Gold Hill, Colorado

CORRECT LINK https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rain-barrel-webinar-how-and-why-of-water-harvesting-at-your-home-tickets-210746768257

If you are in the Gold Hill Fire Protection District you will be entered in a drawing – must attend webinar – to WIN two barrels and connector kit with cement blocks!

Rain Barrel WEBINAR – How and  Why of Water Harvesting at Your Home!

Posted: Monday, November 15, 2021

Rain Barrel WEBINAR – How and  Why of Water Harvesting at Your Home!   Thursday, November 18, 2021,  5:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Zoom link will be sent when you register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rain-barrel-webinar-how-and-why-of-water-harvesting-at-your-home-tickets-210746768257 Webinar Content: Rain barrels are the perfect addition to your home gardens! They allow you to conserve water, expand your gardens […]

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Rain Barrel WEBINAR – How and  Why of Water Harvesting at Your Home!                                                                                                                      

Thursday, November 18, 2021                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

5:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Zoom link will be sent when you register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/order-form?eid=210746768257

Webinar Content: Rain barrels are the perfect addition to your home gardens! They allow you to conserve water, expand your gardens and protect our rivers. In this webinar, you will receive information on what type of rain barrel to buy and step-by-step instructions on how to install your rain barrel(s) at home.

If you are in the Gold Hill Fire Protection District you will be entered in a drawing – must attend webinar – to WIN two barrels and connector kit with cement blocks!

Presented by: Jessica Thrasher, Education and Outreach Manager for the Colorado Stormwater Center at Colorado State University

Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Southern Methodist University and a master’s degree in International Development Anthropology from Colorado State University. She is a passionate water conservation educator, advocate, and practitioner. Jessica loves gardening and is continually finding ways to incorporate more native plants into her landscape and squeeze in one more vegetable into her food production gardens. She is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Certified Rainwater Harvesting Practitioner, and Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) Certified and loves talking about incorporating rain barrels, rain gardens, and native plants into landscapes, protecting our water quality, and how to choose garden designs that stack multiple beneficial functions including beauty, habitat for pollinators and diversity.

Supported by the Community Foundation and sponsored by the Gold Hill Town Meeting and the Colorado Stormwater Center at Colorado State University.

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

November 16, 2021

7:00 PM

ZOOM INVITE TO FOLLOW

CALL TO ORDER 

ATTENDANCE 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES  

CALLS: 

Type of call

Initial response

Number of volunteers who arrived.

Who took command and transfer (if any)?

Equipment used.

Other Departments who arrived.

Lessons learned.

TRAINING:  

                      Training team members

                      Past training

                      Upcoming training

                  New volunteers MAINTENANCE: 

                     Vehicles 

                     Equipment

EQUIPMENT:  Committee report:  Chief, Kris G.

                     Inventory

                     Condition

OTHER BUSINESS 

Mill Levy Increase of 16.00 mills from 6.64 for total of 22.64:

• Process overview.John Chml, Esq.
• Why :
  • Current budget from property tax generated $42,368.00.
  • We need to improve our abilities to respond to emergencies, fire, health and accident.
  • Upgrade current services and equipment.
  • Wildfire threats mean we should conduct more mitigation for our residents.
  • Timing:Language ready in January 2022. Certified in March, ballots mailed in April,  for May 2022 Special Election.
  • If successful, mill levy would start in 2023.
  • Undertake analysis of existing fire barn and develop a strategy to improve or replace.
  • Goal of improving ISO insurance rating from 10.

Barbour Cistern Contribution  Offer of $2,500.00.

• Lefthand requires $5,000.00
• Fourmile requires an amount equal to $1.00 per gallon and a basic response of 10,000 gallons
• Gold Hill FPD previous cistern contribution requirement $5,000.00.

UTV Purchase Community Foundation Grant Money:

• Identify UTV brand and equipment and purchase.Rick S, Chris D and Kent

New Station-Community Center :  

• 900 Pine process and vote
• 2021 Gold Hill Community Space Survey Results.
• Time frame for new barn?

Forest Projects:  

• Maya MacHamer : Update on progress.

