Red Flag Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Friday, January 16, 2026 at 0900 until Friday, January 16, 2026 at 1800.

Open burning including agricultural burning is Prohibited beginning Friday, January 16, 2026 at 12:01AM through Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59PM

NOTE** This is for tomorrow. There is a Red Flag Today, and Tomorrow. 

    ...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM MST FRIDAY FOR
WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE NORTHERN FOOTHILLS...

The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Red Flag
Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect
from 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer
in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 215.

* TIMING...From 9 AM to 6 PM MST Friday.

* WINDS...Northwest 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 16 percent.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

---

BCSO Fire Management

303-441-4500 | Visit our website

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to volunteers+unsubscribe@nullgoldhillfire.org.

Installed today, November 8, 2025. Hattie Bunce buried somewhere in the Gold Hill Cemetery. Her Granddaughter sent us money to install a commemorative headstone.

From: Boulder County Fire Management <bcfiremanagement@nullbouldercounty.gov>
Date: January 14, 2026 at 14:10:33 MST
To: “Caudill, Rich” <rich.caudill5460@nullgmail.com>
Subject: 🔥🔥 Fire Weather Watch 🔥🔥

Fire Weather Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch forFriday, January 16, 2026 at 0900 until Friday, January 16, 2026 at 1800.

Open burning including agricultural burning is Prohibited beginning Friday, January 16, 2026 at 12:01AM through Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59PM

 

    Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet-	

147 PM MST Wed Jan 14 2026	

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH	

FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE	

NORTHERN FOOTHILLS...	

The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Fire Weather	

Watch for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from	

Friday morning through Friday afternoon.	

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 215.	

* TIMING...From Friday morning through Friday afternoon.	

* WINDS...Northwest 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph.	

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 20 percent.	

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. 	

  Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a 	

  spark and start a wildfire.	

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...	

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions	

are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible	

Red Flag Warnings.

---

BCSO Fire Management

303-441-4500 | Visit our website

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to volunteers+unsubscribe@nullgoldhillfire.org.

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the December 8, 2025, Zoom and in person meeting

Next Regular Meeting will be Monday, February 9, 2026, 7:00 pm in person at the Community Center and by Zoom

Special Town Meeting will be Monday, January 26, 2026, 7:00 pm in person at the Community Center and by Zoom

 The meeting was called to order by Chair Kelly Veit.  Present in person: Kelly, Boyd Brown, Ric k Sinner, Treasurer Martha Knapp, Vice Chair Kaitlyn Barthell, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Attending by Zoom: Bear Carlson and Poppy Copeland, Leslie Finn, Val Crist, Maggie Simms and David Brigham, Member at Large John Hatelid, Kris Gibson, Deb Yeager, Don and Marie Brookhart.

Minutes – Boyd moved that the minutes of the last meeting be approved as published, John seconded and the minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Martha reports that there are few expenses (the Safety Deposit Box for $36) or income (some cemetery income, which goes directly into their account).  Below are the balances

She did find two issues with the last report and has corrected them.  Mountain Stewards have a balance of $3500, and Community Events balance, which includes the Town Clean Up, is $2110.10.  No expenses are listed for the Bake and Rummage Sale as John absorbed them – thank you, John!  Income went into the General Fund.

Assets are $17,091.07.  Anticipated expenses are approx. $2500. One software questions she has is do we need Otter AI for $185?  Val wondered if this is separate from Zoom.  Martha has unable to contact Otter, but it seems to be separate. Quick Books is another question.  Martha is not using it, and had to dig around a lot to find our records, but if we need to go back maybe keep it for safety?  The expense did not seem to be authorized by the TM.  Maggie added that the previous reports were very difficult to follow and doesn’t think we need QB unless the next treasurer wants it.  Val added that the Zoom AI provides a good summary of the Seniors Meetings – do have to edit them – so could cancel Otter.  John added that Tech Soup is software for non-profits and Martha replied that we got a discount from them for Zoom.  John added that QB did provide us with a credit card reader that we don’t use.  Martha said we can get a credit card reader through our bank at no cost us except the transaction fees and up to 10 people can use it.

Val made a motion that we cancel QB, Bear seconded and the vote was 11 in favor, 1 abstention, 0 opposed.  Val then moved we eliminated Otter AU, John seconded. Vote was 12 in favor, 0 opposed. Martha will do a fuller presentation on the bank CC reader at the next TM. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Business District Committee – Kelly reports that the Committee has met monthly (2 times) and have discussed myriad concerns – some simple and others more complicated.  Anything needing action will be brought to the Town Meeting for approval.  Boyd asked about the businesses attending, but Kelly said not yet.  She submitted a letter to be approved – it was approved with a few corrections:

Open letter to Gold Hill Businesses and Residents-

In August 2025 a sub-committee of the Town Meeting was created called Business District Committee. This group was formed as a result of concerns re: increased noise, parking & people patronizing both major business on Main St in Gold Hill.

“The intent of the Business District Committee is to find creative solutions to some of the growing pains associated with business within our town: noise, congestion, and parking. We are seeking a diverse set of perspectives, personal experiences, and ideas, from neighbors throughout town and the subdivision. This will be a space for constructive feedback and well-intentioned suggestions.  This Committee is formed in a good faith effort for community-driven collaboration, resulting in some helpful recommendations to our business leaders”. The committee is chaired by Kelly Veit Town Meeting Chair.

Items & action lines discussed to date:

1. Parking with regards to emergency vehicles- Rich Caudill’s “report” (see next page).
2. Noise- Boulder County ordinance link here https://assets.bouldercounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ordinance-noise.pdf. The Committee would like to discuss with Business leaders, their current or planned efforts to monitor noise according to these guidelines.
3. Crowd Control, Event Frequency and Volume of people patronizing businesses:
   1. Given parking limitations, the Committee wonders about enforcement of County managed parking restrictions, signage, and enforcement. Recently, the town of Georgetown implemented a special plan to handle the 30k cars gridlocking the town in September of 2025 (Town leaders put a traffic plan in place for the following weekends, including using barriers on residential streets and implementing a one-way traffic flow to help keep cars moving.)
   2. The Committee seeks input, creative ideas, and collaboration around concerns of crowd and capacity overflow from the Businesses. This includes looking at event frequency.

We are currently seeking input or representation from the Gold Hill Store, The Red Store and the Gold Hill Inn. We cannot move forward with any solutions without the help, collaboration and input from these businesses.

Committee also welcomes input from all Gold Hill Residents. Please submit comments or suggestions to Kelly  ghtownmeeting@nullgmail.com

Approved by the Gold Hill Town Meeting on 12/8/25

Report By Fire Chief Rich Caudill Submitted 12/4/25:

I conducted a survey of parking and emergency access while driving a fire truck during events at Gold Hill businesses.  The events weren’t extremely well attended so the full impact of the parking situation could not be viewed first hand.  I found that corners and T-Intersections are numerous areas of constriction when it comes to emergency access.  Parking should be restricted adjacent to corners in all directions and at the end of T-intersections.  Additionally, roads such as Main, Pine, Hill and Gold Run also pose challenges when there is parking along the sides.  Common practice is at least 20 feet for emergency vehicle access excluding any parking lanes.  Parking lanes are typically 6-8 feet wide.  This formula calls for 26-28 feet of clear roadway available for parking and emergency vehicle access.  GHFPD trucks are about 10 feet wide and 24-26 feet long.  My personal preference is for at least 15-16 feet of clear roadway for access excluding parking lanes if conditions necessitate it.  I did not measure any of the roadways during my survey due to darkness.  I would recommend measuring areas of the streets to find out the various widths to use in calculations.  Also, hydrant locations call for 15 feet adjacent to a hydrant for access.  So, 30 feet total in front of a hydrant.  Additionally, as all of these are County roads, Boulder County Roads and Maintenance must be consulted before arriving at final roadway determinations.

