pair up with someone in the Subdivision in case of emergency in one or the other place to do things for the other who might not be home – suggested NeighborLink.  Added that Adwoa had weed whacking and low limbing needs, and Kent will talk to her.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary