Gold Hill, Colorado

Not sure if you’ve heard, but the Gold Hill community got its  newest addition yesterday! 🐣 Let’s support Mari & Ian’s new family of four by providing delicious meals and much community love. 🥰
👉 https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/0egk25

Steffi Pospischill

moarla@nullmac.com

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

November 20, 2023 – Unofficial minutes – next meeting 1/22/2024

Call to Order, Attendance, Budget Meeting – The meeting was called to order by President Kent Coghill.  Present were board members Kent, Boyd Brown, Jessica Brookhart, Max Yeager, and Chris Dirolf, Acting Chiefs Chris O’Brien and Bret Gibson, late arrival recording secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer and Leslie Finn attended by Zoom..

The Board met at 6 to review and approve the 2024 budget.  The motion to approve the budget was approved unanimously and the resolution to adopt was passed. The budget is posted on the fire department website (goldhillfire.org under GHFPD Board Information).

Minutes of the October 16^th meeting were approved.

Fire Chief’s Minutes , Training – Bret reported that the training schedule has been published by Leslie Finn – will have some updates.  Fourmile and Sunshine are engaged in getting some outside speakers to increase interest.

         If Gold Hill gets the extrication equipment grant, Fourmile will purchase more to compliment it and will lean on Lefthand for training.

         Chris O’Brien reported on the Boulder West meeting where the idea was brought up to have some refreshers with four districts (bring Sugarloaf into the mix) – might have to use the County Training Center to accommodate the numbers.  Maybe do two per year.  There is obviously a spectrum of knowledge . It would be good to get everyone up to date on the 130/190 training – maybe put out a “cliff notes” version for everyone.  We have two options for the pack tests – arduous and less arduous – and would like to get everyone up to a standard.  Can do online and then schedule a field day.

         Boyd reported that recruiting volunteers is showing up in the Strategic Planning meetings including how people can participate and contribute other than fighting fires.  They would like to make space for all kinds of participation and are looking at how to make personal contact to encourage. 

         Bret added that Fourmile is going to do a mini academy to educate the public about radios, trucks, etc. People need a relationship with their fire department. 

ISO rating for insurance – we need a committee of 2-3 people to look at how to lower our rating.  ISO has been purchased by Infotec, Inc., which does data gathering for Insurance companies.  We are at a 9 and it will be tough to get it lower.  We need to look at NFIS National Fire Information Services) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines.  Chris O’Brien added there is also certification available from Firewise Committee.

Station Maintenance – The overhead heater downstairs doesn’t come on when it should – probably been there since 1972.  Bret will bring a new thermostat tomorrow. 

Equipment – Max requested $100 for tools – ok’d.

Operational Readiness/Strategic Planning – Boyd reports the committee met 2 weeks ago and they have another meeting tomorrow.  They aim to get through all 4 categories of the norms.  They’ve finished weaknesses and rated those issues – will finalize tomorrow.  Then onto threats and then will have something for approval soon.  They plan to get together with Sunshine to compare notes.

ODM (Office of Disaster Management) Plan – Bret pointed out that we need to adopt their plan or put together out own plan.  Chris Dirolf moved that we adopt their plan, Boyd seconded, and the ODM plan was adopted.  Kent will need to sign tomorrow and get a receipt.

SDA Membership – Kent will email Ron Beebe regarding the fees

Vehicles – Max reported that 04 is all chained up and can go down Lickskillet.  02 has rear chains on and the 39 chains are stretched nearby.  They have to be checked to make sure they fit over the new tires and some old parts need to be replaced.  Everything is starting up and running fine. 

         The UTV pump is inside for the winter.  Anita thinks it’s something of a problem with visibility the way it’s been mounted – too high up.  We now have the shipping container to house the UTV– it’s planned to be temporary for a year.  We’re looking for any available portable shelving to put in it.

