Left Hand FPD t will be heading up to  Ashley’s property later this morning to begin burning the slash piles. More snow will be coming in later this afternoon.  They will burn today and be back tomorrow to continue burning and check on the piles.

Maya McHamer

maya@nullboulderwatershedcollective.org

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, Proposed minutes of the Monday, January 20, 2025, Fire Board Meeting by Acting Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer

Next Fireboard Meeting is Monday, February 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at the Firebarn

PENSION BOARD MEETING was called to order by Kent Coghill.  Leslie Finn and Jessica Brookhart were present.  Jessica reported that there was no business to address, but they did get the matching money from the State and she will transfer the approx. $2,000 to our Pension Fund.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:06.

FIREBOARD MEETING was then called to order by Kent.  Present were other board members Chris Dirolf, Boyd Brown, and Jessica Brookhart, plus Chief Rich Caudill, Donal Maloney, Caroline Ashley, Marcus Moench, Kathleen Gilgannon, Chris Finn, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Max Yeager checked in at 7:40.

MINUTES of the November meeting were approved.

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES

Operational Needs – Vector Solutions rollout – Chief reports he’ll need to figure out how to transfer stuff to the ESO system.  He’s started to get everybody invited to log in and then can move on with assignments including medical and entering all personal information.  He will enter certifications and integrate them into training – ICS, ladders, etc.

Training – They had radio training last weekend.  Val Crist  did a great job scheduling with the radio people and handling the software updates.  Thanks for that.  The new radios have paging capabilities, too.  They have 14 new BKs and are keeping old Kenwoods for now.  They have 7 or 8 of the small Kenwoods and 3 of the big box ones.  Kent asked if they got any whips, but Chief said they came with 12-14” antennas which provide good transmissability and he doesn’t think they’ll need longer ones.

Maintenance – 5404 pump intercooler has a line leak and the discharge drain gets stuck.  They have maybe $2500 for past plans for repair, so may need up to $3500 to $4000 with these additional repairs.  There is no full quote from Scott at SV – might all cost $5-6,000?   The plan is to replace the gravity drain with manual drains.  Jess reports there are adequate funds for repairs.  Scott has time in January and February – gets busy in March and April.

         Kent is good with the plan to keep 5404 fully functional as backup.  Chris is good either way – keep it fixed, or if getting rid of it, it’s good to have it in working order.  Jess adds that if repairs end up higher, she may have to transfer some funds around.

Equipment – Chief reports no further needs really right now.  He will start spending on things already in the budget like base radios for the new trucks.  He sat down with Chief Schmidt of Sunshine and walked through the needs.  Also started buying odds and ends – adapters, etc.  Kent will get together with Rich and Jess and the budget and see how everything is standing.  Portable radios were covered in the grant, but not truck radios.  National grants open in April.  We’ll hear in mid-February about the latest Firefighter grants.

         The chassis will be delivered soon and radios will be  needed during the 2^nd quarter.  Jess thinks we’ll need to wait until mid-February and the County Grant.  If we don’t get it, we’ll have to take a closer look at the budget and any extra expenses

         Chief wants to prepare for potential expenses coming up – GIS Services (geographical info) can incorporate data to electronic tablets/iPads, can upload water supplies, evacuation routes, etc.  Discussion to be had about the process for moving forward with contractor (Emma), legal issues, and $ for the hardware.  Kent supports moving forward with the mapping software for GH.  Leslie reports that if an expense is under $150,000 we don’t have to have 3 bids, so we’re good to use Emma.  So, will wait until Feb. meeting to see re grants and vote on budget, plus look at Assist/Firefighters grant.  Jess suggests that budget discussions should begin in January for the next year.  The GIS implementation is important, but could wait until ’26 if necessary.  Chris Dirolf wondered if he should sit out the vote since he is married to Emma?  Chris Finn added that GIS stuff was approved by the board many years ago.

Recruiting – Rich reports Drew now has a pager and was at the radio training.  Volunteer minimum standards are on the radar this year now that we have a cadre of officers and volunteers.  We will roll out ideas at the company meeting on Thursday to get input and document procedures and policies.

         Leslie pointed out that we have a limit on the number of firefighters getting pensions at the same time (30), so we need to keep a good roster and keep track.

         Rich will take over the email list.

New Truck – Boyd reported that Fouts liked ourc design for the Type 6 brush unit so much that they are adopting our design for manufacture and purchase.  We also have support from neighboring departments, especially Chief Schmidt. Jess wondered humorously if we’ll get a discount then.   Rich suggested we’ll get a lot of acknowledgement with this truck is delivered – Gold Hill Model 5!

Infrastructure – We have two things to pursue if we get the grants – the generator and the doors.

Operational Readiness/Strategic Planning – Boyd reports that he and Donal have been working on the evacuation update and a buddy system for communication in emergencies – particularly wildfires.  They are in communication with Nederland and ODM (Office of Disaster Management).  Wondering how many of our community members are signed up with Everbridge (the County 9-1-1 system).  They’re thinking of doing a FD event some time and focus on getting everyone signed up.  (Go to website  https://boulderodm.gov  to sign up)

         Leslie is working on getting forms for people to put on their refrigerators to let First Responders know any medical issues/ meds, etc.

         Marcus is also talking about a mitigation education event.

Capital Improvements – We need to create a committee to look at a plan (probably 5 year plan or 5+) for a new station.  Will send an email out to request people to be on the committee to start planning.   Max has contacted Land Use re any requirements (and breaks we might get as a FD). We know we need a new station and that it will be a long term thing, so we should begin our research.  Lots of partnership possibilities with the GHTM.

Budget – Jess reports that we’re used to a smaller budget so now that it’s much bigger, we do need to start the conversation on 2026 at the first of the year.

Vehicle needs for 5402, 39, UTV, Kent asked? Nothing right now.  He reports that the new truck will be decaled by Fauts and asked about what logo we want –The current one is great, or could be incorporated into the Maltese cross?  Will bring up at company meeting.

Inventory – Rich wondered about t-shirts moving forward – Fire Department name on back?  Also, with new technology it’s easy to create individual t-shirts with name and title – does cost more.  Kent thinks we need to double check the budget, but thinks that especially captains, chief, and assistant chief should get navy blue button down shirts.  Will discuss at company meeting and put on agenda for Feb. meeting.

General – Boyd reports we need an Election Official/DEO for the election in May.  He has approached Liz – she’s considering.  Board members up for election are willing to continue, but if other people are interested in running the election will be held.   

Mitigation – Boyd reports he’s met with Dan and Marcus and Julian with WSC (Watershed Coalition) to figure out how to finish carrying out the plans.  There is some leftover money and they’re looking for how to use that.  East St. is done. The acre near Maloney’s that’s already done has been walked.  Joey and Sheila want to see how that looks before proceeding with more.  The last 30 acres at the Ashram are done and there’s a ton of wood for them and the community once it all cures .  Caroline Ashley reports there is still a lot of wood on her land as well which will be removed in the next month or so.   And she has many piles to burn, too.  High winds blow down isolated trees so, clumps are better.  All is good and she’s happy with what’s been accomplished.  Boyd reports that clumps and grouping and patchwork have been taken into consideration to avoid blowdown as well as leaving more trees, removing ladder fuels and clear cutting along roads.  They’re also looking at the mitigation done the last 7-10 years and taking out the undergrowth, etc. again that’s regenerated.  They will be doing some prescribed burns, but they involve a lot of people and apparatus.

         Marcus adds that they are looking at a Community Fire Mitigation Festival to keep everyone informed and encouraged and to start that maintenance.

CWPP – Chris Dirolf reports there will be more information after the next meeting.

Website – With Vector Solutions coming up it may be possible to transfer stuff from our website to VS – there’s lots of storage available.  Our website is our community resource for information, but big internal stuff could go to VS

Donation – We got a nice donation from Larry – usually Jess does the thank yous.

Parking – no report

Signage – Rich suggested that we move forward with signs – Steffi?  The County got back to Joanne and they would not do signs for FD property.  Kent reported that we did agree to incur the cost for signs.  The County hasn’t been helpful, so maybe $150-200?  Thinks possibly we should include fire ban signs.  Kent will get with Rich and find a company.

NEW BUSINESS –

Credit Card – Rich found the credit card assigned to Leslie.  Right now, Leslie has one and Jess has one.  Kent will get with Jess and see what needs to be done to get Rich one.  Chris Finn added that the board needs a resolution so that Rich can sign at the bank.  Kent will confirm with Jess what needs to be done with the bank.

Emergency Information – Leslie has looked into Medical Cards/big magnets that will stick to refrigerators and list Name, DOB, Meds, allergies and they want to get them for everybody.  If we get them in packs of 25, they’re $2 each.  Boyd would like Rich and Leslie to choose and the board to allocate the money to take care of this.  Agenda for Feb. – get a picture of how many and the cost.  Boyd moved that we allocate $200 so they can get started, Max seconded and it passed.

Boyd moved we adjourn, Max seconded and we ended the meeting.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

Just had a visit from Ray Thornton, Electric Foremen of Sturgeon Electric, (720-812-7966) to let us know that power will be out on the 27th for most of the day.  This will be on the west side down Fourmile  from the crossroads in town and in the GH subdivision.  They will be replacing several power poles for Xcel and want to give people advance notice.  There will also be another, larger outage for essentially the whole town somewhat later and they will let us know when that date is firmed up.  

Firefighters with Left Hand Fire Protection District are planning on burning slash piles on private property north of Gold Hill, CO in February, 2025. Slash pile burning is part of a multi-year effort to reduce dense fuel loads and reduce wildfire risk for the Town of Gold Hill and surrounding area.  Wildfire mitigation work is a partnership with Boulder Watershed Collective, private landowners, Gold Hill Town Meeting and the Gold Hill Fire Protection District.

Left hand Fire Protection District will choose a day when weather conditions allow them to safely meet their prescription and smoke permit requirements. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit Wood smoke and your health.  If you would like to view air quality in our area visit Purple Air.

