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Volunteers needed for mitigation work

Volunteers needed to spread chips for mycorrhizae inoculation in fire mitigation area: Ashram, Saturday, 9:30-12:30
 
As part of the Boulder Watershed Collective supported fire mitigation projects, a large amount of wood chips are being spread and inoculated with mycorrhizae.  The goal is to speed decomposition while also improving soil health in recently mitigated areas.  This has been shown to work on very small experimental plots but the initiative at the Ashram is a “first of its kind” experiment to determine whether good results can be achieved on large areas.
 
In order to prepare for the inoculation, the BWC and GHTM need a large group of volunteers to help spread chips.  We’ll meet at at 9:30 at the Ashram temple parking lot (follow signs to the temple).  Maya is coordinating so please let her know if you’re planning on coming or have any questions.  Her email is; maya@nullboulderwatershedcollective.org
 
This should be a fun event and a great chance to participate in the Gold Hill fire mitigation work!
 
Marcus Moench
ghtownmeeting@nullgmail.com

Insurance problems?

Tim Drugan, a journalist with Boulder Reporting Lab, is working on a story regarding the experiences people in the mountains are having getting (or retaining) fire insurance.  If you have particular experiences and would like to talk to him, his email is: tim@nullboulderreportinglab.org.  He’s heard anecdotally that people have been having difficulty obtaining insurance and that rates have increased dramatically.  
 
Tim is trying to finish an article this week so please contact him ASAP if you’d like to communicate your own experience 
 
Marcus Moench
marcus.moench@nullgmail.com

Site Tour: Forsythe II Post-Treatment Visit

 

Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 1:18:20 PM

Subject: Fw: Sign up for Friday’s Forsythe II Post-Treatment Site Tour!

 
 

Spring Clean Up

2023 Spring Clean Up – Plea for Volunteers. please contact me, Gretchen, at gretchend@nullmac.com or 303-442-3847    THANK YOU!

Saturday, June 24, 2023

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Bluebird Lodge parking lot.

For all within the Town Meeting boundaries 

DIVERSION is the focus again this year.  Boulder County is a great support for our diversion/recycling efforts, but they are no longer providing any money for trash disposal.  We will be getting one dumpster for trash and we will have to pay for it ($638), so we will need to charge (rate sheet at the end). 

Three Dumpsters will arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. – 1 for junk/trash (we will need to collect a fee for trash and donations for the diversion stuff), one for metal, one for wood – slash and general wood/lumber as in the past.  Please don’t come with stuff earlier than 9:00. 

***And, yes, please, we need volunteers to help!***

To volunteer, please contact me, Gretchen Diefenderfer, at gretchend@nullmac.com  (303-442-3847).

DIVERSION (see http://www.ecocycle.org/charm). 

Mixed rigid plastics (playground stuff, coolers, etc.) and Styrofoam 

Tires – no rims.

Electronics, small appliances

Appliances – refrigerators!

Mattresses

Household hazardous waste (HHW)

            Oil, Antifreeze

           Car batteries

            Latex paint

 

        METAL Container – No liquids – No fridges – No tires on rims (just rims are ok!) – No batteries – No paint cans with paint still in them.  We will take fridges and tires this year, but they have to go in the diversion trucks [there will be one for tires and appliances, one for HHW, one for mattresses, and more for electronics.   Wire fencing and barbed wire are ok

       WOOD Container – No chemically treated wood including stain or paint – No nails in the wood (although a few seem to be ok, just not an excessive amount) – No particleboard.  Slash is ok – no longer than 18” (be judicious with this – there is only one dumpster and it can’t take a forest of slash) 

        TRASH  Containers  – junk – No recyclables!  We need to pay for this and will need to charge for trash. We also request donations for the diversion items.  Please remember that it would be much more expensive to take a truckload to the dump or to Nederland (a carl load taken to Nederland is charged $25 and a small pick up is $40).

         $5 per large trash bag

            $20  per car, van, or SUV (less for just a few things)

            $35 per pick-up truck or trailer full

            $35 – 40 per vehicle with trailer

 Repurposing – We encourage people to bring stuff that others might want.  Be prepared to pick these items up if no one wants them, or for them to go into the dumpsters.  We will take some stuff down to donate in Boulder, either to second hand stores or to Resource 2000 – would love volunteers to help with this.

 Any propane bottles must be vented and this means the entire top mechanism must be removed.  Just opening it does not suffice. We made this mistake once and it cost us

It’s amazing how much stuff piles up!  This is your chance to clear that stuff out!

And, yes, please, we need volunteers to help –  please contact me, Gretchen, at gretchend@nullmac.comor 303-442-3847    THANK YOU!

GHFPD Board Meeting 5/16/23 notes

Notes on the GHFPD Board meeting 5/16/2023 – Gretchen Diefenderfer

Next Meeting Monday, June 19, 2023

The meeting was called to order by Kent Coghill.  Thirteen people were present: Kent, Kris Gibson, Leslie Finn, Val Crist, Jessica Brookhart, Chief Bret Gibson, Chris Dirolf, Boyd Brown, Max Yeager, Anita Sturtz, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Chief Chris O’Brien, Rick Sheingold.

Election Results – All board members have been sworn in and their oaths have been submitted. All oaths were witnessed.

Kent suggested that we try to limit our discussions because the meetings have been so extended.  We have decided not to Zoom the meetings for now unless there is a special need.  This generated a discussion about the importance of being in person, the desire for transparency and need to include people, and the difficulty to do both in person and Zoom.  Bret reported that the County Commissioners air their meetings, but don’t take comments.  The decision was reached that we would try this for the next meeting.

Minutes- Kent reported one clarification to the April minutes emailed to the board: The $1,000 approved for Chief Finn and the party was intended to be the total for the gift and food.  Jess will get with Shivaun Finn to transfer funds.  Boyd moved to accept the March and April (as amended) minutes, Max seconded and it passed unanimously.

 

Chief’s Minutes – Bret passed around pictures of Fourmile’s UTVs.  They have taken Chris Finn’s inventory, validated it, and put it against the NFPA recommendations.  The shortfalls (middle of the road estimations) amount to approx. $52,000.  For instance, it’s recommended to have a small wildland pump on each truck (~$7,000 each), plus chain saws and more, newer hose to start with.  There is talk among our neighboring districts ( including Indian Peaks, Pinewood, Big Elk) to do a lending library or closet for gear.  A lot of money is involved and the possibility of saving among the departments would be an advantage. We need a small parts capital plan as well as capital plans for the big items – trucks, station, etc.

            We are starting our redevelopment goals for officers and truck engineers.  Whitey, Leslie, Chris Dirolf, and Bret met -Leslie has handed over training to Kent.  There are no officers for right now, except for Whitey as Assistant Chief, until they’ve been checked off.  In sync with neighboring districts, there are two main ways the different levels (Firefighters, Lieutenants, Captains, etc.) can be qualified – either very comprehensive and specific (detailed task books, etc.,) or more general – for instance, for Firefighters, getting checked off by a proctor after demonstrating knowledge and skills and general district knowledge.  For now, it was decided to go with more general.  For instance, Val and Kris could sign each other off – they will be trusting each other on calls and fire lines.  We can move on to more comprehensive, which would encourage people to be motivated and learn all details.  Kent volunteered that they could do some one on one check offs before regular trainings.

Medical Truck – Bret reports that when the medical truck comes back from repair work, this will give people confidence that all is in good repair.  Then the other trucks need to be checked out. 

Equipment Needs – Steffi Wilson is handling quartermaster job.  We do know we’re short on wildland tools.  Bret asked that we send our list to him and Chris O’Brien to see if they have any available to share.  Kent thinks we should allocate $1,000 for some new tools – it would be a morale booster to know we have good tools for our needs.  Kent will get with Steffi and come up with a prioritized list.  Chris O’Brien added that they have access to tools through the DLA.

