Gold Hill, Colorado

Dear Gold Hill,

Fall Fiesta- Gold Hill School Fundraiser eventbrite.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

Fall Fiesta Flyer- 2024 (1)

Gold Hill School Staff

Christine Maedke

3-4-5 Teacher

Boulder Valley School District

Gold Hill School

890 Main St.

Boulder, CO 80302

School: 720-561-5940

Classroom: 720-561-6015

Personal Cell: 303-668-6809

Pronouns: She, her, hers

Dear Gold Hill,

Christine Maedke
Gold Hill Town Meeting Treasurer
1011 Main St.
Boulder (Gold Hill), CO 80302
Personal Cell: 303-668-6809
Pronouns: She, her, hers

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, Proposed minutes of the Monday, September 16, 2024 Fire Board Meeting by Acting Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer

Next Meeting – Monday, October 21, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

MEETING BUSINESS

         Call to Order – The meeting was called to order by President Kent Coghill.  Present were board members Kent, Boyd Brown, Max Yeager and Jessica Brookhart, as well as acting secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer. Attending by Zoom were Chief Rich Caudill, Board Member Chris Dirolf, Val Crist, Leslie Finn (who later came to the meeting),  Kris Gibson, and Jillian Conrad of Vector Solutions.

OPERATIONAL NEEDS – Jillian Conrad of Vector Solutions (https://www.vectorsolutions.com), presented their software program to manage and track evaluations and professional development and deliver online training.  Kent’s department in Denver uses this and Chief Caudill is very familiar with it.  It seems very flexible for meeting our needs, will offer all the courses and testing we’d need for firefighters, medical responders, store all certifications, record our trainings for people who might miss them and issue monthly reports.  Chief Rich added that all CEs are CAPC and meet state requirements.  There are over a thousand courses – fire courses, OSHA material, HR stuff, Business skills.  Our Administrator can see them all and users can see what’s assigned and it keeps records – users can grab own certificates.  We can upload our own stuff and issue assignments.  It can customize notifications and add reminders.  Rich added that BCFFA is also moving to standardized qualifications they’d like people to achieve.

They’re offering a deal right now and after some discussion, Kent stated that we need to have a clear roster and he moved to approve this Vector Solutions trial for one year for $3800, Max seconded and it passed unanimously.  Rich added that it’s good to provide such awesome support for our volunteers.  He will be the main administrator.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Kent made a motion to approve the minutes as published, Max seconded and it passed unanimously.  Boyd has been posting the printed minutes in the display box on the front of the firebarn and Jess has been posting them on the website   goldhillfire.org

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES

 Operational Updates – BCFFA partner agencies agreements – Chief will send them out.  There is a 5 year horizon for member agencies to meet the qualifications and requirements for automatic mutual aid re: Structure fires, wildland fires, EMS, pumper operators.

         There is an MOU that establishes initial command protocols – the first officer on scene establishes command asap for automatic aid situations and then optionally can turn it over to the local district.

TRAINING

 Red Cards – Chief reports there are 8 people currently red carded – 4 have indicated interest in being dispatched and 4 are not interested.

 Inaugural Incident Training – on Saturday went well.  They got through complete and accurate size up and  translating that into tactical priorities.  Next training will be on new equipment and station work day.  Kent added that he would be happy to put on an auto extrication class with the new extrication equipment.

MAINTENANCE

 Generator Update –  Max is getting estimates.  Bishop estimates $14,600 installation (plus $7,000 for the generator), which includes a service upgrade and miscellaneous repairs and replacements.  For the budget discussion, this needs to go on barn upgrade with other upgrades.

5404 – still no answers.  Max has asked for a fuel sample analysis in case the problems have to do with the fuel.  The department is required to get 3 estimates for any major expense – he will do what he can.

EQUIPMENT NEEDS – Storage Unit is being looked into, they may need to move the smaller (town) shed, and be aware of drainages, etc.

Final Expenditures for 2024 – Chief and Jess will look into a rescue kit (rope with prusiks, etc.) to get patients uphill safely as well as any other needs.

INFRASTRUCTURE – 10 Mile Cistern – They’re working on possibilities to get that back in service as soon as possible.  Hydrant – We have 2 estimates for the hydrant: Dana Kepler, and Jesse Farmer, plus Max could do it for free (board members cannot benefit financially from their board membership), but he’s very busy.  They will get a standard cast iron hydrant.  The proposal is for a 5.5’ burial depth – he’ll get that to everyone.