For more information, please contact:

David Lindquist, RXB3(t)
Lefthand Fire Protection District
(720) 214-0560
dlindquist@nulllefthandfire.org

Gold Hill Town Meeting

Monday, 7:00 p.m. February 10, 2025

In- Person @ Gold Hill School & Zoom Virtual Meeting

Dan Maedke is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: February Town Meeting

Time: Feb 10, 2025 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86434409469?pwd=5xTat6GrczRahFfm7Lhgr21hSHUCMu.1

Meeting ID: 864 3440 9469

Passcode: 808124

Agenda

Review and Approval of Previous Minutes (any additions or corrections)

Treasurer’s Report

1. Update Fire Mitigation Projects
   1. Mitigation projects  (Marcus and Dan)
   2. WildFire Mitigation Festival Dates: GOATs, community work, Teens Inc, Wildfire Partners, Sunset Trail Running Festival
2. Vision Presentation Introduction (released in minutes for interested members)
3. By-Laws (Chrissy)
   1. By-Laws amendments
4. Website Updates
5. Grant Station
6. Committee Reports

• AirLink
• Aging Alliance (Pam)
  • Next Meeting March 4th & April 1st
• Cemetery (Maggie Simms)
• Community Care Committee(Chrissy)
• Community Events (Chrissy and Dan)
• Fundraising & Merchandise(John)
• Gold Hill School (Chrissy, Jojo, Dan)
• Historical Zoning (Bear)
• IMA (Pam)
• Local Business Partnership (Kelly)
  • Rail Jam March 16th
• Mountain Stewards (Virginia, Marcus, Cat)
  • Sunday Breakfast @ GoldHill Store Feb. 9th, 23rd, March 9th, 23rd
• Museum ( Debra)
• Native Gardens & Ecology Committee (Kaitlyn)
• NeighborLink (Debra)
• SafeLink (Debra)
• Upcoming Meetings/Events
  • Impromptu Sledding Party to be Announced
  • Wildfire Mitigation Festival June 14-15th
  • Teens Inc June 16-19th
  • Sunset Trail Running Festival June 22nd
• Other Town News/Emerging Issues:
  • Peak to Peak community safety fair April 26th

Next Gold Hill Town Meeting: April 14th, 7pm

GOLD HILL CEMETERY

With over 290 burials, our cemetery is a tranquil place of peace, quiet, reflection and memories. This is still an active burial ground so when visiting please treat this historic cemetery with the utmost respect. We kindly and sincerely thank you.

What To Know

1. Since there are a multitude of unmarked graves, it is imperative that the rocks/stones are not removed, rearranged or disturb in any fashion. Please do not handle any ornaments placed on or near the gravesites.
2. Gravestone rubbings can damage grave markers and is prohibited but photography is welcomed
3. For visitor safety and resource protection, it is prohibited to learn against, push, pull, shove, kick, climb on or strike any grave marker
4. Due to wildfire danger smoking is strictly prohibited
5. No fireworks of any kind
6. Please do not liter

We thank you for your consideration and kindness toward our beloved cemetery

For cemetery records/genealogy or information to purchase the book, “Digging Up Dirt,   The Gold Hill Cemetery, Gold Hill, Colorado” by Chel Courtney please contact 720-220-5199 or 88chel@nullgmail.com

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Maggie Simms: 303 473-0811 or maggiesimms54@nullgmail.com

Sunset Trail Running Festival Sign Up Donate

SUNSET TRAIL RUNNING FESTIVAL – SUNDAY JUNE 22

Registrations are now open for the Sunset Trail Running Festival in Gold Hill, CO!

Hosted by The Boulder Watershed Collective and in collaboration with T.E.A.M Boulder, all money raised from the event will be donated to the town of Gold Hill, and will fund wildfire preparation and response initiatives such as forest restoration, home hardening, emergency planning, land stewardship, and community resiliency.

This event provides an opportunity for the Front Range trail community, to show its support for small mountain town communities that live with a high risk of disruption and destruction from wildfire, while providing visitors with access to their unique character, beauty, and the surrounding landscapes.

Runners can choose between a 28K (17.4M), 12K (7.7M), 5K, or Kids 1K trail race. All distances start and finish on the main street of Gold Hill at the Gold Hill Inn, and the longer distances are run, in part, on the National Forest System roads. Runners will enjoy varied terrain of dirt roads and trails through ponderosa pine and aspen forests while taking in amazing views on these challenging courses.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATIONS END FEBRUARY 28th

NEW RACE TIME SCHEDULE

• 7:30am – 28K
• 8:00am – 5K
• 8:15am – 12K
• 8:30am – Kids 1K

NEW BUS TIMETABLE

To ensure minimal vehicle impact and disruption to the Gold Hill community on race day, we encourage all runners and spectators to utilize the shuttle bus to and from Boulder, leaving from Boulder County Justice Center (1777 6th St, Boulder, CO 80302). Parking at Gold Hill will be very limited, and the required cost per car will be a $30.00 cash donation.

PRICING – To Gold Hill and Return to Boulder.
Tickets are round-trip, and you need to select a departing time for the bus trip up to Gold Hill, but you DO NOT need to select a return time back to Boulder.

• Race Participants – FREE
• Non Competing Adult – $10.00
• Non Competing 13 – 19 years – $7.00
• Non Competing 6 – 12 years – $4.00
• Non Competing 5 years & under – FREE

BUS TIMETABLE –
BOULDER to GOLD HILL

• Leave 6:00AM – Arrive 6:30AM (ALL 28K Runners)
• Leave 6:30AM – Arrive 7:00AM
• Leave 7:00AM – Arrive 7:30AM (LAST Bus)

GOLD HILL to BOULDER
One bus will leave every 30mins once full. It will be on a first come, first served basis.

• Leave 10:00AM – Arrive 10:30AM
• Leave 10:30AM – Arrive 11:00AM
• Leave 11:00AM – Arrive 11:30AM
• Leave 11:30AM – Arrive 12:00PM
• Leave 12:00PM – Arrive 12:30PM
• Leave 12:30PM – Arrive 1:00PM (LAST Bus)

Gold Hill Fire Board Elections are scheduled for May 6, 2025

Ray, from Sturgeon Electric (replacing poles for Xcel), called to update us on their plans.  They will be replacing poles on Main Street Friday and Saturday and will have to close Main Street between 8:30 – 2:30. They will have flaggers and signs and will notify us when there will be power outages

To check on individual outages, try  https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/check-outage-status

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the January 14, 2025, Special Town Meeting called to go over proposed bylaw changes. 

 Next Regular Town Meeting is Monday, February 10, 7:00 p.m.

 The meeting was called to order by Chair Dan Maedke.  Nine people were present: David Brigham, Maggie Simms, Dan, Marcus Moench, Paul Landskroener, Boyd Brown, Treasurer Christine Maedke, Virginia Schultz, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.

Dan turned the meeting over to Chrissy to lead the bylaw discussion.  Boyd opened by stating that the purpose of bylaws is to run the town system and sometimes it’s better to have the checks and balances to make sure the organization is really democratic.

         Gretchen handed out a missive about how the GHTM and its bylaws have been functioning for some time: 

January 12, 2024 – slightly revised 1-27-25

Regarding the Gold Hill Town Meeting (GHTM) and the Gold Hill Town Council (GHTC)

The bylaw discussion and perceived need to update them leads me to think about our town government and how it works.  It’s not just a 501(C) 3, with a particular agenda.  That’s a fairly recent development (1970) necessitated by our being deeded the town property by the County Commissioners.  Even though we aren’t an incorporated town, we’ve had some form of local government since the mining days.  And, because we have been around for such a long time, we do have a certain credibility with Boulder County and other organizations

Our GHTM is our community organization, our town government, and has been for many years before I got here in 1966 and it’s pretty much a pure democracy.  The town meeting, made up of all the voters in the community, drives actions – votes on what we want to do – and  the town council is our elected body to carry out what the town decides.  For a small community like ours, this has always worked well and helped insure everyone is represented.

            Here is our purpose as stated in the present bylaws

Article I, Section 2, Purpose: The purpose of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be:

1. To hold town meetings and provide a forum for community discussion and basis for community action, and to establish qualifications for participation therein.
2. To acquire, hold, sell, or lease real property for the general purpose of preserving the historical and natural setting of Gold Hill and the surrounding area.
3. To act as trustee.
4. To cooperate with the County Planning Department, County Health Department, and other departments of the County, State, or Federal government.
5. To take any and all other action to improve, preserve, and benefit the community of Gold Hill and the surrounding area.
6. To apply for and receive government grants or assistance, to solicit funds and donations, and undertake or sponsor community fund-raising projects.
7. To do all other acts necessary or appropriate to promote the social welfare of the community of Gold Hill.

And it’s mostly worked quite well.  Whenever a big, contentious issue comes up – maybe the most recent being the community center and the possibility of buying 900 Pine for that purpose – we’ve empowered a committee to look into it.  That committee put out surveys to find out how people felt and ascertained that the concept wasn’t workable this way at this time.  And the town meeting voted against it.

At this point, those working on revising the bylaws have expressed the opinion that we need to empower the town council versus the town meeting in order to facilitate getting and administering grants and to move more expeditiously on matters versus putting decisions before the TM, which only meets every other month.  But it’s not quite that either/or.  Given #6, above, we, the town meeting,  can empower a committee or the TC itself to pursue and administer grants for specific purposes (wildfire mitigation being our most recent big undertaking) and give them the authority they need.  And, if meeting every other month isn’t meeting our needs, we could change the meeting schedule to every month.  We used to meet 4 times a year and, when there became too many things to deal with, changed it to 6 times, so we could change it again. It does seem like our meetings are covering a lot of issues and running pretty late.

Tidying up the bylaws seems useful when needed, but many of us really love the pure democracy we’ve operated under for so long and do not want to change our basic structure, or see the need to do so.  

Also, I believe bylaw changes should be carefully considered and discussed, as I believe the present structure provides.  I will still strongly support voting on the bylaw changes section by section, because I do not believe the ramifications of some of the proposed changes have been clear and merit further discussion.

Sincerely, G

Marcus reported that they (he and Elisabeth Caspari) have experienced being part of an HOA (which took 2½ years to change the bylaws) as well as their own organization and we do not want to make it so cumbersome that we can’t respond in a timely manner.  People engage at focal times – when issues come up.  In a representative democracy, people represent the people who elected them and need their confidence and support.  In our current situation, he would like to see the board with a large number of people who voted them in.

         Chrissy returned from taking a phone call from Leslie Finn and reported that Leslie does not support our going in the direction of an HOA.