Readiness – New protocols for camp fire response are coming out.  Bret added that we also need to address this at a meeting with the board. 

Strategic Planning – Bret reports that Fourmile is going through comprehensive strategic planning – they are lucky enough to have a former IBM strategic planner on their board and he has offered his time to Gold Hill after the Fourmile assessment is complete.  It will id. strengths and weaknesses and next steps.  He, Robert Constable, will meet with a couple of the board members and can show them some examples.  Chris O’Brien has a 42 page one he will share with us.

Truck Report – Max reports that Mountain View is anxious to have us get our truck out of there.  They have evaluated the truck and fixed the pump.  We would have to sign a waiver regarding the tires being unsafe unless we replace them.  Tires will be ~$4,200 for new ones and rims.  The other two trucks will be less than that and can be replaced up here.  Max is asking them for an invoice.  He’s uncertain of their brakes assessment and recommends a new GMC Dealer (Trans West) in Henderson who would work on the chassis and brake shoes, etc. on a DOT check.  If the GM engine fails, the truck is done – it’s old and parts are difficult to get.  Costs: $4,200 + $2,800 x 2 for new TOYO radials for the 3 trucks, ~$2,000 to Mountain View for repairs and evaluations.  Boyd moved that we take $13,500 out of the reserve budget for the new tires for all 3 trucks, the Mountain View repairs, and Trans West brake evaluations.  Chris Dirolf seconded and the motion passed.

Bret was asked about his suggestion of a loaner medical rescue truck in the meanwhile.  He recommended we do a familiarity training.

UTV – Bret has spoken with Whitey and they agree we need to get the UTV equipped, up and running.  Actual requirements from Boulder County are just that we have to have the factory lights on while in use.  We also need stickers to identify it as a fire department vehicle.  Bret, and Dave and Matt Sturtz can put in radios, light bars, siren, etc.  Bret recommends an OEM Powerblock, Polaris approved.  Can probably get lights from the City of Boulder shop.  Chris Dirolf will check with them.  Boyd had questions about how the litter is mounted in the pictures Bret brought.  Bret reports that they have transported ~ 10 people in fair weather.  They do carry a tarp and in bad weather wd have to improvise (street engineering).  It goes where an ambulance or truck can’t.  Estimated costs ~$500.

Petty Cash – Jess has set up a petty cash box with $300 in the office for immediate needs.  She and Whitey have keys and she will get Whitey as a signer on the FD credit card.  Receipts will be required for reimbursement.

Administrative sharing – Kent asked if Fourmile’s administrative assistant is available.

 

Other Business –

            Grants – Kris reports nothing new.  Maya will hear about the AIM grant next week.  Teens, Inc., will be here in June and they have a good list of home hardening needs from the wildfire preparation day.

            Kent reports they also have received $3,000 from…….

            Chris Dirolf reports that Boulder West Wildfire Authority is working with the CWPP group looking to see where the needs are and challenges going forward.  He reports that the Avenza maps are great.  They are evaluating evacuation strategies for egress in emergencies – how to get everyone out.  Boulder Communications has a training piece.

            Bret reports that there is grant money available for EV charging stations at public spots through Colorado Care – free!

            He recommends we come up with “pocket grants” – lists of needs/wants we can plug right in when money becomes available.  We also need a purchase agreement for grants.

Website – Kris had questions about posting protocols, etc.  Jess is working with Whitey on it.  Also Firefighters lists – names, phone numbers, emails, would be password protected.

Bank account signers – needs to be updated – Jess is on and Boyd and Chris Dirolf will be added.

4th of July Parade and Breakfast – Leslie reports that the pancake breakfast is a no-go without access to the Inn and she will not be in town.  We can always do the parade  with the caveat that traffic control is always a challenge – we can’t close the road.  Possibly Donal, and Dave and Matt Sturtz will help as they have before.

New Board – Kent agreed to serve as President, but cannot do Secretary minutes as well.  Jess agreed to serve as Treasurer and Secretary as far as taking care of the website and posting the minutes, etc., but would not take minutes.  The Recording Secretary does not have to be a board member and Gretchen Diefenderfer agreed to do it, but will be out of town for the next meeting – Boyd will take minutes.  They need to be distributed to the board members for corrections or additions before submitting them for approval and website posting. Chris Dirolf was tasked with being Vice President.  Max is happy to oversee the trucks. A motion was made to approve all these positions and passed.

 Meeting Schedule – Boyd suggested we consider a different day other than Tuesday for meetings.  After discussion, it was decided to move to the third Monday of the month.

 

Gretchen Diefenderfer

           

 

2023 Spring Clean Up

2023 Spring Clean Up

Saturday, June 24, 2023

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Bluebird Lodge parking lot.

For all within the Town Meeting boundaries 

DIVERSION is the focus again this year.  Boulder County is a great support for our diversion/recycling efforts, but they are no longer providing any money for trash disposal.  We will be getting one dumpster for trash and we will have to pay for it ($638), so we will need to charge (rate sheet at the end). 

Three Dumpsters will arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. – 1 for junk/trash (we will need to collect a fee for trash and donations for the diversion stuff), one for metal, one for wood – slash and general wood/lumber as in the past.  Please don’t come with stuff earlier than 9:00. 

***And, yes, please, we need volunteers to help!***

To volunteer, please contact me, Gretchen Diefenderfer, at gretchend@nullmac.com  (303-442-3847).

DIVERSION (see http://www.ecocycle.org/charm). 

Mixed rigid plastics (playground stuff, coolers, etc.) and Styrofoam 

Tires – no rims.

Electronics, small appliances

Appliances – refrigerators!

Mattresses

Household hazardous waste (HHW)

            Oil, Antifreeze

           Car batteries

            Latex paint

 

        METAL Container – No liquids – No fridges – No tires on rims (just rims are ok!) – No batteries – No paint cans with paint still in them.  We will take fridges and tires this year, but they have to go in the diversion trucks [there will be one for tires and appliances, one for HHW, one for mattresses, and more for electronics.   Wire fencing and barbed wire are ok

       WOOD Container – No chemically treated wood including stain or paint – No nails in the wood (although a few seem to be ok, just not an excessive amount) – No particleboard.  Slash is ok – no longer than 18” (be judicious with this – there is only one dumpster and it can’t take a forest of slash) 

        TRASH  Containers  – junk – No recyclables!  We need to pay for this and will need to charge for trash. We also request donations for the diversion items.  Please remember that it would be much more expensive to take a truckload to the dump or to Nederland (a carl load taken to Nederland is charged $25 and a small pick up is $40).

         $5 per large trash bag

            $20  per car, van, or SUV (less for just a few things)

            $35 per pick-up truck or trailer full

            $35 – 40 per vehicle with trailer

 Repurposing – We encourage people to bring stuff that others might want.  Be prepared to pick these items up if no one wants them, or for them to go into the dumpsters.  We will take some stuff down to donate in Boulder, either to second hand stores or to Resource 2000 – would love volunteers to help with this.

 Any propane bottles must be vented and this means the entire top mechanism must be removed.  Just opening it does not suffice. We made this mistake once and it cost us

It’s amazing how much stuff piles up!  This is your chance to clear that stuff out!

And, yes, please, we need volunteers to help –  please contact me, Gretchen, at gretchend@nullmac.comor 303-442-3847    THANK YOU!

2024 GH Calendar

Birthdays!  Do you have a birthday you’d like on the birthday page?  Or know of ones that should be taken off?

