GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT   

August 21st, 2023, 7:00 pm  –  unofficial minutes

Next meeting, Monday, September 18 , 2023, 7:00 p.m.

MEETING BUSINESS

President Kent Coghill called the meeting to order.  Present were Kent, Acting Chiefs Bret Gibson and Chris O’Brien, GH Board Members, Chris Dirolf, Boyd Brown, and Max Yeager (Jess Brookhart attended by Zoom),  plus community members Rick Sheingold, Marcus Moench, and Recording Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.

Minutes of the 7-7-23 Meeting – approved as published as there were no corrections or additions.

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES

Operational Updates – New Campfire SOG is in effect and volunteers have been trained in strategic approach, de-escalating any situation and how to monitor. The first goal of our new protocols is to make sure there is not a wildfire heading to town, responders should go in pairs (Minimum of 2 FFs).  We will be responding the majority of the time.  Sheriffs will monitor our radio traffic, which will improve our interactions with them and they will back us up.

Upcoming Training – with Fourmile, Lefthand, and Sunshine are upcoming.  They will get the certificates for last years’ UTV class and will set up another  – most likely in October.  Bret reported on the last mutual training with Sunshine, which was a round robin of engines with the goal to touch every engine and produce water.  He was impressed with the problem solving and is confident that we know how to trouble shoot.

     Task books have been distributed and hopefully tasks will be completed in the next 3, 4, 5 months.

Bret brought up some sort of reward/recognition/end of year gifts for volunteers – something with our logo to encourage volunteers and say thank you.

MAINTENANCE

Station Maintenance and Update on improving accessibility for apparatus – Regarding the flooding, Max didn’t see the actual situation,  but did see the aftermath.  Additionally, during the clean-up, the tank behind bay 1 overflowed from overfilling creating another problem.  The principle point of entry for the flood is a leak at the corner seam back by the bathroom where the addition was added.  The work being done behind the firebarn did not cause the flooding.  He’s taken out loads of trash.  The actual property line is some 30-40’ west of the fence and the corners have been identified. We are in the flood plain for Gold Run Creek and the County has put in a big culvert.  With the renovation for the UTV addition, we could consider putting in a dike.

Leslie dropped off old plans for addition/renovation possibilities with the bay doors facing South – could be grade and propane line issues.  Bret reported that the Wall Street Station took 3 years and, in those days, there was a lot of donated money and free labor.  The Poorman Station was a 10 year project.  We do have to follow the State legal building codes, but not so much the County.  At this point, the main goal is to house the UTV – maybe a shipping container?  We’ll continue to work with the engineer and move forward – would hope to get the UTV inside by winter. Kent will send an email requesting ideas/solutions.

Garage doors – new ones that would provide much better access for the trucks to get in and out could cost $7800-$10,000 each, but we can continue to make do as we have – we’ve gotten by for years.  Bret pointed out that if the smoke and exhaust system in bay 2 was repositioned it would make more room.

Jess was asked how the budget is going with the latest maintenance.   Max still has invoices to send to Jess.  She reports that we do have some money to spend and will update her report when she has the additional invoices.  The budget is still healthy.  5439 cost around $7,000 and everything being done is absolutely imperative.

Kent suggested waiting until the next meeting to discuss our options.  Bret suggested we work on strategic planning before looking at new station options.

OPERATIONAL READINESS:

Strategic Planning – Max and Boyd report that the meeting with Robert Constable went well.  He’s willing to help with our process, volunteering his time.  Bret met with Chris Finn to get his historical perspective about who we are and where we’re going.  We need to put together a 5-6 person committee: Boyd and Max plus someone with an educated perspective on the fire department, a member of the community, and an administrative person to develop the planning process  beginning with SWOT: evaluating our Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.  Strengths include that we have a town/community which brings resources and reasons to buy into the process.  Weaknesses include our facility/infrastructure.  Opportunities – we have Chief O’Brien with a lot of knowledge about grants and how to leverage money, plus Bret, plus a good bunch of firefighters.  Threats are just the things that hold us back – inertia, etc.  Robert will meet with us again when we have a committee to start this SWOT/visioning process. 

Next Steps – get a general email going to work on the additional 3 members, which could rotate, with the goal to stay open and realistic.  The committee will bring ideas to the Board for approval.

