Gold Hill, Colorado

The bylaws committee appointed at the  January 8th town meeting – Rick Sheingold, Peter Swift, Tony Vrba and Gretchen Diefenderfer – plan to meet at the General Store on Wednesday, May 9 at 1:00 p.m. Anyone with particular concerns or ideas should contact one of us, or come to the meeting.  Here is a link to the bylaws  https://goldhilltown.com/what-it-is/  This is a step by step process.  Any changes need to be brought up at a town meeting, published, and then can be voted on at the next meeting and passed by a 2/3 majority.

We know there are a couple of typos and plan to look at the boundaries and formalizing the budget process.  Let us know!

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the April 9, 2018, Town Meeting

 Next Town Meeting will be Monday, June 11, 2018, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center

 The meeting was called to order by Chair Tony Vrba.  The meeting was attended by eleven people: Member at Large Dan Maedke, Maggie Simms, Treasurer Martha Knapp, Kyle McCatty from Wildfire Partners, Virginia Schultz, Pam Sherman, Stefanie Wilson, Emily Rose, Chair Tony Vrba, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, and Vice-Chair Jojo Morrison.

Tony introduced Kyle McCatty, Mitigation Specialist with Wildfire Partners (wildfirepartners.org).  WFP was started with a FEMA grant to promote a safer environment.  Kyle reported that they look at the conditions within 100’ of homes that contribute to ignition.  They did have some good success in the Cold Springs Fire.  They take research and science into account, looking at the construction itself and how vulnerable it is to the monsoon of embers generated in the bad fires, and prioritize the most effective ways to protect homes.  They have a checklist and try to focus on the biggest bang for the buck and most reasonable goals to accomplish.  He encouraged people to participate in the assessment.  They will work with you to effectively reduce the chance your home will ignite.  It is estimated that homes have a 30% survival rate with NO mitigation, 80% with defensible space, and even more after following the pointers from the WFP assessment.  Also, there is no feethis year.  This is the last year of the current grants, so there is a big push to accomplish as much as possible.  You can apply online at wildfirepartners.org.  There is cost sharing for up to 50% of the mitigation work, they have a list of contractors, and anyone who has the assessment can get two hours of free chipping.  Gold Hillians who have had the assessment added that it is an educational and encouraging experience and mitigation works.

            Virginia also encouraged people to participate. Of the people who participated in the chipping grant last year, only one went over the two hours that will be free for participants, so a lot of work can get done.  She has applied for the chipping grant again this year and there is a Gold Hill chipping event scheduled for the week of July 23-27. They plan to approach the Fire Department to participate.  Emily Rose brought up the increasing need for mitigation on the North Side of town, and Virginia plans to contact the Forest Service about any plans they have around town.   

            Kyle added that the forecast for June and July this year is for increased fire danger.

With that, Tony opened the regular agenda. 

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as published.

Treasurer’s Report – Martha reported: At the previous regular Town Meeting in FEBRUARY 2018 our bank balance was $15,645.57. Our CURRENT total cash assets are $15,409.57. Revenue since February is zero. Expenses included filing fees for State of Colorado reports.

Earmarked fund totals (rounded to nearest dollar) are as follows:
General Fund $1207; Cemetery $6,858; Community Relief $3,327; Forest Management 0 (zero); Safe Link (funds for SafeSite, AirLink, NeighborLink projects) $3,785; Community Planning $233.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Gold Hill School – Jojo reports that she won an Impact on Education Award, and everyone cheered.  The kids had a very successful play “Back to the Sword” a play on Camelot and back to the future and Elvis appeared as anticipated.  Their last semester is coming up, with the focus on experiential education, including the greenhouse, riparian systems, insects, fly tying and fishing.  There will be a fundraiser at the Kitchen Next Door on April 23 – the Kitchen donates 50% of the proceeds and it’s a good fundraiser.  They will be having a Mountain Man Camp at the Teepee in Kirby’s field.  They only have18-19 kids enrolled so far for next year and are hoping for more.

Forestry/Mitigation – Virginia brought up the Chipping Grant and the question of subsidizing anyone if they don’t have the assessment that would provide them with the free two hours of chipping.  Tony suggested that we consider only subsidizing anyone who has more than two hours of chipping if they do the assessment.  Emily Rose raised the issue of the north side of town and we all agreed we should talk to our neighbors about participating for their own safety, the helpful contribution to the safety of their neighbors and the whole community.  Gretchen moved that the GHTM chipping grant subsidize only those members who participate in the WFP assessment.  Maggie seconded it and the motion carried. Virginia suggested that the amount of the subsidy for those who go over the two hours of free chipping be determined, up to 25% of the cost, when we know more about how many people intend to take part, and everyone agreed.  If we get the grant, the County will pay 25%.

Community Planning – no report

Historic Zoning – no report, but someone reported that the County Commissioners have postponed a decision on the Robinson house.

Fire Department – The Fire Board election was cancelled as they had only as many people interested as there were positions up for election.  Paul Garabedian has now resigned, as he and Diane have moved to Florida, so they are looking for someone willing to replace him. Please get in touch with Rich Lopez, President of the Board 303-473-0204, rvlopez@nullaol.comor any of the other board members – Bobby Vrba, Boyd Brown, or Rick Geesaman.  They have one interested community member and encourage anyone else to let them know and attend the next board meeting on Thursday, May 17, when they plan to make a decision.

