WILDFIRE COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS DAY

SATURDAY MAY 4, 2024

Sponsored by Boulder West Wildfire Authority*

HOME HARDENING Tour – Gold Hill

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Meet at Gold Hill Store Back Patio at 11 a.m.

MITIGATION TOOL SHED Open House  – Poorman Station

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Residents within the Four Mile, Gold Hill,

Sunshine, Sugarloaf Fire Protection Districts

have access to this fire mitigation tool library! 

see what is available.

*https://fireadaptedco.org/network/boulder-west-wildfire-authority/

Virginia

Virginia Schultz

Senior Conference Specialist

M 303 818 5122

Sure next 2025 GH Calendar Committee Meeting will be Saturday, May 4 at 12 noon.  Send us anything you have that you’d like to see in the calendar – photos, drawings, poems – either current or historical!

The GHFPD Board of Directors will hold a closed door executive board meeting via zoom on Monday, April 29 at 7:30pm.  

William Kent Coghill

wkcoghill@nullgmail.com

Sent from my iPhone

Postponing our calendar meeting until next week, Saturday, May 4th.  I know we’re mountain people and all, but…..

The 2025 Gold Hill Calendar meeting will be meeting Saturday at Marilyn Soby’s at 10 am.  We’re still looking for any poems or drawings (particularly and kids’ drawings) or photos (any great winter photos?) you’d like to submit.  Also any pictures of Gertrude and Mary as well as their cabin in the old days.  

We’re looking at a page on horses of Gold Hill because Marilyn’s horse has died and we’d like to include others, particularly horses of the past.

We also need a nice picture of Linnea Grovom for the Memorial page.  Just send anything to me or bring it by – I can scan any photos you’d like back.

Gretchen

 The GHFPD Board of Directors will be conducting a closed door executive board meeting on Monday, April 15 from 6pm-7pm.  There will be an open monthly scheduled board meeting from 7pm-9pm that evening.  

Xcel Energy is planning to de-energize power lines beginning at 3 p.m. MT lasting into Sunday for Boulder, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Douglas countless and the west Denver metro.  For updates, please visit xcelenergy.com

The NWS is predicting high windy conditions until April 7, at 12 pm

See https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.0633&lon=-105.4096 for more information

From Doug Parker:

Linnea (known as Mary to family)  Grovom was born in Nampa, Idaho December 4, 1948. She was a long time resident of Gold Hill residing on the Dixon Loop. She worked for Northwest Airlines driving/taking the bus to DIA daily for years which made for long days, and therefore didn’t allow much time for socializing in GH. After COVID she began getting out and meeting more GH folks. She was then diagnosed with cancer, went through radiation and chemo, decided to sell her house spring of ’23 and then moved to Portland where her brother, sisters, and other family lived. She passed away on Saturday, March 16th with family near.

The GHFPD Board or Directors will be conducting an executive board meeting on Wednesday, April 3 at 1930 hours.

William Ken Coghill

wkcoghill@nullgmail.com

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

March 18, 2024 – Unofficial Minutes – Next meeting April 15, 2024

 The meeting was called to order by Boyd Brown.  Kent Coghill, Board President, was on shift at work and attended by Zoom.  Present were Board Members Boyd, Max Yeager, Chris Dirolf, and Jessica Brookhart, Acting Chiefs Bret Gibson and Chris O’Brien, Assistant Chief Dwight DeBroux, community members Val Crist, Tim Knox, Heidi Kessler and Richard Roth, Joey Schusler, Marcus Moench, Leslie Finn, Kathleen Gilgannon, and Recording Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.

In honor of Max’s birthday, Bret lit a candle for him.

Minutes – of the February meeting were approved.

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES – Bret suggested that the planning in

Chief’s minutes be deferred until a new chief is in place and then incorporate planning collaboratively with him and O’Brien and Mike Schmidt, Chief of Sunshine.  O’B added that there has been great progress in the last 2 years and the strategic plan will be a nice roadmap for the future.  IQS needs to be updated with the new Chief and Bret added that he and O’B want to help and be advisors/collaborators.  They also know the new chief will need his own autonomy.  Chris D added that moving forward focusing on collaborative efforts and  away from the siloed approach of the past will make us all healthier.  This will be a new chapter and we want to express real appreciation for you two (Bret and O’B) for all your help.