Business occupancy limits are considerably more difficult to lump into a common formula.  Boulder Planning and Permitting in conjunction with the Fire District and business owners must work in collaboration to determine occupancy limits.  There are many factors to consider that are too numerous to detail in this document.  

Intermountain Alliance – no report

Senior Alliance – Val reports:  Oct. notes    Presentation by Deepika Avanti

Enhancing Your Body Wisdom Using Kinesiology for Everyday Important Decisions that could Save Your Life

EXPERIENTIALLY identify questions that you want an answer.  We will start with easy questions like what are the best foods your body likes, best supplements, allergens, and work up to more loaded questions like how is your body and organs functioning, what type of doctor or alternative doctor would benefit your body etc. The sky’s the limit!

Scheduling came up about

Rima’s person is showing up for Nov meeting

Deepika announced Virginia and Deb and Val in Dec

Boyd suggested we have a meeting and break into our committees 

   to meet since many of us have never met our committee.

Boyd will find out when EMT demo can happen and plan that for a meeting.

Nov. notes

An Introduction to MAID and VSED by Diane Hullet

Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) and Voluntarily Stopping  Eating and Drinking (VSED) are often misunderstood. Join us to learn more about what these are, as well as what they are not. You will leave with information and resources to better understand end-of-life options in Colorado. Diane Hullet is the host of the Best Life Best Death podcast and works as an end-of-life educator and doula, creating conversations about mortality wherever she goes. 

Additional links shared with Senior group and available upon request.

Dec. notes

The main portion featured presentations on various wellness practices, including Tai Chi, Feldenkrais, and Reiki, with demonstrations and explanations of their principles and benefits. The session concluded with discussions about future meetings and plans for a follow-up wellness session in the Spring, along with sharing of personal experiences and professional backgrounds related to the presented modalities.

Summary

Tai Chi and Virtual Connections

Virginia led a session on Tai Chi, explaining its principles and demonstrating basic movements. The group discussed future meetings, with plans to host a January gathering at a member’s home if someone volunteers. This portion concluded with Virginia providing an in-depth explanation of Tai Chi techniques, emphasizing relaxation, body awareness, and weight shifting.

Tai Chi Chuan – both Martial Art and Chi Gong

Relax – supple state of readiness and awareness.

Keep Body Upright – head top lifted and tailbone dropped. Humans are the mediators between Heaven and Earth.

Separate Weight – transfer weight by sinking the weight – filling or emptying each leg, not leaning.

Turn With the Waist – rotate upper body as a whole, hips and shoulder aligned, nose stays over navel. No twisting.

Steve’s classes: East Boulder Age Well Center begin Jan 2026

Virginia private and group classes available.

Mobile: 843-685-1402

Feldenkrais: Body Awareness Therapy

Deb presented on Feldenkrais, explaining how it focuses on the connection between brain and body through awareness of movement and breathing patterns. She demonstrated exercises to help people become more aware of their habits, particularly in breathing, and discussed how Feldenkrais can improve overall health and wellness. Deb shared her background in physical therapy and explained how she incorporates Feldenkrais into her private practice, offering both in-home and office sessions, with a focus on helping clients move more efficiently and reduce stress.

303 579 3382 Feldenkrais Practitioner/Rehab Specialist for All Ages

Reiki Healing Practices

Val discussed the benefits and practices of Reiki, an energy healing modality. Val shared her personal journey with Reiki, including her experience volunteering with a Quaker healer and her work with cancer patients through the organization Life Spark. She explained how Reiki can be practiced remotely as well as in person; and its potential to reduce stress and anxiety, reduce pain, improve sleep, and aid in healing. Val also mentioned her work with animals, as did Deb, highlighting the intuitive nature of pets.

303 440 9926 Reiki Master, vjcrist@nullhotmail.com

JANUARY meeting Tues. 1/6/2025 2 PM location TBD. Teams gather.

Gretchen thanked her – it’s wonderful that you’re doing this.  Kaitlyn reported that Eli is excited to chop wood for those who need it and will reach out to Kris Gibson.  Boyd added that there is an extensive wood program in place and he’ll get in touch with Eli.  The Fire Departmenbt is trying to figure out a place for a wood yard.  Also, Jamshid is set up through EFAA to provide wood to those who need it as well.

Gold Hill School – no report

Historical Zoning – no report per Bear.  Martha added that someone applying for a building permit should go through HZ, which streamlines the whole process at the County.  Boyd added that the process took a long time to establish.  Martha said the board has a lot of info for those applying.  Bear added that they are an advisory board, not an enforcement agency.  Their intention is not to freeze Gold Hill in place, but they do want improvements to be consistent, i.e., solar panels aren’t historical, but ok if installed flush with the roof.  There was some discussion of putting plans at the GH Store for public review – may be revisited.

Fire Department – Boyd reports they have received a new grant (one of 20 receivers for $80,000) for new equipment for the trucks, bunker gear, etc.  Our Chief took care of this and is doing a great job.

Cemetery – no report

Native Gardens and Ecology (formerly Weed Management) – Kaitlyn reports that she attended a basket weaving with pine needles class and is checking out wreath making for the future.  Check with her about these workshops   barthell3@nullgmail.com

Historic Gold Hill/Gold Hill Museum – Deb reports they’re closed for the season, but there will be a Christmas Bazaar Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Pub from 11-3.  They had a great 2025 and are looking forward to 2026.  Thank you to all!

Mining – Gretchan reports no activity seen up at the Mill.

SafeLink/AirLink/NeighborLink – Deb reports no more current information.  Kaitlyn reported several new people haven’t received Welcome Buckets.  Deb apologized because the buckets are buried in their storage containers and she has not been able to get to them.  She will get to them as soon as she can and catch up – let her know of any new folks.

OLD BUSINESS

APPROVAL OF BYLAWS – Virginia began the discussion by stating strongly that she objected to revisiting things that had been worked on for such a long time and had gone through the proper procedure for making changes.  She stated she’s disheartened by a few people wanting to go back.  Martha replied that she doesn’t consider it revisiting since the process is not complete and only a handful of us were part of the process.  Gretchen added that there was no real discussion and evaluation allowed of the impacts of the large numbers of changes presented at the meetings.  Martha thinks the document is fluid and should be treated as such.  She believes it’s important for the majority to be in support of any changes proposed.  Val added that we know it’s been a long process, but we haven’t gotten through it yet.  Virginia again added that she’s strongly opposed to second guessing what was already passed.