Mining – Gretchen read an email from Dick Cole: Hi! Just checked with Michael Cunningham @ DRMS regarding M1994-117 Gold Hill Mill, which was to have had a decision date of Friday April 6, 2018. The mine operator requested another extension of 60 days to address adequacy issues that were brought up in response to the permit app. DRMS granted the extension until June 8, 2018. There ya go. 

Weeds – Emily would like to see a weed pulling party organized in the fall for Mullein in the area around the hike between Hugh’s and the Cemetery.  She and Amara did a ton of pulling last fall and want to enlist some help.  Pam thought that was a great idea and said that Emily’s in charge.  Jojo asked if we should plant something so other weeds don’t just fill in the space.  Pam also pointed out that Mullein is a useful plant – when dry, it’s great tinder to start fires in stoves and has medicinal properties as well.  She will put information out.  She recommends Charles Walton’s Weed Control without Poison, and also suggested composting (minus the seeds) to cover the soil and discourage weeds. She added that the mowing recommended for 30’ around homes for wildfire mitigation would also take care of some weeds. She handed out an Ecocycle pamphlet, and encouraged people to get in touch with her if you are interested in learning about composting.

Historic Gold Hill – Gretchen reported that the Calendar committee is working away, and is open for ideas as well as anyone interested in being on the committee – contact Gretchen, Marie Brookhart, or Chellee Courtney.  The next meeting is May 8, 10 a.m. at Gretchen’s house.

Friends of Fazoo – Jojo reports that Joan Few will be doing an historic survey of the property.  Arthur has already created a grid map to systematically work on it.  They will need volunteers to help.  After that is done, they will be able to weed whack and begin the clean up.  Jojo will be contacting BCOS again to clarify the agreement.  Boulder Permaculture Guild is interested in looking at the area, as well as some other groups.

Cemetery Committee – Maggie reports that they are looking to do a survey – they all, including Bob and Chellee, think it’s important to know exactly where the lines are. Jojo suggested that the county will do a survey, but perhaps only of the triangle that is on the Fazoo/BCOS property. Maggie has a map that Chellee got a month ago and it looks like that triangle is on the map as belonging to the GHTM, but they want to do an independent full survey of it the whole cemetery, including the annex. This generated a discussion of the money in the Cemetery Committee fund and if it would be sufficient, etc.   Historically, the Cemetery Committee was separate from the Town Meeting and had it’s own funds, which Bob eventually brought into the TM.  Since then their funds have accumulated through donations specifically directed to them.  Tony expressed concern that there is a lot of money in the fund and the Town Meeting owns the Cemetery and so is responsible for it.  The question arises about how much autonomy do the committees, and particularly the cemetery committee, which receives these dedicated funds, have.  Martha suggested that Maggie do some investigation into the cost for a survey and bring it to the next TM, which she plans to do.

NeighborLink/SafeLink/AirLink – Tony is one of the Pod Leaders in NeighborLink and she encouraged all the leaders to re-connect and update their groups. Particularly, we need to know how people want to be communicated with – text, phone, email, or walk over – in case of an emergency?

IMA (Intermountain Alliance) – No report asTony did not make it to the last meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

Forestry – Move money for forestry and review updated grant information – see above, moving the money is tabled for now.

Strategic Planning/Community Center – Tony noted that, on the survey of community priorities a couple of years ago, about 50% thought we should pursue a community center, and we need someone to take the lead on looking into our options.

Town Portrait – Maggie has reached out to three people looking for a photographer – one didn’t reply, one was very vague, and the Atkinson’s granddaughter, Natalie Campos, would be interested, but might not be around.  Pam suggested Anna Poisson, who lives here in town, and Jojo suggested David with Hoffer photography, who does the school photographs. Maggie will check with them.  She would like to nail down the date as much as possible and suggested July 7^th.

NEW BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

 New Neighbor/Pizza Night – Tony reports that Deb suggested we have another town gathering, particularly to encourage new people to come and meet up, in the off month between town meetings on May 14^th.  She would like people to stand up and report on town events and services in the hope of generating more involvement in town stuff – maybe someone from NeighborLink, the Climb, the Museum, Fire Department, etc.  And she would like funds to purchase some pizzas, etc. as well as having people bring potluck contributions. Maggie moved that we give Tony $50.00 to purchase pizzas at the Gold Hill Store, Jojo seconded it and the motion passed.

Changing the time of the Town Meeting – Maggie moved that we change the TM time to 7:00.  Steffi seconded it.  There was a discussion of the pros and cons – i.e., it could make it more difficult for people who work versus we would get out earlier.  The motion passed and the new time is 7:00 p.m.

Town Clean Up – Will be on Saturday, June 23 this year – same place: the Bluebird Lodge parking lot and along Main Street (big thank you to the Finns).  As in the last few years, Boulder County’s focus is on reuse and recycling.  We will need donations to pay for the dumpsters, which they no longer support. We need volunteers, too.  Contact Gretchen (303-442-3847, gretchend@nullmac.com) if you can help – thanks so much.  More info to follow.

            Tony would like to encourage people prior to the 23^rdto clean up areas around the community.  Several people do this frequently on their own, and it would be nice to get a group effort going.

Upcoming Events

May 14th, New Neighbors Pizza night – 6:20 p.m.