Training – Bret talked about BES (Boulder Emergency Squad), which offers a great deal of specialized skills.  Each one of our agencies could try to master them all, but our strategic plan focusses on Structural Fires, Wildland Fires, Hazmat, and Medical responses.  He would like to see the four agencies take our individual skills, integrate our agencies, and support and utilize BES.

         Kent asked if we want to delay any purchases from the County Grant, but consensus is no, not for stuff for the first hours of a response.  Kent said the company meeting scheduled for the end of the month has been cancelled – they’re still working on the teams concept.  There will be a training on progressive hose lays and he will put together some hose lay packs.

New Volunteers – Kent reports that we have Tim, Justin and Joey and will try to get together with them soon and get them on the I Am Responding ap.  Also, we did get a nice donation.  Bret added that the strategic plan calls for annual recruitment efforts and, again, would like to see collaboration with the four departments.

Updates – Max got an email recently about our icy entrance and someone slipped and fell a week ago.  Kent heard that, too, and said we need to be aware of that.  Bret said that in case of injury, we need to report it within 24 hours.

Handbook – Jess reports we have Lefthand’s and will work on that.

Maintenance – Station Maintenance – Max reports that he’s received 2 proposals for gutters; from Colorado Seamless for $2103 without guards, and Front Range Seamless for $1553 and leaf guards would be extra.  Both companies are outstanding – he recommends Front Range.  Chris D made a motion to select Front Range Seamless, with the ultimate leaf guard later.  Do we want to add heat tape?  Jess seconded and the motion passed.

Equipment Needs – Max reports that he was authorized to spend $100 on assorted tools, but we have inherited Arthur Few’s tool collection and need to assess that.  Bret has a grab box of tools, too.  Regarding UTV stuff, winch, chains, etc., he’d like that back burnered for now because there may be unexpected expenses for 5404.  Reverse is fine, but it’s growling at above 40 mph plus and when shifting the 4wd lever back to 2 wd, it’s not going anywhere.  Trans West thinks the problem may be with the thru shaft to the pump, but might be something else, too – gear box? Pump? Could be an end of life situation.  At one of our calls, it was left in gear that shouldn’t be during the call and that’s when the problem showed up.  PTO?

OPERATIONAL READINESS

Strategic Plan – Boyd would like it to be adopted at this meeting and he pointed out that it’s a working document.  It will be reviewed every year and interim changes can be approved at any board meeting.  Chris D said the bones of it are good and he agreed that they can make adjustments as needed and review annually – thinks it will be really important for the new chief.  Bret added that Fourmile is also working on a strategic plan and talking about yearly review or maybe every 6 months.  He suggested that it’s important to review the plan during any major actions taken.  Jess replied that right now we have big reasons to keep looking at it and she made a motion to adopt it as of 3/18/24.  Boyd added that there was a real impetus to have it to guide the new chief and he wanted to recognize Max, O’Brien, Greg Buis, Anita Sturtz, and himself  for all their work – they all deserve thanks.  Bret thought there was a really good analysis of our strengths and weakness and Boyd replied that they established the norm at the beginning that nothing was out of bounds and honesty was vital.  The motion carried unanimously

 and it will be put it on the website

         Boyd added that one goal is to improve communication with the GHTM.  He will go and present the plan and they want to continue to have some member go to town meetings.

Vehicles – nothing else new from Max.

Chief’s Job – has been posted and they have had quite a few applicants.  Jess reports some are out of state and she doubts if they would actually come here.  We do need to respond asap.  Max would like Jess to do a preliminary screening.  OK’d.  O’B said one of his captains might be interested.  Jess will gather them together and get them to others who will need to make quick phone calls to answer any questions.  Bret reported that, as a governmental agency, we have to establish a standard procedure for everyone.  O’B said we should have a closing date and we can re-open if necessary  It was decided that the deadline would be April 10 and they could start the board meeting on the 15^th early to look at what we have and come up with our questions – they will hold an executive session at 6pm on 4/15 – Kent will be available.