OPERATIONAL READINESS

Strategic Planning – Boyd has written up the update and it’s posted on the website.

 CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN

Apparatus –  At the executive board meeting they talked about a new apparatus for 2025 – Chief is looking into our options.

New Station – Part of our 5+ year plan. Max pointed out we’re looking for sites available – possibly the subdivision – as well as what  planning/code accommodations might the County make for us.  We need to assess all our options and needs and what hurdles we need to get through.

BUDGET – Petty Cash.  Jess discussed petty cash vs checks vs credit cards.  She needs a clean paper trail for our budget. Suggested we set up an account with Marv’s for the future or say “Call Jess” for credit card info to anyone we need to pay on the spot. Plus, we need to get Chief a credit card.  Boyd moved that Chief be an authorized signer on our account and be given a credit card.  Max seconded and it passed.  Also, it was ok’d previously to get Chief’s car outfitted with radios and sirens through Astral Communications.

GENERAL – Firewood – Last dates for free firewood distribution at the Ashram – September 22 and October 6 from 9:00 to 1:00.

Large No Open Fires Sign – Steffi requested to get ideas and costs.

Donal Maloney’s car back window – got taken out weed whacking for our district.  Jess will cut a check for the $250 and leave here for him.

GRANTS – We have outstanding money coming to us to cover new equipment and Kris believes we have purchased pretty much everything.

MITIGATION – CWPP – Chris reports they’re still working on maps of water sources and will be meeting again soon.

PARKING – no news.

NEW BUSINESS – Chief has preliminary job descriptions for officers that he will send out and move forward to interviews and scenario type evaluations.  He would like officers appointed by late September or mid-October.

New Clock – Leslie asked for money to purchase a new clock for the meeting room and it was ok’d to take money from petty cash.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Acting Secretary

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO
442 AM MDT Sat Oct 5 2024

...WINDY CONDITIONS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY WILL CAUSE
WIDESPREAD CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ACROSS NORTH CENTRAL
AND NORTHEAST COLORADO THIS MORNING INTO THE EVENING...

Gusty west/northwest winds will spread across the area today,
strongest over the mountains, foothills and northern border
plains.  Very dry conditions are expected, with minimum humidity
of 8-15% across the lower elevations, and 10-18% in the high
country below 10,000 ft. Temperatures will be well above seasonal
normals.  Given vegetation has dried significantly in recent
weeks, this combination of factors will lead to widespread
critical fire weather conditions across the forecast area from
late morning through early evening.

* WINDS...West 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread.
  Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a
  spark and start a wildfire.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
MOST OF NORTH CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST COLORADO...

...BREEZY AND DRY OVER NORTH CENTRAL COLORADO FRIDAY... ...WINDY CONDITIONS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY WILL CAUSE WIDESPREAD CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS SATURDAY ACROSS NORTHERN COLORADO...

* TIMING...From Saturday morning through Saturday evening.

* WINDS...Northwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 9 percent.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread.
  Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a
  spark and start a wildfire.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

Critical fire weather conditions will become more widespread on
Saturday, as gusty winds combine with unseasonably warm and dry
conditions. Avoid any burning or outdoor activity that could
create a spark and start a fast moving wildfire. The strongest
winds are expected to develop over the mountains and foothills
north of I-70, spreading across the northern and eastern plains
through the late morning and afternoon hours. Record or near
record breaking warmth can also be expected, with highs reaching
the mid to upper 80s across most of the plains.

It will be a little cooler Saturday night and Sunday, but
temperatures will remain above normal. Dry weather with above to
much above normal temperatures will remain in place through the
upcoming week.

Sunday, October 6 – Last day this fall for free firewood at the Ashram. Questions?   Contact Kris Gibson kris.gibson@nulloutlook.com or Boyd Brown boydbrown1949@nullgmail.com

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Denver/Boulder CO
245 AM MDT Wed Oct 2 2024

...WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY WILL BRING CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER
CONDITIONS WEDNESDAY TO NORTHERN COLORADO...

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
7 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE
NORTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS TO THE FAR EASTERN PLAINS...