         Paul stated that the bylaws set up the structure and the organization does what’s supported.  He believes that policy decisions should be in a policy handbook, i.e., there is no need to put the address in the bylaws – put that in the policies.  He’s in favor of broad, general bylaws and then specifics in the policies.

         Gretchen stated that it seems simpler to keep things like the address in the bylaws, easily found on the website rather than having to go to another document.

We then went Section by section discussing proposed changes (again, the present bylaws can be found on our town website, goldhilltown.com  under Community Info, “What is the Gold Hill Town Meeting?     https://goldhilltown.com/what-it-is/     Here’s the link to the presentation in Google Drive: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/138K9Dt8jq8qzRA7e34rQ9C-y3IHmCg-fS6a7ZIwbWXA/edit#slide=id.g32c5c1180f4_0_1

Article I: Name, Purpose & Mailing Address

Section C: Mailing Address-

The mailing address of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be: 

1011 Main Street – Gold Hill

Boulder, Colorado, 80302-8777. 

Section C: Mailing Address- Proposed Changes

Proposed Deletion/Change:

The town council shall establish and publicize a mailing address for the organization.  

This becomes policy, not bylaws:

The mailing address of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. is: 

1011 Main Street (Gold Hill) 

Boulder, Colorado 80302-8777 

 Not Unanimously Approved – see discussion above  Seems  appropriate to leave the address in the bylaws.

Article II: Membership

Section A: Eligibility-

Those residing in the following area are members and may vote at town meetings, provided they fulfill the voting requirements set forth in Article II, Section B, Qualification.   This area is identified as that included in the boundaries of the Gold Hill Fire Protection District (GHFPD): 

Section B: Qualifications-

In order to vote, a member of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. must:

1. Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
2. Have lived in Gold Hill for sixty days during the twelve months prior to the meeting 

or for sixty days during the previous five years with no less than five days in any one year.

3. Be registered with the Secretary at the meeting. 
4. Be present at the meeting to be certified to vote at that meeting.

Section A: Eligibility- Proposed Changes

All residents and property owners within the Gold Hill Fire Protection District who are over the age of 18 are members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting and have voting rights. Each member is entitled to cast one vote on any issue that requires a vote by the GHTM membership, regardless of the number of properties owned. In my notes, this last phrase was deleted.

Approved, except that my notes show that last phrase was deleted.

Article III: Members Meetings

Section A: Regular Meetings- 

Regular meetings of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held six times each year: February, April, June, August, October, and December on the second Monday of the month at such time and place as may be determined by the Town Council.

This becomes policy, not bylaws:

The GHTM will hold general membership meetings six times each year—on the second Monday of February, April, June, August, October, and December—or on an alternative date, time, and location as determined by the Town Council, with at least two week’s notice given for rescheduled meetings. 

Not unanimously approved – Gretchen believed the second Monday in the previous bylaws is best to state in the bylaws – it can then go into the GH Calendar and everyone knows what to expect.  If it seems necessary, something could be added that, “in case of an emergency,  a scheduled meeting may be changed and notice given as soon as possible”. The present schedule was decided upon by the Town Meeting, not the Town Council

Article III: Members Meetings

Section B: Annual Meetings- 

The annual meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held on the second Monday of August each year.  The election of Town Council members shall be held at the annual meeting.

Section B: Town Council Election Meeting– Proposed Changes

The annual election of Town Council members shall take place during the general membership meeting in August.

Approved

Article III: Members Meetings

Section C: Budget Meetings

The annual budget meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held annually at the October Town Meeting. 

The GHTM Treasurer shall submit estimated income and expenses for the following year.  

Requests for funding from the general fund may be made by the various Committees or any constituency of the GHTM at this meeting, and at any regularly scheduled meeting.

Section C: Budget Meetings- Proposed Changes

The GHTM will approve a budget before the start of the next fiscal year.  The Town Council must establish a policy for submitting requests from the budget.  

This becomes policy, not bylaws:

Committees or individuals seeking funding from the general fund must shall submit their requests to the Treasurer at the October general membership meeting.

At the budget meeting, the Treasurer shall present the proposed income and expenses for the following year. The general membership will review and consider the proposed budget. The Town Council, by majority vote, may adopt the proposed budget as submitted or make amendments. If the budget for the following year is not approved at the meeting, the current budget will remain in effect until a new budget is approved.

Not Unanimously Approved – Gretchen, again, thinks this should stay in the bylaws and the phrase, “Requests for funding from the general fund may be made by the various Committees or any constituency of the GHTM at this meeting, and at any regularly scheduled meeting” is important and should stay.  Also, importantly, it should be the Town Meeting that adopts the budget, not the Town Council

Article III: Members Meetings

Section D: Special Meetings- 

Special meetings of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. may be called by the Chair:

1. At the request of at least three members of the Town Council.
2. By petition requesting a special meeting signed by at least twenty members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

Section D: Special Meetings- Proposed Changes

Special meetings are additional general membership meetings called to address urgent concerns or expedite town business. Special meetings of the GHTM may be called by the Chair:

1. Upon the written request of at least three members of the Town Council, or
2. By a petition requesting a special meeting, signed by at least twenty members of the GHTM.

Unanimously Approved

Article III: Members Meetings

Section E: Written Notice- 

Written notice of all members’ meetings shall be posted to the town website (goldhilltown.com), emailed to all members, and sent by U.S. Mail to those who request them at least two weeks prior to all regular, annual, and special meetings.   

Section E: Written Notice- Proposed Changes

The Town Council must provide notice of the date, time, location, and agenda for any general membership or special meeting at least two weeks in advance. Notice may be given through various methods, including, but not limited to, electronic notification to individuals on the town’s mailing list, news outlets, the town website, or social media within the GHTM member area.

Unanimously Approved

Article III: Members Meetings

Section F: Quorum- 

A quorum for a member’s meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall exist if three of five members of the Town Council are present to transact any business to be presented in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation or Code of Bylaws.

Section F: Quorum- Proposed Changes

A quorum for a GHTM general membership meeting is required to call for a membership vote. A quorum is considered present if:

• At least three of the five members of the Town Council, and
• At least five other members of the GHTM

are in attendance to conduct any business.

Unanimously Approved

Article III.5: Conflicts (Proposed Addition of New Article)

Section G: Conflict of Interest- Add to Bylaws

To ensure Town Council members fulfill their duties of loyalty to the organization and maintain transparency with the membership, the Town Council will establish a Conflict of Interest policy. This policy requires all Town Council members to disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest—financial or otherwise—that may affect their ability to act in the best interests of the organization.

Town Council members must disclose such conflicts in writing at least once a year, and whenever a conflict arises. Any member with a conflict of interest is required to recuse themselves from discussions or decisions related to that matter.

Unanimously Approved

Article III.5: Conflicts  (Proposed Addition of New Article)

Section H: Membership Code of Conduct- Add to Bylaws

The Town Council will establish a written Code of Conduct policy to govern participation in general membership meetings, events, and other official communications. The Code of Conduct encourages the expression of opinions and viewpoints in a civil manner while prohibiting the use of abusive language or behavior that is disrespectful to others or disrupts the orderly conduct of business.

If a participant violates the Code of Conduct, the Town Council may impose consequences. These may include, but are not limited to, asking the individual to leave a meeting or prohibiting further contact with Town Council members.

Unanimously Approved

Article IV: Town Council

Section A: Members- Proposed Combining with Section 8

The Town Council shall consist of five members: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Member-at-Large.

Section H: Town Council Duties- Proposed Changes (Suggest combining with Section A)

The Town Council is responsible for overseeing the organization’s business and properties and for fulfilling all duties under Colorado state law for nonprofit corporations, as well as those outlined in these bylaws. Each Town Council member will perform the duties typically associated with their office and any additional responsibilities as designated by the Town Council.  

This becomes policy, not bylaws:

The Town Council members will primarily be responsible for the following tasks:

Chair:

• Serve as the main point of contact for general GHTM communications
• Lead general membership meetings
• Lead fundraising initiatives
• Manage grant reporting and auditing in collaboration with the Treasurer and grant managers
• Serve as an ex officio member of all committees
• Coordinate the work of all officers and committees to ensure the organization’s purpose is fulfilled
• Serve as the primary signatory for official correspondence and documents
• Fulfill additional Town Council duties as needed

Vice Chair:

• Assist the Chair and carry out the Chair’s duties in their absence or inability to serve
• Fulfill additional Town Council duties as needed

Secretary:

• Distribute the agenda prior to general membership meetings
• Take and distribute meeting minutes after the general membership meetings
• Lead general membership meetings in the absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair
• Fulfill additional Town Council duties as needed

Treasurer:

• Manage the town’s finances
• Prepare the organization’s annual budget
• Maintain current paperwork related to nonprofit status, tax-exempt properties, and other town business
• Manage grant reporting and auditing in collaboration with the Chair
• Report on and sign off on grant expenditures
• Fulfill additional Town Council duties as needed

Member-at-Large:

• Assist with fundraising initiatives
• Fulfill additional Town Council duties as needed

Unanimously Approved – My notes show that we added “Keeps Organizations records” to the Secretarial duties.

Article IV: Town Council

 Section B: Eligibility

The Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer must be a year round resident defined as an individual who has lived within the bounds of the Gold Hill Town Meeting area at least nine consecutive months prior to the election.  All five council members shall be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Section B: Eligibility- Proposed Changes

All members of the Town Council must be voting members of the GHTM, as defined in these bylaws. Additionally, the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer must have resided within the GHTM area for at least nine consecutive months prior to their election.

Unanimously Approved

Article IV: Town Council

Section C: Term of Office- 

Each council member shall hold office until a successor is duly elected and qualified.   Any council member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Town Council.  Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein, and, unless otherwise specified, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section C: Term of Office- Proposed Changes

Each Town Council member shall serve a one-year term or until a successor is duly elected and qualified. A Town Council member may resign at any time by submitting written notice to the Town Council. The resignation will take effect as specified in the notice, and, unless otherwise indicated, no formal acceptance is required for it to become effective.

Unanimously Approved

Article IV: Town Council

Section D: Removal- 

Any council member may be removed according to the following procedure:

1. At a scheduled meeting, where a quorum is present, the removal of a council member may be proposed by a simple majority of those members present.
2. The proposed removal of a council member must be included with the minutes of the meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.
3. At the next scheduled meeting, the council member may be removed by a majority vote of the Gold Hill Town Meeting.