OTHER BUSINESS

Grants – The Fuels Mitigation Grant came through with BVCD and BWC.  Scott Heffernen (SP?) of the BWC will make a presentation at the GHTM on April 8 with Boyd.  The grant includes a pilot project for grassland mitigation – possibly goats? For the meadow and other smaller areas.  There will be fundraising to get a Brush Hog – that’s a separate discussion.  They’re considering Goat Pros and looking for bids.  They will make sure Hill Street folks are informed and ok.  Bret added that our 501 c(3) can tie into the county for mitigation equipment.  Marcus added that in theory the funds are good for 3 years, but there may not be enough actually, so maybe it might be smaller scale. There will be a fair bit of wood coming out, also, from town property, Tone’s, and Carpenter’s so community wood utilization will be happening again.  Chris D added that this all will be a community event so there will be collaboration with the fire department and town meeting.

         Maya McHamer of BWC is also working on a regional awareness grant.  Chris D is also on the town meeting agenda to report on Wildfire Partners free assessments and grants available for homeowners for home hardening and mitigation work.

Website – Jess will post the Chief’s job opening and the Strategic Plan

NEW BUSINESS

Fire Code – Bret points out that we should start the conversation about adopting a fire code with all its headaches and responsibilities.  Jess added that that’s a long term goal.

Respectfully submitted,  Gretchen Diefenderfer, Recording Secretary

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the February 12, 2024  Zoom Meeting

Next Town Meeting is Monday, April 8, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Meeting will be in person at the GH School as well as on Zoom

The February GHTM was called to order by Chair Dan Maedke, who wished us all Happy Spring/Winter.  Twelve people attended: Dan, Treasurer Chrissy Maedke, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, Vice Chair Eli Zabielski, Kathleen Gilgannon, Virginia Schultz, Amy Fortunato, Shannon Lindow, Heidi Kessler and Richard Roth, Doug Parker, and Leslie Finn.

Minutes of the December 11 Meeting – were approved as published.

NEW BUSINESS

Town Directory – Chrissy is working on a digital as well as printed version – see https://drive.google.com/drive/home for the digital version – contact Chrissy (ghtmtreasurer@nullgmail.com) to add or correct any information.

Bylaws Committee – Chrissy and Dan have been working with Mountain Stewards to look at our bylaws.  If we are seeking and need to manage grants, our bylaws need some tightening up.  The town council will be meeting to consider this and would welcome input from the wider community

Treasurer’s Report – Chrissy presented the report

She added that the $2700 in savings is from the Sunset Run put on by the BWC this spring.

Vision for 2024 – Chrissy presented the 2024 Vision – See Google Drive again – https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19wJSu1hs5M7uNWIKCY-LVQCn5Lun21fRJwcWRpU7R7w/edit#slide=id.p   She pointed out that we need to be able to show what we’ve been doing when we’re dealing with other agencies and potential grant applications. .  This is our first attempt and includes mission statements, goals, and activities of our committees.

 Roads – Dan has spoken to the businesses about putting information on their websites regarding parking, signage, and consciousness about emergency access.

 Historic Zoning – is working on creating a brochure to explain how it  works.

 Mountain Stewards – Virginia reported that, in interfacing with BWC (Boulder Watershed Coalition) and other agencies , they have three main goals: Fire Mitigation, Energy and Sustainability, and Forest Management.  She is serving on the CWPP Committee with the four agencies (https://bouldercounty.gov/disasters/wildfires/mitigation/community-wildfire-protection-plan/)

 Gold Hill Native Flora, Gardens, and Weed Management – Pam Sherman is available to consult.

 NeighborLink – is essentially an expanded phone tree established to facilitate communication in emergencies or evacuations.

 SafeLink – Chrissy is working on a written MOU with the BVSD for use of the school in emergencies.

 AirLink – is a collaboration with BCARES, MERN,  and ODM (https://boulderodm.gov) to further Ham Radio communication in emergencies.  There will be a Ham Class coming up, much of it online plus an in person portion.