 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING to discuss Community Center at 900 Pine, November 8, 2021 by Zoom – Notes by Gretchen Diefenderfer

Chair Emma Dirolf called the meeting to order and inquired about having a town meeting without a quorum of the town council.  Gretchen replied that it seems that we can have a meeting to exchange information, but can’t take any votes, which was the intention anyway.  No quorum does mean it’s not an official town meeting.

Present on Zoom were: Chair Emma Dirolf, Debra Yeager, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, Karen Simmons, Leslie Finn, Peter Swift, Fire Board Member Boyd Brown, Marcus Moench, Elisabeth Caspari, Janos and Rebecca Wilder, Val Crist, Rick Sheingold, Joanne and Dick Cole, Peter Swift, Steffi Wilson, Fire Board President Rich Lopez, Virginia Schultz, Dina Elder, Julie Carpenter, Kris Gibson, Deepika Avanti.  Please let me know if I missed anyone.

Janos asked about the survey and Marcus summarized the results.  Approximately 70%+ replied  that a Community Center would be a good thing, with the highest percentage supporting a combination Firebarn and Community Center (CC).  50/50% split on 900 Pine for a CC with lots of comments and concerns from neighbors.  Results were all over the place on other sites.  For the total survey results, https://goldhilltown.com/community-center-survey-results/   The Friends of the GH Community Center’s plan would be to sell it to the town at their costs plus 2%.  Marcus added that to get State funding for a new station requires including community space.  Boyd added that the Fire Board is convinced that having the community involved and included is the way to go. 

Emma asked for questions from the community since the open house at 900 Pine on Oct. 24.  Karen Simmons had two: #1 What is our reaction to the appraisal? and #2 What do we think of the size as sufficient for a CC?  Marcus reported that the appraisal came in at $350,000 in its current condition and seems in the ball park given the obvious repairs necessary, which include a septic system estimate of $30,000 to 35,000 from Max, Joe Jacobs estimate of $12,300 for a new roof, and Robert Mazurkiwicz’s estimate of close to $20,000 for electrical  (immediatesafety concerns have been taken care of).  These figures were known by the appraiser.  There is a current well and it’s unclear if it’s recorded or legal – it’s a 30-40’ hand dug well with no known problems.

            Re #2, Gretchen replied that it is a small building, but seems big enough for our town meetings and some other uses (whenever we meet in person again).  The lot is large and beautiful with lots of room for an addition or even something like a barn for larger gatherings, plus some off-street parking.  There is a bathroom and kitchen in the house.  Val added that it does seem a little small without any changes.

Janos asked a couple of things – Has the immediate neighborhood been polled and are they ok with it, have we gotten any estimates for other work or repairs, and what about parking?  Boyd said that  his opinion is that a lot (a majority) of the adjoining neighbors do have real concerns and are not very happy with the prospect – there are a couple in favor. Marcus added that restrictions on use and mitigations could help with concerns.  Boyd thought there could be some parking at the back of the lot, but there is still concern about congestion in town.   Also, if the site is changed to meet town needs, the County may require access, etc. – what about water quality, outdoor lighting, facilities, the kitchen – hidden costs.  Leslie said that Marcus had reported to the town that the change from residential to public use wouldn’t be a problem, but she’s concerned about ADA, fire safety, etc.  The town is zoned Historic, which is somewhat undefined.  Marcus replied that further estimates have not been done for ADA access etc.  Major changes would require a full architectural design eventually.

            Regarding parking, Rick, who was a resident of Pine Street for 25 years, doesn’t see that this facility would contribute more than the businesses in town do when they have events and the parking is all up and down Pine.  Boyd said that it has to do with Pine St. as a residential area and the business area is Main Street.  The concern is forcing commercial impacts into this residential area.  Rick added that he’s not sure it would be different from the present and a lot less often, and Boyd conceded that there is already a problem, but this would be another additional contribution.

            Elisabeth suggested that the town, when considering uses, would surely try to address concerns and balance uses with the greater good.  Leslie expressed concern about the great list of possible uses and so many extra curriculars.  Marcus replied that that list was just brainstorming about possibilities and added that the building would be owned by the TM and uses would be regulated by the TM with input from everybody on agreements and restrictions on uses and times.