We began by looking at Article II, Section A.  Membership Voting Procedures and the issue of including all property owners versus residents.  We discussed residency requirements at the Sept 24 Meeting, but we failed to address the proposed changes in the October 13 Meeting.   Gretchen stated that we have always had a residency requirement and changing it to include all property owners (who may never have even been to Gold Hill) would be a major change and needs further discussion.  Martha suggested at the 9-24 meeting that we go back to the original (2020) bylaw with any necessary changes like voting by electronic means, and the vote was 9-0.

 John suggested we need to make sure of the legal requirements.  Boyd made a motion that we consult with the GHFPD lawyer and check.  Gretchen seconded.  Bear pointed out that we need to be careful to explain the distinction between the GHFPD and the GHTM.  The vote was 13 in favor and 2 abstentions, 0 opposed.

It was decided that we would have a Special Town Meeting on January 26, to proceed with Bylaws.

See attached for the complete current status of the Bylaws. 

At this point,

                  Bylaw Review is still in process *Purple indicates these were on schedule to be voted on at 10/13/25 meeting

1. Article 2 Section C. Membership Voting Procedures – addressed at 9-28 meeting, but not followed up in October
2. Article 5 Section H. Town Council Meetings – vote to eliminate requirement that TC meetings be required to held in off months at 10-13 meeting
3. Article 5 Section I. Authorities and Responsibilities of the Town Council – Voted to eliminate 10-13
4. Article 5 Section J. Town Council Support Staff – Voted to eliminate 9-24
5. Article 6 Section D. Committee Dissolution Voted 9-24 to eliminate requirement that the GHTM be required to review committee charters
6. Article 7 Section A. Contracts – wording edited based on 9/24 discussion, section letters edited to sync
7. Gretchen proposed returning to originals in Article 2- Sections A,B,C to re-establish residency requirements with changes required to allow for 3 days to vote and allow online voting.

NEW BUSINESS

Business District Committee – Kelly and the Committee met with our new Fire Chief for his input on emergency access and hope to approve the letter as listed above in Committee Reports.  Gretchen so moved.  This generated a great deal of discussion.  It was pointed out that BoCo Road people came up and toured the town looking at parking issues, the need for signage, road improvements, but we never received their report or recommendations although we did get a few signs replaced.  Leslie has submitted her 4^th of July map to the Fire Board.  The County is not interested in policing, but if we go through the County Commissioners what help might we get?  Leslie sees a lot of the issue as education – if we have signs up, most people will understand better how to park.  Who would pay for signs?  Boyd added that the Fire Board has had several discussions.  We’ve seen a recent change in attitude of people coming to town who don’t seem to care about Gold Hill – they’re tailgating and blocking access, using the streets as urinals, puking and noisy at late hours.  They’re not thinking about emergency access and don’t want to walk any distance – just want to park closest to businesses.  Enforcement?  The reality is there are 2 Sheriffs on duty in BoCo.   Back to the letter, Boyd seconded approval and the motion passed 12-0.

Adjourn – with that the meeting was adjourned

Respectfully Submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

Attached:     Gold Hill Town Meeting Bylaws – as of October 2025 GHTM

Proposed Changes 2025

Last Updated and Approved:  10/13/25

Agenda- Special Meeting, 9/24.   Bylaw Revisions followed by 10/13/25 GHTM Discussion

• Articles of Incorporation
• Bylaw Review: *Purple indicates these were edited at 10/13/25 meeting

1. Article 2 Section C
2. Article 5 Section H
3. Article 5 Section I
4. Article 5 Section J
5. Article 6 Section D
6. Article 7 Section A
7. Gretchen proposed returns to originals in Article 2- Sections A,B,C

Article I: Name, Purpose & Mailing Address

Section A, Name:

The name of this organization is: Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. (GHTM)

Article I: Name, Purpose & Mailing Address

Section B, Mailing Address:

The mailing address of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be:

1011 Main Street

Boulder, Colorado, 80302-8777.

 Article II: Membership     SPECIAL MEETING REVIEW: 9/24/25

 Residency Requirements

We discussed residency requirements at the Sept 24 Meeting, but we failed to address the proposed changes in the October 13 Meeting.  Gretchen stated that we have always had a residency requirement and changing it to include all property owners (who may never have even been to Gold Hill) would be a major change and needs further discussion.  Martha suggested we go back to the original (2020) bylaw with any necessary changes like voting by electronic means

Original Bylaw (from 12/14/2020)

Article II

Membership

Section 1, Eligibility: Those residing in the following area are members and may vote at town meetings, provided they fulfill the voting requirements set forth in Article II, Section 2, Qualification.   This area is identified as that included in the boundaries of the Gold Hill Fire Protection District (GHFPD)

Previously adopted changes

Article II: Membership

Section A, Eligibility:

All residents and property owners within the Gold Hill Fire Protection District who are over the age of 18 are members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting and have voting rights. Each member is entitled to cast one vote on any issue that requires a vote by the GHTM membership, regardless of the number of properties owned.

 Proposed changes

Article II: Membership

Section A, Eligibility: Those residing in the following area are members and may vote at town meetings, provided they fulfill the voting requirements set forth in Article II, Section 2 (would change to Section B), Qualification.   This area is identified as that included in the boundaries of the Gold Hill Fire Protection District (GHFPD)

Section B, Qualifications: In order to vote, a member of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. must:

1. Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
2. Have lived in Gold Hill for sixty days during the twelve months prior to the meeting or for sixty days during the previous five years with no less than five days in any one year.

We would delete the following (3 and 4)

1. Be registered with the Secretary at the meeting.
2. Be present at the meeting to be certified to vote at that meeting.

 And include Article II: Membership

Section B (would change to C): Membership Voting Procedures:

Article II: Membership

Section B, C Membership Voting Procedures:

The GHTM shall establish procedures and methods to ensure that only eligible members participate in elections, that all members are properly notified of the election, and that the nomination and voting processes, including all relevant deadlines, are clearly communicated in advance.

Election procedures may allow for voting to take place over a period of up to three (3) days, beginning with the date of the annual meeting.

The Town Meeting (changed from the Town Council) shall determine the methods of voting, which may include any combination of:

• In-person voting by show of hands;
• written ballot;
• Voting by electronic means

 Article II: Membership

               SPECIAL MEETING REVIEW: 9/24/25

               Edited after 10/13/25 discussion and vote

Section D, Authorities and Responsibilities of the Gold Hill Town Meeting Membership:

Members of the GHTM shall have the authority and responsibility to but aren’t limited to:

• Vote to elect the Town Council annually;
• Vote to remove a Town Council member before the end of their term;
• Vote on the establishment and removal of support staff;
• Vote on the formation and dissolution of committees;
• Vote on the designation of standing committees;
• Vote to amend a committees charter;
• Vote on the major programs and activities the GHTM will focus on annually;
• Vote to approve the annual budget;
• Vote on resolution of issues that may arise in the community;
• Vote on proposed establishment or amendments to policies and procedures;
• Vote on proposed amendments to the bylaws; and
• Vote on any proposed dissolution of the organization.
• Provide input and consultation to the Town Council;

Article III: Members Meetings

Section A, General Membership Meetings:    Voted to return to original wording at 10/13 meeting

Regular meetings of the GHTM shall be help six times each year: February, April, June, August, October and December on the second Monday of the month at such time and place as may be determined by the Town Council.