 GHFPD – Dwight (Whitey) DeBroux is our Assistant Chief, Acting Chiefs are Bret Gibson and Chris O’Brien.  They are exploring hiring a part-time chief and working on a Strategic Plan for the future.  See the Fire Department website https://www.goldhillfire.org/

 Gold Hill School – Chrissy reports

Dear GHTM,

2024 is off to a great start at the Gold Hill School!  This time of year is a lot of fun, as we get to see so much progress in our students.  They are really cruising in their academics and their growth is evident in everything they do.

Shortly after our December meeting, we hosted the Town’s Holiday Party at the school.  It was a lovely evening with plenty of cookies to spare!  We also had a little holiday concert where the kids performed a selection of wonderful songs at the Gold Hill Store.  This great little event was put together by our fabulous music teacher, Kirk Kubicek.  Thank you to all of you who came to both events.  Having each of you there is what makes these events so special.  

After a nice, restful winter break, we’ve been hard at work at school with a heavy focus on the basics- reading, writing and arithmetic.  In the 345 classroom, we’ve also been studying civics and economics.  Not to worry though- we’re still having a great time.  In civics we’ve learned a lot about the structures of government and the words of the constitution through song and presidential stuffie figures.  In economics we’ve studied personal finance through an interactive simulation where we followed an avatar from age 18-25, making her financial decisions for her.  In the K12 room, they’ve especially enjoyed retelling stories through drama and writing how-to essays about peanut butter and jelly.  We’ve also been getting outside to play in the snow and do a bit of snow showing.  

We continue to benefit greatly from our grant through the Science and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).  While K12 was studying Japan in December, a couple of artists from the Lakewood Cultural Center came to our school to teach gyotaku, the art of Japanese fish printing.  The kids all made gorgeous prints.  In January, we went to the Arvada Center to see the Musical A

The Calendar Committee met on the 8th and has scheduled two more meetings; March 30 and April 27, 10:00 am at Boyd Brown’s.  

We’re looking for more photos of Old Timers of Gold Hill – this time grandparents aged people, maybe related to present Gold Hillians.  Also thinking of a page on wildlife – we have a great moose, some bears, and some turkeys – any more?  Unusual planters in Gold Hill is another possibility.  Plus we’re thinking of a page on Mary and Gertrude – we really need a picture of them plus an old picture of their house (now Michelle BarEvan’s).

If you have any poems, drawings, or photos you’d like too submit, or you would like to join the committee, please contact Marie Brookhart, Boyd Brown, Kelly Dodds, or me.  

Thanks

Hello Gold Hill Community-

We wanted to say a note of thanks for all those that came out to support the St. Patrick’s Day Rail Jam event at the Store! It was so exciting to see a full range of families, members of the GHFD, and Gold Hillers young and old who came out to make the potential mess of a blizzard into something fun to be celebrated! We appreciate all the locals who lended a hand to help build, breakdown, and maintain the snow course throughout the day (special shout out to Kinowa Brookhart for leading the charge on maintenance of the course). Seeing all our neighbors out slipping and sliding with smiles on, made all the crazy snow worth it! 

We do also want to recognize and apologize for any inconvenience the jam might have created for some in town. While we can’t control the turnout of any particular event, we could have been more prepared to mitigate any potential conflicts that might arise due to the overwhelmingly higher than expected event attendance. We view this Store as belonging to you all, as much as it does us, and we take seriously our role as the town’s space to gather, feast, drink, and mingle. We consider ourselves a partner you can, and have relied on for critical support of and contributions to other town events. Our hope is for The Store to be an additive part of this community, designing a space to gather that feels like home and welcomes all, while hosting events that everyone in the family can come out to enjoy. In offering that, We also recognize the potential unintended impact that business can sometimes bring to our neighbors in the form of parking, event congestion or other valid concerns. So we will strive to strike a better balance around that, in the future. 

Thank you again to everyone who came out to enjoy and support this community event! And Congratulations to Gold Hill’s own Sammie Legg for winning a new snowboard from Satellite Boards! 

Thanks,

Mike, Whitey and the Store Team