Section D: Removal- Proposed Changes

A Town Council member may be removed through the following procedure:

1. Removal may be proposed by:
   • Any Town Council member, or
   • At least ten GHTM members through a written petition.
2. The proposed removal must be included in the agenda for the general membership meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
3. Removal requires a two-thirds majority vote of the membership present at a general membership meeting where a quorum of Town Council members is present. The member proposed for removal does not count towards the quorum for the meeting.

Unanimously Approved

Article IV: Town Council

Section E: When a Council Member Moves

Any council member, other than the member-at-large, shall automatically resign upon moving from within the area bounded by the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

Section E: When a Town Council Member Moves- Proposed Changes

Any Town Council member who becomes ineligible for election under Article IV, Section 2, and does not voluntarily resign, shall be deemed to have resigned from the Town Council, and their position will be considered vacant.

Unanimously Approved

Article IV: Town Council

Section F: Vacancies- 

Any vacancy must be filled for the remainder of the term by appointment by a majority of the council members within two weeks of its occurrence.

Section F: Vacancies- Proposed Changes

Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment for the remainder of the term, made by a majority of the Town Council members, within two weeks of its occurrence or as soon as practical.

Unanimously Approved

Article VII: Amendments

These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws may be adopted according to the following procedure:

Section A:

At a regularly scheduled meeting, where a quorum is present, Bylaw change(s) may be proposed by a simple majority of those members present.  Proposed Bylaw changes are to be made and approved section-by-section.

Section A: Proposed Changes

Bylaw changes may be proposed at a general membership meeting where a quorum is present. Proposed changes will be presented and discussed on a section-by-section basis.

Unanimously Approved

Article VII: Amendments

Section B:  

The proposed Bylaw section(s), and the Bylaw section(s) that are intended to be replaced, must be included with the minutes of the meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Section B: Proposed Changes

Proposed additions, deletions, or amendments to the bylaws must be included in the meeting minutes of the general membership meeting and distributed to members at least two weeks prior to the next general membership meeting.

Unanimously Approved

Article VII: Amendments

Section C: 

At the next regularly scheduled meeting, the sections of the new Bylaws may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. who are present.  Bylaw changes are to be voted on section by section.

Section C: Proposed Changes

At the next general membership meeting, the proposed amendments to the Bylaws may be adopted by a two-third majority vote of the GHTM, Inc. members present.

NOT Unanimously Approved – Some still want the changes to be voted on section by section

Article VIII: Dissolution

This Corporation may be dissolved according to the following procedure:

Section A: 

At regularly scheduled meeting, where a quorum is present, dissolution of the corporation may be proposed by a simple majority of those members present.

Section A: Proposed Changes

At a general membership meeting where a quorum is present, the dissolution of the corporation may be proposed by a simple majority of the members present.

Unanimously Approved

Article VIII: Dissolution

Section B: 

The proposed dissolution of the corporation must be included with the minutes of the meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Section B: Proposed Changes

The proposed dissolution of the corporation must be included in the agenda for the general membership meeting and distributed to members at least two weeks prior to the next general membership meeting.

Unanimously Approved

Article VIII: Dissolution

Section C:

At the next regularly scheduled meeting, the dissolution of the corporation may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. who are present.

Section C: Proposed Changes

At the next general membership meeting, the dissolution of the corporation may be adopted by a three-quarters majority of the members of Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. who are present.

Upon dissolution of the GHTM, any remaining funds shall first be used to settle any outstanding bills, and, with the approval of the Town Council, may be spent for the benefit of the town of Gold Hill.

Unanimously Approved

With that, we moved to adjourn.

Respectfully Submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

Forwarded from Chief Caudill  

Notification of a permitted slash burn:

Howdy.  We own a property west of town, just across the county road to the south of the Ashram.  Got a crew of 4 out there today burning slash.  They should be wrapping up within the hour.

County he been informed via the portal.

Thanks.

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, Proposed minutes of the Monday, November 18, 2024 Fire Board Meeting by Acting Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer

GHFPD BUDGET MEETING – The meeting was called to order at 6:05 by Chair Kent Coghill.  Present were Kent, board members Chris Dirolf, Treasurer Jessica Brookhart, Max Yeager, Boyd Brown, acting secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, and newly appointed Lieutenant Austin Miller..  Val Crist and Chief Rich Caudill attended by Zoom.  Jess handed out copies of the proposed budget – some changes were discussed and agreed on.  Chris thanked Jess for all her work putting the proposed budget together and sending it and all changes out to the board members for updating.  The proposed budget is posted on the FD website goldhillfire.org  under GHFPD Board Information.  Money was moved around to needed categories and Jess pointed out a resolution at the regular meeting will be needed to move money from savings to the truck capital fund as  a new truck is in the planning.

         Elections have to be held next year (and budgeted for).  Boyd and Chris will begin working on that.  Boyd suggested we consider a wood yard – possibly on the triangular property the town owns at the corner of Pine and Lickskillet.  It was brought up that it takes a lot of hours to cut and split wood and it needs some discussion regarding how much the FD wants to do in the future.

         Chris reported that there is a lot of money available for big mitigation projects.  He suggested we change our budget category from Forest Management to Community Wood Supply.

         A motion was made to accept the budget, Boyd seconded it, and it passed unanimously.

         The budget meeting was adjourned at 7:05

REGULAR GHFPD BOARD MEETING– was called to order by Chair Kent Coghill at 7:06 and attended by all the same people.

MEETING BUSINESS

MINUTES – Boyd moved the minutes be approved, Max seconded and they were approved unanimously.

CHIEF’S MINUTES

         Chief Rich Caudill reports that Vector Systems will begin in January.  Training will start after the holidays.  Congratulations were extended to newly appointed Assistant Chief Greg Buis, Captain Dave Steinman, Lieutenants Austin Miller  and Leslie Finn as of midnight Saturday, November 16.

TRAINING – Welcome to new member Drew Port.

MAINTENANCE/EQUIPMENT – Max reported on the 10 mile cistern repair.  Otto Schossler will provide the new hydrant and Jesse Farmer can do the dirt work, hopefully before winter really sets in.

CWPP – Chris reports they’re working on updating the cistern inventory – tracking and mapping water supplies

STRATEGIC PLANNING – Boyd will be getting with Donal and Rich re evacuation planning’

         He also reported on the Seniors Alliance Meeting.  They met here, a large group of seniors with all sorts  of connections.  It’s a very active group.  They’re trying to pressure the County Commissioners for services to support aging at altitude in their homes.  Pam Sherman has set it up (pamsher123@nullgmail.com).  They’ll working on a Google Doc to be updated by participants and will be meeting again in early December.  Boyd, as a senior and FD Board member is wondering about coordinating with the FD Strategic Plan.  Leslie is working to get people’s medical conditions and med lists posted on their refrigerators to help medical responders.  Val is working on food security and transportation, which also ties in with the FD.  Boyd will communicate with neighboring departments re collaboration.  Per Chris, all this should also be included in the CWPP.  Rich says there is a “File of Life” to organize people’s med info and med lists – a commercially printed document that could be distributed.  Re evacuation planning, he has an email out to Donal and has talked to Mike Chard at ODM.  They’ll set up a meeting with the Sheriff’s Department.

CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN – They will begin looking into new station plans in 2025 – probably at least a 5 year planning process.  Max pointed out it’ll take a lot of work and will require Special Use Plan approval from the County.  Kent will look at forming a committee with FD members and community members (Gretchen volunteered) after the first of the year to begin planning.  Max will check in with Land Use about their requirements.  Fourmile and Lefthand have just built new stations.  The Lefthand Person who came to a board meeting said you “have to have an architect”, but Max wonders if we could do it with a project manager.  Max and Boyd went to Ft. Morgan to see about trailer sales and they had a great big building (pre-fab?) –  something to look into.  First hurdle will be to find a location.

BUDGET – Jess reported that a motion is needed to pass the proposed 2025 budget including a transfer of funds from savings into the truck fund.  Max so moved, Boyd seconded and it passed unanimously.

NEW APPARATUS – At the executive board meeting Chief showed concept drawings from Fouts.  They’ve given us a bid for $268,000.  Max likes the look of the vehicle, but had reservations about the cofffin boxes (for storage) on top.  Kent liked the sleek look of the truck without them, but storage is needed.  They’re 18” x 31”.  Lots of conversation resulting in decision to get them – can be removed.  A grant has been applied for for 40% of the cost.  We’ll know early next year.  Everyone is good with adding ladder steps and the graphics.  SCBA seats?  Probably – they facilitate a quick response, for instance to a car fire.  Goal is for it to be a light rescue/brush truck including medical gear.  Thinking white vs. red.  Chief pointed out we don’t have to make every decision now, but it was decided to go ahead and place the order and finalize the rest as time goes on.  Max moved we purchase the apparatus for $268,000/2025 as per Chief’s drawings.  Chris seconded and it passed unanimously.  First payment is due when the chassis arrives, second for the body and graphics, 4^th and 5^th electrical and lights and then final.  Fouts can fit delivery in 4^th Quarter of 2025. We’ll count on the grant and modify the budget if we have to.  Leaning toward incorporating our logo into the Maltese Cross for truck and gear, getting volunteers involved in the design.  Will present mock ups at Holiday party, currently scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6:30 – it’ll be at the Store again, food, wine and beer provided.  Val requested funds for gift cards $275.  Chief requested $330 for some items he’d like to incorporate into the awards ceremony.  Max moved to approve these funds, Boyd seconded and it passed unanimously.  Beanies and ball caps are all ordered.  Still looking at thank you gifts for O’Brien and Gibson – funds unanimously approved.

This intent of this party is a celebration of our internal FD members.  Gretchen requested bumper stickers – ok’d.

GRANTS  – Three have been applied for: $100,000 for a possible utility vehicle, but focus is on new Type 6,  $30,000 for a generator and wiring update, $30,000 for station modification to expand the doors.  Depending on outcomes, budget may need to be modified.  Plan to meet before Holiday party.   They’re still looking for some kind of storage – there is the Conex, but that’s not regarded as a long term solution – will be looked at in the future.

LIST MANAGEMENT – Chief is good with managing it.  Chief is working on volunteer standards to be an active FD member, which will be approved by the cadre.