Boyd would like to ask people who would like to participate to get in touch with him (his email is boydbrown1949@nullgmail.com) and have the initial committee built by the next board meeting or sooner.

Budget – Jess reports that she will get the budget to the board by the October meeting to be approved in November and submitted by December.  We can modify it, but need to put it out as close to realistic to submit for 2024.  She will send out the 3 column 2023 budget.

SDA Membership – Kent reports we need to get them the budget.  Bret suggested he talk to Ron Beebe.

VEHICLES

5439 – Max reports it’s still being fixed – the output seal was leaking.  He thinks this is a good, suitable truck for protecting the town.

UTV – Kent has conferred with Dave Sturtz.  Rick used it on Sunday to support the race – the radio worked great – still needs lights mounted (not on top).  Max has some leds, Chris O’Brien has ~6 leds – they’re bright and good for getting peoples’ attention.  Sturtz will finish up.  Stickers were removed for better placement.  Bret pointed out that it’s important to carry registration and proof of insurance.

INVENTORY

PPE – Steffi reports we’re low and Bret volunteered take her on a tour of their closet to fill in the gaps.  Kris is working on a PPE grant.

Building Maintenance – Max has a plumber coming in to replace the structure to tank propane line.  Bret suggested putting in a T for future needs (Possibly for the UTV shipping container) and Marcus asked about running a generator, also.

GENERAL

Parking concerns – Kent reports a lot of concerns in Gold Hill regarding the parking situation, particularly for emergency access.  There is more traffic than ever and the parking creates a lot of one-way access issues.  The Boulder County Road Engineer is coming next Monday (Aug. 28) to look at problem areas and possible solutions with us.  We need to brainstorm – won’t be a quick easy fix.  Boyd added that part of what has brought the congestion is the success of both the Store and the Inn and all the events.  Used to be 2 nights a week and then the people would leave.  Now it seems like they’re staying until 11 or 12 and sometimes there are events from Wednesday through Sunday.  A lot of people are getting frustrated.   Boyd reports that at the GHTM there was a lot of focus on finding solutions as a community, hopefully without getting the Sheriff involved.  Plus, the Sheriff’s Department is understaffed as well.  Bret adds that the 1985 Fire Code doesn’t really address parking, although it does address occupancy limits.  The 2021 code rules that fire lanes have to be kept open.  Any enforcement is a long drawn out legal process.  We do have the power to call Marv’s.  We need to come up with constructive solutions and get the business owners involved.  What about a curfew?  Occupancy limits?  It’s not a single source problem.  Most of the Board and several others plan to attend the meeting.

Event Permitting – There have been questions from the public about permitting for the last event – the Sunset Trail Running Race.  Two FDs ok’d it, plus Boulder County and the Forest Service.  Maya had asked where the money should go – to the FD or the TM.  Boyd pointed out that the TM has much less money and could really use it.

End of Year Party – will be addressed next meeting.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Timeline for the MOU – Originally planned for one year, but Bret pointed out that there is flexibility.  He thinks we need to make progress on our strategic planning first. Max thinks we should keep the end of the year as a goal. Both Lefthand and Fourmile have a vested interest in our being optimally functional.

OTHER BUSINESS

Grants – Kris is working on a District Distribution Grant for $20,000 – no match required.  Nothing else at this time.

Mitigation – Boyd, Chris D, and Kent are working to set up 2 days for community wood from the cutting at the Ashram this Saturday and September 16^th, beginning early and getting done by noon.  Fire Department personnel are the only people allowed to use chain saws.  They’re working on logistics for vehicles so it doesn’t get jammed up.  Eventually all the wood on the north side will be cleared out, but wood cut this Spring will have to dry out until next year.  On the Ashley property, the contractor and Bustamante are taking everything out, so no community firewood will be available from there.  There is a small BLM area at the top of the watershed – 45 acres – more info to follow.

Collaboration – CWPP – Chris D. reports there will be a big meeting in December.  They’re working on more defensible space.  There is a new pilot project with Wildfire Partners – get 5 properties together and can get free chipping.  It’s 1A funded.

Boulder West is keeping the CWPP projects moving.  There will be a fall meeting in September.  Wildfire risk reduction is alive and well.  The capacity to address more areas in collaboration with the Watershed, etc. is building.  Virginia Schultz is also a member of Boulder West.