Article III: Members Meetings

Section B, Town Council Election Meeting: Voted to return to original wording at 10/13 meeting

The annual meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting shall be held on the second Monday of August each year. The election of Town Council members shall be held at the Annual meeting.

Article III: Members Meetings

Section C, Budget Meeting: Voted to return to original wording at 10/13 meeting

The annual budget meeting of the GHTM, Inc shall be held annually at the October Town Meeting. The GHTM Treasurer shall submit estimated income and expenses for the following year. Requests for funding from the general fund may be made by the various Committees or any constituency of the GHTM at this meeting, and at any regularly scheduled meeting.

Article III: Members Meetings

Section D, Special Meetings:

Special meetings are additional general membership meetings called to address urgent concerns or expedite town business. Special meetings of the GHTM may be called by the Chair:

1. Upon the written request of at least three members of the Town Council, or
2. By a petition requesting a special meeting, signed by at least twenty members of the GHTM.

Article III: Members Meetings

Section E, Written Notice:

The Town Council must provide notice of the date, time, location, and agenda for any general membership or special meeting at least two weeks in advance. Notice may be given through various methods, including, but not limited to, electronic notification to individuals on the town’s mailing list, news outlets, the town website, or social media within the GHTM member area.

Article III: Members Meetings

Section F, Quorum:

A quorum for a GHTM general membership meeting is required to call for a membership vote. A quorum is considered present if:

• At least three of the five members of the Town Council, and
• At least five other members of the GHTM are in attendance to conduct any business.

Article III: Members Meetings

               Edited from 9/24/25 discussion

 Section G, Parliamentary Authority and Meeting Procedures:

The GHTM shall conduct meetings in an orderly, inclusive manner that encourages good faith participation and respectful conduct. The general principles of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be applied, unless they conflict with the GHTM’s bylaws or any special or standing rules.

Article IV: Conflicts

Section A, Conflict of Interest:

To ensure Town Council members fulfill their duties of loyalty to the organization and maintain transparency with the membership, the Town Council will establish a Conflict of Interest policy. This policy requires all Town Council members to disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, that may affect their ability to act in the best interests of the organization.

Town Council members must disclose such conflicts in writing at least once a year, and whenever a conflict arises. Any member with a conflict of interest is required to recuse themselves from discussions or decisions related to that matter.

Article IV: Code of Conduct

Section B, Membership Code of Conduct:

The Gold Hill Town Meeting will establish a written Code of Conduct policy to govern participation in general membership meetings, events, and other official communications. The Code of Conduct encourages the expression of opinions and viewpoints in a civil manner while prohibiting the use of abusive language or behavior that is disrespectful to others or disrupts the orderly conduct of business.

If a participant violates the Code of Conduct, the Town Council may impose consequences. These may include, but are not limited to, asking the individual to leave a meeting or prohibiting further contact with Town Council members.

Article V: Town Council

Section A, Members:

The Town Council shall consist of five members: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Member-at- Large.

Article V: Town Council

Section B, Eligibility:

All members of the Town Council must be voting members of the GHTM, as defined in these bylaws. Additionally, the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer must have resided within the GHTM area for at least nine consecutive months prior to their election.

Article V: Town Council

Section C, Term of Office:

Each Town Council member shall serve a one-year term or until a successor is duly elected and qualified. A Town Council member may resign at any time by submitting written notice to the Town Council. The resignation will take effect as specified in the notice, and, unless otherwise indicated, no formal acceptance is required for it to become effective.

Article V: Town Council

Section D, Removal:

A Town Council member may be removed through the following procedure:

1. Removal may be proposed by:

○              Any Town Council member, or

○              At least ten GHTM members through a written petition.

2. The proposed removal must be included in the agenda for the general membership meeting and distributed to the members at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
3. Removal requires a two-thirds majority vote of the membership present at a general membership meeting where a quorum of Town Council members is present. The member proposed for removal does not count towards the quorum for the meeting.

Article V: Town Council

Section E, Cause for Removal:

A Town Council member may be removed if the member is ineligible to serve or the GHTM determines that their continued service is inconsistent with the best interests of the organization.

Examples of conduct that may be considered inconsistent with the organization’s best interests include, but are not limited to:

• Excessive unexcused absences from GHTM meetings;
• Serious violations of organizational policies;
• Conduct that brings disrepute to the organization; or
• Disruptive behavior during meetings.

Article V: Town Council

Section F, When a Town Council Member Moves:

Any Town Council member who becomes ineligible for election under Article IV, Section 2, and does not voluntarily resign, shall be deemed to have resigned from the Town Council, and their position will be considered vacant.

Article V: Town Council

Section G, Vacancies:

Any vacancy shall be filled by appointment for the remainder of the term, made by a majority of the Town Council members, within two weeks of its occurrence or as soon as practical.

               SPECIAL MEETING REVIEW: 9/24/25

               Voted to remove new language at 10.13.25 meeting. Default to original for now

Article V: Town Council

Section H, Town Council Meetings:

A meeting of the Town Council may be called by any member of the Town Council by giving notice to all members of the Town Council at least two days prior to such meeting. Town Council meetings are for discussion. No decisions(s) reached at a Town Council Meeting are binding on the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. or the Town Council, or any member of the Town Council.

Section H, Town Council Meetings: Proposed Changes

Town Council meetings shall be held bi-monthly, during the months between general membership meetings, on a date and time determined by the Town Council. The Council may cancel or reschedule a previously scheduled meeting if deemed necessary. An agenda shall be provided in advance, and minutes shall be recorded for each meeting.

 Special meetings of the Town Council may be called by any Council member, provided that notice of the meeting and its agenda is given to all other members at least two (2) days in advance.

 A quorum shall consist of at least one-half of the then-serving Town Council members. Once a quorum is established, any action taken by a majority of members present shall constitute an official act of the Town Council.

The Town Council may also take official action via written or electronic communication, with or without convening an in-person meeting, either in lieu of or in addition to a scheduled meeting.

 Town Council meetings will be open to GHTM members for observation but may be closed when confidential matters are under discussion, as determined by the Chair.

SPECIAL MEETING REVIEW: 9/24/25

Article V: Town Council

Section I, Town Council Duties:

The Town Council is responsible for overseeing the organization’s business and properties and for fulfilling all duties under Colorado state law for nonprofit corporations, as well as those outlined in these bylaws. Each Town Council member will perform the duties typically associated with their office and any additional responsibilities as designated by the Town Council.

               SPECIAL MEETING REVIEW: 9/24/25

               Voted to eliminate 10/13/25, send out new draft for discussion.

Article V: Town Council Proposed Addition

Section I, Authorities and Responsibilities of the GHTM Town Council:

 The Town Council, with the approval of the GHTM, has the authority and responsibility to make administrative and business-related decisions essential to the ongoing management of the nonprofit. Organizational decisions shall be made by a quorum of Town Council members.