June 11th, Gold Hill Town Meeting

June 22nd, Museum Event

June 23rd, Town Clean Up

July 4th, GHFPD Annual Pancake Breakfast and Parade

July 23-27th, Community Mitigation Event

August 13thGold Hill Town Meeting – Elections

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary.

Hi Everyone, 

How do you communicate during an event that disables your phone and internet?  We have our Ham Radio, and our Gold Hill AirLink repeater’s coverage area which includes all the neighbouring mountain communities and the front range – from Longmont to Parker and sometimes more.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a Ham, if you just want to know who your nearest Hams are, or if you just want to hangout…..please come!

Airlink Amateur Radio Group Annual Meeting and Get Together!

Sun, May 6 – 2:00 pm.

Poorman Fire Station

1740 Fourmile Canyon Dr.

For questions, call Jane at 303-447-0187 or email via janevanhou10@nullgmail.com   Hope to see you there!

Begin forwarded message:

From: “Barth, Andrew” <abarth@nullbouldercounty.org>
Date: April 25, 2018 at 2:43:23 PM MDT
Subject: No additional road closures necessary

Hello –

SEMA informed me this afternoon that they will be able to finish the culvert below 1448 Gold Run without the need for additional full closures of the road. They will use flaggers to move travelers safely through the area.

Have a good afternoon.

Andrew

Andrew Barth

Communications, Boulder County Transportation

303-441-1032

www.BoulderCounty.org/Roads  

Words on Town Weeds and Worms, April 10

Happy Spring, Gold Hill! 

What a great town meeting we had last night wrt weeds  (and other topics). This email is a response to what came up last night wrt weeds and worms. 

In general, for a wide range of information on specific invasive plants and best practices for mitigation, USFS monographs are my favorite first go-to resource. Google the invasive plant name plus “USFS monograph;” geek out as desired.  

Topic #1: Mullein

First, Emily and Steffi will be leading a mullein pulling party at some point on GH Open Space. They will let the town know where and when. 

Here’s the USFS monograph on mullein. If you’re not sure what mullein looks like, check out their photos. Those inclined to herbal medicine may want to note their “Other Uses” section. 

For mitigation on open space areas, the USFS says: “Increased levels and frequencies of disturbances may increase the density of the common mullein seed bank. In northern Arizona, the density of common mullein seedlings emerging from soil samples increased with increased levels of past land use.” Of course the Four Mile Fire was the main past disturbance here, in addition to past mining and ag land use.

They go on to say: “Physical control methods may be an effective method of removing small aboveground common mullein populations. Plants severed through the root crown below the basal leaves do not sprout [16]. Flowering stalks should be removed from the site to limit additions to the seed bank.”  

There is as yet no known effective bio control for  mullein, but I have put out feelers in official circles on this anyway for notification.

Mullein is a List C species. As such, this instruction from the state website is important to read:

List C Species are species for which the Commissioner, in consultation with the state noxious weed advisory committee, local governments, and other interested parties, will develop and implement state noxious weed management plans designed to support the efforts of local governing bodies to facilitate more effective integrated weed management on private and public lands. The goal of such plans will not be to stop the continued spread of these species but to provide additional education, research, and biological control resources to jurisdictions that choose to require management of List C species.

What about replacement plants for mullein?

This is such a great topic. The response to “what about replacement plants” can vary depending on situation and plant.
This brings up some questions, which need response and discussion from stakeholders.

The concept of crowding out unwanted plants comes from the concept of out-competing and the practice of cover cropping and multiple cropping. It works very well in regenerative farm, garden, and landscaping situations, ie. human-dominant situations.

Per USFS mullein does not like shade. So mullein replacement plants would be trees or any native bush that will grow tall and shade them out.

I assume we’d want native trees, which around here would be Doug fir or Ponderosa, which are what grow in regular, non-wet situations here. ? We’d have to plant shade everywhere (ie. foresting our fields), as mullein seeds can remain viable up to 100 years (in some studies) in the seed bank and can migrate via birds etc.

Is this what the land wants? Mullein thrives in fields. In fields here, trees are naturally sparse. On Open Space, do we want to apply human intensive management to open space, which is wild land? Do we want to adhere to the permaculture design principle of zoning? Would we even be successful in imposing our ideas on the land? Do we want to impose them? These are open questions needing discussion among stakeholders.

Let’s look further into logistics just for a moment.

 Who would care for these trees/shade plants on open space?

Watering to get those trees established…who would pay for and tend this system for the necessary years it will take? Where do we get the water, where does it get plugged in, where do we get a hose long enough? Or volunteers with buckets from an as-yet unnamed water source? On our hypothetical mullein-replacement area we could create the most fantastic water-holding soil in the tree root zone that we could. But this intensive management would change the wild ecosystem and still it would need water and watering care.

One word of warning:

The mullein has to be cut the way the USFS says to do or the plant will come back, flowers and all, either teency weency or with more heads with more flowers. It’s very resilient. If you are in the mood to laugh, it can look pretty funny.  So just be aware if you choose to whack at the stalk during the growing season.

Or just get it in the fall when it’s dead, when you are out gathering weeds for kindling for your winter fires and it’s easier to pull out.

What to do with the mullein stalk once you’ve pulled it out:

Remove the flowers with seed and use the rest for mulch. Break up and spread it on the area you’ve just disturbed by pulling, as keeping the land covered, or “armored” is #1 important. The less disturbance, the fewer weeds. Even if taking the dead mullein stalk for kindling, save some for covering land in this way. Make sure it won’t blow away. Just cover the soil. Not too high, as we don’t want any fire danger from mulch that will dry quickly.