 MITIGATION – Boyd had a meeting 1st week of Sept with Marcus and Maya to discuss specifics of mitigation plans, home hardening and work planned for next year, looking to be as specific as possible.  Maya is leaving to spend more time on family life, contingent on finding a suitable replacement.  She’s put out some external feelers – need really dedicated individual.

CWPP – Chris reported that at the last meeting they worked on modifications – it’s an active document for the 4 districts collaborating grant-wise and to connect all four districts.  Have to continually update maps to keep relevant.  Major overhauls scheduled for 5 and 10 years out.  Looking at emergency response, cisterns and water supplies.

SIGNAGE – Steffi Wilson has requested the Board handle Fire Danger Rating signs.  Joanne Cole is asking the County to put up several signs  Board supports Joanne’s efforts and will do 2 large one’s as well – one at the fire station.  Kent also plans to purchase some “no parking” signs at the corners and along Main St as the County has not come through and are not responding to his messages.

ADJOURN – Motion was made and passed to adjourn  at 8:45

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Acting Secretary.

Calendar for 2026!

We had our first meeting today and, as always, are looking for good ideas, drawings, poems, pictures – particularly:

            4^th of July pictures

            Gold Hill Firefighter pictures – October is fire prevention month

            Wildlife

            Art work – we know about Michael Petrillo’s horse!  Others?

            Cover ideas/pictures?

Also, any new (or new to us) businesses want to have ads on the Business pages?

Birthdays – any changes or additions?

Let us know.  We aim to have the calendar out by the 4^th of July.

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the December 9, 2024  Zoom and in person Town Meeting

Next Regular Town Meeting is Monday, February 10, 7:00 p.m.

A Special Town Meeting has also been called for

Tuesday, January 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Gold Hill School

To discuss proposed bylaw changes

The meeting was called to order by Chair Dan Maedke.  Six people attended in person: Vice Chair Kelly Veit, Marcus Moench, Elisabeth Caspari, Boyd Brown, Kaitlyn Barthnell, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Twelve people attended by Zoom: Pam Sherman, Bear Carlson and Poppy Copeland, Karen (Simmons?) Kris Hill, Treasurer Chrissy Maedke, Virginia Schultz, Maggie Simms, Deb Yeager, Marybeth Neal, Maya McHamer, and Leslie Finn (please let me know if I missed anyone).

Minutes – were approved as published.

Treasurer’s report – Chrissy reported – yearly report

Update – Fire Mitigation Projects – Maya reports that a lot of projects were completed.  The Ashram project is essentially finished.  There are a lot of logs there to be distributed to the community in the next 2 years.  East Street is finished, the Maloney/Hengemuhle property is finished, and, potentially the town property will be finished next year.  The Tone’s and Julie Carpenter’s are still happening.  Probably 200+ acres of forestry work has been completed.  The goats in the meadow pilot project to test grassland mitigation is being reviewed. 

         Marcus added that they have almost completed a mitigated circle around the town.  The town property is still risky and they hope to work on it next year. A lot has been accomplished to create a more resilient forest and to prevent wildfire spread.  There is still a lot to be done to protect structures and they are looking at ways to support and help community members with home hardening and mitigation work.  They recently had a meeting with Maya and Dan, plus GHFPD members Fire Chief Rich Caudill,  Greg Buis, and Boyd Brown to further strong collaboration with the FD.  Looking at more work on grasslands – maybe llamas, donkeys vs goats.  They will focus on maintaining the mitigation work, thin ladder fuels, and look at how that connects to FD firefighting issues and reducing fire hazards, helping individuals, and building fire resilience.  They want to do a festival – maybe tie in with town clean-up – to distribute info and foster mitigation projects.

         Boyd reported a lot of work has been done on the cistern west of town (10 mile cistern) – it will have a hydrant like the other cisterns, but there have been delays – work will finish in the Spring.

         Marcus added there is a lot of grant money out there available and some of what we have now is still unspent.  Grazing is also needed in the subdivision.

         Virginia expressed our thanks to Maya, who is now looking to transition out of the BWS as soon as they can find someone to take over. Gold Hill is a good example for other communities for mitigation organizing.

         Bear expressed appreciation for the notion of helping homeowners and people  like them, with old houses essentially built of kindling.  Maya added that that’s the hardest part to find support for, but that’s the next wave to work on.

         Leslie has talked with a person from the St Vrain Watershed and there is possible money available from that group, too.  Virginia will contact them.

Gold Hill Area Senior Alliance – Pam reports they’ve had 2 meetings and another scheduled for January 7.  They’re planning to meet the second Tuesday monthly.  They will be putting out emails and info on the website.  Their goals are 1. Develop internal resources and 2. See what services can be provide by the County, etc.  She and Leslie Finn are co-chairs.  Marcus expressed thanks to Mike at the Store for supporting town meetings like this.  Boyd added that there were a huge number of people attending.  So many people want to live at home until they pass away if we can provide resources to support that.  Anybody wanting to be added to the contact list, contact Pam at pamsher123@nullgmail.com.

        Update on Informal Gatherings of Senior Alliance

January 7, 2025       OUR REGULAR MEETING, with INVITED GUEST       4 pm.

We will meet at 3:55 at the Gold Hill School and start the meeting at 4 pm sharp. Pam Leland will lead us in generating an Aging-in-Place Needs List. Then Reba Mitchell, Executive Director of NAS (Nederland Area Seniors) will present on how NAS can work with us. Lots of built-in discussion time. Meeting will end no later than 5:15.

January 15                NAS LUNCH TOGETHER       11:25 am.

Meet outside the GH Inn before 11:25 am. We will carpool as a group to lunch at the NAS (Nederland Area Seniors) regular Senior Lunch at the Ned Community Center. We will leave Gold Hill at 11:25 on the dot. To RSVP for this, email emily@nullmountainpeaklife.org before January 13 at 5 pm. (You can only get in with an RSVP.) We will sit together

Questions? Bring them to our meeting on Jan. 7.

February 13 2025      LUNCH TOGETHER AT THE GOLD HILL STORE/PUB        11:45 am. 

The Gold Hill Store/Pub is supportive of our group! The Store re-opens Feb. 13 and we are booked on that day for a Senior Lunch! (Hint: there may be a “perk” for those meeting with our group.) Regular Store menu. Plan to buy something, don’t bring your own food or drink. 

That’s all for now!  submitted by Pam Sherman, co-chair of Gold Hill Area Senior Alliance aka Gold Hill Geezers

Bylaws – Chrissy reported that the present bylaws have been fine for years, but it’s now time to take the next step.  Looking ahead at big projects with big money means needing to be able to make decisions quickly.  This round of updates is focused on tweaks, with bigger changes proposed for later.  We voted on a Values Statement, Mission Statement, and Vision Statement at the October meeting to be added to the bylaws (per out present bylaws, which require a 2 step process, we need to discuss and vote again).  She stated that the next round will be a bit more substantial, affecting the nuts and bolts of how the town meeting and town council function.  Marcus added that we want to be able to seize opportunities to raise funds, possibly hire people.  As currently structured, the council has no authority on its own, from a legal perspective, to sign off on legal agreements, and need to have clearer authority between town meetings to move on issues.  Currently, only those who show up can vote and he thinks we need more engagement and to give elected officials enough authority to make decisions and represent the town to other agencies.  It has been principally a forum for conversation and small projects.  Paul Landskroener, previously a non-profit lawyer, suggested possible changes

         This generated a great deal of discussion about both how to amend the bylaws  and how the community wants the GHTM and Council to function.  Chrissy presented 26 proposed changes and suggested ways to streamline the two meeting process to amend bylaws and suggested that having presenting them at the October meeting (with no discussion or votes) sufficed.  Virginia, however, pointed out that, according to Roberts’ Rules, “approve” means voted on, not just presented.

Present bylaws: Article VII

Amendments

These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws may be adopted according to the following procedure:

Section 1.  At a regularly scheduled meeting, where a quorum is present, Bylaw change(s) may be proposed by a simple majority of those members present.  Proposed Bylaw changes are to be made and approved section-by-section.

Section 2.  The proposed Bylaw sections(s), and the Bylaw section(s) that are intended to be replaced, must be included with the minutes of the meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Section 3.  At the next regularly scheduled meeting, the sections of the new Bylaws may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. who are present.  Bylaw changes are to be voted on section by section.  (My underlining here for clarity, hopefully)

Boyd added that we need to abide by the bylaws in place now. Eventually, it was decided that we need to vote on the suggested changes, section by section, just yay or nay with no discussion or changes.  Gretchen objected to not being able to discuss them, but was outvoted.  It was decided to have a Special Town Meeting in January to work on any changes that got nay votes. (Addendum – special town meeting will be at the Gold Hill School on Tuesday, Jan 14th at 5:30pm). Then the second vote on those accepted at this (December meeting) would take place at the February regular meeting.  Any not UNANIMOUSLY accepted at this meeting would be worked on, presented at the February regular meeting, and finalized at the April regular meeting.

         Gretchen added that she’s been a part of the Town Meeting since 1966 and has worked on bylaw changes several times.  The amendment process was not meant to be quick and easy, but undertaken carefully with time for people to consider.  And the distinction between a regular meeting and a special meeting was always considered clear and reasonable.  We have always supported the idea of our town government being essentially a pure democracy with the town council being empowered to carry out the wishes of the community as expressed in the town meetings vs. the town council having decision making power of its own.  This does already mean that the town meeting can empower the town council or a committee to carry out  given actions on a case by case basis.  For instance, in the present bylaws, Under Purpose Section 2, Purpose: The purpose of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be:

1. To hold town meetings and provide a forum for community discussion and basis for community action, and to establish qualifications for participation therein.
2. To acquire, hold, sell, or lease real property for the general purpose of preserving the historical and natural setting of Gold Hill and the surrounding area.
3. To act as trustee.
4. To cooperate with the County Planning Department, County Health Department, and other departments of the County, State, or Federal government.
5. To take any and all other action to improve, preserve, and benefit the community of Gold Hill and the surrounding area.
6. To apply for and receive government grants or assistance, to solicit funds and donations, and undertake or sponsor community fund-raising projects.
7. To do all other acts necessary or appropriate to promote the social welfare of the community of Gold Hill.

So, given #6, it seems the Town Meeting can already empower the Council to apply for and administer grants for specific purposes.