            Peter said that the County would probably come up with parking requirements, but when he was Chair, he noted that quite a lot of people do walk to the firebarn and he saw no big overflow of cars parking into the neighborhood.  He agreed that the list of uses was to see what the interests were.  He agreed that the use of 900 Pine seems minor in comparison with the regular situation in town.

            Leslie wondered about necessary structural repairs.  Marcus replied that the main interior, the foundation, and basement are dry and sound per Dan Maedke’s professional assessment and we have no estimates on any other modifications.

            Kris added that given the present overall parking situation and emergency access problems, 900 Pine would hardly have more impact.  She would love to see estimates of costs associated with any necessary County upgrades.  Peter suggested that we pick the top three uses people suggested and check on County requirements and associated costs.

Emma noted a question in the chat wondering if there are reasons the firebarn doesn’t work as the community center.  Peter reported that a number of years ago he was asked to do a structural analysis of the firebarn.  The concrete flooring has failed, the bathroom is unusable, there is no ADA compliance, and during the flood of 2013 water actually flowed underneath the concrete floor.  Gretchen added that the town originally built the building to be both a firebarn and community center, but then the fire department ended up owning the building and we can only use it with permission.  Many of us have felt strongly for a long time that  it would be nice to have our own space that we could make our own decisions about.  Boyd replied that it’s not so much a permission thing – just mainly scheduling.  Peter added that previously, during emergencies, the school has been opened up so a separate community center would be terrific for unfortunate occurrences like fires.  Deb also noted that, in response to Boyd, anyone can usually schedule the upstairs, but if there is a fire call or other emergency we’d have to vacate.  It’s not ideal for that reason.  And for Peter’s comment, with our own space we would have more options and could store emergency supplies and food.  And, she agrees that we would like to have our own space and not be at the mercy of having to vacate when there is an emergency response going on with the fire department. The blend of the two uses of the upstairs can be inhibiting.   Marcus added that if a new firebarn becomes a reality, a lot of the limitations regarding community use could be addressed.  Funding for a new firebarn is a whole lot easier if it includes community space.  Kris has heard that there are concerns with liability around the use of the firebarn upstairs.  Leslie replied that whoever uses it has to have their own liability coverage or arrange with the town meeting to be covered under theirs

            Rich weighed in by saying he has certain disclosures: he was the attorney involved in the purchase of 900 Pine – drawing up the papers and filing them, etc.,  plus  he is the board chair of the GHFPD.  In terms of use of the building, people email him and Chris and it’s usually granted unless there is a conflict with trainings, etc.  The bathroom is in a bad location and probably forever unusable.  The solution has been the Porto-san out front.  Peter’s assessment is accurate.  It’s a great old building not easily possible to do more with.  It’s true that the townspeople built the firebarn for both the fire department and as a community center but, ironically, the people who owned the land conveyed it to the fire department so we’re in charge.  That’s a fact.  The board does have a tremendous  interest in working with the community on combined community and fire department uses.  At a previous board meeting, Sue Schauffler, Secretary of the Lefthand Fire Department, came and reported on their process building their new station.  Rich had worked with them developing the plan.  If we go with DOLA to help with funding (LH received $1 million of the $3 million cost from DOLA), a community function has to be included which requires working with the community.  There are no definite plans yet for a new building,  but the fire department does want to provide the best service to the town to make everyone safer and respond to emergencies.  As far as 900 Pine, he loves the building and the lot and of course it could be a community center.  There is room for parking in the back and, if the town owns it, they can control the uses. Looking at the price and the appraisal, it looks like a favorable deal.  Boyd would add that a new firebarn has been in ongoing discussions.  It looks like they will have a special election in the spring to raise the department mill levy to help support the fire department.  They are very serious about upgrading to take the fire department in a viable direction and will be asking the district to approve an increase.  They are actually in planning for improvements and eventually a new building.  What are our priorities?  Fire safety and emergency response.