You can put some on your garden as mulch, too, without seed of course. In the garden you can shred and pile it higher, as it won’t dry out.

Treating Mullein and Other Weed Stands Biodynamically

Some may like to do this, called ashing or peppering. See  Bulletin on Biodynamic Weed Control.

Harvest and Use

Mullein flowers and leaves have been used medicinally since ancient times, through many civilizations. It’s considered a strong herbal plant.

Topic #2: Goats/Sheep for Weed Control on Open Space areas—expensive and companies providing this service are scarce. To make it affordable, we’d need a town herd and to take turns as herders. This would take organization. If people are interested, we can look into it. If anyone knows of a new local mom-or-pop operation that is not expensive, let us all know.

 Topic #3: Mitigation in Dixon Gully, or “Dixon Canyon” if you prefer– the one created by the Flood of 2013. This is Boulder County’s property and call. I wrote them and will let folks at the next town meeting know what they say. 

Topic #4: Charles Walters’ book Weeds: Control Without Poisons. The late Charles Walters, founder of ACRES USA, the magazine of U.S. eco-agriculture, “provides specifics on a host of weeds — why they grow, what soil conditions spur them on or stop them, what they say about your soil and how to control them” through nutrient management. There was some interest in trying his methods together. Let us know if you’re interested. 

Topic #5: Want More Info on Weeds. Not sure what they look like. Photos don’t give me the confidence I need to ID them. Please send out information once a month. 

First, to get the state overview, start here. Click on List A, List B, and List C for photos. That said, a bunch of these are not in the state yet and not in our county and certainly not up here.

On List A we are reported to have: Purple Loosestrife (in wet areas only),  Orange Hawkweed.  

On List B we have seen here: Absinthe Wormwood, Bouncingbet (well, in at least one of the canyons anyway), Bull thistle, Canada thistle, Common tansy, Dalmation toadflax, Yellow toadflax, Dame’s rocket, Hoary cress, Perennial pepperweed, Leafy spurge, Russian knapweed,  spotted knapweed, Oxeye daisy, Russian olive.

On List C we have seen here:  Chicory, Common Mullein, Field Bindweed, Johnsongrass, Perennial Sowthistle. 

If you’ve seen or see others not mentioned above, give a holler. 

Weed ID Walks: I am happy to lead short weed ID walks (a few plants at a time so it’s not overwhelming). We’ll put out a notice later in the season– maybe June for the first one.  

Topic #6: Composting

There was interest in finding out more about composting, either just weeds (without their reproductive structures) but also food waste. 

First, there was one concern about bears. Bears are attracted by meat and sweets. In my family’s 25 years of food waste composting in the mountains out in the open (no fence), we only attracted bear interest once, twenty years ago, when I put thirty six whole watermelon and canteloupe skins at once into the compost. (What was I thinking?) The bear ate only one kind of melon rind and left me the other to clean up. I forget which s/he preferred.  

Compost References: 

There is a Boulder County grant we can go for if we want to do it on a town scale. Eco-Cycle recommends Peter Moon’s O2 Compost System. No turning involved, which is important in our climate, with our soils (creates more fungi).

Another highly recommended system that can be used at town or household scale is the Johnson-Su Bioreactor. (link is to Johnson’s 12 minute video). Despite the fancy name, it’s easy. No turning involved, creates more fungi. 

Helmut Schimmel’s book just translated into English Compost Revolution: Natural Growing with Worm Humus   (he’s an expert in Germany). Also for home scale, no turning involved, creates more fungi.

Worm Composting video with Marjorie Peronto of the University of Maine Extension. The standard  home-scale way. Very clear demonstration. 

Then there’s the usual cold composting way most of us have done it over the years—throw our food scraps on the compost heap or in the pit, mixed with twice as much “brown” material—straw, leaves, etc. so there’s no smell at all. However, the above compost teachers do excellent work; good to know about them if you are caring for plants and land.  

Not recommending rapid thermal composting at this time, due to current drought conditions and Schimmel’s reasoned arguments (turning involved).  

Yours truly,

Pam

pamsher123@nullgmail.com

Topic #1: Mullein

Photo by Sebastian Stabinger Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Photo by Olivier Pichard Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Mullein—Uses and Mitigation

The following is from the U.S. Forest Service monograph on mullein.

(The numbers below identify the original sources listed in the monograph.)

Uses 

Deer, elk, mountain goats, and small mammals feed on common mullein…

European cultures had a variety of uses for common mullein. These many uses likely encouraged the early transport and introduction of this species into nonnative areas… 

In as early as the 4th century BC, yellow common mullein flowers were used to dye hair [64]. Romans dipped flowering stalks in tallow and used them as torches [66]. In a review of folk medicine, common mullein was said to be used to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, and pneumonia; to combat tumor formation; and to treat urinary tract infections and skin diseases. Hemorrhoids, diarrhea, warts, migraines, frost bite, and ringworm were also treated with common mullein [137]. In Europe, concoctions of common mullein leaves and roots were used to treat many respiratory and alimentary conditions [10].

Native Americans also utilized common mullein. Southwestern tribes, including the Hopi, smoked dried common mullein leaves and…other plants to treat mental illness [66,67]. Potawatomis, Mohegans, Penobscots, and Menominess smoked dried common mullein leaves to treat colds, bronchitis, and asthma. Catawbas made a cough syrup from boiled common mullein roots, and a poultice of mashed leaves was used to relieve bruises, wounds, and sprains. Choctaws used a poultice of leaves for headaches [10].