Inventory – We areworking on the large and small equipment replacement schedule – prioritizing  it all and looking at expiration dates, etc  Bret suggested color coding stuff for the different trucks.  Leslie is working with AMR on medical equipment purchases.  Steffi’s role as quartermaster means going through most of our stuff including PPE and Leslie is handling the medical stuff.  Val is working with handheld radios and pagers.  She wants a list of everyone with equipment and if they are not participating considering asking for it back – she did get the radios back from the Mazurkiewicz’s.  As far as the radios, firefighters can transmit (per state and county regulations), but not if you’re not a firefighter.  Val’s collecting the data on all our equipment and hoping to get some new ones to improve reception particularly in our dead spots. Whip antennas can help.  Lefthand Canyon communication is always a problem.

End of Year Party – Kent reached out to the Store and it’s ok’d for December 14^th.  They proposed a budget of $700 to provide one drink and pizzas for probably 40 people per our roster.  Jess is working on some schwag – t-shirts, etc. and has sent out a survey on the logo that members can vote on.

Roster – We need a discussion on minimum criteria requirements.  The plan is to ask our cadre of dedicated people who respond what they think.  Bret added that Fourmile has a training program based on two years and he defers to the training officer regarding what participation is required.  Kent will reach out to our   cadre to see what they recommend.

Administrative – The board is looking at the idea of hiring a part time Chief.  They plan to put out a description in January and potentially have someone in February.  Over the past few months, the firefighters have reached out asking where that’s going – with the officers and the chief.  The Board had an executive board meeting to work on this. This led to a discussion of how much full-time chiefs make, what standard background do we require, the need for for local buy-in and dedication.  Bret pointed that we have approximately 30 calls per year, which isn’t a huge challenge,  but once hardening the community and mitigation work is included to meet the needs of the community and administer the fire department, it becomes a bigger job.

Grants – Jess and Bret submitted grants for  County 1B funds for wildland gear, hose, extrication equipment, thermal imaging equipment for $79,00.

         Boyd added there are 2 more grants in the works with Maya and us and the County. One would be an extension of the AIM Grant for basic planning.  The other is a fuels reduction grant.  There is a meeting with the County and Maya regarding the planning and possible implementation.  They’re looking at specific areas and places that need specialized mitigation equipment.  Also included is grasslands fire danger reduction stuff – grazing for instance.  There’ll be more information after the meeting tomorrow.

Collaboration – Chris Dirolf (he and Virginia Schultz are members) reported on the Boulder West Authority Committee (Four districts: Sugarloaf, Gold Hill, Sunshine, Fourmile,  have set up this committee).  They are to meet quarterly (they’re figuring out bylaws and their organizational structure by the January meeting).  They need to update our CWPP to and update our maps to reflect areas that have been mitigated, etc..  They’re looking at large and small projects in all 4 districts, and for funding for Maya and the BWC (Boulder Watershed Collective).  That would be 1B funding.

Website – no report, Fundraising – no report

There will be no meeting in December unless something urgent comes up.  Per the budget calendar, Jess reports the next step is certifying the mill levy, then we submit our formal budget.

Meeting adjourned

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, recording secretary

What do you do When the Power Goes Out?

All,

We are excited to be sponsoring this informative and FREE workshop!  Please save Friday, February 2^nd from 10-1pm for this unique and interactive workshop at the Nederland Community Center. Please share the attached flyer widely.

See you there!  Dawn

Dawn Baumhover

Community Center Manager

dawnb@nullnederlandco.org

W 303.258.9721 x3010

C 303.810.1125

Under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), all messages sent by or to me on this town-owned e-mail account may be subject to public disclosure.

From

Pam Sherman, pamsher123@nullgmail.com

Mountain Resilience Toolkit admin

MITIGATION

The Natural Hazards Center, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is pleased to present the Making Mitigation Work Webinar Series. These free one-hour webinars feature innovative speakers and highlight progress in mitigation policy, practice, and research. https://hazards.colorado.edu/training/webinars/making-mitigation-work

Wildfire Partners https://wildfirepartners.org/

Wildfire Partners supports collective and personal action to create wildfire-resilient communities across Boulder County.