At this point, Emma announced that it’s 8:06, we appreciate all the wonderful participation and there are a few more questions in the Zoom chat: can the indoor bathroom at the firebarn be used? Not really

            Boyd had questions about the financing of 900 Pine – how realistically has this been assessed as far as usage and maintenance costs.  Also, if the town decides not to purchase, do the Friends of the Community Center have a commitment to the community for the sale?  Marcus said that the approach at this time is that our priority is to sell to a family (or individual) invested in the town for residential use.  We already know a lot of couples/individuals who are interested.  The exact mechanism will probably need advice from an attorney.  When we bought it, our goal was to benefit the town whether as a community center or a private residence.  If it does go to the town, we could use it in the interim as a CC for community functions, even for ideas like parking the fire department UT there, and eventually, if the fire department does finalize plans for a new building, 900 Pine could help with fundraising for a joint building for the community and the fire department.

More questions can be sent to the Friends of the Gold Hill Community Center, the Fire Department, or the GHTM.  Questions about how it would be renovated is beyond the scope of the Friends and would be for the town to decide.

A vote on whether the town wants to buy 900 Pine is planned at the December 13 GHTM.  A motion will have to be made, seconded, and voted on by all eligible voters attending the meeting.  The question arose regarding whether the Friends of CC could vote and Gretchen ventured that it could  be a conflict of interest for her as a member of Friends as well as secretary of the GHTM and she would recuse herself –  perhaps we should ask the GHTM at the time. 

Further questions? Send to gretchend@nullmac.com or call, and I will relay them to the appropriate person/entity.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary of the GHTM

GOLD HILL “FLASH MOB” HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE…..on Saturday, November 13^th from 11 am until 2 pm.  There are no supply chain issues in Gold Hill and the folks at the Pub, the Red Store, Amy Fortunato’s little store, and the Gold Hill Museum would love to have you visit them to make your purchase for holiday gift giving!  We are ready for a Gold Hill Holiday Boutique and this year we will be able to offer you lots of options AND wrap your gifts for you. If you need us to take your gifts to the post office for you for shipping, we will do that as well.

Remember your masks and bring cash for great products and everything that you purchase.  This will be a cash only event.  In years past groups of people enjoying a day of shopping with their friends for the purpose of supporting local businesses have saved small businesses by being mindful of what is available in the local area and spending cash to help out the local retailers.

Each location will have different items for you to consider:  artwork from artists of Gold Hill at the Pub; antiques and beautiful handmade pottery at the Red Store; wonderful, creative jewelry at Amy’s little shop, and t shirts, tote bags, towels, aprons, books, glasses, and calendars at the museum.  Here is your opportunity to get your holiday purchasing completed early AND support the local economy.  All of these retailers and your historic museum would love to help you make this year a special gift-giving year.  We have all been affected by the pandemic and this is a great way to have a win-win boutique and fun day in Gold Hill.

The museum will have fresh cookies for you, the Red Store will have hot tea for you, and the Pub will have a myriad of options for you to eat and drink.    Additionally, if you purchase at all  locations, you’ll receive a special gift for participating.

Come join us for a great day of fun in Gold Hill.  We are anxious to see you and get the holidays started off in a great way!

Water Harvesting Workshops Nov 11 & 13  in Gold Hill – FREE!

Please register in advance at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/water-harvesting-workshops-nov-11-13-in-gold-hill-tickets-208297462317

Workshop #1 — RAINWATER HARVESTING USING CHICKEN COOP ROOF. Join us from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday November 11th in Gold Hill to learn about permaculture design, rainwater harvesting, and backyard chickens. Get hands on experience installing a rain catchment system and learn how to integrate various garden elements for a more resilient and functional design. Meet at the Gold Hill Store, 531 Main Street, Gold Hill at 9:50 a.m. to walk to location.

Workshop #2 — RAIN BARREL INSTALLATION AND INFILTRATION BASIN Join us from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday November 13th in Gold Hill to learn about permaculture design, and how to prioritize the placing of various landscape elements such as patios, walkways, rain barrels, and overflow rain gardens. Get hands on experience installing a rain catchment system and considerations around rain gardens and infiltration basins. Meet at the Gold Hill Store, 531 Main Street, Gold Hill at 9:50 a.m. to walk to location.

Workshop #3 — RAIN BARREL INSTALLATION AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT Join us from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday November 13th in Gold Hill to learn about optimizing water resources on a residential lot. Learn about permaculture design with special focus on storm water management. Get hands on experience installing a rain catchment system. Meet at the Gold Hill Store, 531 Main Street, Gold Hill at 12:50 p.m. to walk to location.