These authorities and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Representing the GHTM in interactions with county officials, donors, community partners, and other external organizations to advocate for the organization’s interests and needs;
• Overseeing website maintenance, marketing efforts, and community communications;
• Purchasing merchandise and organizing fundraising activities;
• Authorizing and supporting GHTM committees;
• Establishing and enforcing the organization’s policies and procedures;
• Applying for grants and managing grant-related obligations;
• Entering into contracts, leases, or agreements necessary to advance the organization’s mission;
• Acquiring, managing, improving, encumbering, or disposing of real or personal property;
• Managing the organization’s financial resources and overseeing financial transactions;
• Securing insurance and indemnifying officers and employees, for liabilities arising from their work on behalf of the organization; and
• Taking any other lawful action in the best interest of the organization.

                SPECIAL MEETING REVIEW: 9/24/25

               Voted down on 9/24/25

Article V: Town Council             Proposed Addition

Section J, Town Council Support Staff:

 The GHTM may establish paid or volunteer positions to assist in fulfilling its responsibilities. Examples of such roles include, but are not limited to: volunteer coordinator, fundraising coordinator, mitigation coordinator, project manager, youth leader, or any other position deemed appropriate by the Town Council.

All such individuals shall serve at will under the authority of the Town Council and may be removed at the GHTM’s discretion at any time.

Article VI: Committees

Section A, Purpose:

The GHTM may establish both standing and temporary committees to support the fulfillment of its mission and duties.

Committee leaders are authorized to make strategic and financial decisions consistent with the committee’s charter and the intended use of designated funds. They are responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and any other required documentation related to their programs, and for providing these materials to the Chair and Treasurer as needed.

Committee leaders shall report to the Town Council upon request and provide regular updates at general membership meetings.

 Article VI: Committees

 Section B, Creation:

To establish a committee, the GHTM must approve a committee charter that includes, at a minimum:

• The name of the committee;
• A general description of its purpose, duties, and scope of authority;
• The process for selecting committee members and identifying leadership;
• A statement regarding membership eligibility (unless otherwise specified in the charter, committees may include individuals who are not members of the GHTM with approval);
• The committee’s reporting structure, including to whom it is accountable;
• The expected duration or term of the committee (e.g., standing or ad hoc); and
• Any additional guidance or direction the GHTM deems appropriate.

Section C: Standing Committees

Standing committees of the GHTM operate with a level of autonomy distinct from other committees. They are not subject to charter amendments or dissolution by the Town Council and retain independent authority over the management of their designated funds.

The GHTM’s standing committees include:

• The Cemetery Committee

Article VI: Committees

Section D, Dissolution:

At a member’s meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc., when a quorum is present, the Chair, with the approval of the members at the meeting, may dissolve a committee.

               Revisions voted down in 9/24/25 meeting

Section D, Review, Amendment, and Dissolution: Proposed Changes

The GHTM shall periodically review the charters of all committees and amend or dissolve them as needed.

Article VII: Financials

Section A, Contracts:

The GHTM, may authorize any council member(s) or agent(s) of GHTM to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of or on behalf of the GHTM.

              Wording edited based on 9/24/25 discussion. Section letters edited to reflect syncing.

               Passed on 10/13/25

Section B, Loans:

No loans shall be made or accepted on behalf of the GHTM, nor shall any evidence of indebtedness be issued in its name, except as authorized by a resolution of the GHTM.

Section C, Financial Oversight and Budget Adjustments:

All checks, drafts, notes, and similar financial instruments shall be signed and executed on behalf of the GHTM by Town Council members who are authorized signatories of the GHTM.

Once the annual budget has been approved, any adjustment to a committee’s allocated funds from the town’s general budget shall require approval from the relevant Committee Chair. Committees may spend their designated funds at their discretion, provided expenditures align with the committee’s stated mission and purpose.

The Treasurer is authorized to adjust non-committee operating budget allocations as necessary to meet the evolving needs of conducting GHTM business. New purchases require GHTM approval.

Section D, Deposits:

All funds of the GHTM shall be deposited in accounts held at banks, trust companies, or other financial institutions designated by the Town Council.

Section E, Grants & Gifts:

The Town Council may accept contributions, grants, gifts, or bequests on behalf of the GHTM. All grants awarded to the Gold Hill Town Meeting must be approved by the Town Council and deposited into the GHTM’s account. The Treasurer, in collaboration with the designated grant executor, shall oversee the management of grant funds, including spending and required reporting.

Donations to the GHTM shall be allocated to specific committees or budget line items according to the donor’s stated intent. Undesignated donations shall be accepted and used for general operating expenses.

Article VIII: Amendments

These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed and new Bylaws may be adopted according to the following procedure:

Section A, Proposal:

Bylaw changes may be proposed at a general membership meeting where a quorum is present. Proposed changes will be presented and discussed on a section-by-section basis.

Section B, Notice:

Proposed additions, deletions, or amendments to the bylaws must be included in the meeting minutes of the general membership meeting and distributed to members at least two weeks prior to the next general membership meeting.

Section C, Approval:

At the next general membership meeting, the proposed amendments to the Bylaws may be adopted by a two-third majority vote of the GHTM, Inc. members present. Bylaw changes are to be voted on section by section.

Article IX: Dissolution

This Corporation may be dissolved according to the following procedure:

Section A, Proposal:

At a general membership meeting where a quorum is present, the dissolution of the corporation may be proposed by a simple majority of the members present.

Section B, Notice:

The proposed dissolution of the corporation must be included in the agenda for the general membership meeting and distributed to members at least two weeks prior to the next general membership meeting.

Section C, Approval:

At the next general membership meeting, the dissolution of the corporation may be adopted by a three- quarters majority of the members of Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. who are present.

Upon dissolution of the GHTM, any remaining funds shall first be used to settle any outstanding bills, and, with the approval of the Town Council, may be spent for the benefit of the town of Gold Hill.

Report: GHTM Treasurer’s Report October 13, 2025

** 10/27/25: Revised to correct the following funds per members input regarding fund designations: 1. Community Events from $2500 to $2110.10 (ref: Town Cleanup); and, 2. Mountain Stewards from $1500 to $3500 (to credit $2000 check).

OTHER NOTES:

1. Our current total cash assets are $16,727.07. This reflects two inactive accounts that were closed and combined into the primary bank account for the Town Meeting.
2. There may be some funds in Paypal. I am working with Chrissy to obtain access.
3. Final accounting: Town Cleanup revenue in July was $1038. Expenses for dumpsters totaled $1427.90. Profit/Loss -$389.90. ref: Community Events fund.
4. The September Gold Rush brought in $1250.94. No expense receipts were submitted.

Revenue Summary:  Cemetery Fund donation of $100 pending deposit. General Fund additions of $1374.52 from Venmo and Gold Rush

Expense Summary: No expenses.

Fund transfers: none

Current fund totals:

General Fund $4267.91; Cemetery $2498.06; AirLink $1,000; Community Events $2110.10 (revised from $2500); Community Relief Fund $1250; Fundraising & Merchandising $500; Mountain Stewards $3500 (revised from $1500); Neighborlink $1600; Senior Alliance $1.00.

Anticipated expenses for the remainder of 2025: General Fund anticipated year-end expenses total $505.00 as follows: Annual Bank Safe Deposit Fee $30 ; Liability Insurance  $400; Porta-Potty maintenance $75.  