INSURANCE

United Policyholders https://uphelp.org/

We’ve got your back when insurance matters. United Policyholders (UP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource and a respected voice for consumers of all types of insurance in all 50 states. We don’t take money from insurance companies. We give you the straight scoop. Guide you on buying insurance and navigating claims. Fight for your rights.

WATER

Rain Barrel Water Harvesting

https://dwr.colorado.gov/services/water-administration/rainwater-storm-water-graywater

https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/natres/06707.pdf 

ENERGY and TRANSPORTATION

Energy Outreach Colorado https://www.energyoutreach.org/

We are the only statewide non-profit to raise funds that support low-income Coloradans to afford home energy and remain safe at home. EOC assists Colorado residents with energy bills, furnace repairs, and energy efficiency upgrades. We work with homeowners, renters, nonprofit facilities, and multifamily properties.

Bulk Solar Purchasing Program – deadline Dec 31!

Boulder County Solar Coop

https://boulderreportinglab.org/2023/12/08/boulder-countys-new-solar-co-op-is-breaking-all-kinds-of-records-expands-membership-to-500-after-surpassing-goals/

Battery Backup Options – Permanent to Portable

Portable Power Stations, Solar Generators & Home Backup | Goal Zero

EcoFlow – POWER A NEW WORLD | EcoFlow US

Transportation including Electric Vehicles

https://bouldercounty.gov/climate/electric-vehicles/

Learn About Driving Electric in Colorado | EV CO

Fuel Economy

Community Access to Electric Bicycles Rebate Program | Colorado Energy Office

INFLATION REDUCTION ACT

Inflation Reduction Act Guidebook | Clean Energy | The White House

Virginia Schultz,

Virginia.Schultz@nullColorado.EDU

Hello, GH Residents!

 

Attached, you’ll find an updated Gold Hill Phone List.  It would be helpful if you could check your contact information for accuracy.  If you would like to have your information added/deleted/changed, please contact Chrissy Maedke: ghtmtreasurer@nullgmail.com.  You have the option to additionally add your email and physical addresses.  This information will be available digitally, and a traditional phone number-only version will be available at the Gold Hill Store.  

 

Town Directory docs.google.com

 

Thanks for your help with this on-going effort!

 

Best,

 

Chrissy

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 Town Meeting

Monday, 7:00 p.m. December 11, 2023

_________________________________________________________________________

Zoom Virtual Meeting

Topic: GHTM Zoom Meeting 12/11/2023

Time: 07:00 PM Mountain Time

Dan Maedke is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87420547140?pwd=bTc0WkFSaGlkTmVqWTRWbUlhYXo0Zz09

Meeting ID: 874 2054 7140

Passcode: 258194

_______________________________________________________________________ 

1. Review and Approval of Previous Minutes (any additions or corrections)
2. New Business

• Mountain stewards: Energy Efficiency Opportunities
• Land Acknowledgment vote

1. Treasurer’s Report

• 2024 budget proposal

1. Committee Reports (2023 Annual Review)

• AirLink
• Business District (Chrissy & Dan)
• Cemetery (Maggie Simms)
• Community Events (Chrissy and Dan)
• Flora, Gardens & Weed Management (Pam)
• Fundraising & Merchandise(Dan)
• Gold Hill School (Chrissy, Jojo, Rae, Dan)
• Health & Human Services (Chrissy, Elisabeth)
• Historical Zoning (Bear)
• IMA (Marybeth, Pam, Dan)
• Mountain Stewards (Virginia, Marcus, Cat)
• Museum ( Debra)
• NeighborLink (Deb)
• SafeLink (Debra)

1. Upcoming Meetings/Events  

• Cookies and Cocoa December 16th

1. Other Town News/Emerging Issues:

____________________________________________________________________

Next Gold Hill Town Meeting: February 12th, 7:00 pm

____________________________________________________

It’s that time again for holiday gift giving and the Gold Hill Museum has you covered.  Check out these items and let me know what you are wanting.  As usual we have our wonderful Gold Hill calendar; our new Gold Hill Miner T towel; our new Swedish Dishcloth; and our two new ornaments:  the hummingbird and the moonlit pine trees. 