Please let me know.  Thanks

Gretchen

Aspen Moon Farm/Gold Hill CSA

Starting Next Week! Aspen Moon Farm/Gold Hill CSA
 
The Aspen Moon Farm CSA (community supported agriculture) begins next Wednesday, May 24th. There’s still time to sign up if you are interested.
  1. Learn more about Aspen Moon Farm’s CSA (weekly or bi-weekly veggie shares, fruit- and flower-share add-ons)
  2. Sign up here and choose the Boulder pickup on Wednesdays
  3. Send me (Liz) an email to let me know what you signed up for: lizwiig@nullgmail.com
If you signed up, please be sure to let me know, otherwise your share may not make it up the hill!
 
Text or email Liz Wiig with any questions: 
209-352-8849

GH News in The Mountain Ear

Hello Neighbors,
 
As I was reading the latest issue of the Mountain Ear, I was pleased to see three articles relating to the great stuff going on in Gold Hill!  Check them out linked below:
 
Wildfire Preparedness Day:
 
Gold Hill hosts Wildfire Community Preparedness Day – The Mountain-Ear
themtnear.com
 
A new season at the Gold Hill Inn:
 
Vanek’s Nonprofit, Neighborhood Angels:

 

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

Mountin’ Mountain Walk

Memorial Day Mountin’ Mountain Walk
Twenty five years ago this summer the first Mountin’ Mountain
walk happened!   It has survived every Memorial Day, through 
rainy days, windy days, and covid days, at times with up to 40 
walkers, at times with five or six.  
 
Local walkers, runners and otherwise non-motorized mountain 
folk are invited to join us on Memorial Day,  Monday, May 29.  
 
The walk starts out where CR 52 meets the Peak-to-Peak Highway,
9:30 a.m sharp.  The walk is approx seven miles long.  We take a 
group photo and then everyone progresses at their own speed until 
we reach Gold Hill, with one stop enroute. 
 
We stop at the almost half-way point where David and Maggie set
up a SAG wagon where the Switzerland Trail intersects CR 52.  
There we take a break to enjoy beverages, baked goods and many
tasty treats.  Feel free to contribute food by dropping it off at the
camper enroute to the start point, or make a monetary donation.
 
Meet in front of the Inn at 9 a.m. for carpooling to the start point.  
If you’re able to transport walkers, thank you in advance.
 
See you on Memorial Day!
Pam Leland, Maggie Simms and David Brigham

Helicopters at Rock Stadium

An outfit from Montrose – Blade Runner – was here here stringing power line down in Lefthand. It stopped up at Rock Stadium, our old softball field, to refuel.  

For those who knew MaryLou Nozisko

There will be a celebration of life for MaryLou Nozisko – 7/10/54 to 3/28/23 – at the Gold Hill Cemetery on Saturday, May 20, at 2:00 p.m.

Certified GHFPD Election Results

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Estate Sale, Linnea Grovom

Estate Sale Linnea Grovom

430 Dixon Road   grey house / white trim

Saturday May 20  — Sunday May 21  10:00 a.m.  — 2:00 p.m.

Moving to Portland, OR after 40 years in Gold Hill

Large house to small retirement apartment

Vases to Dishes.  Weed eater to Tools.  Lots Lots lots

Love seat to wall pictures   crayons to cookbooks.  And lots more

Bring packing material and a smile

Emergency Information

Some of you may have received this through the IMA group already.  If so, please excuse the duplication.

Subject: Emergency Notification information

 

As promised.

 

  Joycelyn Fankhouser, CO-CEM, BS

Emergency Manager

 

Phone: 303-591-4424

Email: jfankhouser@nullbouldercounty.org

 

3400 Broadway

Boulder, Co 80304
 

Web: www.bouldercounty.gov

  
 

The Peak to Peak Housing and Human Services Alliance is a gathering of representatives of human services organizations serving the Peak to Peak area of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, coming together to identify needs, expand and enhance services to the residents of the Peak to Peak community, and promote inter-agency communication.
 
https://www.p2phhs.org/

May 2023 Alert and Warning Suggested Press Release Content

Improvements made to county-wide alert and warning systems post-Marshall Fire

Multiple improvements have been made to the alert and warning systems used by the four Public Safety Answering Points, or PSAP’s (911 dispatch centers) in Boulder County in the aftermath of the Marshall Fire. Some of these changes were already being worked on prior to the fire, and some of the updates have been made since the fire.

“Since the Marshall Fire, there has been a tremendous amount of effort put towards making sure we can warn the community when there is an emergency. The collaborative approach to this work has created a system that can work across jurisdictional boundaries,” said Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson.

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) Implementation

Boulder County Communications, Boulder Police and Fire Communications, and Longmont Emergency Communications completed the implementation of IPAWS in April of 2022. This system allows 911 staff to send notifications for imminent life threats through Wireless Emergency Alerts (Amber-Alert Style), Emergency Alert System (broadcast radio and television) and NOAA Weather Radios at the request of local law enforcement and fire personnel.   

Language Access

The ReachWell translation app is now available to download and receive emergency alerts in over 100 languages/dialects. Alerts are automatically sent to the app, where users can access the content in their preferred language. Alerts are received by opting into a unique ReachWell group and do not require sharing your location. This application will deliver every notification sent from the Boulder County Communications, Boulder Police and Fire Communications, and Longmont Emergency Communications.

Google Translate is available on all www.BoulderOEM.com web pages. Click on the drop-down menu, “Select Language” in upper right-hand corner of website to select your preferred language.

All Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) messages will be translated for community members and visitors that set their mobile device preferred language to Spanish.

Updates to Everbridge

Everbridge is the software used to send emergency alerts to landlines, cell phones, text, TTY/TDD, emails, or faxes. All community members are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by going to www.BOCOAlert.org. 

Everbridge Resident Connection has also been added to our package plan. Resident Connection is a database of publicly sourced information that aggregates residential and business phone numbers that can be utilized to send out emergency alerts to impacted areas. The phone numbers in this database will automatically receive text messages and voice alerts when an emergency alert is sent, however, Resident Connection is not a substitute for opting into messages at www.BOCOAlert.org .

Emergency alert messages and an interactive map are now automatically posted to the www.BOCOAlert.org website, anytime an emergency alert is sent in Boulder County using the Everbridge software. Each alert will contain a web address to access more information about the specific alert.  The entire content of the alert is posted, so people who only received a 90-character message can view the complete content. The alerts and map capture the moment in time when it was sent and do not update as the status changes. As additional alerts are sent, they are posted in chronological order.

Public Safety Leader Partnerships

We have collaborated with all Boulder County law and fire agency stakeholders to develop consistent policies and practices for launching emergency alerts, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.

Planning sessions and tabletop exercises were held with first responders from Boulder, Larimer, Weld, and Broomfield Counties. These experiences allowed officials to work through potential issues and streamline business practices in the event we have an incident that crosses county lines.

All Boulder County PSAP’s can provide real-time support and back-up for each other. All PSAP’s have common business practices and use the same alerting terminology. This allows one center to send an emergency alert for another, if they are overwhelmed during a major incident.

Rebranding and Updated Education

Streamlining alert and warning sign-up and educational information in a county that has over 30 different police, fire, EMS, and search and rescue agencies had become difficult. To help minimize the complexity, the four Boulder County PSAP’s rebranded the alert and warning materials as, “BOCO Alert.” You can sign-up for emergency alerts or review additional information at: www.BOCOAlert.org.

Outdoor Warning Sirens

Some of the outdoor emergency warning sirens have been reprogrammed, according to each community’s preference of when the sirens may be utilized (e.g. add an option for use during wildfires). The sirens are in the communities of: Boulder, Eldorado Springs, Erie, Jamestown, Lafayette, Louisville, Lyons, and Superior. For specific information about your community’s siren, contact your local municipality, police or fire agency administration.