Early European settlers in the eastern United States used common mullein seed to sting or poison fish. Common mullein seeds were crushed and put into diked areas of slow moving water. Fish breathing was severely reduced or stopped by the toxic seeds. Fish “stings” were an easy method of food collection and often turned into community events. Sometime before the Revolutionary War, common mullein seeds were brought from Europe and cultivated for this purpose [148]. Colonial women rubbed common mullein leaves on their cheeks to redden them [146].

Today common mullein is one of several plants used in herbal ear drops used to treat earaches in children (>5 years) [119]. Common mullein leaves and flowers, capsules, alcohol extracts, and flower oil are available for medicinal use in the United States, and a recent (2002) study of common mullein extracts revealed antibacterial and antitumor properties [136,137]. In a Northwest floral guide, basal common mullein leaves are noted as potential insoles for weary hikers [104].

Mitigation

For mitigation on open space areas, the USFS says: “Increased levels and frequencies of disturbances may increase the density of the common mullein seed bank. In northern Arizona, the density of common mullein seedlings emerging from soil samples increased with increased levels of past land use.” Of course the Four Mile Fire was the main past disturbance here, in addition to past mining and ag land use.

They go on to say: “Physical control methods may be an effective method of removing small aboveground common mullein populations. Plants severed through the root crown below the basal leaves do not sprout [16]. Flowering stalks should be removed from the site to limit additions to the seed bank.” 

Mullein is a List C species.  The management plan for List C species, as stated on the state website  “will not be to stop the continued spread of these species but to provide additional education, research, and biological control resources to jurisdictions that choose to require management of List C species.” 

Some people have offered to have a mullein pull this summer. Stay tuned.

Gold Hill Fire Board Member Needed

The Gold Hill Fire Protection District Board has a seat to fill for a community member.  The Board meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM.  If you are interested in serving on the Board or have questions, please contact Rich Lopez at 303 473 0204 rvlopez@aolcom or any of the other board members.  Bobby Vrba,  Boyd Brown or Rick Geesaman.   They have one interested community member and encourage anyone else to let them know and attend the next Board Meeting on Thursday, May 17, when they plan to make a decision.

WILDFIRE PARTNERS

Tony Vrba, Town Meeting Chair, came to enlist the Fire Board in encouraging the community to sign up for the wildfire mitigation assessments, which are free through Wildfire Partners (wildfirepartners.org), and which will also get you 2 free hours of chipping.  The Board voted to sign up as participating partners with SFP

FIRE DANGER

Chief Chris Finn added that he has received the Rocky Mountain Outlook for fire danger and weather from  Seth McKinley the Fire Management Office of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office  (smckinney@nullbouldercounty.org ) and they are expecting a hot dry fire season this year.   If your grass/weeds are still standing tall from last year, Chris recommends that you cut them and keep them cut, as grass (especially dry grass) carries fire amazingly well.  Also, make sure you clear your gutters of pine needles and aspen leaves.  For more information on wildfire preparedness and mitigation strategies see https://www.bouldercounty.org/disasters/wildfires/mitigation/ 

From: Cash House <cehouse4662@nullgmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2018 12:30 PM

Subject: Fwd: P-135 Closure Extension

Here is the updated schedule for the 1448 Gold Run Closure. 

Looks like most of next week.

Begin forwarded message:

From: “Barth, Andrew” <abarth@nullbouldercounty.org>
Date: April 20, 2018 at 11:18:25 AM MDT

Subject: FW: P-135 Closure Extension

FYI. I’ve highlighted their plans for next week’s road closures. No work tomorrow.

Let me know if you have questions.

AB

With the weather coming in and our safety concerns about placing pipe in those conditions, below is what we need to complete P-135

Friday – 0800 – 1930
Saturday – NO WORK
Monday– 0800 – 1900
Tuesday – 0800 – 1900
Wednesday – 0800 – 1900
Thursday – 0800 – 1630
Friday – 0800 – 1630

We can open up to emergency services on all days with 30 minute notice, however looking at the skew and layout of the pipe we cannot have it open to single lane traffic until we are working on the outer 3 pieces of pipe. We will try to minimize the impact to the residence and complete our work as quickly as possible. Please let us know if we can get these closures.
Thanks

The Gold Hill Fire Protection District Board has a seat to fill for a community member.  The Board meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM.  If you are interested in serving on the Board or have questions, please contact Rich Lopez at 303 473 0204 rvlopez@aolcom or any of the other board members.  Bobby Vrba,  Boyd Brown or Rick Geesaman.  

From Karen Simmons   Karen.Simmons@nulllasp.colorado.edu

I just spotted a (tv) channel 12 program tomorrow, Sat, at 7pm that highlights the Dillards’ band. It’s an old Andy Griffith show. I think there are a lot of Gold Hill folks that would like to catch this program. 
Karen

Two shows at the Pub Saturday April 14th — MIKE & BONNIE return with classic Americana, 1-3 pm, no cover — and the popular locals Ray & Cari, the STRANGEBYRDS, present their blue collar folk from 6 to 8 pm (doors 5:30 – $10 for this special event).

[Don’t forget PIZZA NIGHTS, Friday 5-8pm, and the return of TACO TUESDAY, April 17th]

What poem(s) will you share?   