Tool Library – Bret adds that they’re also working to come up with a tool library to provide needed tools to communities within the CWPP area.

Pension Board Elections – Jess reports that there were only the two candidates, Val and Leslie, so at the January meeting they will be appointed.  Matching funds from the State will get done – Jess will submit the paperwork.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Recording Secretary

August 1, 2023

Residents of Gold Hill, Gross Dam Road, Fourmile Canyon, and East Boulder County

RE: Boulder County Invasive Plants Group Leafy Spurge Rebate Program

Leafy Spurge is a creeping perennial that reproduces from seed and vegetative root buds. It is a Class B species noxious weed that is difficult to control. If not eliminated these plants can destroy native plants and animal habitat, damage recreational opportunities, clog waterways, lower land values, create erosion problems and fire hazards, and poison humans and livestock. Hand pulling these plants will not eliminate the plant. Instead, pesticide application with a proven herbicide has proven to be the best manner of control. Boulder County Parks and Open Space (BCPOS) would like to offer incentives for homeowners to assist in controlling this weed.

BCPOS recently received grant funding from the Colorado Department of Agriculture to enlist communities in controlling Leafy Spurge through a rebate program. This rebate program will have a *limited offering and will continue until funds are depleted. Rebates will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Boulder County will offer rebates up to $300 with a qualified invoice for those landowners treating leafy spurge infestations on their property.

To qualify for the rebate program, residents must work with a Colorado qualified licensed pesticide applicator. The resident may not apply the pesticide themselves.

To receive the rebate payment, residents need to submit the following documents:

1. Invoice from a qualified applicator must be submitted within 30 days from the date of herbicide application and need to include the following:
   1. The contractor’s license number
   2. The resident’s address within the Gold Hill, Fourmile Canyon, Gross Dam Road or east Boulder County communities.
   3. Must reflect herbicide applications to include control of Leafy Spurge.
   4. Total invoice cost may not exceed $300.
   5. Proof of payment (e.g., credit card receipt, cancelled check).
   6. This program will end on September 30, 2023, or until funds runout.

2. Pictures of the site and area of infestation are required to be submitted and can be sent electronically.

3. The County requires an IRS Form-W9 in order to create the rebate payment.

* Please note, there are very limited grant funds available. Residents who apply will be reimbursed in the order in which qualified invoices are received. Reimbursements will continue until the limited funds are exhausted.

If you are interested in participating in the rebate program please contact me at  jswanson@nullbouldercounty.org to notify me of your intentions. I will also be your contact for submitting invoices for rebate payment.

Please reach out to make sure funds are still available or if you have any questions. I look forward to partnering with you!

Regards,

Joe Swanson

Invasive Plants Coordinator

Boulder County Parks and Open Space

(303) 678-6110

Community Firewood for Saturday 9/16.  8AM to Noon

Virginia read this at the Gold Hill School Celebration

Dear Gold Hill,

Thank you so much for attending our 150th Anniversary events last weekend.  It was so special to have so many people show up to celebrate our school.  We may be small, but Gold Hill is mighty.  We are incredibly proud of our 150 year school legacy, and we can’t thank our community enough for the last 150 years of support.  Gold Hill is special, and many news outlets took notice.  Check out the press!

Gold Hill Elementary School celebrates 150 years – CBS Colorado

Gold Hill Elementary celebrates its 150th Anniversary

Gold Hill School celebrates 150 years – The Mountain-Ear

Photos: Gold Hill Elementary is 150 Years Old- Happy Birthday! – Boulder Daily Camera

Gold Hill Elementary celebrates 150th anniversary on Saturday

A magical school in the mountains celebrates 150 years | News Article

Museum of Boulder Weekly

Historic Boulder Monthly

We were also featured in History Colorado’s weekly mailer, and will be featured again in the Daily Camera on September 24th in Silvia Pettem’s In Retrospect column.  

The proceeds for the weekend are still coming in, and are similar to that of a typical Fall Fiesta.  However, there were a good deal of expenses for the weekend as well.  If you’re able to donate, we would be appreciative.  You can always send a check or drop off cash.  You can also donate via PayPal at: https://www.goldhillschool.com/ or use Venmo: @Goldhilschoolpto All donations are tax exempt, and we’d be happy to supply a receipt.  We also have some great new merchandise, so come by and pick up a t-shirt or sweatshirt!  