Please dress for the weather and that can mean sun, rain, snow, hot, cold or windy! You are encouraged to bring plenty of water and your own snacks. If you wish to join in with the work please know that you do so at your own risk. All our welcome, but please leave pets at home.

FREE OF CHARGE! Sponsored by a grant from the Community Foundation and supported by the Gold Hill Town Meeting and Padden Permaculture.

From: Patrick Padden <patrick@nullpaddenpermaculture.com>

Residential rain barrel and stormwater workshop at the Gold Hill Store

Learn about water harvesting strategies in our unique climate.  Get hands-on experience with rain barrel installation and overflow management to make the most of rainwater and snow melt.  Learn about the process for creating an integrated permaculture concept design for your own home which integrates water, gardens, walkways, chickens, and patios, as a way to bring more life, beauty and abundance into your immediate habitat.  

Topic: Gold Hill Special Meeting – Community Center
Time: Nov 8, 2021 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Dial by your location
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 832 9881 7223
Passcode: 187487
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kxmKKNpo7

Hey all, for us in the mountains, there aren’t a lot of things to vote on, but there is the School Board and three ballot issues.  If you have not mailed your ballot, you will need to drop it off by 7:00 pm on Tuesday.

https://www.bouldercounty.org/elections/information/voting-locations/

Sending along from Virginia Schultz

From: Center for Sustainable Landscapes and Communities <centerslac@nullcolorado.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 10:50 AM
To: Virginia Schultz <Virginia.Schultz@nullColorado.EDU>
Subject: Boulder’s mountain ecosystems: What can we learn from long-term data?

CALLING ALL GOLD HILL ARTISTS…..on Saturday, November 13^th, Gold Hill will be hosting a Holiday Boutique.  Artists are invited to contact the Gold Hill Pub by Wednesday, November 10^th to confirm a spot to sell artwork at the Gold Hill Pub.  Please speak with Mike or Ellen for a space and particulars about your products.

GOLD HILL “FLASH MOB” HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE…..on Saturday, November 13^th from 11 am until 2 pm.  There are no supply chain issues in Gold Hill and the folks at the Pub, the Red Store, and the Gold Hill Museum would love to have you visit them to make your purchase for holiday gift giving!  We are ready for a Gold Hill Holiday Boutique and this year we will be able to offer you lots of options AND wrap your gifts for you. If you need us to take your gifts to the post office for you for shipping, we will do that as well.

Each location will have different items for you to consider:  artwork from artists of Gold Hill at the Pub; antiques and beautiful handmade pottery at the Red Store; and t shirts, tote bags, towels, aprons, books, glasses, and calendars at the museum.  Here is your opportunity to get your holiday purchasing completed early AND support the local economy.  All of these retailers and your historic museum would love to help you make this year a special gift-giving year.  We have all been affected by the pandemic and this is a great way to have a win-win boutique and fun day in Gold Hill.

Leave your checkbook and credit cards behind and bring a wad of cash for great products and everything that you purchase.  In years past “Flash Mobs” (groups of people enjoying a day of shopping with their friends for the purpose of supporting local businesses) have saved small businesses by being mindful of what is available in the local area and spending cash to help out the local retailers.

The museum will have fresh cookies for you, the Red Store will have hot tea for you, and the Pub will have a myriad of options for you to eat and drink.    Additionally, if you purchase at all three locations, you’ll receive a special gift for participating.

So……save the date, call the Pub if you have artwork that you’d like to sell at the boutique, convert your monies into cash and come join us for a great day of fun in Gold Hill.  We are anxious to see you and get the holidays started off in a great way!

Deb Yeager   deb@nullmountainvisions.net

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the Monday, October 11, 2021 Town Meeting by Zoom

Next Town Meeting will be Monday, December 13, 7:00 P.M. by Zoom

 The meeting was called to order by Chair Emma Dirolf.  Twenty-two people attended via Zoom: Emma, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, Maya MacHamer along with Erin Fried, Julian Blundell, Korey McQuaide, Nate Goeckner of the Boulder Watershed Collective, Jenna Gann, Amara East, Deb Yeager, Marcus Moench and Elisabeth Caspari, Emily Rose, Boyd Brown, Mari Sidell, Rich Lopez, Terry Walter, Torkin Wakefield and Charles Steinberg, Val Crist, Virginia Schultz, and Vice Chair Sarah O’Brien.  Please let me know if I missed anyone.