Pre-Planned Mapping

Public safety officials have developed pre-defined alerting areas for the entire county. These puzzle-piece-like shapes help first responders quickly communicate the location of alert distribution to their 911 center. The western half of Boulder County already had the areas identified, but now the entire county is complete. Additionally, the shapes were re-engineered to ensure compliance for the IPAWS system. Lastly, the pre-determined flood areas were also revamped for the same compliance factors.

If you need assistance logging in to your Everbridge account or have specific questions, use the following contact information for your jurisdiction:

City of Boulder:

rigginb@nullbouldercolorado.gov

City of Longmont:

Kenneth.Nichols@nulllongmontcolorado.gov

Unincorporated Boulder County, Erie, Lafayette, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, Superior, Ward:

AlertHelp@nullBoulderCounty.org

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Download the ReachWell App for Translated Emergency Alerts! Receive emergency alerts without sharing your location.

 

Download ReachWell app and “Allow” push notifications

 

Set your language.

 

Search and +Add BOCO Alert

 

 

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GHTM 4-10-23 Minutes

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the April 10, 2023, Zoom Meeting

Next Town Meeting is Monday, June 12, 7:00 p.m.

 Vice Chair Dan Maedke called the meeting to order as Chair Marcus Moench was out of town.  Twenty-one people attended: Dan, Treasurer Chrissy Maedke, Heidi Kessler, Richard Roth, Clare and Kevin Tone, Kate Inskeep, Brandt Parker, Val Crist, Steffi Wilson, Liz Wiig, Marybeth Neal, Erich Gundlach, Kris Hill, Virginia Schultz, Nadyne Orloff, Marie Brookhart, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, and members of Cycles for Community, Rob London, Matt Muir, and Mark Flolid. Please let me know if I missed anyone.

Minutes of the February 13th Meeting were approved as published.

Cycles for Community (CFC) – Rob London (with Alpine Bank), Matt Muir, and Mark Flolid attended.  They are board members of CFC, which is a non-profit.  Rob reported that they’ve met with Whitey DeBroux of the Gold Hill General Store and Pub about how to alleviate the impact they know bicyclists have on Gold Hill and want to contribute to the Store and to the Town Meeting.  Matt reported that CFC was founded originally in response to the flood, particularly in Lyons and Jamestown – paid for Porta Potties in Jamestown.  They want to help relations between the mountain communities and cyclists.  To help Whitey, they want to buy Porta Potties for the Store, and he will cover them with weathered wood so they’ll look better, and maybe provide a bike rack in back.  The money will pass through to the GHTM from Alpine Bank.  Val asked about stipulations, but there aren’t any.  Matt volunteered that Jim Conlin was his uncle and Sharon is his aunt, Mark and Dina Elder are his in-laws.  Chrissy Maedke thanked them for being a positive force.  Mark added that they also work to communicate with all the cycling community.  Virginia stated that they’d like to use donated funds for mitigation oriented expenses.

         Kevin Tone had a question about their constituents who are cyclists who go through GH and many continue to the Switzerland Trail (ST), which has seen a lot of use and been severely impacted by off road traffic.  He wonders if they see conflicts.  Mark replied that the Switzerland Trail is now so dangerous that he no longer uses it.  They could raise a voice.  He’d think the USFS could help. 

         Clare added that this is a good transition to the ATV issue.  They live west of town approx. four miles.  She taught horse riding and has been involved with the Broken Arrow Ranch, which is only 35 acres now, but classic historical horse property and she’s been involved in maintaining the horse culture of western Boulder County.  The community is dear to her heart.  She pointed out that around 2020 the Switzerland Trail (ST) suffered a big change with many more ATV rental vehicles.  She contacted Matt Henry with the Arapahoe Ranger Office for help, but that office is now closed.  There are two rental agencies in Larimer County: Backbone Adventure Sports and Estes Park Rentals, who supply 90% of the vehicle traffic on our part of the ST, especially in the off season – approx. November to mid-May or June when there are closures in Gilpin, etc., so the ST area is the only place available.  It’s had a big impact on the road, habitat, and animals.  Thanks to Kate for her work on this, too.  Somehow, Clare became the spokesperson, which became a problem because she got railroaded by the Forest Service, which is a difficult entity to deal with.  There are questions about the historic domain of the ST.  The County Commissioners are interested, but not certain of the jurisdiction.  The ST does exist on motor vehicle use maps, on Forest Service maps.  There is a lot of significance to jurisdiction.  There is a law passed by Jared Polis imposing restrictions on non-registered vehicles on County roads.  So, if the ST is under the County, that could take care of much of that part of the problem.  She’s contacted Chase Melching, a hard to get through to Forest Service guy with Arapahoe Roosevelt FS.  They do pay some money to help the Sheriff’s Department with legal enforcement of the rules, but still they’re strapped for cash and there is a history of poor organization between the agencies.

         So, she urges everyone to contact the County Commissioners (BOCC), especially if they notice anything illegal.  Call into the Sheriff’s non-emergency number 303-441-4444, for off road driving in the meadows, etc.

  Email Clare to keep in touch or for contact info for the County Commissioners or for more information  (goldhillforsafeswitztrail.com).  She recommends actively focusing on the BOCC – take pictures.  See

https://goldhilltown.com/friends-of-the-switzerland-trail/

         Kevin added that they’ve talked to the rental companies and they do try to tell their renters to stay on roads, but it’s not working – the garbage and human feces and general mess are a serious problem.  The whole parking lot is trashed.  They make around $700 rent/day – making money on our open space.

         Richard added that they often go clean up debris and see the actual destruction of the road,  they have put up barriers along the road to try to keep vehicles on the road – they seem to like to go down below and then go up through the Oxbow Curve – have almost destroyed the road there.  As for jurisdiction, it does have a County Road number.  The County maintained it for a number of years, but at some point seem to have stopped and left it to the Forest Service who have done nothing. So, he questions if FS has jurisdiction – he thinks it’s the County. 

         Clare replied that she is here to advocate for the squeaky wheel – we need to be it!  We can align with the cyclist groups for quiet use vs ATVs, for our safety and to protect this treasure for  promised they would put up barriers, but…  Clare  recommended downloading the Avenza road map for the Arapaho/Roosevelt Forest, which designates which routes are legal – beneficial to find out.

         Steffi questioned the long-term goal – do we want to keep out or not provide access for private ATVs, too?  Clare replied that her personal goal is to mitigate the impacts and degradation of our open space – thinks there is common ground around preserving the integrity  of the land and the habitat.

         Dan added that this information has opened the door to a conversation we are all interested in and perhaps we need a follow up meeting to further discuss.  Mark said that the CFC have lines to the County Commissioners, and thinks they should reach out on this.  Matt thinks a f/u meeting would be good.  Brandt got paper maps – more detailed – at the FS Office in north Boulder.  Kate favors seasonal closures or perhaps alternate days for vehicles vs quiet traffic.

         So, squeaky wheel!!

NEW BUSINESS – Land Acknowledgement – Chrissy reports that the land acknowledgement statement is a work in progress and we are interested in constructive feedback. Our intention is to join many organizations in recognizing that we’re on indigenous lands acquired unjustly.  So, what does this mean for us as far as collaboration, driving principles, education, stewardship?  We’re working on our power point presentation.  Here is the work in progress – looking for input

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MYrB7-rtIhWBu-GTR9_B2j-F5Jh3bf-kIiq3ozdCPKo/edit#slide=id.g2016b890b9e_0_0

 

         Erich suggested that we include historic information on our community – were a number of tribes residing here or?  Chrissy wondered about using the land for hunting or ceremonial purposes. She added that we just don’t know – the picture is fuzzy.  We’re hoping to collaborate with others and find out more.