Respectfully submitted, 

Martha Knapp, Treasurer, Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.                      

10/13/2025 (corrected 10/27/2025)

Subject: Governor Announces New Pine Beetle Task Force to Help Communities, Forests, and Water Resources

This is notice that the GHFPD Board of Directors will be having a closed door executive board session on Sunday, December 28 at 10am.  Thank you.  

Wild Turkey Fire in the area of Logan Mill and Fourmile.  Limited evacuations ordered.

Command has all the resources they need. They are actively picking up the fire, and will start to work on downsizing and kicking resources (1/3)

Fire has been lined.

Rich Caudill, Chief

rich.caudill5460@nullgmail.com

Here’s the info from earlier

Wild Turkey Fire in Logan Mill Area

There is round two of fire/wind weather tomorrow.  Sustained winds of 50-60 mph with gusts >100mph in high ridge lines about 9000 ft.  

Anticipate road closures such as P2P/36/128/93…..Road access may also be limited by storm damage.  

They are calling for people who require medical equipment to relocate farther east where power will be more reliable.  

This weather event is predicted to be more powerful than the last.  Planned power shut offs will begin at 0600.  

Storm damage may push power restoration out past 5 days in some areas.

Obviously NO BURNING of any kind and limit use of gas powered equipment like chain saws with spark arrestors in place.   

Rich Caudill
Fire Chief

rich.caudill5460@nullgmail.com

Residents should have evacuation plans in place. Including routes and alternate routes.  There are no current evacuation orders in place, but things may change rapidly in the face of a fire event.

Xcel is considering an additional power shut off day Friday.  🤦‍♂️ Things could get spicy over the next few days.

Their enhanced line safety equipment will automatically kill power if there is any kind of ground fault even like a branch just contacting it.  It will not be reenergized until the entire  circuit can be inspected.  

Shutdowns can be widespread and random and lengthy.  The Boulder County EOC is open and I am monitoring  briefings.  Planned power shutdowns are scheduled to begin around 1000am.

Thanks for your flexibility during all of this chaos.  This may be a new reality moving forward.  

Rich Caudill

rich.caudill5460@nullgmail.com

 Power is restored to the Lumen box! Folks with hard lines have phone service.  If folks have a generator they should have internet and phone service. Also, the fire station has phone and internet. 

Leslie Finn

finn.leslie@nullgmail.com

*******High Priority Notification******

PSPS IS A “PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUT OFF”  FOR A LARGE AREA

Xcel Energy is strongly considering a PSPS this Wednesday at noon. Current weather shows the potential for strong winds and our current dry conditions are concerning for Xcel.

There is a lot of work going on in the background to prepare for this potential loss of power. The current outage area is huge, and we are unclear on what critical infrastructure will lose power. The duration of the outage could be 24-36 hours plus 2-3 days to get things turned back on.  

Two things you can do:

Keep an eye on the news and info being pushed out.https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/wildfires/power-shutoffs/event-update

Leslie Finn added:

This Friday from 6-8 pm, the GHS will be hosting a holiday get together for the whole community.  We’ll have snacks and hot cocoa, crafts for kits, a cookie exchange and door prizes!  If you have time to bake this week, bring on the goodies!  Come and enjoy some wholesome holiday fun!

Christine Maedke

Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Gold Hill General Store & Pub – see flyer below

Emma and Chris Dirolf welcomed their second baby on December 6th! Emma and the new baby are doing well and their family would benefit from the support of our wonderful community with meals over the next few weeks. Here is the link to the Meal Train 🙂   https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/149yr6

Open letter to Gold Hill Residents

In August 2025 a sub committee of the Town Meeting was created called Business District Committee. This group was formed as a result of concerns re: increased noise, parking & people patronizing both major business on Main St in Gold Hill .

“The intent of the Business District Committee is to find creative solutions to some of the growing pains associated with business within our town: noise, congestion, and parking. We are seeking a diverse set of perspectives, personal experiences, and ideas, from neighbors throughout town and the subdivision. This will be a space for constructive feedback and well-intentioned suggestions.  This Committee is formed in a good faith effort for community-driven collaboration, resulting in some helpful recommendations to our business leaders”. The committee is chaired by Kelly Veit Town Meeting Chair.

Items & action lines discussed to date:

1. Parking with regards to emergency vehicles- Rich Caudill’s “report” here.
2. Noise- Boulder County ordinance link here https://assets.bouldercounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ordinance-noise.pdf. The Committee would like to discuss with Business leaders, their current or planned efforts to monitor noise according to these guidelines.
3. Crowd Control, Event Frequency and Volume of people patronizing businesses:
4. 1. Given parking limitations, the Committee wonders about enforcement of County managed parking restrictions, signage, and enforcement. Recently, the town of Georgetown implemented a special plan to handle the 30k cars gridlocking the town in September of 2025 ( Town leaders put a traffic plan in place for the following weekends, including using barriers on residential streets and implementing a one-way traffic flow to help keep cars moving.)
   2. The Committee seeks input, creative ideas, and collaboration around concerns of crowd and capacity overflow from the Businesses. This includes looking at event frequency.

We are currently seeking input  or representation from the Gold Hill Store or the Gold Hill Inn. We cannot move forward with any solutions without the help, collaboration and input from these businesses.

Committee also welcomes input from all Gold Hill Residents. Please submit comments or suggestions to Kelly  ghtownmeeting@nullgmail.com

** I would like this letter to be signed & signed off by the Town Meeting. so it must ultimately  be discussed and SIGNED by that entity.

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the October 13, 2025  Zoom and in person meeting

 Next Regular Meeting will be Monday, December 8, 2025, in person at the Community Center, and by Zoom

 The meeting was called to order by Chair Kelly Veit.  Present were Kelly, John Herrich, Vice Chair Kaitlyn Barthnel, Elisabeth Caspari and Marcus Moench, Treasurer Martha Knapp, Boyd Brown, Leslie Finn, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Attending by Zoom were Maggie Simms and David Brigham, Member at Large John Hatelid, and Deb Yeager.

Minutes – Marcus moved that minutes of the September 8 and 24^th Special Town meetings be approved.  Boyd seconded and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report – Martha reports that the attached Report includes revisions — an additional $2000 moved to Mountain Stewards. It had been marked as “undesignated” but further research after Marcus brought it to my attention revealed an August check. 

The other revision is to the Community Event committee after I was advised that this committee expenses/revenue includes the Town Cleanup. It was adjusted down $389.90 due to the cost of dumpsters over the amount brought in. 

All revisions are noted in the attached document text as well as the spreadsheet.

Hopefully all will be fairly simple from here on out.  

 Report: GHTM Treasurer’s Report October 13, 2025

** 10/27/25: Revised to correct the following funds per members input regarding fund designations: 1. Community Events from $2500 to $2110.10 (ref: Town Cleanup); and, 2. Mountain Stewards from $1500 to $3500 (to credit $2000 check). Marcus has questioned the Mountain Stewards transactions from BWC and this includes the corrected allocations.