Minutes – As there were no corrections or additions to the minutes of the August 9 GHTM, the minutes were approved as published.

Elections – Since the elections held at the August GHTM, Sebastian Combelic has resigned as Member at Large, realizing that his life is too busy to take on the job, and Dan Maedke agreed to continue for another year.  He was welcomed back by the rest of the Town Council.  Mari, who volunteered to serve as interim Treasurer after Martha Knapp had declined to run again, standing in for Jay Clark, reported that Jay has agreed to serve as Treasurer and he was appointed by the Council.

Treasurer’s Report – Mari reported that Jay is out of town and would file a report at the December meeting to include all activity since Martha’s report in August. As far as she knows, there has been no activity.

Special Reports – The Boulder Watershed Collective (see https://www.boulderwatershedcollective.com/projects) representatives reported on our mitigation project, the Gold Hill Survey results and the Community Visioning Summary. Maya reported that the Fourmile Mitigation Crew has been working at the Ashram.  A contractor from Evergreen with major machinery has been hired and will begin working at the Ashram next week.  They think they will move through as quickly as in a month and a half, depending on the weather.  They hope to finish that 40 acre project this year and begin on Caroline Ashley’s next season.  They will start at the west end and move east toward Lickskillet.  They will grind a lot of material, create slash piles, which will cure for a year, and then be burned by the Ember Association.  We will be filled in as progress is made.  They will have a pile building project – a 4 hour class – on November 20, which anyone can attend (to sign up, go to www.boulderwatershedcollective.com/events-2/pilebuildgoldhill), with the idea being to help catalyze more people to do more work on their own properties.  Pile burning workshops will be held later.  There should also be a lot of wood available after it is cured.

            Torkin thanked Maya and asked if there would be work on the north side of town from Ashley’s to Lickskillet and Maya said yes, they will be working directly north of town, probably finishing next season.    This includes the  40 acres at the Ashram, 50-60 at Caroline’s and Mike Wollard’s property as well as immediately behind the Pine Street properties.  BLM has also sent an archeologist out to begin an environmental assessment – the first step for work on BLM land.

            Erin Fried spoke of the Methodology for Understanding Community Standards and Community Perspectives.  As far as the birds and wildlife picture around Gold Hill, she introduced Korey McQuaid who reported that they had 10 cameras set up to get a wildlife picture index to see what we have now and then the impact of the mitigation work.  They saw bobcat, mountain lions, black bears, deer, moose.  Nate Goeckner worked on the bird monitoring and also set up 10 spots for a point count using calls at the Ashley’s and the Ashram.  Erin reported that they did a lot of interviews to understand how people see our wildfire risk, the barriers of mitigation, etc., and thanks everyone for their time.  They found Gold Hill to be an extremely thoughtful, cohesive community with a lot of support for collective actions, especially if they had gotten the Wildfire Partners’ assessments.   There is a high level of support for thinning on private and public lands, depending on who, where, and how it’s done – less support for burning (many want more information).  Julian Blundell conducted a visioning event – the first step was imagining what Gold Hill would look like in 5 years without any management or change and many thought we might not even be here – there was a kernel of despair.  Then they imagined us after 1. A shift in perceptions,  2. The community more organized and resourced, and 3. Increased individual preparedness.  For more information, go to https://www.boulderwatershedcollective.com

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mountain Stewards and Forestry Management – Virginia reported exciting developments – on October 28, 29 there is a walk on potential mitigation properties with a forester to mark trees, etc., and indicate other areas of improvement.             The Forester will focus principally on defensible space around homes.  They will work on funding to help homeowners and especially to include adjacent areas near the big projects . They have a Community Foundation Grant to provide support.  On December 1, weather permitting, they will have a dumpster for slash at the GH Inn parking lot.   In addition to the pile burning workshop, there will be a water harvesting workshop, where an expert will come look at some properties and distribute kits (including two  55gallon barrels) and talk about ideas for using the water.