Treasurer’s Report –

April 2023 Meeting Treasurer Accounting Report
Starting date: 2/13/23        
Opening Balances     Accounts Amount
    General 3449 $10,321.52
    Grants 7018 $500.00
    Savings 7000 $200.00
    Total Opening Balances:   $11,021.52
         
Income General 3449      
         
    Total   $0.00
         
  Grants 7018      
    Total   $0.00
         
  Savings 7000      
    Total   $0.00
         
    Total Income:   $0.00
         
Expenses General 3449 4Imprints (split- merch & neighborlink) 3449 $373.40
    Walgreens 3449 $35.45
    CO SoS 3449 $10.00
    DOLA- Dept of Treasury 3449 $226.00
    DOLA- Dept of Treasury 3449 $175.00
    Community Relief 3449 $500.00
    Evite 3449 $89.99
         
    Total   $1,409.84
         
  Grants 7018      
         
    Total   $0.00
         
  Savings 7000      
         
    Total   $0.00
         
    Total Expenses:   $1,409.84
         
Ending Balances   General 3449 $8,911.68
    Grants 7018 $500.00
    Savings 7000 $200.00
4/12/23   Total Closing Balances:   $9,611.68

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

AirLink – Chrissy reports that they are looking into interest in a Ham Radio Class – need a certain number to hold a class. 

Business District – Chrissy has added this to our report list in order to find out when there is any significant news.

Cemetery – no report

Community Events and Fundraising – Dan reports that we have new beer glasses and the new color is gold!  They are still looking into the idea of an online store where the GHTM, and possibly the Museum, Inn, and Store could have merchandise for sale and it would alleviate the need for us all to buy so much stuff up front.

Party With a Purpose – Happy hour at the Maedke’s on Wednesday to talk about what is the GHTM and what do we want it to be.  How do you see yourself fitting in?  What are your priorities?  Chrissy is always looking for input/interest/participation – email her at ghtmtreasurer@nullgmail.com

Gold Hill School – Chrissy reports that next year the school is 150 years old!  The PTO is just starting to plan and, so far, are thinking of a carnival during the Labor Day weekend.  They’re hoping to attract old students. 

Celebration for Chief Finn’s Retirement – Saturday, June 24 at the Gold Hill Inn.  Come out and say thank you for all the years of service – there will be food and drinks, too!

Gold Hill Spring Clean Up – Saturday, June 24 in the Bluebird Hotel parking lot – details to follow.  As always, the County supports recycling, reusing, repurposing, but we have to pay for the dumpsters, so there will be fees – working on it. Also, we’ll need volunteers to help – always a good thing to get some of our junk out of town.  <3

Flora, Garden, Weed Management – Chrissy reports that Pam Sherman (pamsher123@nullgmail.com) is excited to help anyone – to be a resource.  Will be putting together a new packet of information.

 

Gold Hill School continued –

Dear GHTM,

It’s spring in the Rockies, and life is good at the Gold Hill School!

We’ve been keeping very busy since the last meeting.  We had three great field trips in the last two months.  We went to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House to get a behind the scenes tour of the production, Die Tote Stade.  We sang with the singers from Opera Colorado, met with the stage manager, got to try on wigs and get stage makeup, checked out costuming, and spent time in the orchestra pit with a bassoon player.  That weekend, a smaller group of us were able to go see the production.  The next week, we were back at the Opera House to see the Colorado Ballet perform Cinderella.  We now have lots of children putting on their own ballet performances.  Finally, last week, the Opera Colorado came to us!  We teamed up with our friends at Jamestown Elementary, and Opera Colorado performed Pirates of Penzance for our combined 30 children.  What a treat!  All of these experiences were sponsored by SCFD.  We are also excited to announce that we will again be treated to the same SCFD grant next year.  

Back at school, we were hard at work preparing our own theatrical production!  Thank you to everyone who came out to see our original musical play, Gentlemen of Fortune: A Pirate’s Story, based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.  We were so impressed that our 13 children were able to pull off such a challenging script.  They were all fabulous, and we are just so proud.  

After the play, the students had a much-needed spring break.  Meanwhile, we were able to host the community again for a Columbia Clothing give-away!  Many, many thank yous to Jenna Balberg for making all of this possible.  Thanks to her, we’re all happily sporting lots of beautiful new threads.  We look forward to doing this again in the future.

As you may remember, our Principal, Scott Boesel is retiring at the end of this school year.  We have hired a new principal!  Jess Seevers will be leading Gold Hill, Jamestown and Flatirons Elementary.  Jess is coming from an Assistant Principal position at Monarch PK-8.  She is so excited to be a part of the team!  Some of you may have met her when she came to visit last weekend for the Columbia give-away.   She looks forward to coming to our future events and getting to know the community, so be sure to say hello when you see her!

This week, the 345 students were able to take a HAM Radio merit badge class through George Weber.  Thank you, George!  This class was meant to introduce the students to HAM radio, and bridge the gap between what we taught the students and what they should know before taking the HAM license class.  We’re hoping to be able to set up a HAM class for the community in the near future that the student can join.  

There is still time to enroll students in the Gold Hill School for next year!  If you know of anyone that may be interested in sending their kids to the Gold Hill School, please send them our contact information.  As always, we appreciate your interest and support!  

Warm Regards, 

Chrissy, Jojo, Eva & Dan 

Gold Hill School Staff
Goldhillschool.com | Christine.maedke@nullbvsd.org

 

Columbia  clothing giveaway – Thanks so much to Jenna Balberg!

Health and Human Services – Chrissy added this unfunded line item because we know there are unmet needs – some food insecurity, needs for ride sharing, etc.,  and we hope to bring attention and find ways to help.

Historic Zoning – no report

Mountain Stewards/Forest Management – Virginia reports lots of exciting stuff  is happening.  May 6, Saturday, from 9-12 at the Store is the Wildfire Awareness Day – burritos, education, tours, but no dumpsters this year.

         They are putting in for a large grant – AIM – to help with our mitigation goals.  Teens, Inc. will be coming June 19, 20.  Check the Boulder Watershed Collective link for more information on activities those days and updates on our ongoing mitigation work  https://www.boulderwatershedcollective.com

They strongly encourage everyone to sign up for emergency notifications with Boulder County Office of Emergency Management  https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612231/login  Virginia wants 100% participation!!

Museum – Deb reports that they will be open on Memorial Day and on weekends – new hours: 12 noon to 5 p.m.

NeighborLink and SafeLink – no report.

Upcoming Events

         Next GHTM,  Monday, June 12, 7 p.m.

GHFPD Board Election, Tuesday, May 2, 7 am – 7 pm, at theFirebarn.           Contact the DEO, Liz Wiig, for information and results  lizwiig@nullgmail.com

Addendum: results are posted at the Firebarn and on our website – https://goldhilltown.com/ghfpd-board-election-results/

 

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

  

 

 

 

 

 

Friends of the Switzerland Trail

Friends of the Switzerland Trail: Notice concerning illegal ATV/UTV use

When you see illegal activity, please call it into Boulder County Sheriff non-emergency dispatch at 303-441-4444 and reference case # 23-02146
 
 
Illegal activity includes:
– Driving ATVs/UTVs/’side-by-sides’ on county and neighborhood roads. For example on Gold Hill Road, Sawmill Road, roads around Gold Hill town. 
– Speeding or reckless driving by vehicles with trailers carrying these rental OHVs on County Roads, for example Gold Hill Road.
– Driving these vehicles anywhere off of USFS designated motor vehicle use routes. Yes, if you see illegal activity ON USFS lands, it should be called into Boulder County dispatch at the number above. See below for link to download official MVU map onto your phone. Works in realtime regardless of cell/internet connection.
– Reckless endangerement on any road, this could include speeding, failing to yield right of way to pedestrians, cyclists or horseback riders.
-illegal campfires, trash and refuse.
 