Finally, on Sunday afternoon, we had a presentation at the museum and school about the school’s history with a focus on the teachers and their stories.  Here is a copy of that presentation.  It’s full of fun links and videos to peruse.  There are sure to be errors- so sorry.  If you have info/stories/photos that you think would be helpful to add, please pass them along to Chrissy!

With Love,

The 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

What a glorious day for bocce – all eight hours of it!

After a shaky first round, Tom Huth and Bear Carlson managed to prevail, winning the final match with Gretchen Diefenderfer and Michael Albes 12-10. The winning final ball was only ¼” closer to the pallino. Close enough…

It was great to have newbies competing with the old timers. And thanks to all for the yummy munchies which kept us going through this marathon tournament.

We were all winners!

“Ojo De Luna“:  An Afternoon of Latin Jazz”

Sunday, September 17th at 3:30 PM

Please join us for an evening of music performed by Ojo De Luna, an exciting Latin Jazz group.  The band is comprised of 8 talented musicians including Gold Hill’s Haiden Davis.  “We are passionate about Latin American music and the way it inspires us to push the boundaries of our craft.  Every day we strive to learn more and hone our skills so that we can share the beauty of these styles with the world.  Whether we ‘re performing soft  Bossa Nova ballads or complex salsas, we pour our hearts and souls into every note”.  Ojo De Luna  is a tight, energetic band whose sound is sure to get you dancing in the meadow.  You may get a taste of their music on Youtube. 

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_LyBNEI__E

The concert will occur on Sunday, September 17th.  Music will begin at 3:30 PM, and last approximately 1 ½ hours.  The performance will take place on the platform at “Windy Acres”, located at ~10600 Gold Hill Road, across from Sacred Mountain Ashram to the south of the county road.  Please park on the county road unless you have a health issue, and enter the property at the gate and follow the dirt road.  If needed, a shuttle to the music can be arranged (contact Rick at 303-444-7756).  We will be passing the hat to show our appreciation for the members of Ojo de Luna and their music after the performance. 

Please bring your own chairs and refreshments.  Dogs will not be welcome.  We look forward to seeing you all, and sharing another special evening at Windy Acres.  Be aware that the event will be cancelled if the weather turns stormy.  Please contact Rick or Breida Geesaman with questions:  303-444-7756

Uptick of Covid-19 in Gold Hill –  Word has it that Covid cases have risen noticeably in Gold Hill this week, FYI.   The levels in Boulder are not high yet, but they are rising.

Here are the Recommendations from Boulder County https://covidactnow.org/us/colorado-co/county/boulder_county/?s=47633511

Masks are recommended if your community risk level is high, you have recently been exposed to or infected with COVID, or you’ve been told by a health professional to wear a mask based on your personal risk factors. 

Testing is important if you experience symptoms or have been recently exposed to COVID. The Test to Treat initiative provides high-risk individuals who test positive with immediate access to antivirals at certified locations.

Vaccines are now approved for children 6 months and older. Vaccinations can protect against infection, serious illness and death from COVID.

Boosters offer necessary protection against infection, serious illness and death from all COVID variants. The updated bivalent booster provides additional protection.

And here is the  CDC Website For more information

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Report on meeting with Josh Trickey, County Traffic Engineer, 8-28-23,               Gretchen Diefenderfer

         Kent Coghill (and Billy), Dan Maedke, Max Yeager, Val Crist, Bret Gibson, Chris Dirolf, Rick Sheingold, Marcus Moench, and Gretchen Diefenderfer met with Josh and his intern, Amber.  We walked around town, discussing and assessing all the road and parking issues that have been raised, particularly emergency access needs, bottleneck areas, tight corners.  Josh presented old maps of GH with previously approved and installed signage (see below), some of which has gone missing over the years since.  Asked if the missing signs could be replaced sooner, before a study of present needs is completed, Josh thought so.

     He encouraged us to put up our own “Children at Play” type signs as the Road Department doesn’t have these.