Gold Hill School – no report             IMA – no report

Museum – Deb thanked everyone for their patience and those who helped with the Historic Boulder guided tour around Gold Hill.  The Museum had people stationed in costumes around town at the Store, the Museum, the School and it was great.

The Museum gift shop is well stocked with calendars, t-shirts, books, tea towels, etc. (no supply chain problems here), so contact Deb for your holiday shopping.  Thank you all for your support of the Museum.

Community Center – Survey Results – Marcus presented the survey results.  97 people responded.  Section 1 asked if Gold Hill needs a Community Space.  77 said yes, and 43 replied no.  The number 1 answer for why we need the community space is for a home for the GHTM, followed by number of other potential community uses.  Section 2 concerned potential sites: 75.6% thought the Firebarn the best place, it was 50-50 in favor of 900 Pine Street. Section 3 concerned funding.  57% said the town meeting should initiate a process to fundraise for the project, 7% said no, and 36% said maybe.

– here is the link to the entire survey and the comments

            https://goldhilltown.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=12014&action=edit

If you are interested in providing more feedback on a potential community space, please submit your ideas/scenarios to ghtownmeeting@nullgmail.com

Open House – There will be an Open House at 900 Pine on October 24^th from 2-4:00 pm hosted by the Friends of Gold Hill for the community to walk through the building and look at the space and land.  Dan’s inspection report  will be available.

Special Town Meeting – There will be a Special Town Meeting on November 8 from 7-8:00 pm to include an in depth presentation, scenarios, and QA session on our Community Space considerations, with a vote to be taken at the December regular town meeting on whether or not the community wants to pursue acquiring 900 Pine as a community space.

SafeLink/NeighborLink/Emergency Preparation – Deb reports that she and Sarah continue to upgrade the information in the Welcome Buckets that go out to all new people.

Historic Zoning – Marcus reported that the Committee has new members: Greg Buis, Rick Sheingold, Terry Walter, and Emily Rose.  Terry is also on the HBAB County Board.  Recent projects OKd include Emma and Chris’s siding and windows at the Sinners.

Fire Department – Gretchen read an email report from Leslie Finn – People have commented on the number of sirens and vehicles coming through town fast. We wanted to remind folks that when they call 911, they automatically get the Gold Hill Fire Department and a couple of responders from Four Mile and Sunshine. We try to call off Sunshine and Four Mile as soon as possible, but we can be short staffed at times, and welcome their response.

The new Wildland Firefighters successfully completed their arduous pack test, which is a walking test where they have to walk 3 miles in 45 minutes with a 45-pound pack on. They all completed it in under 42 minutes! Way to go! 

As always, we need volunteers and will be finishing out this year with a Company Meeting, a live burn at the Boulder County Training Center in Boulder and a car fire practical in December, weather permitting. The 2022 schedule is in the works.

If you are interested in joining, please email Chief Finn at cfinn@nullgoldhillinn.com for an application and the training schedule.

Upcoming Meetings/Events

 Community Foundation Announcement – Funding from the 2020 Fires Relief Fund supported impacted homeowners by contracting with United Policyholders (UP) to help them maximize their homeowner insurance policies.  In addition, UP agreed to provide fire preparedness education sessions for renters in our community. 

 As a result, there will be three fires preparedness webinars for renters living in the mountain communities on three separate dates – October 12, 18th and 21st. 

Gold Hill Special Town Meeting – Monday, November 8, 2021,  from 7-8p by Zoom

In depth presentation, scenarios, and QA session to discuss Community Center survey results.

A vote will be taken at the December Town Meeting to decide if the Gold Hill Town Meeting will or will not acquire 900 Pine St as a Community Space for Gold Hill.

Here is a link to review the survey results   https://goldhilltown.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=12014&action=edit

The Friends of Gold Hill will be holding an open house at 900 Pine street on October 24th from 2:00-4:00 PM.  This is a great time for town members who have been following the discussions around a community center to get a feel for the place.  We’ll have the inspection report available and are happy to discuss what we know regarding its condition and potential.  If you can’t visit during the open house, feel free to contact one of the current owner group and we’ll be happy to talk about the place and, if schedules permit, arrange a separate viewing.

Marcus Moench and Elisabeth Caspari

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