* WINDS...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 11 percent.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread.
  Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a
  spark and start a wildfire.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=COZ035&warncounty=COC013&firewxzone=COZ215&local_place1=Gold%20Hill%20CO&product1=Red+Flag+Warning&lat=40.0633&lon=-105.4096

County Commissioner’s Hearing Tuesday, October 1 at 1 pm regarding potential building and road construction on site located west of Gold Hill between Sevalaya and Morning Sun: see attached

Don’t forget!  Bring your wonderful baked goods and good rummage and hang out with your neighbors at this happy traditional event.

All proceeds benefit the Gold Hill Town Meeting, supporting the Gold Hill community and residents.

This annual event RETURNS after a one-year hiatus in 2024, featuring a Bake Sale offering homemade treats. The Rummage Sale offers antiques, clothing, sporting goods and much more.  The Arts & Crafts Fair will feature handmade items from Front Range Artists. Music provided by local performers. There will be drinks, bratwursts and live music throughout the afternoon.

Rain or shine </;o)

Dates for community firewood at the Ashram: September 22 and October 6, from 9 am to 1 pm.  Contact Kris Gibson (kris.gibson@nulloutlook.com) or Boyd Brown (boydbrown1949@nullgmail.com) for questions.

The Fire Department has established two dates for community firewood at the Ashram: first one the 22nd of September and the second one is 6th of  October.   Any problems or questions let me know.

Boyd Brown, 

boydbrown1949@nullgmail.com

Celebrate Gold Hill Gold Rush

Sunday September 22^th 2024

9am – 2pm

Main Street in Gold Hill (located 9 miles West of Boulder via Sunshine Canyon)

All proceeds benefit the Gold Hill Town Meeting, supporting the Gold Hill community and residents.

This annual event RETURNS after a one-year hiatus in 2024, featuring a Bake Sale offering homemade treats. The Rummage Sale offers antiques, clothing, sporting goods and much more.  The Arts & Crafts Fair will feature handmade items from Front Range Artists. Music provided by local performers. There will be drinks, bratwursts and live music throughout the afternoon.

Come early for treasures, stay late for bargains!!

Gold Hill was established in 1859 as the first permanent mining camp in the Colorado mountains. With an elevation of  8,300 ft, it is an easy drive 9 miles west of Boulder via Mapleton Ave/Sunshine Canyon. Enjoy a stroll down Main Street and take in the beauty of times gone by.  Businesses to visit include the Gold Hill General Store (http://goldhillgeneralstore.com/), the Red Store featuring pottery & stained glass and the Gold Hill Inn (http://www.goldhillinn.com) open for dinner at 5pm. Gold Hill also boasts Colorado’s oldest running school( https://ghe.bvsd.org/ a History Museum (https://goldhillhistorymuseum.com/) and a unique spirit that has endured for years.  Please join us for this celebration of survival, culture and a very special sense of Community!!  This event is FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

 For more information, visit http://goldhilltown.com/ or contact John Hatlelid Member at Large ghtmmemberatlarge@nullgmail.com

                                                                                   #

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the August 12, 2024  Zoom and in person Town Meeting

Next Town Meeting is Monday, October 14, 7:00 p.m.

 The meeting was called to order by Chair Dan Maedke.  Fourteen people attended in person: Dan, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, Whitey DeBroux, Pam Leland, Marcus Moench, Member at Large John Hatelid, Mike McNett, Pam Sherman, Bear Carlson, Poppy Copeland, Janos Wilder, Kathy Frey, Jeff Combelic, and Kris Hill.  Thirteen attended by Zoom: Dave Wilson, Treasurer Chrissy Maedke, Val Crist, Joanne Cole, Kathleen Gilgannon, Marybeth Neal, Deb Yeager, Joey Schusler, Jenna Gann, Fire Chief Rich Caudhill, Elisabeth Caspari, Virginia Schultz, and Kelly Veit.  If I missed anyone, please let me know.

Minutes of the June 10 Town Meeting were approved as published.

Treasurer’s Report – Chrissy reported that October is our budget meeting and we will hope to have committee reports and request for funds.  We do not have any incoming funds from the Sunset Run yet. Here is the report as of the day after our meeting

For current information go to Google Drive.

ELECTIONS – It was decided to begin with the position of Chair. 

         Chair: Dan is willing to serve another term, Bear nominated him, Marcus seconded and he was elected unanimously.