Here is his report

Hi Gretchen,

We will begin by addressing those issues that we can start improving upon just from a signing perspective. I will be leading that effort. We will be assessing the parking and signage based on our guidelines/Multimodal Transportation standards and the federal Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The next step will be to draft an updated sign plan. When that is ready (~2-6 weeks) we will send the plans out for comments. Afterward, we will attempt to incorporate the comments into the final plans. Depending on our sign shop’s workload we will then install the signs using our crews or contracting the work if needed. The goal being to have the signs installed by late spring/early summer next year at the latest.   

We will work on figuring out how and who should address the other issues (culverts, steps encroaching into the road, pavement condition, planning, codes, etc.) as we go along.

We identified four signs that were missing. Two of them are the ones in front of the school that we are going to wait to reevaluate the location and time restrictions before reinstalling. The other two No Parking signs along the south side of Main Street may have been replaced today or will be next week.      

Thanks,

Joshua Trickey, Traffic Operations Engineer

Boulder County Public Works

jtrickey@nullbouldercounty.gov

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the August  14, 2023, Zoom Meeting

Next Town Meeting is Monday, October 9, 7:00 p.m. 

 The meeting was called to order by Chair Marcus Moench.  Twenty people attended: Marcus, Vice Chair Elisabeth Caspari, Boyd Brown, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, Member at Large Dan Maedke, Treasurer Chrissy Maedke, Watershed Collective member Maya MacHamer, Shannon Lindow and Eli Zabielski (new to town in Terry Walter’s house) Marybeth Neal, John Hatlelid, Val Crist, Dick Cole, Kevin and Clare Tone, Bear Carlson, Kris Gibson, Deb Yeager, Kris Gibson, and Jeff (last name unknown).

Minutes – were approved as published as there were no corrections or additions.

Elections – First order of business was our annual election.  Marcus announced that he and Elisabeth are planning to step down because of travel plans and commitments to Mountain Stewards and mitigation.  He asked who might be interested in running, adding that there are a lot of interesting things coming up to deal with: cycling, traffic, shooting, ATVs, WF Mitigation.   Chrissy reported on the various positions and duties noting that there a lot of active entities in town and it takes a lot of people to keep it all going and to make a meaningful input on issues affecting our town and adding that there is a lot of support for everyone who does step in.  Deb also wanted to encourage the new members in town.

      Chair – Bear nominated Dan Maedke and Boyd seconded (Bear was nominated, but declined) and Dan was elected unanimously.  And, with that, Dan took over managing the meeting and elections.

     Vice Chair – After quite a bit of discussion and encouraging to the newer, younger members of the community,  Marcus nominated Eli Zabielski, Val seconded, and as there were no further nominations, Eli was elected unanimously as our new Vice Chair.

     Treasurer – Marcus nominated Chrissy, Gretchen seconded, no further nominations, and Chrissy was elected unanimously.

     Member at Large – Bear nominated John Hatlelid, who is particularly interested in cycling issues and Switzerland Trail safety, and he was elected unanimously.

     Secretary – Gretchen agreed to continue, there were no further nominations, and she was elected unanimously as well.

For a description of the GHTM and our bylaws, go to the town website   goldhilltown.com  and on the left, under Community Info, click on
What it the Gold Hill Town Meeting.

Sunset Trail Running Festival – Maya reported that the race is the morning of Sunday the 20^th.  It was last held in 2019 and now is happening again – a little scaled down to lessen the impact on town.  It will start and end at the beer garden.  They will have buses  shuttling people up from Boulder, they know some people will drive, and there will be paid parking for them.  The profits will go to Gold Hill for mitigation projects.  They are looking for volunteers to help.  Please direct any questions to her (maya@nullboulderwatershedcollective.org).  In 2019 they raised $4200 and is was the seed money that has allowed them to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for mitigation projects over the years since.  The small start has had big results and we’re grateful to Maya and the Watershed Collective.

Gold Hill Mill update – Gretchen contacted Dick Cole and he sent this email:

The Decision date for the Conversion Application 1, CN-1, at the Gold Hill Mill, Permit File No M1994117 has been extended from July 10, 2023 to September 20, 2023.

 Colorado Milling Company still has several compliance issues to address by this date. 