PoemUp at the Gold Hill Store for Poem in Your Pocket Day! April 26^th  from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

https://www.poets.org/national-poetry-month/poem-your-pocket-day

Contact: Virginia at Virginia.schultz@nullcolorado.edu with any questions.

For those in Boulder during the day, stop by Innisfree Poetry Bookstore anytime or

at 4 p.m. come to the Boulder Public Library Boulder Creek room to share!

Like us on FB at Poem in Your Pocket Day Boulder – and Beyond

Virginia

Virginia Schultz

Subject: Gold Run Closures

Hey folks….

Just an update on the projected Gold Run closures planned next week.  

Gold Run will be closed at 1448 Gold Run (just below Summerville) Monday –
Saturday next week April 16-21.  

THE MON-WED CLOSURE WILL BE FROM 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

THE THUR-SATURDAY CLOSURE WILL BE FROM 8:00 AM – 7 PM.    THESE WILL BE
LONGER CLOSURES INTO THE EVENING.  

Please pass this along to your folks and we will also remind folks on
Saturday.

Thanks
Cash

Cash House
Assistant Fire Chief
Fourmile FPD
303-503-1210
Cehouse4662@nullgmail.com

Front Range Mountain Lion Research Presentation

Mat Alldredge, Ph.D., Wildlife Researcher, Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Thursday, April 12      6:30 – 8:00 P.M.

Boulder County Courthouse, Third Floor hearing room

Join  Us!

In 2007, Mat Alldredge, began a 10 year study investigating mountain lion ecology, prey,

movements and interactions with humans in the Front Range of Colorado. This study

tracked close to 100 individual mountain lions over the past 10 years in Boulder and Jefferson

counties, including the City of Boulder. The study concluded last year. As the data continues

to be analyzed, Mat will present information and answer questions about what we have learned about our local lions. 

This was supported by Boulder County Parks and Open Space, City of Boulder, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and other collaborating agencies.

Cycling restrictions in Fourmile Canyon begin April 4

No daytime, weekday recreational cycling due to safety concerns during construction

Boulder County, Colo. – Beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 4, cycling on Fourmile Canyon Drive will be restricted between Boulder Canyon Drive/SH 119 and the Sunset townsite and also along Gold Run Road from Salina Junction to just south of Gold Hill. Cycling restrictions will be enforced during project working hours, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Restrictions will be enforced until officials deem the area once again safe for cycling.

Canyon residents who rely on cycling for commuting and errands will be exempted from restrictions. Residents will need to carry photo identification that proves they live in the canyon. They can also obtain a cycling pass by contacting Andrew Barth at abarth@nullbouldercounty.org or by calling 303-441-1032. The passes are good for individual use and are non-transferrable.  

The restriction will be enforced by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone violating the restriction could be subject to citation by law enforcement.

The restriction is being enacted due to safety concerns stemming from the extremely high volume of construction activity taking place in the canyon. There are currently three major flood recovery projects taking place and there is one more that is yet to start – lower Fourmile Permanent Flood recovery anticipated to start later this summer. Each project requires a heavy volume of large truck traffic that heads up and down the road during working hours. Due to the narrow, curvy nature of the canyon’s roads, it has become increasingly difficult to safely share the road between cars, trucks, and cyclists. Trucks hauling materials take up nearly the entire lane, which leaves little room for cars, let along cars and cyclists.

Boulder County Transportation thanks everyone for abiding by the restrictions. We understand how important and popular Fourmile Canyon is for cycling and we will do our best to lift the restrictions as soon as possible.

Courtesy is Contagious – Share the Road
Boulder County is asking for patience and understanding while the restriction is in place. The lengths and widths of the trucks used to haul materials can force them into the opposite lane in areas with tight curves and where the road has been narrowed due to a washed out shoulder. In addition, fully-loaded trucks may not be able to stop quickly to avoid cyclists moving downhill. Boulder County would like to avoid any accident that could cause any bodily injury to cyclists or motorists. 

Sunshine, Lefthand, and other arterial canyon roads that are open to all modes are likely to see a large increase in cycling activity during the work in other canyons. The county is asking all drivers and cyclists to please be aware of their surroundings and other roadway users at all times, and remember to share the road. Motorists are asked to provide cyclists with 3 feet of space, if safely possible, when passing, and cyclists are reminded that they are only permitted to ride two-abreast as long as they are not interfering with motorists.

During all flood recovery work, Boulder County is asking that all cyclists ride single-file when using mountain roads west of U.S. 36. Motorists are allowed to cross a double-yellow lane-dividing line when passing cyclists, but please use caution doing so when entering curves as an approaching car may not be seen until the two vehicles are too close to avoid collision.

While Boulder County Transportation strives to complete all projects on-time, work is weather dependent and there may be delays due to rain or other unfavorable working conditions.

For more information on the work, visit the project website or contact Andrew Barth, at abarth@nullbouldercounty.org or 303-441-1032.

All current Boulder County Transportation roadway project information, including regular maintenance and flood-recovery activity, can be found at www.BoCoConeZones.com. 

The CODY SISTERS are returning to the Gold Hill Store and Pub for an early show Saturday, April 7th, 6-8pm. Don’t miss these immensely talented teenagers performing both original and traditional numbers. Doors 5:30 – $5.