Prices

              Calendar – still only        $10

1. Towel                                $12

              Swedish Dish Cloth         $6

              Ornaments –                     $10 each

Let me know what you would like and thanks for supporting your local history museum.  We are very grateful for you.

Deb Yeager     deb@nullmountainvisions.net

303 881 7665

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the October 9, 2023, Zoom Meeting

Next Town Meeting is Monday, December 11, 7:00 p.m. 

The meeting was called to order by Chair Dan Maedke.  Thirteen people attended: Dan, Treasurer Chrissy Maedke, Maggie Simms, Member at Large John Hatelid, Leslie Finn, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, Virginia Schultz, Debra Yeager, Shannon Lindow, Heidi Kessler, Richard Roth, Marcus Moench and Elisabeth Caspari.

Minutes – The minutes of the October meeting were approved with no additions or corrections.

Indigenous People’s Day – Dan and Chrissy wanted to acknowledge IPD and went over our draft statement (find it here https://drive.google.com/drive/home)  asking for feedback.  Deb suggested we focus more on Gold Hill’s connection – reach out to the Museum of Boulder and collaborate with Rick Williams who taught us that our area was a hunting grounds for many tribes and a gathering spot.  Chrissy has been reaching out to the Museum of Boulder.  Virginia expressed that our statement had a nice way of saying we’re part of a greater whole and suggested some languaging about people who are still here currently. 

       The plan is to bring it up for a vote at the December meeting.

Treasurer’s Report – This is the report as of 12/10/23

Chrissy requested any committees please present any requests for funding at the December meeting.

      The Fall Soup Party is coming up on October 21 and the plan is to raise money for the Community Relief Fund.  And they’re hoping the Holiday Party will raise money, too.  We do already have money to pay the bills for next year.

     Deb asked what happened to the Gold Rush?  Chrissy replied that it’s a lot of work to put together and was too much with all the effort expended for the 150^th School Anniversary festivities.   Gretchen apologized for not recognizing that it wasn’t happening.  She feels it’s an important community event and fundraiser.  Deb suggested we try to bring it off in October, but there was not support for it.  There was considerable discussion about the possibilities for next year, but the consensus was to let it go for this year and revisit it for next year.  Deb added that she wants to make sure, as new members of the Town Council come in, that they know where’ve been so we don’t lose our traditions.  Those of us who have pulled it off in the past are happy to help newcomers.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

AirLink – Deb wanted to make sure people know that we have a generator in the shed located on the north side of the firebarn to support emergency communications.  Chrissy has heard from George Weber that there is still a repeater (?) in the firebarn too.  AirLink serves more than Gold Hill – including across much of our mountain area.  Dan will meet with Dina about an annual refresher on Ham stuff.

 Cemetery – Maggie reports that they are working on an annual report for the December meeting.

Community Events, Fundraising, and Merchandise –  Dan  reports that beyond events, they are looking at grants and pursuing a few big ideas.  They do have pint glasses and some t-shirts for sale.

Gold Hill School – Chrissy reports that the 150^th was fantastic and thank you to all who participated.  They are so pleased, proud, and grateful!

     They’re working on ecosystem stuff now.  In the front they have insects and just had a dragonfly hatch!  They will be doing fly tying.   Grants – SCFD has gifted them $3000 for field trips plus $$1500 to help include other schools.  They went to see Swan Lake at the Ellie Caulkins Opera house.  The Colorado Shakespeare actors came up and presented Comedy of Errors.  Ecocycle came up and gave a presentation.  Sylvia Pettem wrote an article on the School in the Daily Camera.

Health and Human Services – no report except they did write a grant, but haven’t heard yet.