Contact at DRMS is Patrick Lennberg 303 866-3567 x8144 or <patrick.lennberg@nullstate.co.us>

 here is the link I used:   https://dnrweblink.state.co.us/drms/search.aspx

Customize…use Template

Template…use DRMS Permit Index

Permit No….use M1994117

Search start date, end date

ATV Usage on public roads and the Switzerland Trail (ST) – Kevin and Clare Tone report no big updates except that rental use in unexpectedly down for this time of year.  They still encourage people to call in illegal use to the Boulder County Sheriff non-emergency number 303-441-4444 .  John added that he’s been biking up here for 6 years and has seen a major change in safety on the ST.  Marcus added that there is a legal line between groups of rental people and individual locals – attitude and the safety piece – friendly, mindful people versus speeding rental people driving off road and degrading the ST.  Clare urged the town to get together with the county and develop a unified approach.

Shooting – no news

Parking Issues – Boyd reported that the amount of music and big gatherings, plus many more days of the week, has increased, sometimes creating dangerous conditions.  Emergency access is threatened when events at both the Pub and the Inn basically set up one way streets in town.  What to do?  There is just not enough room in town,  particularly if people park on more than one side of  the road (the only place where both sides can accommodate parking is the block in front of the Inn and not really there if people don’t park carefully).  People also park in front of residents’ driveways and take up all the parking in front of their houses.  We need to do some problem solving.  Marcus pointed out that the Pub does have a shuttle now for some situations.  Val added that, having run traffic for the 4^th of July parade, she supports signs indicating parking on only side all the time, and no parking on a number of streets.  Bear, living on Gold Run Street, agreed that it’s getting harder and harder to get around.  Gretchen added we really need no parking signs on one side of Horsfal – when people park on both sides it can be almost impossible for even a car to get through. Kris Gibson reported that Saturday night there was no way to get a fire truck down the cemetery road and there needs to be no parking here to corner signs at intersections because there is no way to turn a fire truck if people park right next to the corner.  Gretchen reported that she has contacted the County Road Engineer, Josh Trickey, and he will come up, meet with us,  and help us with ideas.  Chrissy added that we all know we’ve exceeded our capacity to accommodate the traffic and parking up here – what can we as a community do?  Maybe put logs or boulders in some problem areas?  Dan has reached out to the businesses and asked if they could put something on their websites.  Shannon Lindow suggested a nice map of where it is OK to park would be very helpful to include on business websites or paper flyers or any event marketing (eg. races).

     The consensus is that we don’t want to involve law enforcement, but we might have to.

     Chrissy suggested brainstorming – charge people to park in driveways? Valet parking from up the hill? Make streets one way?!  John suggested painting the fence posts at the intersection red (universal signs for no parking) .  Dan added that the businesses are open to ideas and will put info on their websites.

    Boyd is concerned about the character of the town.  The weekends have always been busier, but now there are so many days and so much more traffic, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and now some Wednesdays, too.    We all like being nice and supporting our local businesses, but sometimes people can live with things because it lines their pocketbooks.   Maybe they could tail back a little.

    Bear suggested informal parking tickets – we could put notes on windshields letting people know the issues.  Kris asked if the tables in the street in front of the Pub couldn’t go behind the Pub and not narrow Main Street.  Deb pointed out that the bicyclists’ group in Boulder has provided a bike rack in back of the Pub, and she suggested a sign in front to point to it.  Whitey is aware of the congestion.

    John asked about cones and homemade signs to maintain the town character, but Kris replied that she, Marie, Val, and the Red Store people have been trying cones at the crossroads for ages and it’s not a sufficient answer.  Dan will talk to the businesses again.

Addendum: Several of us did meet with Josh Trickey – report to follow.

COMMITTEE REPORTS –

AirLink – Chrissy is working on a Ham class in the fall – more info to follow.

Cemetery – no report

Community Events and Fundraising – Dan is in discussion about a September event – the goal of holding these events is high on the list.  They do have new pint glasses.  There was a lot of support expressed for our bake/rummage/craft sale.

Gold Hill School – Chrissy reports that school starts on Wednesday, August 16 and they  are excited to have Whitey’s daughter-in-law, Raelee Debroux, working with them as the Office Manager.  There is also a new Principal this year, Jess Sievers.

They will be having their traditional fund raisers and field trips and are working on the details and dates for their calendar.

The big thing is the 150^th Birthday Party over the Labor Day Weekend – details to go out and  posted on the town website.