         Vice Chair: Eli Zabielski, our present Vice Chair, declined to run again.  After questioning those in attendance, Mike reported that his partner, Kelly Veit agreed to serve.  All approved, but Dan wanted to speak with her and make sure.  The bylaws state that the council members may appoint someone to serve when there is a vacancy.

         Secretary: Bear nominated Gretchen, Marcus seconded, no one else was willing to run, and she was elected unanimously

         Member at Large: John Hatelid was nominated, nominations were closed with no one else willing, and he was elected unanimously, also.

         Treasurer: Gretchen nominated Chrissy, Pam Sherman seconded, with no further nominations, Chrissy was elected unanimously as well.

NEW FIRE CHIEF – Dan next welcomed Rich Caudill, who thanked everyone for the honor of the position of our new part-time (25% time) Chief, our first paid position in our previously all volunteer department.  He has spent 30 years in the fire service as a firefighter, paramedic, lieutenant, and battalion chief – 25 years with Littleton and then managed South Metro’s 30 stations covering 300 square miles.  He was hired by Gold Hill in mid-June, mentored by acting Chiefs Bret Gibson from Fourmile and Chris O’Brien from Lefthand until August 1 and since then he is our sole Chief.  He lives on the outskirts between Lafayette and Louisville.  He’ll hold office hours typically on Saturdays between 10am and 4:30pm, attend regular trainings in the evenings and work remotely from home some.  Personal information – he has three children, 21, 6, and 2.  When he’s here, his door is always open – shoot him a quick email anytime (rich.caudill5460@nullgmail.com).  Joanne asked about his ability to get here in an emergency, and he will rely on our officers and other chiefs, etc. – we have agreements for automatic aid with Sunshine, Fourmile and Lefthand.  Plus, our Strategic Plan includes increased training of our personnel to manage the initial stages and we have capable trained officers.

         Boyd added that the Board developed the Strategic Plan with lots of input from many partners in emergency services, including Fourmile, Sunshine, and Lefthand.  One major goal is to establish an increased relationship with the Gold Hill community and the rest of the district.  It explains our role in emergency services and how it all fits together.  There are a lot of recruitment opportunities for community members to be involved, both in emergency response and administrative (grant writing, social media management).  Our second priority is Capital Improvement and Maintenance Program which included equipment, apparatus, and our facility – there are lots of challenges in updating it all – there are many new standards for emergency vehicles and we need to update to meet them.  Our Firebarn was built in 1972 for the apparatus available at the time and we have now outgrown it.  Our priorities: update our apparatus and the station, expand our training.  We have a great relationship with the BCFFA (Boulder County Firefighters Association) and a lot of training opportunities through them including the National Incident Commander procedures, managing the initial stages of responding and can offer senior management training as well for the overhead team.

         Chrissy added her thank you to Rich and  that we’re thrilled to have you.  Do you have timelines?  Rich replied we’re looking at our capital and budget to see how and when we can address our needs.  We’re researching apparatus design and ways to update our facilities in active discussions.

         Boyd reported that the Strategic Plan is posted on the Fire Department website – goldhillfire.org – for 12 months, 1-3 years, and 3-5 years.  It is a work in progress and they will look at it in the spring and see how we’re doing and if changes are needed – will revisit it at least once a year.

         Dan added that we’re very lucky to have you.  Rich replied that he’s very honored to be chosen to join Gold Hill.  The commitment and drive of our volunteers is something seen rarely.  He considers himself lucky to be chosen and hopes to serve us well.  He considers communication with the community to be critical.

         Debra added her thank you and welcome.  She raised our concern with traffic and how can someone get through town in an emergency.  Rich replied that we are diving into this issue with the County and are engaged with the business owners in Gold Hill.  We have a good relationship now, are looking at apparatus design, and engaging all partners in solutions.

NOISE CONCERNS – Dan reports that many have raised concerns about local businesses and noise.  He wants to approach this by raising ideas, solutions and questions – not complaints focused.  In general, the concerns are too loud and too late.  It’s a growing dynamic that Gold Hill is not prepared for – “fantastic success.”  How do we move forward so we can live our quiet lives in the mountains?  We’re not a legal entity, so our best approach is to make agreements within our community.  The businesses have done a lot of things, but some of it is growing pains and will take time.