OTHER NOTES:

1. Our current total cash assets are $16,727.07. This reflects two inactive accounts that were closed and combined into the primary bank account for the Town Meeting.
2. There may be some funds in Paypal. I am working with Chrissy to obtain access.
3. Final accounting: Town Cleanup revenue in July was $1038. Expenses for dumpsters totaled $1427.90. Profit/Loss -$389.90. ref: Community Events fund.
4. The September Gold Rush brought in $1250.94. No expense receipts were submitted.

Revenue Summary:  Cemetery Fund donation of $100 pending deposit. General Fund additions of $1374.52 from Venmo and Gold Rush

Expense Summary: No expenses.

Fund transfers: none

Current fund totals:

General Fund $4267.91; Cemetery $2498.06; AirLink $1,000; Community Events $2110.10 (revised from $2500); Community Relief Fund $1250; Fundraising & Merchandising $500; Mountain Stewards $3500 (revised from $1500); Neighborlink $1600; Senior Alliance $1.00.

Anticipated expenses for the remainder of 2025: General Fund anticipated year-end expenses total $505.00 as follows: Annual Bank Safe Deposit Fee $30 ; Liability Insurance  $400; Porta-Potty maintenance $75.  

Respectfully submitted, 

Martha Knapp, Treasurer, Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.                      

10/13/2025 (corrected 10/27/2025)

 OTHER NOTES:

1. Our current total cash assets are $16,727.07. This reflects two inactive accounts that were closed and combined into the primary bank account for the Town Meeting.
2. There may be some funds in Paypal. I am working with Chrissy to obtain access.
3. Final accounting: Town Cleanup revenue in July was $1038. Expenses for dumpsters totaled $1427.90. Profit/Loss -$389.90. ref: Community Events fund.
4. The September Gold Rush brought in $1250.94. No expense receipts were submitted.

Revenue Summary:  Cemetery Fund donation of $100 pending deposit. General Fund additions of $1374.52 from Venmo and Gold Rush

Expense Summary: No expenses.

Fund transfers: none

Current fund totals:

General Fund $4267.91; Cemetery $2498.06; AirLink $1,000; Community Events $2110.10 (revised from $2500); Community Relief Fund $1250; Fundraising & Merchandising $500; Mountain Stewards $3500 (revised from $1500); Neighborlink $1600; Senior Alliance $1.00.

 Anticipated expenses for the remainder of 2025: General Fund anticipated year-end expenses total $505.00 as follows: Annual Bank Safe Deposit Fee $30 ; Liability Insurance  $400; Porta-Potty maintenance $75.  

 Respectfully submitted, Martha Knapp, Treasurer, Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.                      

10/13/2025 (corrected 10/27/2025)

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 Business District Committee – Kelly reports that the committee includes Rick and Karen  Sinners, Joanne Cole, Cat Russell, Janos Wilder and at this meeting Leslie Finn and Marcus volunteered, too.  The plan is to create solutions to the growing pains for the community – noise, congestion, parking, tailgating.  They’re creating a Google doc to track progress.  She wants to bring in the business leaders in a collaborative effort to reach agreement as a community.

Intermountain Alliance (IMA) – This was formed after the Fourmile Fire and included the mountain community leaders.  Kelly has attended a meeting and volunteered that, after the Nederland fire, one of the best places to donate is the Nederland Food Pantry

https://www.nederlandfoodpantry.org

Gold Hill School – Leslie pointed out that open enrollment starts soon and the school is actively recruiting.  The Fall Fiesta is Nov. 12, the Halloween festivities are Oct. 26 and they’re expecting Joe Neguse and the Mountain Ear.  Deb saw a TV clip on BVSD.com as a great place for your kids and the last part was on the GH School.

Mountain Stewards – Marcus reports that lots of applicants signed the letter supporting the grant proposal, which would include home hardening, more resiliency planning and a focus on satellite internet connection – should hear by November (Addendum, the proposal was turned down).  Also got information from Meg Holford of Boulder County on becoming a Firewise Community – applies to clusters of houses as well as businesses.  Will be sending out more information.  Includes identification and improvement of evacuation routes.  He noted that Jeff Fishbaugh has had a lot of work done and it would be good to know who did the work to inform others. Leslie added that a student group is working on the CenturyLink problem when there are power outages. Boyd pointed out that the power outage problem is not Excel but Lumen/CenturyLink.  Chief has been working on it and offering solutions we could help with, but they don’t want anyone else accessing their boxes.  We’re now trying political solutions – Joe Neguse and the press.  The PUC and FCC are responsible to provide emergency access, but are not making it happen.  The Fire Department just spent $30,000 for a generator and associated expenses so the Station will be operational in a power outage.

 Fire Department – Boyd reports that the new truck is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

 Cemetery – Maggie emailed this report:

Cemetery Committee Report for the year 2025

Town Clean up – 

• There was no cleanup this year, however the Committee sponsored two Barbed Wire removal days where we removed 2 tuck loads of Barbed Wire from Gold Run Road leading down to the Cemetery. We got help from Paul, Kris, Steffi, Jamie, Jeannette, Deb, Andrew, David, Maggie

Requested/Received plot donations during 2025:     3 @ $100

Plots dug:     2 total plots dug. 

Burials:     2

 News:

• Received $300 donation from the Balsley Family
• We are in the process of having an inexpensive headstone made for a woman buried in the cemetery in 1893 but has no headstone. We were contacted by the family, and they have asked that we put a marker in to acknowledge that she is buried somewhere in our little “Bury Patch.”  We expect to be finished with this project by the end of December 2025.

Accounting looks like this:

2024 end of year total:                   $1898.06

2025 Expenses:                                                     none

2025 Donations:                                 $ 300.00

2025 Plot donations                         $ 300.00

Leaves us with a balance of:      2,498.06

(Thanks to Martha for her help with the numbers.)

 Future Plans:

• The Gold Hill Town Website now has a page dedicated to the Cemetery. On it, we have posted pictures of improvements and photos taken of the cemetery from history. We plan to post news items and requests for Cemetery clean-up and other projects to benefit the cemetery. We encourage members of the town to visit our little cemetery.  It is a tranquil place regardless of season or weather.

The Cemetery Committee has approved this report.

Respectfully submitted,  Maggie Simms

Gardens and Ecology (Formerly Weed Management) – Kaitlyn reports that she’s looking to form a weed whackers group to go after noxious weeds.  They’ve scheduled a fall seed collection outing.  She’s been working with the GH School kids and it’s been really fun.

 Historic Gold Hill – Deb reports that the Museum had a wonderful season and have ideas for lots of future projects.  They’ve decided to do the Community Outreach on a Saturday (instead of Friday) in June.  She will send out a list of holiday gifts available – there is a new t-shirt, ornaments and towels.  Thank you to everyone for the support!  At the end of April they will be hosting the Lincoln Hill Project (the GH Museum belongs to the Colorado Museum Group) on railroads and the Switzerland Train.

Mining – Gretchen reports that she hasn’t seen any activity up there, but knows they’ve applied for a new permit, which will be a lot of steps and time.

SafeLink/AirLink/NeighborLink – Boyd reports that the Fire Department has a strategic Plan, which includes an evacuation plan, but they want the community to connect with each other through NeighborLink as the FD will be responding to the emergency.