For the bylaws as they stand now, see the town website (goldhilltown.com) and click on “What is the Gold Hill Town Meeting” under Community Information on the left.  https://goldhilltown.com/what-it-is/

Present bylaws, changes proposed and votes taken section by section:

Article I: Name, Purpose & Mailing Address

Section 1, Name: The name of this organization shall be Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. (GHTM)

Section A: Name- Proposed Changes  (This is Section 1., not A)

The name of this organization is: Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. (GHTM)

APPROVED

Section 3, Mailing address: The mailing address of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be: 1011 Main Street – Gold Hill, Boulder, CO  80302-8777.

Section C: Mailing Address- Proposed Changes (Section 3)

The mailing address of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. is: 

1011 Main Street (Gold Hill) 

Boulder, Colorado 80302-8777

APPROVED

Article II: Membership 

Section A: Eligibility-  (Section 1)

Those residing in the following area are members and may vote at town meetings, provided they fulfill the voting requirements set forth in Article II, Section B, Qualification.   This area is identified as that included in the boundaries of the Gold Hill Fire Protection District (GHFPD): 

Section B: Qualifications- (Section 2)

In order to vote, a member of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. must:

1. Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
2. Have lived in Gold Hill for sixty days during the twelve months prior to the meeting 

or for sixty days during the previous five years with no less than five days in any one year.

3. Be registered with the Secretary at the meeting. 
4. Be present at the meeting to be certified to vote at that meeting.

Section A: Eligibility- Proposed Changes  (Section 1)

All residents and property owners within the Gold Hill Fire Protection District who are over the age of 18 are members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting and have voting rights. Each member is entitled to cast one vote on any issue that requires a vote by the GHTM membership, regardless of the number of properties owned. 

NOT UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED – Needs work – U.S. Citizen?  Resident for some period of time?  Voting rights are nowhere defined

 Article III: Members Meetings

Section A: Regular Meetings-  (Section 1)

Regular meetings of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held six times each year: February, April, June, August, October, and December on the second Monday of the month at such time and place as may be determined by the Town Council.

Section A: General Membership Meetings- Proposed Changes (Section 1)

The GHTM will hold general membership meetings six times each year—on the second Monday of February, April, June, August, October, and December—or on an alternative date, time, and location as determined by the Town Council, with at least one week’s notice given for rescheduled meetings. These meetings may be held electronically and/or in person, as decided by the Town Council. Meeting minutes will be recorded and distributed to the membership within two weeks of the meeting.

NOT APPROVED-   If we are going to reschedule a meeting, we should give two weeks notice, unless it’s an emergency of some kind.   Also, as secretary, I would prefer not to be held to distributing the minutes within two weeks of the meeting.  I generally get them out about half way in between meetings, but will do so if approved by 2/3 vote.

Article III: Members Meetings

Section B: Annual Meetings- (Section 2)

The annual meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held on the second Monday of August each year.  The election of Town Council members shall be held at the annual meeting.

Section B: Town Council Election Meeting– Proposed Changes (Section 2)

The annual election of Town Council members shall take place during the general membership meeting in August.

APPROVED

Article III: Members Meetings

Section C: Budget Meetings   (Section 3)

The annual budget meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held annually at the October Town Meeting. 

The GHTM Treasurer shall submit estimated income and expenses for the following year.  

Requests for funding from the general fund may be made by the various Committees or any constituency of the GHTM at this meeting, and at any regularly scheduled meeting. 

Section C: Budget Meetings- Proposed Changes (Section 3)

The annual budget meeting of the GHTM shall be held during the December general membership meeting.

Committees or individuals seeking funding from the general fund must submit their requests to the Treasurer at least 30 days prior to the annual budget meeting.

At the budget meeting, the Treasurer shall present the proposed income and expenses for the following year. The general membership will review and consider the proposed budget. The Town Council, by majority vote, may adopt the proposed budget as submitted or make amendments. If the budget for the following year is not approved at the meeting, the current budget will remain in effect until a new budget is approved.

NOT UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED – See no reason to change it, plus it should be the Town Meeting (not the Council) that approves it.  And it is not cast in stone – the last sentence of the present bylaws, “Requests for funding from the general fund may be made by the various Committees or any constituency of the GHTM at this meeting, and at any regularly scheduled meeting” should definitely remain in place.

Article III: Members Meetings

Section D: Special Meetings- (Section 4)

Special meetings of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. may be called by the Chair:

1. At the request of at least three members of the Town Council.
2. By petition requesting a special meeting signed by at least twenty members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

Section D: Special Meetings- Proposed Changes  (Section 4)

Special meetings are additional general membership meetings called to address urgent concerns or expedite town business. Special meetings of the GHTM may be called by the Chair:

1. Upon the written request of at least three members of the Town Council, or
2. By a petition requesting a special meeting, signed by at least twenty members of the GHTM.

APPROVED

Article III: Members Meetings

Section E: Written Notice-  (Section 5)

Written notice of all members’ meetings shall be posted to the town website (goldhilltown.com), emailed to all members, and sent by U.S. Mail to those who request them at least two weeks prior to all regular, annual, and special meetings. 

Section E: Written Notice- Proposed Changes  (Section 5)

The Town Council must provide notice of the date, time, location, and agenda for any general membership or special meeting at least seven days in advance. Notice may be given through various methods, including, but not limited to, electronic notification to individuals on the town’s mailing list, as well as through news outlets, the town website, or social media within the GHTM member area.

NOT APPROVED – See  no reason for the change, plus 2 weeks notice is important, particularly in case there is any change.  The agenda generally comes out closer to the meeting to allow for additions or changes. We have never had a requirement for an agenda to be sent out at a given time.  There is a general agenda, which can be added to an any time.

Article III: Members Meetings

Section F: Quorum-   (Section 6)

A quorum for a member’s meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall exist if three of five members of the Town Council are present to transact any business to be presented in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation or Code of Bylaws.

Section F: Quorum- Proposed Changes  (Section 6)

A quorum for a GHTM general membership meeting is required to call for a membership vote. A quorum is considered present if:

• At least three of the five members of the Town Council, and
• At least five other members of the GHTM

are in attendance to conduct any business in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation or the Code of Bylaws.

APPROVED

Article III: Members Meetings

Section F: Quorum-  (Section 7)

A quorum for a member’s meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall exist if three of five members of the Town Council are present to transact any business to be presented in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation or Code of Bylaws.

Section F: Quorum- Proposed Changes  (Section 7)

A quorum for a GHTM general membership meeting is required to call for a membership vote. A quorum is considered present if:

• At least three of the five members of the Town Council, and
• At least five other members of the GHTM

are in attendance to conduct any business in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation or the Code of Bylaws.

APPROVED

Article III.5: Conflicts (Proposed Addition of New Article)

Section G: Conflict of Interest- Add to Bylaws  (Section 8)

To ensure Town Council members fulfill their duties of loyalty to the organization and maintain transparency with the membership, the Town Council has established a Conflict of Interest policy. This policy requires all Town Council members to disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest—financial or otherwise—that may affect their ability to act in the best interests of the organization.

Town Council members must disclose such conflicts in writing at least once a year, and whenever a conflict arises. Any member with a conflict of interest is required to recuse themselves from discussions or decisions related to that matter.

APPROVED

Section H: Membership Code of Conduct- Add to Bylaws  (Section 9)

The Town Council has established a written Code of Conduct to govern participation in general membership meetings, events, and other official communications. The Code of Conduct encourages the expression of opinions and viewpoints in a civil manner while prohibiting the use of abusive language or behavior that is disrespectful to others or disrupts the orderly conduct of business.

If a participant violates the Code of Conduct, the Town Council may impose consequences. These may include, but are not limited to, asking the individual to leave a meeting, prohibiting further contact with Town Council members, or revoking the individual’s GHTM membership for up to one year.

NOT UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED – Not necessary.  We can  deal with it, if it comes up.  Also, it would be the entire meeting’s responsibility, not just the council’s.

Article IV: Town Council

Section A: Members- Proposed Combining with Section 8  (This is Section 1.  There is no Section A)

The Town Council shall consist of five members: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Member-at-Large.

APPROVED – to clarify, it seems this statement should stay as Section 1.   Section 8 (not H) Duties, could then follow this as Section 2.

Article IV: Town Council (continued)

Section H: Town Council Duties  (This is Section 8.  (There is no Section H.) and should be re-numbered as Section 2. If moving it up)

Each Town Council member shall have the duties ordinarily attending the office held and other duties as the Town Council may designate.

Section 8: Town Council Duties- Proposed Changes (Suggest combining with Section A)

(Again, this is Section 8 and proposed to become Section 2.

The Town Council is responsible for overseeing the organization’s business and for fulfilling all duties under Colorado state law for nonprofit corporations, as well as those outlined in these bylaws. Each Town Council member will perform the duties typically associated with their office and any additional responsibilities as designated by the Town Council. The Town Council members will primarily be responsible for the following tasks:

Chair:

• Serve as the main point of contact for general GHTM communications
• Lead general membership meetings
• Lead fundraising initiatives
• Manage grant reporting and auditing in collaboration with the Treasurer and grant managers
• Serve as an ex officio member of all committees
• Coordinate the work of all officers and committees to ensure the organization’s purpose is fulfilled
• Serve as the primary signatory for official correspondence and documents
• Fulfill additional Town Council duties as needed

Vice Chair:

• Assist the Chair and carry out the Chair’s duties in their absence or inability to serve
• Fulfill additional Town Council duties as needed

Secretary:

• Distribute the agenda prior to general membership meetings
• Take and distribute meeting minutes after the general membership meetings
• Lead general membership meetings in the absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair
• Fulfill additional Town Council duties as needed

Treasurer:

• Manage the town’s finances
• Prepare the organization’s annual budget
• Maintain current paperwork related to nonprofit status, tax-exempt properties, and other town business
• Manage grant reporting and auditing in collaboration with the Chair
• Report on and sign off on grant expenditures
• Fulfill additional Town Council duties as needed

Member-at-Large:

• Assist with fundraising initiatives
• Fulfill additional Town Council duties as needed

APPROVED

Article IV: Town Council

Section B: Eligibility  (This is Section 2. And, if we’re moving Section 8 up to become Section 2, then this becomes Section 3.)

The Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer must be a year round resident defined as an individual who has lived within the bounds of the Gold Hill Town Meeting area at least nine consecutive months prior to the election.  All five council members shall be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Section B: Eligibility- Proposed Changes  (Section 3.?, etc., etc.)

All members of the Town Council must be voting members of the GHTM, as defined in these bylaws. Additionally, the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer must have resided within the GHTM area for at least nine consecutive months prior to their election.

APPROVED

Article IV: Town Council

Section C: Term of Office- (This is Section 3.)

Each council member shall hold office until a successor is duly elected and qualified.   Any council member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Town Council.  Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein, and, unless otherwise specified, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

Section C: Term of Office- Proposed Changes  (section 4.?)

Each Town Council member shall serve a one-year term or until a successor is duly elected and qualified. A Town Council member may resign at any time by submitting written notice to the Town Council. The resignation will take effect as specified in the notice, and, unless otherwise indicated, no formal acceptance is required for it to become effective.

APPROVED

Article IV: Town Council

Section D: Removal-  (Section 4.)

Any council member may be removed according to the following procedure:

1. At a scheduled meeting, where a quorum is present, the removal of a council member may be proposed by a simple majority of those members present.
2. The proposed removal of a council member must be included with the minutes of the meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.
3. At the next scheduled meeting, the council member may be removed by a majority vote of the Gold Hill Town Meeting.

Section D: Removal- Proposed Changes (This would become Section 5)

A Town Council member may be removed through the following procedure:

1. Removal may be proposed by:
   • Any Town Council member, or
   • At least ten GHTM members through a written petition.
2. The proposed removal must be included in the agenda for the general membership meeting and distributed to the members at least one week prior to the meeting.
3. Removal requires a majority vote of the Town Council members present at a general membership meeting where a quorum of Town Council members is present. The member proposed for removal shall be counted for quorum purposes but may not vote on the removal or be included in determining the majority vote.

NOT UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED – This would be a serious issue and should be at least a two-step process like amending the bylaws and notice should be at least 2 weeks.  Removal should require a majority vote of the Town Meeting, not just the Council

Article IV: Town Council

Section E: When a Council Member Moves  (Section 5 and if other changes to 1, etc., are made, this would become “Section 6)

Any council member, other than the member-at-large, shall automatically resign upon moving from within the area bounded by the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

Section E: When a Town Council Member Moves- Proposed Changes (Section 6?)

Any Town Council member who becomes ineligible for election under Article IV, Section 2, and does not voluntarily resign, shall be deemed to have resigned from the Town Council, and their position will be considered vacant.

APPROVED – Original seemed sufficient and clear

Article IV: Town Council

Section F: Vacancies-  (presently Section 6)

Any vacancy must be filled for the remainder of the term by appointment by a majority of the council members within two weeks of its occurrence.

Section F: Vacancies- Proposed Changes   (If changes to 2 are made, this becomes 7)

Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment for the remainder of the term, made by a majority of the Town Council members, within two weeks of its occurrence or as soon as practicable.

APPROVED

Article VII: Amendments

These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws may be adopted according to the following procedure:

Section A:  (This is Section 1)

At a regularly scheduled meeting, where a quorum is present, Bylaw change(s) may be

proposed by a simple majority of those members present.  Proposed Bylaw changes are to be made and approved section-by-section.

Section A: Proposed Changes  (Section 1)

Bylaw changes may be proposed at a general membership meeting where a quorum is present. Proposed changes will be presented and discussed on a section-by-section basis.

NOT UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED – To preserve the 2 step process, they need to be presented and discussed and approved.  Or, this step is just an introduction and the two -step process in the present bylaws will begin at the next meeting.

Article VII: Amendments

Section B:  (This is Section 2)

The proposed Bylaw section(s), and the Bylaw section(s) that are intended to be replaced, must be included with the minutes of the meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Section B: Proposed Changes (Section 2)

Proposed additions, deletions, or amendments to the bylaws must be included in the meeting minutes of the general membership meeting and distributed to members at least two weeks prior to the next general membership meeting.

APPROVED

Article VII: Amendments

Section C: (This is Section 3)

At the next regularly scheduled meeting, the sections of the new Bylaws may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. who are present.  Bylaw changes are to be voted on section by section.

Section C: Proposed Changes (Section 3)

At the next general membership meeting, the proposed amendments to the Bylaws may be adopted by a majority vote of the GHTM, Inc. members present.

NOT UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED – should preserve the 2/3 required to adopt changes

Article VIII: Dissolution

This Corporation may be dissolved according to the following procedure:

Section A:  (this is Section 1)

At regularly scheduled meeting, where a quorum is present, dissolution of the corporation may be proposed by a simple majority of those members present.

Section A: Proposed Changes (Section 1)

At a general membership meeting where a quorum is present, the dissolution of the corporation may be proposed by a simple majority of the members present.

APPROVED

Article VIII: Dissolution

Section B: (This is Section 2)

The proposed dissolution of the corporation must be included with the minutes of the meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Section B: Proposed Changes  (Section 2)

The proposed dissolution of the corporation must be included in the agenda for the general membership meeting and distributed to members at least one week prior to the meeting.

NOT UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED – Needs to preserve the clear meaning of the original – that the proposed dissolution must be included in the minutes and distributed at least two weeks prior to the next meeting

Article VIII: Dissolution

Section C:  (This is Section 3)

At the next regularly scheduled meeting, the dissolution of the corporation may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. who are present.

Section C: Proposed Changes  (Section 3)

At the next general membership meeting, the dissolution of the corporation may be adopted by a three-quarters majority of the members of Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. who are present.

Upon dissolution of the GHTM, any remaining funds shall first be used to settle any outstanding bills, and, with the approval of the Town Council, may be spent for the benefit of the town of Gold Hill.

APPROVED

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 AirLink – no report                 Business District – no report

Cemetery – Maggie submitted the following written report:

                    Cemetery Committee Report for the year 2024 (revised 12/9/24

Town Clean up – 

• There was no cleanup this year as the work required was limited and was performed by the committee itself.

Requested/Received plot donations during 2024: 

• 7 @ $100; 1 at $150 for a total of $850.

Plots dug: 

• 2 total plots dug.

Burials: 

• 3

News:

• In September, we set 3 headstones for unmarked graves. This involved procuring stones of equal size from Loukonen Bros. In 2023 we had 3 bronze plaques fabricated. In early spring of 2024, we drilled holes on the stones and placed the plaques on the stones.  The primary work was done by David Brigham, Mark Frey and we hired Iolus Stevens at $75 to assist with labor.
• We hired Dustin Geesaman to do fire-mitigation tree-limbing last winter. Cost:  $2,165.00 for pruning, chipping, and disposal.

Accounting looks like this:

2023 end of year total:              $3288.06

2024 Expenses:                         $2240.00

2024 Donations:                       $  850.00

Leaves us with a balance of:      $1898.06

(Thanks to Chrissy for her help with the numbers.)

 Future Plans:

• The Cemetery Committee is considering repairing one headstone that has fallen off its pedestal. We are unsure of the costs to repair at this point in time. In addition, the seat of one of the memorial benches has broken. We will investigate if it is possible to repair or replace it. We have contacted the family for advice as to how they wish to proceed.
• We are considering getting a drone to take aerial pictures of the cemetery. This could help us to designate and locate gravesites more accurately.  We will assess the costs once we get an estimate.
• The Committee wishes to request a page dedicated to the Cemetery to be posted on the Town Website. On it, we propose to post pictures of improvements and photos taken of the cemetery from history. We will also post news items and requests for Cemetery clean-up.

The Cemetery Committee has approved this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Maggie Simms

Community Events – The holiday party is scheduled for December 14 and we’re planning an impromptu sledding event again, as weather permits.

Fundraising & Merchandise – Shirts with the silk-screened Gold Hill logo are still available along with water bottles at the GH Store.

Gold Hill School – Chrissy reports that Friday will be the School Sing-along at the GH Store from 2:30 to 3:30.             

Health and Human Services – no report

Historic Zoning – no report              IMA – no report

Mountain Stewards – Virginia reported that 437 people registered with the Solar Co-op and 12 people in our area got solar systems.  She sent an email with updates from the  Office of Sustainability, Climate Action and Resilience has listed, see     https://goldhilltown.com/office-of-sustainability-climate-action-resilience-information/      This includes a wonderful list resources of interest to Mountain Stewards.

         She stressed that EVERYONE should be on the emergency alert system with the Office of Disaster Management  https://boulderodm.gov  A year ago less than 50% had signed up.

Museum – Deb reports that they had a good season and are now closed until next Spring.  Thank you to everyone for your support.  There will be a Bazaar at the GH Store on Saturday from 10 – 2, with merch from the Museum.

Native Flora, Gardens, and Weed Management – no report

NeighborLink – Deb reports there’s nothing new, but encourages any new people to get in touch, with their contact information, in case of emergency  deb@nullmountainvisions.net

SafeLink – no report

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

Forwarded by Virginia Schultz from OSCAR, 2020 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302

Tel 303-441-4565, P.O Box 471, Boulder, CO 80306

12/3/24

Key updates from OSCAR (Office of Sustainability, Climate Action and Resilience) for the Gold Hill Town Meeting

1. EnergySmart EnergySmartYes.com
   1. Enhanced rebates for income-qualifying households
      1. EnergySmart Income Qualified Rebates
   2. EnergySmart standard rebates
      1. EnergySmart Rebates
   3. Solar Switch Boulder County group purchase program
      1. Solar Switch Boulder County
   4. EnergySmart Newsletter

2024 REPORT FROM SOLAR UNITED NEIGHBORS OF COLORADO

We’re happy to provide some data on the co-op. So, we have 12 people who went solar near Gold Hill (80302) and Nederland (80466). A total of 437 registered for this co-op and 140 of them went solar for a total of 49.58kW installed or $377,289 of solar capacity. This co-op also saw 3 batteries installed or 67.50kWh.

Regarding additional programs, in 2024, we ran a Solar Switch campaign in the fall and spring in Boulder County, and we have plans to do the same in 2025, though it will be under the name Switch Together Solar.