Agenda for the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Monday, April 9, 7:30 at the Community Center

 Wildfire Partnerswill be presenting at this month’s meeting.  Those at the meeting will be eligible for a FREE mitigation assessment ($100 value!) and opportunity for free/discounted chipping! Come early at 7:00 for coffee, cookies and questions.

 Approval of Previous Minutes

Treasurer’s Report

 Committee Reports

Gold Hill School:

Forestry/Mitigation:

Community Planning:

Historic Zoning

Fire Department

Mining

Weed Committee:

Historic Gold Hill

Friends of Fazoo Notes:

Cemetery Committee:

Neighborlink/Safelink/Airlink:Each Pod leader, please work on a practice this spring and update contacts.

IMA:

Old Business

Move money for Forestry and review updated grant information

Strategic Plan of: Community, Communication, and Mitigation

Community Center lead needed

Town Portrait update

GH Communication Plan

New Business/Announcements

New Neighbors Pizza Night – May 14^that 6:30 – We could have someone from Neighborlink, Climb, Museum, Fire Department, etc. give a short presentation on their programs.

Consider changing town meeting time to 7:00

Town Clean Up

Upcoming Meetings:
May 14^thNew Neighbors Pizza Night – 6:30 pm

June 11^thGold Hill Town Meeting

June 22 – Museum Event- More information to come!

July 4^thGHFPD Annual Pancake Breakfast and Parade

July 23-27^th Community Mitigation Event

August 13^thGold Hill Town Meeting – Elections

October 8^thGold Hill Town Meeting

Please share this opportunity with residents in your area. Weather spotters are a key component to emergency preparedness.

Thanks, Garry

Garry Sanfaçon | Office of Resilience & Recovery

Boulder County | Board of County Commissioners

Office: 720.564.2642 | Cell: 720.315.5371

From: Gonzales, Francesca
Sent: Wednesday, March 21, 2018 11:00 AM
Subject: Weather Spotter Training May 15th 2018

Good Morning,

Do you want to know more about identifying weather in your area? Maybe become a Weather Spotter for National Weather Service. Register at sheriffopstraining@nullbouldercounty.org. Space is limited and registration is required.

Thanks

Francesca

Francesca Gonzales, Boulder Office of Emergency Management

Law Enforcement Lead Technician

3280 Airport Road, Boulder, CO 80301

303-441-3390

fgonzales@nullbouldercounty.org

March 29, 2018

Mountain MidLife and NAS Friends:                                                             

Wine Tasters (and other beverages) gather on Saturday, April 7! See details below.

Celebrate the end of Tax Season! It’s not too early to sign up for our Mountain MidLife Brunch and (Optional) Hike on Sunday, April 15. See details below.

Please help us find the right people to fill these positions: 

We seek a paid Sous Chef to assist the Head Chef with the preparation of our Mountain MidLife meals – at least six hours the afternoon of the Mountain MidLife Dinners (possible additional hours the evening prior) and two hours for breakfasts and brunches. This individual should be reliable, have food handling and preparation experience, and be available to work one Friday afternoon per month on the date of the dinner, as well as one Saturday or Sunday morning per month on the date of breakfast or brunch. Being available on short notice if a chef is sick on a Monday or Wednesday morning is a plus. Call 303-258-0799 or email NederlandAreaSeniors@nullgmail.org with resume and inquiries.

We seek a paid Assistant Clean-Up person to assist the House Manager/Dishwasher (or substitute in their absence) with meal site set-up and clean-up. Monthly Mountain MidLife Dinners require 2-3 hours on one Friday evening per month on the dinner night. Being available on short notice if our regular staff is sick on a Monday or Wednesday to set up the dining/beverage areas prior to the meal and clearing the dining/beverage areas, washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen, and mopping floors afterwards, in a shift that lasts 4-5 hours. URGENT: We need to train an individual for this position no later than May so we can cover the absence of our current staff for a ten-day period June 4-14 (four lunches), including the June 10 Sunday Brunch. Call 303-258-0799 or email NederlandAreaSeniors@nullgmail.org with resume and inquiries.

We seek multiple Food Preparation Volunteers to assist during the afternoon of Mountain MidLife Dinners under the direction of the Head Chef. Positions available are typically two hour shifts 12-2pm, 2-4pm, or 4-5:30pm. Many hands make light work. Those who have volunteered so far indicate that it is a lot of fun working together!

We are so Lucky! Please inform your friends (email, Facebook), especially those in Boulder, to please contribute to our nonprofit Nederland Area Seniors (host of Mountain MidLife) with their “wooden nickels” (10 cent bag credits, when they bring their own bag) at the checkout counter at Lucky’s Market NORTH at Broadway and Quince. We are eligible for this donation program until May 16, so we need to get the word out NOW asking Lucky’s shoppers for their help. We do not wish to divert any shoppers from our locally owned B&F Mountain Market, but if you tend to shop down below anyway, please take a moment to visit Lucky’s and donate your bag credit to us. Thank you!

Invite a friend to a meal (lunches every Monday and Wednesday or monthly dinners or breakfasts/brunches) and offer to pick them up and drop them home afterwards. With a “requested contribution” of $5 over age 60, we offer a fun and affordable get-together with friends. We need and appreciate your anonymous meal contributions, but please ensure people know that we welcome anyone over age 60 regardless of ability to pay. Those under age 60 pay $8 breakfast/brunch, $8.25 lunch, $10 dinner.

All ages of adults are welcome at all events, attended mostly by folks over age 50.

