Posted on: October 19th, 2026

GHFPD Board Meeting Minutes, Monday, August 17, 2026

        Next Meeting – Monday, October 19, 2026, 7:30 p.m. at the Firebarn and by Zoom (September’s meeting was cancelled – too many unable to attend)

 GHFPD Board of Directors Regular Meeting

The meeting was called to order by President Kent Coghill at 7:33. Present were board members Boyd Brown, Jessica Brookhart, and Max Yeager plus Kris Gibson, Rick Sheingold, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Attending by Zoom were Kent, board member Chris Dirolf plus Val Crist, and Joey Schusler.

Minutes – Boyd moved that we accept the minutes of the July meeting.  Max seconded with the correction that 25g Jerry cans (under Equipment) be corrected to 5g Jerry cans and the minutes were approved as corrected.

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES – Chief Rich Caudill was not able to attend, but others reported on the following news

Operational Updates –

Hydrants are now locked and info passed to volunteers. 

         Fuel – Chief and Sheingold went and filled up 5431 in Boulder – not much further than Fourmile Station.

         Equipment needs – Kent asked about updates on new signage for the front of the Firebarn – no updates at this time.

         Infrastructure – Garage doors/concrete apron – Max reported going to Building Department – computer glitch transferring updated data through portal.  Permit will be a yes as soon as computer glitch solved.  Kent and Chris D offered to help.  Max spoke with Nick VanDerveer today about concrete.

OPERATIONAL READINESS –

         Budget – Jess asked for items for draft budget – at September’s meeting can talk about creating our wish list.  Then, at Oct. meeting, Jess will bring something clear to finalize – needs to be posted so everybody knows about the budget meeting. Will look at grants, etc.  Will approve in November.

         Boyd added that the mitigation grant for the goats has been submitted – should be $14,250 including the $750 the department put in.  Per Maya, funding for next year ok’d.

         Vehicles – 5402 water leaks?  Val reports no further info.  Kent added that Tim Reinhold from Lefthand Fire, who worked at Front Range and is very knowledgeable, might be an option for a mobile mechanic.  Max added that Chief Schmidt also has a mobile guy he likes.  We’re holding onto 5404 in the interim until we’ve figured out the leak.  Kent will get with Chief and get clarity.

         General – Fire Marshall – Kent has sent an email to Lucas and got one back (will forward) – he’s not available until after October – charges $120/hour.  He chairs the FCRC for the County.  He’s provided good, relevant documents and we do have an old code from the 1985 Uniform Fire Code adopted in 1987.  It is not as comprehensive as currently required by the mandatory minimum code required by the State of Colorado.  Lucas is pretty well connected and added an occupancy code requirement.  Kent asked about waiting until October.   Jess and Max agreed.  Jess suggested putting a retainer for $2,000 in the budget.  Kent will see if Lucas can come to Oct. or Nov. meetings and perhaps get code adopted by January.  Chris D added that they are working on the wildland stuff that BoCo will be adopting, so let’s put Lucas on fire lanes for emergency vehicles, parking, extinguishers, occupancy and ingress/egress.

         Administrative – Kent asked about our handbook.  Jess said it needs some editing and she will resend it out – could be adopted next meeting.  Should address the leave of absence issue.  If not in there, will look at – 3 months is FMLA.  Boyd and Max agreed to reviewing.  By Colorado law, employer pays for 1 hour of sick pay for 30 hours worked for paid officer.

         Use of Space Agreement – We should draft something.  Gretchen added that we used to have one – maybe ask Chris Finn.

         Mitigation – Kris reported that Whole Foods Community Connections has us on a list to do volunteer work for with Good People Wood Company to do some cutting.  Kent will contact them to get some clarity about what they can do.  Boyd has some general release forms they use for sour GH volunteer mitigation group that could be used for the CC group.

         Leave of Absence revisited – Jess found information – 24 months in 20 years – medical eight weeks.  Volunteers are required to turn in gear and uniforms during that time.

OTHER BUSINESS

         Mitigation – Chipping – Boyd announced chipping on 7-23 was paid through a grant and Maya has come up with a few bucks for the top of Lickskillet and a few places in town.

         Grants – Chris D reported that rock barriers have been installed around several homes – people can get reimbursed up to $500 from Fourmile. Call 303-449-3333 to inquire.  Marcus handled ordering the gravel and info to homeowners. 

         Thankyou letter to BVSD – Kent sent draft to other board members.  Chris and Boyd agreed to send it and Jess will put on our letterhead.

         Parking Issues – Chief has been working with Steve Durea of the Sheriff’s Dept.

 

Max moved we adjourn, Boyd seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 8:15.

 

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer Secretary.