If you cannot call immediately, that’s OK. Referencing case # 23-02146 should help.
 
 

For more information email: goldhillforsafeswitztrail@nullgmail.com

Additional Actions:
 
1. Get the FREE official motor vehicle use map here. It really helps with understanding where ATVs/side-by-sides are and are not allowed:
 
2. Share this email with anyone else who may be interested in mitigating impacts from this activity in our neighborhood
 
3. Continue to express your concerns to the Boulder County Commissioners by emailing commissioners@nullbouldercounty.org or filling out form online here: Contact – Boulder County

REMINDER – May 6 Wildfire Awareness Day

Are you wondering what the mitigation project on the north side of Gold Hill looks like?

Do you have questions you’ve always want to ask Boulder Office of Emergency Management?

Do you need mitigation help or are wondering where to begin?

Are you concerned about usage of the Switzerland Trail?

Are you wanting to help your neighbors in need?

 

Come to the Gold Hill Store THIS SATURDAY (May 6) from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and get your questions answered.

Register here! https://www.boulderwatershedcollective.com/events-2/gold-hill-wildfire-awareness-day

 

And, hey!  Are you signed up for emergency alerts – you can enter up to 5 addresses, do it today!

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

 

Virginia

GHFPD Board Election results

Here are the results of the GHFPD Board election held on May 2, 2023

Recreational Sport Shooting Management Decision.

Below is a link to a USFS announcement about a public comment period on the their 2019 Recreational Sport Shooting Management Decision.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/landmanagement/projects/?cid=FSEPRD1101984 

Although public comment was received prior to the USFS 2019 final decision, there is now apparently another comment period required by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act.

I encourage anyone in the mountain areas of Boulder County that are concerned about recreational shooting to submit comments.  If the majority of comments submitted are from those opposed to the management plan (shooters) then I am concerned the plan may not be implemented as originally intended.  Note that they are asking folks to not duplicate comments that they may have submitted earlier.

Please note also that while Clear Creek, Gilpin and Larimer Counties are mentioned as being in the process of developing ranges, there is no mention of Boulder County doing so at this time.

GHFPD Board Meeting 4/18/23 notes

Notes on the GHFPD Board Meeting 4/18/23     by Gretchen Diefenderfer

The meeting was called to order by President Rich Lopez.  Ten people attended: Rich, Board members Kent Coghill, Boyd Brown, and Jessica Brookhart, Chief Bret Gibson, Assistant Chief Whitey DeBroux, Kris Gibson, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Max Yeager, and Steffi Wilson.

Approval of the minutes was deferred as Chris Dirolf was out of town and unable to email them.

Chief’s Report – Bret suggested that the report could be abbreviated, but does think the types and number of calls, as well as any changes are important.  He submits an annual written report to the Fourmile Board on yearly training and estimated costs.  His goal is to go over the skills covered at the academy and throw in a few more local ones.  Rich pointed out that  the Board had felt there was an absence of needed information and are fine with modified report in the future. Rich has heard feedback from people that they hope the MOU stays in place for at least a year or more.

Bret reported that he and Chief O’Brien have been having conversations about what’s next.  In short, we do have an OK department, but progress stopped some time ago and we need to reinvigorate and modernize.  It takes time and money, and training should be more relevant to us and our equipment.  He recommended a Firefighter course directed toward women in the fire service and the techniques would be helpful to all.

Trucks – the medical truck (5404) has been taken out of service and taken down to Mountain View for repairs and evaluation.  Addendum – here is the report: Engine 5404 Maintenance Status Report from Mt. View FPD Maintenance Division as of Friday Apr 28, 2023.

Work Order submitted: Change all fluids and filters and give the truck a thorough visual inspection looking for reasons to replace the truck as opposed to maintain and keep it in service.

Inspect and test the pump for function and certification noting that the drain valves are seized and non- functional.

Inspect the emergency/parking brake for overall condition. It does not hold on steep terrain.

Presuming the truck is a “keeper”, perform a DOT roadworthiness inspection and give us a report and estimate of cost to bring the truck into compliance.

Findings/Progress:

Fluid and Filter service is complete, and the truck reported to be in excellent condition for a 1981 model year.

The pump failed the function/certification test. In addition to the seized drain valves the primary pressure relief valve was seized in the open position. After cleaning and servicing all three valves the pump passed the test and is now performing as it should and is signed off as certified.

The emergency/parking brake was worn to the point of metal on metal and the linkage deformed and mis-aligned. The drum has been turned and the shoe re-lined and the linkage and cable bracket straightened and adjusted.

Expenses at this point $1720.00.

The DOT inspection revealed the 20” tires to be weather checked and the manufacture date code to be out of compliance by 25 years. 9.00 x 20” tires are not available in traction tread and the rims on 5404 are two-piece split rims so the remedy is switching to 11R 22.5 tires and wheel rims. Cost estimates are $4,279.50, $4,606.32, $4,922.64, $5,388.30, $3030.00 for tires only plus mounting and we supply the wheel rims.

The DOT inspection also revealed that the service brakes have 1/16th of an inch or less of service life remaining and replacement is recommended. Parts books and software are showing the parts as obsolete, so we have authorized Mt. View to dis-assemble front and rear brakes from one side of the truck to send in for sample to find out if they can be reconditioned if stamped part numbers reveal new parts to be un-available. Cost estimates pending results of this action.

The truck remains dead-lined and out of service for the time being and we will not decide on tires until the service brake issue is resolved.

Bret added that the red truck, 5439, represents the needs Gold Hill has.  The Yellow truck has a great pump, but as a response vehicle it is difficult  to operate and respond with effectively and efficiently.  In the long term, we need to make a decision on when to replace it.  New diesel trucks are becoming more expensive because of new EPA standards and used vehicles are also getting more expensive all the time.  We need to always be looking and to clarify our goals.  We need agreements with other agencies around us regarding purchases for the mutual good.

         On the flats, because they have hydrants, a structure fire requires 2 trucks and a battalion chief.  For a structure fire in the mountains, we need two engines, 3 tenders, 2 brush trucks, and 2-3 command personnel. We need to share among us to respond with all this equipment.  The BCFFA is on board.  Bret and Chris O’Brien would like to have an extended conversation with the new board to plan for this.  We need to bring our vehicles more in line with our mission.  Several departments have vehicles and equipment they are phasing out and we need to initiate conversations between givers and receivers.  Money is an issue and we need to have a 3-5 year strategic plan.

         He pointed out that at the time Margaret Hansen was chief the departments were all their own fiefdoms and we’ve gotten a lot further along now. Fourmile, Gold Hill, and Sunshine (neighbors who train together) were close to coordinating and moving trucks around so we would all have better response capabilities, but the momentum got lost some time ago. 

         There is now real progress toward dispatching by trucks versus department.  During the Fourmile Fire, tones went out by agency versus trucks which led to some confusion.  “Standard of Cover” is the new phrase applied to dispatch by truck vs agency.  The BCFFA (Boulder County Firefighters Association) is on board and the new Sheriff is going to put some money into the Communications Center, so we’re moving forward.

         Rich asked how the board can help and Bret replied they need to support this and maybe send someone like Kent, who is a professional firefighter, to speak for the department in support.  Fourmile, Sunshine, Gold Hill, Sugarloaf, Boulder Mountain and Boulder Rural all may be willing to move apparatus around.  We already have an IGA not to hold other agencies responsible for “OMG, you wrecked my truck.”  Insurance follows us in normal business practice.