Historic Zoning – no report

IMA – Gretchen reported that there was a meeting about Century Link problems and a report will be out ( see https://goldhilltown.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=13488&action=edit).  Dan reported Bret Gibson took the lead and representatives from all over the mountains were there, but CenturyLink was not.  There are no easy solutions – apparently, it’s not cost effective for them to put a lot into it.  We have a good contact in Ned, Miranda Fisher.  Nederland is trying for a grant to set up some kind of high speed internet which could possibly loop in Ward and Gold Hill.  The logistics are monumental.  Always call if it goes out and please get any info on outages, etc. to Bret so he can keep a tally.  The algorithm means we need numbers of complaints to get attention.  They wonder if the Starlink satellites will be our future direction.  Deb added that she’s told that the employees are just told to fix it.  Dan reported that the representative from Neguse’s office was appalled by the lack of a representative from CenturyLink and that we end up with no 9-1-1.  John said that Starlink is for individual users, not communities.  Virginia added that we need battery back-up in every home and John said he can help with information on Starlink and battery back-up.

Mountain Stewards – Marcus reports they’re waiting on the status of the AIM grant with the BWC and Maya.  There are 4 major elements: 1) Household mitigation, 2) Community Cleanups, 3) Mowing program and purchasing equipment for that, 4) BWC would hire a mitigation person to coordinate it all along with the existing ongoing programs.  We already have money coming from the State for an additional 40 plus acres in Gold Hill to complement the Ashram and Ashley’s, while also coordinating work with individual landowners and other areas, i.e. down Lefthand, etc.  Collaboration, especially,  will also position us for 1A funds who also have a grant program.  Virginia added that Cat Russell and Ota are working on a presentation on solar stuff, rebates, EV charging station, etc. for the December meeting. (see https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/co-ops/colorado/boulder-county-solar-co-op/  for info on the co-op which is free to join).  

     Chrissy reports that we’re starting to look at the bylaws.  We sometimes need to be able to make decisions in a more timely manner regarding grant money, etc., and to clarify what has to be voted on by the town meeting or the town council.  

     Deb asked about setting up hubs around the Gold Hill area for EV charging stations and battery back up stuff. Marcus added, yes, and possibly include neighbors with Starlink whose WiFi we could join if CenturyLink is down.

Museum – Deb reports they’re closed for the season – it was a great season!  They will re-open in the spring.  For any merchandise and calendars, contact Deb (deb@nullmountainvisions.net).  The Inn also has calendars and she will contact Mike at the Store.

NeighborLink – Deb is requesting assistance with the alerting tree for emergency information for calls, texting, etc.   Also, the Tuffshed behind the firebarn has all kinds of stuff in it: medical equipment, tables and heaters from the food pantry, a refrigerator/freezer all of which are available as needed.  For the phone tree, we need to know your preferred contact – calls, texts, etc. and we need some people to keep it going.  Regarding the town telephone list, somebody needs to forward compiled information to Whitey.  Chrissy volunteered to work on that and she’s also been working on getting an MOU in writing from BVSD regarding using the School during emergencies.

Fire Department – Gretchen reports there will be a shipping container arriving as temporary housing for the UTV – see the town website for the minutes  https://goldhilltown.com/ghfpd-board-meeting-minutes-10-16-23/

Upcoming Meetings/Events

Fall Soup Party – October 21

Winter Holiday Party – December 16 – cookie exchange

PortaPotty – Chrissy wants to go on record that she hates it and thinks it’s an eyesore.  It was brought up that we needed to have something in order to have town meetings/events in the Community Center and that perhaps we could build it an enclosure like the one behind the Store.

Next Town Meeting – December 11.  We’re sticking with Zoom for now – do people have any input on that?

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

Dear  Friends,

You are invited to come and celebrate the season with your Gold Hill friends and neighbors! We will be exchanging holiday cookies. If you can bring some homemade cookies to share and bring a container to take some home. Also if you’re musically inclined bring an instrument so you can jam with friends. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

 

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

October 16, 2023 – Unofficial minutes – next meeting 11/20/23

CALL TO ORDER, ATTENDANCE, APPROVAL OF MINUTES – The meeting was called to order by President Kent Coghill.  Present were board members Boyd Brown, Jessica Brookhart, Max Yeager, and Chris Dirolf, Acting Chief Bret Gibson,  plus community members Gretchen Diefenderfer, Rick Sheingold, Steffi Wilson, Leslie Finn, Val Crist, Virginia Schultz, Greg Buis, Kris Gibson, and Marcus Moench.