         Bear added he’s glad to see Whitey and Mike here – wishes the Finns were involved as well.  Whitey said “I don’t like that noise is a problem.  I live here, too, and care about Gold Hill.”  They have a tool to measure decibels and try to keep bands apprised.  There is a sign “Quiet Time after 10 pm”  Mike added they try to spread people out and turn off the market lights outside at 10.   A timer goes off around every 30 minutes and he walks around and asks people to keep it down.  They’re trying to change the norms, but our area is experiencing crazy population growth and tons of people want to get out of town and up here.  One thing that can happen is a wedding or gathering gets out at the Inn and a whole bunch of partying people came down to the store.

         Janos added that it can be difficult to deal with success that involves a lot more people.  Some suggestions: raising prices and/or having a cover charge could thin out the # of people and mitigate the noise.  Mike added that the music stops at 10.  Janos suggested stopping it at 9 would mean people walking around afterward would be earlier.  Mike said he’d be happier if it was equitable – if the Inn was held to the same standards.  Concerns have also been raised about the late noise from the Inn as well, particularly people on the front porch.  Boyd reported that the historical agreement has been that the Inn shuts down at 11.  He said that when people are noisy in the streets near him, he goes out and talks to them.

         Val asked what about starting earlier and ending earlier.  Marcus said the effect on them is amplified music outside and would like it to be kept acoustic outside.  They want to be able to sit outside at their house and talk to each other.

         Joanne appreciates the quiet time after 10 – suggested considering a hard last call at 9 and glasses picked up at 9:30.  Wants to eliminate the “idiots” out back screaming.  Possibly everybody inside and doors closed at 10?

         Jeffrey cited the Colorado Noise Statute 5-12-103.  Which says that noise in a commercial zone should not exceed 60 db from 7 am to 7 pm and 55db from 7 pm to 7 am.  He really doesn’t get the girls screaming on the front porch.

         Mike said there is never music after 10 inside or 8 outside.  Marcus said he’s a strong supporter of the Pub and Store and questioned the hammer game, and some unsafe behavior outside being engaged in late outdoors in the dark.  They  will cover that.  Mike wants to do good for the community – loves it here and is all in.

         Joanne thought maybe hire a security guard?  She volunteered to fund raise.  Chrissy was impressed that Mike and Whitey came and listened and thanked them for their efforts.  It’s good to have a solutions approach.  The noise is not as much a problem for them as parking and tailgating,  She worries about drunk drivers – what about the bus?  Fundraising to help?

         Whitey is concerned with the parking, too.  Drainage down Main Street needs to be fixed and put the water in back where there’s room and culverts.  Possibly widening the road by the meadow to accommodate diagonal parking?  People in Boulder like the Bus idea, but they don’t want to pay for it and he can’t afford it. 

         Dan closed the discussion by thanking Mike and Whitey.  There are no quick solutions.  We’ve voiced our opinions and been listened to.  We’ll continue this conversation over time and work toward solutions.

FIRE MITIGATION – Dan reports goats will be brought to the meadow this Wednesday.  There will be fences erected on Tuesday and there will be a guard dog.  It’s a significant number of goats and the plan is for them to be here for 2-3 weeks and crop a strip 300’ wide north to south.  Janos recommended signs.

         East Street mitigation will be mostly handwork.  The forester will be walking around with individual homeowners and marking trees.

         There will be some work done on approx. 9 acres on Sheila and Joe’s.  Also thinning of the very dense lodgepoles above Hugh and Joan’s.  Plans aren’t finalized.  Contractors have been increasingly busy and the work may not be done before winter although that was the plan.  This work is funded by grant money from the GHFPD, the Watershed Collective, and the GHTM.

         Boyd reports there will be firewood available this fall and will be set up on the east side of the Ashram after Labor Day.  More info on dates to come.  The Tone property out west is way behind so not this fall.

         Dan reports that Free Chipping Days are a great deal – comes from 1A $ we voted for.  He encourages everyone to participate.  Takes 5 community members to coordinate and set it up.  Up to $500 can be reimbursed for the mitigation work.  Val has the name of someone who can do the work.

GOLD RUSH – is on per Dan.  There are 2 options – Sept. 15 or 22 at the Beer Garden.  He’ll get it finalized and let us know.

BYLAWS – Chrissy thinks we need a values statement, mission statement and vision statement – really in service of grant writing as we move forward partnering with the Watershed Collective, etc.  Will Send them out for feedback and make them available on the website. 