         As Districts, we answer to the State.  Cities’ response is limited to their boundaries. 

         He also reported on Amendment 1B, which will provide quite a lot of money for fire needs in four general areas.  The Mountain agencies have requested increased support for education: the Firefighter Academy, wildland training, and EMS.  Allocation of funds for our medical advisor, Dr. Solvendahl, needs revision. We cover 70% of the county, but only 30% of the County pays for it.   Presently, west of 36, 90% of medical calls are on non-residents.  Gold Hill and Jamestown have more resident calls, but still a large percentage.  Also hoping for money for fleet maintenance – one goal is for the county to contract for fleet maintenance for all of us.  There is a mobile mechanic who could organize trips to our agencies and it would save money if coordinated among us.   Could mean less money for new fire trucks, however, so we’ll see.  He encourages everyone to attend a meeting in May at Sugarloaf to really talk about “Standard of Coverage” and in June the BCFFA is hoping to cement the Standard of Coverage protocols.

So, what do we really need? We need to make decisions.  What do we really need vs what would we love to have.

Bret adds that it’s imperative that the new Board take on additional tasks, like organizing district maps.  He strongly recommends we join the Special District Association, which would provide free legal counsel, free legal calendar, and training.  He thinks our department is small enough that the board needs to manage more.  So much needs to be repaired and managed.  As far as grants, we need a data set (Population, area, budget), a library of data that can just be plugged in.

Talking to Doug Ray and Paul Dennison about the IGA establishing the Boulder West Wildfire Authority, they need our formal resolution in support – moved, seconded and passed.

Brush Truck – Whitey asked what we do in the interim and Bret said please tone out Fourmile.  They also plan to put a UTV at the bottom of the Switzerland trail which carries 16g. of CAF, tools, etc.  Max suggested that since we have an empty bay right now with the medical truck gone, we need to get our UTV in it and start getting it serviceable.  Bret added we need to get GHFPD stickers on it so that if we use it on the roads the Sheriff will know it’s a FD vehicle. 

AIM Grant – the GHFPD has been asked to act as the fiscal agent for this and that motion passed.

Elections – Boyd reports that mailings have gone out for requested absentee ballots, judges chosen and trained, ballots printed.  Deadline to request an absentee ballot will be the 24th.  Bret recommended signs at the crossroads and Martha’s corner and Boyd will do.

The Ford truck is back in Fourmile and the brush trucks are gone to Calwood.

Rich reports that the GHTM has requested money for Chief Finn’s retirement party.  Motion made, seconded and passed.  Discussion ensued about appropriate awards – decided on and will be pursued.

 

 

 

 

GHFPD Board Election Candidate information

Here are your six candidates that will be on the ballot for the five member Gold Hill Fire Protection District Board.  The election is Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m at the Gold Hill Firebarn, 1011 Main Street

    .   The three, 4-year terms will be contested. You will vote for 3 of the 4 candidates.

  • The two, 2-year seats are uncontested.

Here is the link to the Fire Department website info    

                   https://www.goldhillfire.org/meet-the-2023-election-candidates

 

Leslie Finn

4 Year Term Candidate

Vote for Leslie for the GHFPD Fire Board. Leslie was born and raised in Boulder. She has lived in Gold Hill for 39 years. Leslie understands the workings of governmental agencies and is familiar with processes that must be followed to help a Fire Board to work as an efficient team. She will assure that all Colorado Revised Statutes are adhered to in accordance with the requirements by the Colorado Department of Local Agencies. Leslie stands for integrity and honesty. She is dedicated to helping the fire department continue to work toward ensuring the continued safety of the residents of Gold Hill Fire Protection District, including acquisition of new equipment and selection of a new fire chief. She is enthusiastic about the recent fire mitigation projects and looks forward to working with those who made them happen and those who will do so in the future. As a board member, one of her interests includes collaborating with the community to find grants that can be mutually beneficial. A vote for Leslie is a vote for clear communication and a safer community.

For more information on Leslie’s campaign, please visit her website at: weallwinwithfinn

Jessica Brookhart

4 Year Term Candidate

Hello! I’m Jessica “Jessie” Brookhart. I am a current member of the GHFPD Board. I have served as a your acting treasurer since 2017. I also volunteer my time as the bookkeeper for the Department. I am seeking reelection to the board to continue the momentum the board has gained over the last several years. It has been exciting to work with the current board members as they are very knowledgeable and experienced in all things fire, mitigation, fire equipment, etc. I also shared the task of writing grants that have raised over $60,000 directly to the department over the last 2 years (bunker gear x 10, UTV + Equipment) and I would like to continue raising funds beyond your tax dollars. I would also like to continue our collaboration with the neighboring departments through the CWPP, as well as continuing our formal and informal relationships with the Mountain Stewards and The Boulder Watershed Collective. These partnerships and friendships have made all of us more resilient.

A little bit about my background and why I am here in this special community. I was raised in Gold Hill in the 1980’s, before moving to the plains for latter part of my youth. My family has over 100 years of history in Gold Hill, including the home my parents live in on Horfsal St. making me a 4th generation, and my boys 5th generation Gold Hill Residents. My Great-great Aunt was the founder of the Bluebirds, a group of women that owned the Bluebird Lodge starting in 1921 and for many years thereafter. I won’t bore you with too much history, but my heart and history live here. After moving east and graduating from high school in Lamar, Colorado, I attended Colorado College, and Majored in International Political Economy, before transferring to the University of Colorado at Boulder to earn my degree in Economics. I currently work for The Hapa Group, Inc. a locally owned, 6 store, restaurant chain, where I oversee operations, technology, legal, licensing, HR, marketing, and many other functions, that come with being a leader in a small, local business.

My love for the community and its people brought me back to Gold Hill multiple times, but back for good 13 years ago. After very little coercing, I convinced my husband Gold Hill was where we wanted to raise our two boys (now 9 and 12). We built our current home on a lot that had a home burn down on it in the 2010 Fourmile fire. Through that building process we learned much about fire regulations for buildings in a fire zone, and it was during that time that I attended a fire board meeting as a community member. History will tell you that finding board members in Gold Hill isn’t easy, and so that little bit of interest I showed made me an easy target. They asked me to join the board a few weeks later, and I jumped in feet first and learned as I went. It hasn’t always been easy, in fact, much of it has been hard. I’ve been challenged intellectually and emotionally. But, this community has always been at the heart of every comment I make and every decision I support. We have accomplished so much in the last few years, but there is so much more on the horizon. If I am reelected I will server you proudly and openly. jbrookhart@nullgmail.com. 720-352-3596