MINUTES of the September 18^th meeting were approved

FIRE CIEF’S MINUTES – Bret reported that he’s been in conversations with potential officers, particularly to help Max with truck repairs and acquisition.

            He has sent the BODM agreement to the Board to adopt  the Boulder County and City plan/agreement.  Without one, we wouldn’t be eligible for FEMA or State recovery funds.  It requires a motion to adopt and the President signs. The Board will review and approve at the November meeting.  It’s a 98 page document and they will need time for review.  It makes us part of a big team.  Boyd asked Kent to remind the board to review it.

            Once the Gold Hill Officers are seated, he would like to do a command and control mini-academy and also invite the board – sometime in January time frame.

            The Fourmile Strategic Plan is now complete and the board is considering it for approval.

TRAININGS – Past training – Lefthand put on an extrication training.  We got rid of our older, super heavy tools and have put new ones on our wish list.  Sunday, September 24^th was firebarn clean up and organize day and went well.

Upcoming training – UTV training is scheduled for October 21.  We’ll have ours plus 2 from Fourmile. After that we should have 16-17 firefighters trained. 

New volunteers – how to improve recruiting and spur interest.  Gretchen suggested that we really need to get more firefighters medically trained as well.  Boyd reported that we need to personalize our attempts to recruit – contact people and communicate with them directly.  Kent added that for any kind of Fire Department event, we should have a table with information/flyers about who we are, etc.  

MAINTENANCE – Station – Max reports that we’ve passed our new propane line inspection.  He’s talked to John Stocke, owner of the Foote property behind the firebarn, and he’s acnowledged our property lines are aprox 30’ behind our fence – no problem.

            All our rigs are up and running.

The 10 mile cistern is still dry because there is a leak somewhere that needs to be located and fixed  It’s 10,000 gal.  Whitey went down into it and it’s not the tank that’s leaking – it’s the plumbing somewhere.  We need some people to dump a couple of thousand gallons in it and trace the plumbing with shovels, etc., to find out where it’s leaking.  Kent will see about organizing a work day for this and recruit people to help.  Marcus said he’d see about GHTM people.  Chris D will work on getting a crew together and will get in touch with Dan Maedke (GHTM Chair)

EQUIPMENT NEEDS – aside from new extrication tools, Kris Gibson is working on a wish list of pocket grants.

STRATEGIC PLANNING – Boyd reports the committee has met once to go through the norms  beginning with strengths and weakness.  It’s a working document.  They have a meeting tomorrow and a week from tomorrow.  He’s anticipating that they will get through threats and opportunities and be on schedule to have something for the first of the year.  He needs help to include anyone out of town.  Bret said to let Rob Constable know and he can come up with appropriate equipment.

SDA Membership – Kent will be in touch with Robert Beebe regarding rates for membership.

VEHICLES – Max reports that the 3 trucks are all good.  We will be getting a shipping container from Ritchie Brothers to get the UTV out of the weather.  We need to check all the chains for fit with the new tires.  Bret added that with the station cleaning day, a lot of small equipment was organized and put on trucks.  The yellow truck, our wildland truck, now has enhanced  capacity.  He’s asked Gold Hill firefighters who have now been trained on several progressive hose lays to choose one for our use.  They’re trying to have a specific purpose for each engine.  39 is our primary urban initial attack truck with 1,000 gpm pump (we just put $20,000 into it).  02 has a 900 gal. tank, 500 gpm pump and is our structure pumper set up for water supply.  04 is our medical truck and back up to 39 – has a 500 gal. tank.

            Boyd suggested that one of the things to help keep the support of the community regarding the mill levy, etc., would be to post on the website how we’re spending the tax money.  He’s taken pictures and will get them to Jess for the website.  He’d like to see a section on the website with this kind of information.  We’re looking at a lot of money this year and it’s important how we’re spending it.  Kent would like to have a section with the trucks and what they all do.  We’ve been working to update our equipment and will be using the mill levy increase for that. Jess requested Max get her summaries on the trucks, etc.  Kris Gibson got a lot of smaller equipment, too.