Draft of Potential Values Statement: (What’s most important to us?  What does our moral compass look like? Values inform your mission and vision)

We embrace our responsibility to co-create a world where each of us, our community, and our town can flourish, all the while, celebrating our unique environment and history.

Draft of Potential Mission Statement: (What is our purpose?)

The mission of the Gold Hill Town Meeting:

We work for the betterment of the town of Gold Hill by improving quality of life and quality of environment.  Through historic preservation, natural resource conservation, environmental restoration, education, human services and community engagement, we ensure our residents and natural surroundings are able to thrive.

Draft of Potential Vision Statement: (What does our future and our goals look like)  

The Gold Hill Town Meeting is working towards a future where Gold Hill is and continues to be a place where residents have a strong community, are able to flourish socially, where residents are safe and have their basic needs met and are able to live in harmony with the natural environment.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HEARING  concerning the Colorado Milling Company, LLC  (CMC) is coming up on August 29.  The rule is that once stopped for 6 months or longer, their permission to have non-conforming use status is revoked and they will have to obtain new permits. The CMC is appealing.  More information at www.boco.org/AP-23-0001 or contact the Planning and Permitting Department planner@nullbouldercounty.gov or 303-441-3930

Addendum – the appeal was denied.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

AirLink, Business District, Cemetery – no reports.

Community Events – Gold Rush was covered earlier.

Fundraising and Merchandise – Dan has some new ideas and will be for sale at the Gold Rush.

Gold Hill School – Chrissy reports that school begins Wednesday, the 14^th.  They need to hire a third person.  Enrollment is down to 10 students, but they do have strong support of BVSD.

Health and Human Services – for future consideration

Historic Zoning – Bear reports that Emma and Chris Dirolf are planning a small addition.

IMA – Pam Sherman reports that this group has been active since 2011, after the Fourmile Fire for mountain communities to help each other and share information.  Pam’s particular focus is Aging in Place.

Mountain Stewards – Marcus reports that they have been having conversations with Maya of WSC on home hardening and grant writing.  Home hardening is expensive and they’re looking into how to help fund it – one option is interest free loans.  Wildfire Partners has been working with Insurance companies, including Allstate, to agree to insure people who are certified by WFP.

Museum – Deb reports that they are open through Labor Day and have new ornaments and various things to purchase for the holidays.

Native Flora, Gardens & Weed Management – Pam reports that she is stepping down and Kaitlyn Barthell barthell3@nullgmail.com is our new person.

NeighborLink and SafeLink (our glorified phone tree to notify community members in case of an emergency and possible evacuation) is still there per Deb.

Other Town News/Emerging Issues – Gretchen noted that we presently have no funds allocated for the Community Relief Fund and she made a motion to move $1000 from our savings to the Community Relief Fund.  Whitey and Kathleen seconded it and, after some discussion, it passed.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

JUST A REMINDER  – THERE IS NO PARTY ON THE RIDGE ON SUNDAY.  SORRY TO EVERYONE THAT DIDN’T RECEIVE THE FIRST MESSAGE.  ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY.

Max and Debra

From: Evan Freirich <freiriche@nullyahoo.com>
Date: Wed, Aug 28, 2024, 2:44 PM
Subject: Hearing Tommorrow 9am Gold Hill Cash Mine and Mill Boulder County Commissioners By Zoom or in person.

Dear All,

 

Sorry for the last minute notice.  I just found out today. 

 

As many of you know, I took a particular interest in the environmental impacts of the Cash Mine and Mill (Cash, Colorado Milling Company, LLC. ) during the 20 years I lived in Summerville and even later after I moved to Logan Mill.

 

I was recently made aware that the County is having a hearing on a challenge to a staff decision that under local rules Cash has lost it’s right to continue operations.

 

Staff determined that they ceased operations many years ago and therefore it lost its right to rely on its historic right (non-conforming use) and if they wanted to resume operations they would need to get a new permit under more modern considerations and rules. 

 

The Commissioners need to know that:

 

The local community cares about the Cash and its potential impact on the local community if it resumed operation.  

 

and/or

 

Folks who regularly drive or walk by the Cash area and have not observed any mining or milling operations for many years. 