1. PACE Partners https://pacepartners.com/
2. The Professional Landscaping Equipment Grant program was a big success and will be back for 2025. People who own a professional landscaping small business can join our waitlist for next year.
3. The Refrigeration & Restaurant Equipment Grants will also be back for next year as we continue to help local small businesses replace their aging, inefficient equipment with shiny, new, energy-efficient models.
4. PACE supports local businesses with their Zero Waste needs with incentives for bins, signage, and training. Contact PACE Partners/Waste
5. A new mobile business program pilot in 2025 is being planned for food trucks, mobile groomers, and other mobile-based businesses. More information on this new program will be announced in early 2025.
6. subscribe to our newsletter

• Keep It Clean Partnership

The Keep it Clean Partnership (KICP) (www.keepitcleanpartnership.org) is an organization made up of six Boulder County  communities that collaborate on stormwater management and  broader watershed level efforts. It’s mission is to protect, promote, and improve watershed health in the Boulder St. Vrain basin through sharing resources, building community awareness, and collecting and using data.

KICP provides several resources through its website:

• Webpages to learn about our watershed, the Boulder St. Vrain Watershed, and the issues it is facing. In early 2025 there will be a brand-new interactive dashboard where people can explore water quality data collected in our watershed for the past 20+ years.
  • https://www.keepitcleanpartnership.org/our-watershed/
• Resources for Residents: Simple steps and tips for various activities to help people prevent stormwater pollution from home.
  • keepitcleanpartnership.org/resources/for-residents/
• Resources for Businesses: Flyers in English and Spanish to show staff best practices for protecting waterways during day-to-day activities.
  • keepitcleanpartnership.org/resources/for-businesses/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OTHER RESOURCES OF INTEREST FROM MOUNTAIN STEWARDS

 The Boulder Watershed Collective – overseeing some of the Gold Hill Mitigation Projects

https://www.boulderwatershedcollective.com/

https://www.boulderwatershedcollective.com/forest-projects-2024

The Watershed Center

https://watershed.center/

https://watershed.center/project/forest-management-projects/

Boulder Disaster Management – make sure you are signed up for emergency notifications

https://boulderodm.gov/preparedness/informed/ens/

https://boulderodm.gov/emergency-status/

https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612231/notif

Wildfire Partners

https://wildfirepartners.org/

https://wildfirepartners.org/west-boulder-county/individual-home-assessments/

Longmont and Boulder Valley Conservation Districts

https://bouldervalley-longmontcd.colorado.gov/

https://bouldervalley-longmontcd.colorado.gov/programs-services/forestry-fire

Colorado Forest Service

https://csfs.colostate.edu/

https://csfs.colostate.edu/forest-management/programs-for-homeowners-landowners/

Colorado Division of Insurance

https://doi.colorado.gov/

https://doi.colorado.gov/insurance-products/homeowners/renters-insurance/being-prepared/are-you-disaster-ready

US Forest Service

https://www.fs.usda.gov/

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire

FEMA

https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/article/Wildfire

12/3/24

Key updates from OSCAR (Office of Sustainability, Climate Action and Resilience) for the Gold Hill Town Meeting

1. EnergySmart EnergySmartYes.com
   1. Enhanced rebates for income-qualifying households
      1. EnergySmart Income Qualified Rebates
   2. EnergySmart standard rebates
      1. EnergySmart Rebates
   3. Solar Switch Boulder County group purchase program
      1. Solar Switch Boulder County
   4. EnergySmart Newsletter

2024 REPORT FROM SOLAR UNITED NEIGHBORS OF COLORADO

We’re happy to provide some data on the co-op. So, we have 12 people who went solar near Gold Hill (80302) and Nederland (80466). A total of 437 registered for this co-op and 140 of them went solar for a total of 49.58kW installed or $377,289 of solar capacity. This co-op also saw 3 batteries installed or 67.50kWh.

Regarding additional programs, in 2024, we ran a Solar Switch campaign in the fall and spring in Boulder County, and we have plans to do the same in 2025, though it will be under the name Switch Together Solar.

1. PACE Partners https://pacepartners.com/
2. The Professional Landscaping Equipment Grant program was a big success and will be back for 2025. People who own a professional landscaping small business can join our waitlist for next year.
3. The Refrigeration & Restaurant Equipment Grants will also be back for next year as we continue to help local small businesses replace their aging, inefficient equipment with shiny, new, energy-efficient models.
4. PACE supports local businesses with their Zero Waste needs with incentives for bins, signage, and training. Contact PACE Partners/Waste
5. A new mobile business program pilot in 2025 is being planned for food trucks, mobile groomers, and other mobile-based businesses. More information on this new program will be announced in early 2025.
6. subscribe to our newsletter

• Keep It Clean Partnership

The Keep it Clean Partnership (KICP) (www.keepitcleanpartnership.org) is an organization made up of six Boulder County  communities that collaborate on stormwater management and  broader watershed level efforts. It’s mission is to protect, promote, and improve watershed health in the Boulder St. Vrain basin through sharing resources, building community awareness, and collecting and using data.

KICP provides several resources through its website:

• Webpages to learn about our watershed, the Boulder St. Vrain Watershed, and the issues it is facing. In early 2025 there will be a brand-new interactive dashboard where people can explore water quality data collected in our watershed for the past 20+ years.
  • https://www.keepitcleanpartnership.org/our-watershed/
• Resources for Residents: Simple steps and tips for various activities to help people prevent stormwater pollution from home.
  • keepitcleanpartnership.org/resources/for-residents/
• Resources for Businesses: Flyers in English and Spanish to show staff best practices for protecting waterways during day-to-day activities.
  • keepitcleanpartnership.org/resources/for-businesses/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OTHER RESOURCES OF INTEREST FROM MOUNTAIN STEWARDS

The Boulder Watershed Collective – overseeing some of the Gold Hill Mitigation Projects

https://www.boulderwatershedcollective.com/

https://www.boulderwatershedcollective.com/forest-projects-2024

The Watershed Center

https://watershed.center/

https://watershed.center/project/forest-management-projects/

Boulder Disaster Management – make sure you are signed up for emergency notifications

https://boulderodm.gov/preparedness/informed/ens/

https://boulderodm.gov/emergency-status/

https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612231/notif

Wildfire Partners

https://wildfirepartners.org/

https://wildfirepartners.org/west-boulder-county/individual-home-assessments/

Longmont and Boulder Valley Conservation Districts

https://bouldervalley-longmontcd.colorado.gov/

https://bouldervalley-longmontcd.colorado.gov/programs-services/forestry-fire

Colorado Forest Service

https://csfs.colostate.edu/

https://csfs.colostate.edu/forest-management/programs-for-homeowners-landowners/

Colorado Division of Insurance

https://doi.colorado.gov/

https://doi.colorado.gov/insurance-products/homeowners/renters-insurance/being-prepared/are-you-disaster-ready

US Forest Service

https://www.fs.usda.gov/

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire

FEMA

https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/article/Wildfire

Cemetery Committee Report for the year 2024 (revised 12/9/24

Town Clean up – 

• There was no cleanup this year as the work required was limited and was performed by the committee itself.

Requested/Received plot donations during 2024:  

• 7 @ $100; 1 at $150 for a total of $850.

 Plots dug: 

• 2 total plots dug.

 Burials:  

• 3

 News:

• In September, we set 3 headstones for unmarked graves. This involved procuring stones of equal size from Loukonen Bros. In 2023 we had 3 bronze plaques fabricated. In early spring of 2024, we drilled holes on the stones and placed the plaques on the stones.  The primary work was done by David Brigham, Mark Frey and we hired Iolus Stevens at $75 to assist with labor.
• We hired Dustin Geesaman to do fire-mitigation tree-limbing last winter. Cost:  $2,165.00 for pruning, chipping, and disposal.

Accounting looks like this:

2023 end of year total:              $3288.06

2024 Expenses:                         $2240.00

2024 Donations:                       $  850.00

Leaves us with a balance of:      $1898.06

(Thanks to Chrissy for her help with the numbers.)

 Future Plans:

• The Cemetery Committee is considering repairing one headstone that has fallen off its pedestal. We are unsure of the costs to repair at this point in time. In addition, the seat of one of the memorial benches has broken. We will investigate if it is possible to repair or replace it. We have contacted the family for advice as to how they wish to proceed.
• We are considering getting a drone to take aerial pictures of the cemetery. This could help us to designate and locate gravesites more accurately.  We will assess the costs once we get an estimate.
• The Committee wishes to request a page dedicated to the Cemetery to be posted on the Town Website. On it, we propose to post pictures of improvements and photos taken of the cemetery from history. We will also post news items and requests for Cemetery clean-up.

The Cemetery Committee has approved this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Maggie Simms

———- Forwarded message ———

From: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland<arpfireinfo@nullusda.gov>
Date: Tue, Jan 7, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Subject: Boulder County Pile Burning Update for the week of Jan 7 to Jan 13, 2024
To: <teamtone4@nullgmail.com>

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Pile Burning Update Boulder and Gilpin Counties, Boulder Ranger District Week of Jan 7 to Jan 13, 2024 Fire managers are monitoring conditions to burn piles in Boulder Ranger District, with the next possibile ignitions window starting on Wednesday, January 8, in the following Boulder and Gilpin County locations: Forsythe II Unit 44: Hand piles west of Gross Reservoir, 2 miles north of Wondervu and .5 miles south of Lazy Z. Lump Gulch Units 27 & 37: Hand piles ½ mile north of Highway 199 and South Beaver Creek Road intersection, near Pine Drive Lump Gulch Unit 35: Hand piles 2 miles south of Rollinsville on the west side of Highway 119. Lump Gulch Unit 18: Hand piles .5 miles north of Rollinsville on the west side of HIghway 119. Lump Gulch Unit 38: Hand piles off of South Beaver Creek Road on the south side. 1 miles northeast of Highway 119 and the South Beaver Creek Road intersection. Frequently Asked Questions Pile burning demonstration and field trip at the East Magnolia area of the Forsythe II project, done in January, 2024. For more information on pile burning plans in the area for this season, see our recent press release. InciWeb Get regular updates on active pile burning projects and learn more about what’s involved.   Rx Fire Map Explore areas across our forest where prescribed fires and pile burning are active and planned.   Wood Smoke & Health Learn more about wood smoke, your health, and exposure symptoms from our partners, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Fuels Management & Prescribed Fire We work closely with our partners to improve forest health at the landscape scale across private and public lands. See how. Join Our Email Lists Sign up for lists covering your specific area and stay up to date on Forest health, fire, recreation, and more. Share This Email Share This Email ###   USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland

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Dear Gold Hill,

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