            Max has established a good relationship with Mountain View.  They’ve gotten to know our trucks now.  All our stuff is old, but in good shape.  If 5404 loses an engine, it’s gone – can’t be replaced.  We should be good for some time, but Max thinks we need to get our officer corps up and running. The 20 ft. shipping container to house the UTV is ready to pick up at Ritchie Brothers.  He needs $2750 to reimburse Fourmile (who bought it for us).  Motion made and approved unanimously.  Jess will include the money to reimburse Dave Towsley from Marv’s for moving it.  Bret has timbers that can be used to slide the container in place, either behind or in front of the station.  Max will be around to position it.

END OF YEAR PARTY – Jess did allocate some funds and has requests out to her retail suppliers about possible t-shirts, hoodies, belt buckles?  Looking at some kind of schwag package – maybe with a new logo?  She’d like to know the sizes of the firefighters.  Gretchen thinks many of us are attached to our present logo.  Steffi added that she thinks the volunteers should vote on any new logo.  Kent suggested that the Maltese Cross is the classic.  He has emailed Whitey about having the end of year party at the Store.

GRANTS – Kris G reports that we got the $14,235 grant for the new gear – wildland gear, PPO, Pants and structure gear and she’ll be ordering it.

MITIGATION – Kent got together with Maya, BWC (Boulder Watershed Coalition), no new updates.  Marcus reported that an additional 40 acres has been added to the State Grant. He walked out owith the new forester with BWC.  A goal is to work on some of the smaller properties around town. He suggested that it would be good to create a space somewhere for a firewood collection area.  The grant has 2 years more to go and be spent.  BWC is applying for a grant specifically for $75,000 for Gold Hill to include grasslands, equipment, coordinator, home hardening.  For the AIM Grant, the concept paper is due at the end of October and then they will know if they’re ok’d to submit the grant application.

COLLABORATION/CWPP – Virginia reported on Boulder West.  Eric Kennedy, Fourmile, is the Chair (for Paul Dennison), Andrew Goldman from Sugarloaf is the Vice Chair, Allen from Sunshine is the Secretary and Chris Dirolf and Virginia are co-Treasurers.  They meet 3 times a year. They’ll be looking at risk assessment layers changes once the CWPP is out.  They got a grant for mitigation staffing.  BWAC will join Fire Adaptive Colorado.  An open house CWPP meeting is scheduled at the Poorman Station October 24. 

BUDGET – Jess got the proposed budget to the Board.  Need to get the meeting to approve the budget on the calendar – maybe change the meeting so it’s not in Thanksgiving week?  Our budget was around $50,000 before the mill levy increase, then ~$100,000, and now will be more because of the increase in valuations. Unknown exactly what that will amount to given the propositions on the ballot.   Need to decide best use and have bigger conversations.    No community fundraising on the horizon for now.

FOURMILE FIRE PICTURES – Boyd received a letter from an ex-resident with a lot of photos of the Fourmile Fire.

NEW BUSINESS

WOODSPLITTER – Jess reports that they have a wood splitter and a lot of people are asking to borrow it.  She’s suggested to Dan that the town consider the purchase of a splitter and make money lending it out, but liability issues?

SORT YARD – Kent wonders about a town space for storing/sorting the wood from the mitigation work.  Chris agreed that the biomass created is an issue – the wood has to go somewhere.  Boyd reported that he used to do a thing through the BVSD – they’d go pull out logs, transport them to the schools and rent splitters (2-3) for a weekend that people could use, but they were covered by the School District’s liability insurance.  Chris wonders where we could have a sort yard – liability waivers should cover us.  Maybe Ashram property?  The corner at Lickskillet is small, isn’t level, and would require a lot of work.  Boyd added it’s a logistics issue to consider.  Chris added Team Rubicon maybe would help.  Boyd added that almost all the wood has been removed that was available at the Ashram – maybe 50-60 truckloads – there will be more available next year when it’s dried.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, recording secretary

. 