 

What can you do:

 

Email the Commissioners: commissioners@nullbouldercounty.gov

 

Reference Docket AP-23-0001: Colorado Milling Company, LLC Appeal of termination of

Nonconforming Use 4-1003.H

 

Attend the hearing in person or by zoom: 

 

Virtual Attendee Link: 

 

https://boco.org/BOCC-Aug29AM

 

Registration Required

 

Call-in information: 1-833-568-8864, Webinar ID: 160 762 8829

 

In-Person Comment Sign-up: 

 

https://boco.org/InPerson-Aug29AM

 

 

I plan to email the commissioners, attend in person and speak briefly. Feel free to get in touch with me. 

 

I have attached the meeting agenda and staff determination (6 pages). In addition, I have attached a link to the complete packet on the issue (331 pages).

 

https://services.boco.solutions/CPP_FileNetClient/ContentDisplay?DocId={853C5D0A-7FD1-4B04-ABFF-B0DF2CAD4DD5}

 

Best,

 

Evan Freirich

303-859-1452

freiriche@nullyahoo.com

 

We need your help! Boulder Valley School District has made a change to a number of bus routes serving mountain communities. For Gold Hill, that means they’ve moved the bus to the top of Horsfal instead of in front of the Inn(saving only 1 minute of travel time). That leaves our kids walking up and down Horsfal, dodging cars 😟.

There is a petition to reinstate the previous bus routes. We’re trying to hit 500 signatures and would so appreciate any of you that can sign!

https://chng.it/R7S2RGKkPY

Thank you!!

Devin Hibbard

devinjhibbard@nullgmail.com

Also, School Board Meeting tomorrow (and every second and fourth Tuesdays) 5pm at 6500 Arapahoe Rd.  You can speak for two minutes.  Board Meeting schedule www.bvsd.org

https://www.bvsd.org/about/board-of-education/board-meetings

Boulder County can be defined by two geographical regions, the “mountain” or rural region to the west
and the “plains” or foothills region to the east. One of the main distinguishing factors between these
two regions are service access and availability, due to variable terrain, natural and open spaces, and low
density of housing. Because of this, challenges experienced in the foothills can be felt more acutely in

Mountain residents tend to experience particular challenges accessing services.
Long distances between communities and residents, combined with variable topography and limited
access points can lead to limited services, higher travel costs, unpredictable weather conditions and
natural disasters, and social isolation. Housing, as well as health and social services in Boulder County’s

1% of the county’s population resides in mountain communities. Nearly one in five (19%) of our
mountain residents are 60 or older, over one-third (34.4%) of older mountain residents (65+) are living
alone, 26.1% of older mountain residents are Veterans, and over one in five (21.1%) are living with a
disability… Local organizations, staff, and volunteers who are providing services express a feeling of
being overwhelmed by the quantity and complexity of need in mountain communities…

Respondents of the 2018 CASOA survey by location, separated by mountain and non-mountain parts
of Boulder County (delineated by black line). While limited housing stock and affordability pose challenges throughout the

Across Boulder County, positive ratings of the availability of affordable quality housing among older
adults has decreased from 27% to 9% between 2010… and 2018…. Lower population density in our
mountain communities means there is less housing stock available. Less housing stock means more
competition for available housing. More competition for available housing feeds into the price increases
in Boulder County’s mountain communities. Home prices in Boulder County’s mountain communities
have been rising for years and are projected to continue to increase. In the last seven years, the median
home value in mountain communities has increased between 60-78%…

Mountain residents face common and unique transportation challenges.
Mountain residents have shared that transportation is a large area of concern, with very limited
availability and/or flexibility in their communities. Maintaining a vehicle can be costly and many needed
health services are not located in mountain communities. When asked “In looking ahead at aging well,
what are the elements or issues related to safety that are most important for the community to
address,” a quarter (25.6%) of mountain participants reported transportation. It was the top answer
related to safety, with a desire to be able to use a public transit option to visit places they may not be

Socially isolated mountain residents prefer help from a neighbor or friend than

There is added difficulty to combatting social isolation and service connection in mountain communities
compared to the foothills of Boulder County. Population density in the mountain region is 24.1 people
per square mile, whereas Boulder County has 414.5 people per square mile (the above map of CASOA
survey respondents represents this well); municipalities within the county have much higher population
densities than the county overall.240 In our Community Conversations, social isolation for mountain
residents was called out as widespread issue that is difficult to overcome. Older adults in the mountains
are “fiercely independent” and don’t tend to ask for help unless it’s from a neighbor or friend. Service
connection barriers in Boulder County’s mountain communities include access, affordability, and limited
services and paid caregiver workforce.