William “Kent” Coghill

4 Year Term Candidate

My name is William “Kent” Coghill and I am a current board member and volunteer for the Gold Hill Fire Protection District. I have been a professional Firefighter, EMT, and Wildland Firefighter for the Denver Fire Department since 2019. Prior to this I worked in Forestry, Wildland Fire, and as a Law Enforcement Ranger focusing on wildlife management, search and rescue, wildland fire, community education, and law enforcement. During this time I volunteered for Nederland Fire and Rocky Mountain Rescue. I am originally from upstate New York and attended Goucher College in Maryland where I graduated with a degree in Anthropology and Sociology. I have been in Boulder since 2009 and a resident of Gold Hill since 2019. My decision to move to Colorado was spurred by a childhood spent in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. Whenever possible I try to spend my time outdoors, hunting or fishing, and I have a passion for conservation and protection of our natural resources. My wife and I have a one year old son and are due with our second child in October of this year. My reason for seeking election in 2023 is to continue to build upon the work the fireboard has so far accomplished. In my perspective I am still young in my career with first response but over my careers and volunteer work I have fought and witnessed historically devastating wildfires, communities destroyed by flood and fire, and traumatic medical emergencies with limited medical personnel. The one theme tying these things together is that these events occur with no regard for our egos. The second that we think we know more or better as an individual the quicker our egos will be checked. In this regard I believe that we must continue to focus on collaboration and partnership, with other fire agencies and with the community at large. We need to be a department of action, of planning, of education, of partnership, and of preparation. Additionally I am focused on modernization, with our equipment and our techniques for doing our job. If I am elected I hope to continue this work and focus on purchase of a new and mobile apparatus to assist with firefighting efforts. I will work to find more permanent leadership for the department and find opportunities to train up and promote our current volunteers. I will also work to help our firefighters and community members feel supported and heard and I encourage people to communicate with each other face to face to get the facts right and not allow rumors and personal differences to divide us and put a wedge in between what we can create. The challenges we face as a fire department and as a town are bigger and more ominous than they were 20 years ago. Dramatically increased tourism with higher road traffic escalates our chances of car accidents, traumatic injuries, and medical emergencies. Hotter and drier summers with historically turbulent wind events paired with dense forests and continuous fuels leading directly to our community increases our chances of fast moving wildfires and structure fires. If we are to effectively combat or prevent these occurrences then it has to be with an open mind and with a focus on partnership. I think that all of our candidates are excellent individuals who will do a great job as members of the fire board and I encourage this community to vote to show your support for this department and to get involved, attend meetings, and join our department. Thank you to all those who are currently involved and who put their time in to help protect and better this community and to all those who came before for their dedication and hard work. Thanks for your time in reading a little bit about me.

Max Yeager

4 Year Term Candidate

Hi,

My name is Max Yeager, and I am running for election to the GHFPD Board of Directors. I have been a resident of the town of Gold Hill and an active member of the Gold Fire Department for forty-nine years this summer. I have been an officer for most of those years including the position of Chief for several years during the 1980s. The Fire Department was all volunteer when I arrived here, and I helped educate the public on the advantages and necessities of transitioning to a special district. Not all were fond of creating another “tax liability”, but the special district obviously prevailed. A few months before acquiring a residence in Gold Hill, in 1974, I was honorably released from active duty in the US Army. One of my last duty assignments in the Army was the Armed Forces Ski Patrol, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria. My job with that organization was a medic and Ambulance crewman. I was a decent skier, but surrounded by Olympic hopefuls and qualifiers, I was better suited to serve the medical side of the patrol. This was not a combat unit but rather a part of the US Ski Patrol. We patrolled the downhill slopes as well as backcountry search and rescue for skiing and climbing incidents in the Garmisch area. My involvement with Scouting while growing up left me with certifications in standard and advanced first aid, junior and senior lifesaving, water safety instructor. I worked lifeguarding all through High School while operating my own lawn care business. These credentials helped me through the 50 hour medical crash course which was part of qualification to be selected for the ski patrol assignment in the Army. I grew up on the banks of the Shenango River in Mercer County, PA. not far from Youngstown, Ohio. I moved to Boulder to attend the College of Environmental Design at the University of Colorado in 1970. I was drafted into military service after my second year in that program. After the two- year active- duty assignment I returned to Boulder and, shortly after, Gold Hill. I returned to the Environmental Design program for a brief period, then switched to an Industrial Occupations program to complete a degree. I worked in corporate construction for several years before leaving the Flatirons Companies in 1981 to start the business I am still occupied with today. Having so much time involved with the Gold Hill Fire Department I truly believe I have many qualifications which would be invaluable to the process of moving the Department/District forward into the future.

Boyd Brown

2 Year Term Candidate – Uncontested

Hello, my name is Boyd Brown and I am a current Board member. Even though I am running unopposed I thought it might be useful for you to understand who I am, why I am running again and what I think the Fire Board needs to have as it’s vision and priorities in the coming years. I am a 5th generation Gold Hill resident who spent summers here as I grew up and made this community my adult home in 1971. My grandmother was born in Gold Hill. So my ties to this community are very deep. I am very committed to the history, the culture and the lifestyle this place affords all of us. To have an effective emergency response system in our community requires us to have a high level of community involvement, have adequate resources, functional gear and equipment, collaboration with all stakeholders and organizations, training to meet response needs, the ability to respond to changing conditions, good responder morale and planning and priorities to achieve our goals. It makes me smile to see the overwhelming results of the mil-levy election, the grants that have been received, the collaboration with the surrounding fire districts, the wildfire mitigation on the northwest side of town, the increased water storage capacity and the voices from those in more remote parts of the district who have not been served as well as they should. So in the last 5 years we have made some great strides for the District but have a ways to go for sure. With new resources we, as a Board, have a responsibility to do our best job utilizing them, to serve the ever changing needs of the District.

 

Chris Dirolf

2 Year Term Candidate – Uncontested

My Name is Chris Dirolf and I am a current board member for the Gold Hill Fire Protection District. I grew up in upstate New York and went to school in Plattsburgh, New York, graduating with a BFA and minor in Environmental Science. I was bitten by the ski bug early in my life, which brought me to Colorado in 2009. My wife and I have lived in Gold Hill since 2018 and are expecting our first baby in September. I have worked as a Forester and Professional Wildlands Firefighter for over 15 years. I have recently moved into a new role as a Forest Program Manager for The Watershed Center, coordinating the St. Vrain Forest Health Partnership. It is a diverse collaboration of over 200 members, made up of fire and water districts, Boulder County, Colorado State Forest Service, US Forest Service, communities, and landowners working to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration within our watersheds. This role has continued to teach me about the power of collaboration to get things done. Continuing as a Gold Hill Fire Board Member, I am looking to the future of the district and the recent efforts to collaborate and coordinate with our neighbors. As a core team member for our new CWPP and a member of the Boulder West Wildfire Authority representing Gold Hill, I have been witness to our fire departments seeing the greatest value in combining efforts in order to best serve and protect our communities. This is the culture that I will continue to uphold. I am excited and thankful to be part of such a wonderful community and serving on this board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amendment to Terry Walters’ moving sale

Amendment to moving sale hours
 
Hours for moving sale:  Saturday 9-5, Sunday 9-1 PM (Friday hours are cancelled)
 
Thanks, 
Terry

GHFPD Election correction

To: The Constituents of the Gold Hill Fire Protection District

From: Max Yeager

Hi All,

It has been brought to my attention that my statement about why all five members of the current GHFPD Board of Directors might be incorrect or misleading. I communicated with Mr. Joe McConnell at the Department of Local Affairs, and he thinks the five- position election this year is to reconcile a missed filing for cancellation of the scheduled election documentation in 2022 rather than a component of the change from even year elections to odd year elections. I apologize for representing my misunderstanding as a fact and hope this clarifies this detail of the 2023 election.

 

Max

 

Terry Walters moving sale

From Terry Walters
 
I’m having huge moving sale  next weekend, Sat 4/29: 9-5 – Sun 4/30: 9-1:00 (amended hours).  I’m moving overseas so almost everything must go to lighten the load and make money for the journey.  Antiques, furniture, clothes and shoes (sm/petite), tons of books, tools, dishes/pans/gadgets, office supplies, fossils/rocks… Will be held whether rain/snow/shine. If bad weather – which is forecast – it will be held indoors and in the shed. 
 
Hoping people will come by even if they don’t need “stuff” so I have an opportunity to say farewell to the good people of GH. 
 
Thanks,
 
Terry Walters
481 Main (next to the GH Inn). 
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