Historic Zoning – Bear reports that the only news is that Eli and Shannon are putting new gutters on their house (Terry Walters’ old house)

IMA – Pam Sherman sent an email reporting –  there is actually  no IMA report for GHTM at this time. The only real important news from the ODM (Office of Disaster Management) meeting I attended was the new ODM website–very easy to use. The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is replacing the previous Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

     In terms of preparedness, the IMA is just starting to write a Mountain Resilience Toolkit which will go on the ODM website, but that’s just starting, so no news yet, nothing to view. 

Mountain Stewards – Marcus reports that they are looking at the AIM Grant to continue with wildfire mitigation and support energy stuff (heat pumps, EV charging station, etc.)  More info to follow.

Museum – Deb reports that the Museum is continuing to be open Saturdays and Sundays through September.  They finished the Community Outreach event.  Chrissy is excited that the Museum of Boulder will come up to the School Celebration on Sunday, September 3 at the GH Museum and Sylvia Pettem will also attend and write an article!

NeighborLink/SafeLink – Deb reports no changes – NeighborLink is basically a phone tree and will alert people (text or phone) in case of emergency or evacuation, etc.  She is looking for tech people to help.

Weed Management – no report

Fire Department – Boyd reports that there are a lot of things going on with figuring out the budget given the mill levy increase, the change in the Chief situation, and working on strategic planning for the future.  There is a lot of good energy on the board and they’re working well together. The goal is to be more communicative and to include more areas of the district as far as services and resources.  They’re working on engineering stuff with the firebarn (the trucks are very tight with our narrow, short doors) and we need to house the UTV.  The MOU with Fourmile and Lefthand designating Bret Gibson and Chris O’Brien acting chiefs is going really well. 

     Firewood at the Ashram: Yes, a town day has been designated for Saturday, August 26 and possibly another on September 16 if there is wood left.  There is still a lot of green wood that won’t be available until next year.  The wood from the Ashley property is all being removed and sold by the contractor.

Fall Bocce Tournament – Bear announced that the new date is Saturday, September 9, in deference to all the school festivities over the Labor Day weekend.

Treasurer’s Report – Chrissy’s report

She also reports some successes: we now have a unique id number for the Aim Grant, and  0 Pine Street (our property behind the Red Store along Lickskillet) is now tax exempt and backdated.  We still have some other adjacent properties that could be consolidated.  She brought up the idea of, “What if the town were able to own the Latham lots ?”  The County has been approached to adjust the fees for us as a non-profit, but it’s a long process and requires a survey which is expensive.

     October is designated as our budget meeting, so ideally our committees should assess their needs/possible fund requests and bring them for our proposed budget.  Then we can roll with an approved budget for 2024 although there is not much money available.  We have applied for some small grants.

OTHER NEWS – Deb asked what happens in the future if a film company comes to town?  We should have guidelines.  Gretchen added,  particularly for communication.  Marcus added, not just for movies, but other big events that have the potential for major disruption/inconvenience.  Deb approached the movie folks about not using the name Gold Hill, but they said if it’s on a map, they can use it.  Bear said that we have some precedent with the County with Historic Zoning.  Guidelines have been established and the County doesn’t approve permits until Gold Hill has weighed in.  We need to set up basic guidelines/standards for any major event and Dan volunteered that should be doable.  Bear added that we now have a vibrant young film making group in town and maybe get them involved.  Marcus added that we need to find out who is the permitting agency with the County and get in communication.

Next GHTM Meeting – October 9.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

If you know of anyone who would appreciate getting the newsletter, please let me know and I will add them.  Also, if you are no longer interested, let me know that, too, and I’ll get you off the list.

Thanks, G

Hello Gold Hill Neighbors, friends and families,

This is an update about The Neighborhood Angels Foundation fundraiser that was schedueled for October 7th.

Unfortunatley we had to postpone it due to circumstances beyond our control. It was a tough decision.

I want to say thank you to the 3 people who offered to donate items to the silent auction, that was very much appreciated. 

You will all be updated when we have a new date and all the details through this great newsletter.

Please feel free to write to me: neighborhoodangelsfoundation23@nullgmail.com

Thanks for your support and understanding,

Liz Vanek

We are officially “weathered out” for the Sunday performance of “Ojo de Luna” at Windy Acres.  We are likely going to reschedule for an afternoon in mid-September.  I will keep you posted.    Thanks.