            Deb adds that NL hands out Welcome Buckets to newcomers, which include booklets with lots of town information, plus some gifts.  The NL alert system is basically a telephone tree and everyone is encouraged to communicate with their neighbors.  There is a list of suggested preparations in the booklet.  Martha pointed out that there is $1600 in our NL account.  Deb uses that account to buy the welcome buckets and included items, plus that $ includes funds from Fourmile.  Martha also asked about the $1000 in the AirLink account for batteries and maintenance for the repeater.  Airlink is a separate 401(k) and expects to use those funds in time.  SafeLink was set up as a result of the flood and is a list of people who could house evacuees in case of emergency need.  It’s only been used once.  Leslie suggested maybe combining SL and NL – no issue per Deb.  Deb suggested they continue the conversation in Dec. regarding the funds in the NL account.

BYLAWS –  

Leslie stated she learned during the previous discussions that the many proposed changes are attempting to change the town meeting decision making format to a town council decision making format.  Marcus pointed out one problem with the bylaw discussion was that it didn’t proceed from a broad discussion of what the town wanted for the future before proposing changes.  We put the mechanics before the horse – top down not bottom up.  There seems to be a need to re-vision – get broader input.  Leslie agreed we need more input before proposing to change the entire structure.  Marcus added that we need to include how non-profits run.   Martha suggested that we have a big community outreach next year sometime – have a big potluck kind of gathering to engage more people.  It was again suggested that we send postcards to the entire list to let everyone know.  After much discussion it was the consensus that we finish up the bylaws presently in the works and pause future proposed changes until the Big Community Outreach. 

Article V, Town Council, Section H Town Council Meetings – Proposed Changes. Voted against adopting proposed changes – In favor of adopting 0, opposed 9

 Article V, Section I – After some discussion (against this proposed addition) Leslie moved we adopt the Article V, Section I, Martha seconded.  In favor 0, apposed 9, abstaining 4.

Article V, Section J – Proposed Addition was voted down on 9-24

Article VII, Financials, Section A. Contracts – Leslie moved that we change the wording to

The GHTM may authorize any council member(s) or agent(s) of the Town Meeting to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of or on behalf of the Gold Hill Town Meeting.  Boyd seconded.  The vote was 9 in favor, 1 abstention.  The final vote will be in December.

Section B. Loans – Proposed Changes: No loans shall be made or accepted on behalf of the GHTM, nor shall any evidence of indebtedness be issued in its name, except as authorized by a resolution of the GHTM.  Marcus moved we accept, John seconded.  The vote was 9 in favor, 1 abstention.

John Hatelid suggested we propose the outreach and postcard sending at the December meeting.

Marcus made a motion and Boyd seconded it to change the wording Gretchen suggested in the 9-24 meeting for Article III: Members Meetings back to the original wording in the bylaws adopted in 2020 with the addition of a change the quorum to at least 5 members of the town meeting as well as 3 of the 5 members of the town council

Section A, Regular Meetings Regular meetings of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held six times each year: February, April, June, August, October, and December on the second Monday of the month at such time and place as may be determined by the Town Council.

Section B, Annual meetings: The annual meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held on the second Monday of August each year.  The election of Town Council members shall be held at the annual meeting.

Section C, Budget Meeting: The annual budget meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held annually at the October Town Meeting. The GHTM Treasurer shall submit estimated income and expenses for the following year.  Requests for funding from the general fund may be made by the various Committees or any constituency of the GHTM at this meeting, and at any regularly scheduled meeting.

Section D, Special meetings: Special meetings of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. may be called by the Chair:

1. At the request of at least three members of the Town Council.
2. By petition requesting a special meeting signed by at least twenty members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

Section E, Written notice: Written notice of all members’ meetings shall be posted to the town website (goldhilltown.com), emailed to all members, and sent by U.S. Mail to those who request them at least two weeks prior to all regular, annual, and special meetings.

Section F, Quorum: A quorum for a member’s meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall exist if three of five members of the Town Council and at least five other members of the Town Meeting are present to transact any business to be presented in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation or Code of Bylaws.

9 in favor, 1 abstention – will need to be finalized in December

 Article III, Written Notice – Martha moved to change the wording of the original bylaw to add “by electronic means.  It will then read: Written notice of all members’ meetings shall be posted to the town website (goldhilltown.com), emailed to all members, and sent by U.S. Mail or by electronic means to those who request them at least two weeks prior to all regular, annual, and special meetings.

9 in favor, 1 abstention – will need to be finalized in December

We discussed residency requirements at the Sept 24 Meeting, but we failed to address the proposed changes in the October 13 Meeting.  Gretchen stated that we have always had a residency requirement and changing it to include all property owners (who may never have even been to Gold Hill) would be a major change and needs further discussion.  Martha suggested we go back to the original (2020) bylaw with any necessary changes like voting by electronic means

Original Bylaw (from 12/14/2020)

Article II

Membership

Section 1, Eligibility: Those residing in the following area are members and may vote at town meetings, provided they fulfill the voting requirements set forth in Article II, Section 2, Qualification.   This area is identified as that included in the boundaries of the Gold Hill Fire Protection District (GHFPD)

Previously adopted changes

Article II: Membership

Section A, Eligibility:

All residents and property owners within the Gold Hill Fire Protection District who are over the age of 18 are members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting and have voting rights. Each member is entitled to cast one vote on any issue that requires a vote by the GHTM membership, regardless of the number of properties owned.

 Proposed changes

Article II: Membership

Section A, Eligibility: Those residing in the following area are members and may vote at town meetings, provided they fulfill the voting requirements set forth in Article II, Section 2 (would change to Section B), Qualification.   This area is identified as that included in the boundaries of the Gold Hill Fire Protection District (GHFPD)

Section 2, Qualifications: In order to vote, a member of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. must:

1. Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
2. Have lived in Gold Hill for sixty days during the twelve months prior to the meeting or for sixty days during the previous five years with no less than five days in any one year.

We would delete the following (3 and 4)

1. Be registered with the Secretary at the meeting.
2. Be present at the meeting to be certified to vote at that meeting.

And include Article II: Membership

Section B (would change to C): Membership Voting Procedures:

Article II: Membership

Section B, Membership Voting Procedures:

The GHTM shall establish procedures and methods to ensure that only eligible members participate

in elections, that all members are properly notified of the election, and that the nomination and

voting processes, including all relevant deadlines, are clearly communicated in advance.

Election procedures may allow for voting to take place over a period of up to three (3) days,

beginning with the date of the annual meeting.

The Town Meeting (changed from the Town Council) shall determine the methods of voting, which may include any combination of:

• In-person voting by show of hands;
• written ballot;
• Voting by electronic means

Big Community Outreach Meeting to Discuss Future Direction of the GHTM – Leslie suggested May and have it at the Gold Hill Inn to make sure we have a large enough meeting space.  It was also suggested that we send info out to educate people on the history and issues in advance.

NEW BUSINESS

October 26, 10-3  Open House/Halloween at the Gold Hill School –

November 12, 5-8:30  Fall Fiesta at the Gold Hill Inn

December 8, 7:00 GHTM In person at the Firebarn and on Zoom

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefendeerfer, Secretary

P.S. I will put out the current state of the bylaws, including those in process that need to be finalized at the December GHTM soon.

Gretchen, can you please post this for us? Thanks!