CONGRATULATIONS to The Gold Hill Sauna Club for their win AND THEIR BRAGGING RIGHTS this past Tuesday when we played our first annual Gold Hill Trivia Contest at the Pub.  This fun group of people along with 3 other fun teams:  The Valkyrees, The No Pizzas, and The Skillit Lickers have another opportunity to take down the winners AND we can add as many more teams to this event as possible.

JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, DECEMBER 13^TH AT 6:30 PM for another night of great fun.  Mike will be offering dinner beginning at 5 pm and we’ll play with 30 questions to see who can win this contest. 

Come expecting to have lots of fun and have bragging rights as well. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join.

See you there…….

Deb Yeager

deb@nullmountainvisions.net

TACO TUESDAY AND TRIVIA         Join us at the Gold Hill Pub and Store on Tuesday evening, November 14^that 5:00 for some good ole fun with your neighbors and friends and a meal of Mike’s tacos.  Dinner and drinks will begin around 5 pm and Trivia to follow at 6:30 pm.  This time the Trivia is all about Gold Hill.  There will be bragging rights for you until the next Trivia night so you can be the smartest Gold Hillian in town, at least for a while!.  See you there.

Deb Yeager

deb@nullmountainvisions.net

Please promote!  For local CWPP (Gold Hill, Sunshine, Sugarloaf, Four Mill Fire Protection Districts) see: COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN (colostate.edu)

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Boulder County 2024 CWPP Community Engagement Event – November 4^th, 2023 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM

Four Mile Fire Protection District Poorman Station, 1740 Fourmile Canyon Dr

On November 4^th Boulder County will host a CWPP Community Engagement open house at the Four Mile Fire Protection District Poorman Station. This event is part of an ongoing series of meetings taking place in Boulder County to get community input for the Boulder County 2024 CWPP. The open house events are an opportunity for the community to learn about the CWPP, visit with Boulder County staff, local municipal managers, and the fire protection districts, and provide input and comments to inform the CWPP development. This will be the second Community Engagement open house in a series of planned events. Information on the CWPP process will be on display and light refreshments will be provided. A short presentation will take place at 9:00 a.m.

All community members are welcome and encouraged to attend this event. Some information at the November 4^th event will be specific to the Gold Hill, Sunshine, Sugarloaf, and Four Mile Fire Protection Districts.

A flyer with more information about the event is attached.

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

The Continental Brunch on the 25th at the Vanek’s has to be postponed until further notice. This was to be  a gathering to learn about another nonprofit called CULTIVATE.  They have a service, FREE OF CHARGE, that I think could be of great benefit to the GH Neighborhood and beyond. They offer an incredible service called Carry-Out Caravan, a grocery delivery service.  More info later.

Our email is: neighborhoodangelsfoundation23@nullgmail.com
Our phone number to leave a voicemail is: 303-443-5123 home.

Elizabeth Vanek – Founder & Executive Director
The Neighborhood Angels Foundation
HELPING EVERYDAY PEOPLE WITH
EVERYDAY LIFE’S BASIC NEEDS.
501(C)(#) EIN # 84-5182367
neighborhoodangelsfoundation23@nullgmail.com
720-443-4877 voicemail messages

                                                                      WE WANT YOUR INPUT

                Boulder County to Host Public Open Houses for

       2024 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Update

On November 4^th, 2023, Boulder County will host a CWPP Community Engagement open house at the Four Mile Fire Protection District (1740 Fourmile Canyon Dr, Boulder, CO 80302) for the 2024 Boulder County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Update. The open house events are an opportunity for the community to learn about the CWPP, visit with Boulder County staff, local municipal managers, and the fire protection districts, and provide input and comments to inform the CWPP development. This will be the second Community Engagement open house in a series of planned Community Engagement open house events. Information on the CWPP process will be on display and light refreshments will be provided. A short presentation will take place at 9:00 a.m. (more…)

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