Sign up for all Mountain MidLife events at 303-258-0799 or Meetup.com/Mountain-MidLife-Social-Group or by email atNederlandAreaSeniors@nullgmail.com.

EVENTS

Boulder Arts Week

Boulder Arts Week, Friday, March 30 through Saturday, April 7 hosts hundreds of events. Find one that inspires you on the boulderartsweek.org calendar.

National Caregiver Training Program

Acquire the practical skills needed for safe, confident home care of a frail elder older loved one. Taught by a nurse. Learn to provide personal care, take vitals, manage medications, lift and transfer, use a wheelchair safely, and more. Book and resource info included. Tuesdays, April 3 – May 8, 1:30-4:30 in North Boulder.

303-678-6116 or InfoCaregiver@nullbouldercounty.org. Open to Boulder County residents providing care for a relative, partner, or friend who is age 60 or over or of any age if the person has dementia. No charge; donations appreciated. Respite care assistance offered.

Luncheon Program – Tax Breaks

Join us on Wednesday, April 4, for a presentation by the Boulder County Assessor’s office about the Senior Tax Exemption and the Senior Tax Work-Off program for property owners. Please invite friends who could use some tax relief opportunities. Lunch is served at Noon (please RSVP by Monday, April 2, to 303-258-0799) with a menu of Orange Chicken, Snap Peas/Carrots, Brown Rice, and Pear. Requested contribution for the meal for those over age 60 is $5. The presentation begins after dessert is served, around 12:30pm.

Fitness Author & Movement Class at NCL

Bust the myths of the aging process with a lively discussion followed by gentle movement lessons designed to improve posture, core strength, flexibility, and balance. Cheryl Ilov, Physical Therapist and author of Forever Fit & Flexible…Feeling Fabulous at Fifty and Beyond, offers a special class at Nederland Community Library on Wednesday, April 4, 1:30pm-3:00pm. This fun, interactive, and informative class shows us how we can remain fit, flexible, vibrant, and active in our 50s, 60, 70s, and beyond. Please arrive by 1:15pm for check-in, dress in layers, and bring a yoga mat or blanket and a pillow or towel.

Medicare Basics Class

Turning 65 soon? Or over 65 and still mystified by Medicare? Attend the FREE Medicare Basics class offered each month in Boulder. The next one is Thursday, April 5, 2pm-4pm at the East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Drive. Please register in advance so they will print enough materials: 303-441-1546. Info at: www.bouldercountyMedicarehelp.org

Featured Event!  Wine Tasters! (or any beverage)

Our quarterly tradition of social gatherings in private homes thrives. This potluck appetizer party includes sampling the many varieties of wines that arrive with guests, but is not a formal wine education event. Soft beverages and those avoiding alcohol are welcome.

Bring an appetizer, a beverage to share, and your own glass. Enjoy meeting friends new and old on Saturday, April 7, 6:30pm, at a residence about three miles north of Nederland. We will share the address with everyone who signs up, either on Meetup or at 303-258-0799.

 Luncheon Program – Whole Grains

Join us on Monday, April 9, for a presentation by Nutritionist Patti Murphy about the benefits of whole grains in our diet. RSVP for lunch at Noon to 303-258-0799. Menu is WW Spaghetti & Meatballs, WW Garlic Bread, Romaine Salad, Banana. Or just swing by after 12:30 for the presentation that ends by 1:00pm.

Conference on World Affairs

Hundreds of free educational speakers and panels attract thousands of eager minds to learn and discuss urgent topics and experience world class performances. Right here in our backyard at CU-Boulder, Monday, April 9 – Friday, April 13, we meet many of our mountain friends attending the conference. Why not plan ahead to meet there? Visit the schedule at https://www.colorado.edu/cwa/attend/schedule. Post your comments on Meetup.com with any programs you plan to attend to see if like-minded friends might join you!

Luncheon Programs – School Interviews

Join us at lunch Wednesdays, April 11, 18, 25 and May 9 to meet our Nederland Elementary 2^nd and 3^rd Grade class students as they interview us to learn more about local history – of both the community and the older adults they meet. Please RSVP two days prior for the meal – 303-258-0799.

Book Group

The Book Group meets at a private home on second Thursdays; the next meeting is Thursday, April 12, 6:30pm, and the format is pot luck. Call us at 303-258-0799 for the location or other info.

April’s book is The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson.

Featured Event!  Social Sunday Brunch & Hike

Come join us for a relaxed social brunch and optional hike at the Nederland Community Center on Sunday, April 15 – Note Later Date!Doors open at 11:00am, with the meal served at 11:30am. Menu is Turkey/Cheese Frittata, Black Bean Quinoa Croquettes, Hash Browns, Mini-Cinnamon Roll, Melon Medley. All ages of adults are welcome. Cost is only $8 under age 60 and $5 requested contribution from those over age 60. Please RSVP to 303-258-0799 or reply to this email or www.Meetup.com/Mountain-MidLife-Social-Group. An optional hike follows at 12:45pm.

*  Please VOLUNTEER to help at these events. If you enjoy cooking and would like to assist our friendly new chef Cher Rainbolt the evening prior or in the morning, please let us know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If you can help at the door with greeting/check-in and welcoming/orienting our newest guests, we really appreciate it. We need 2-3 people to handle this each time and need to know several days in advance that we have these positions covered.

Food Waste Awareness Week

The average American tosses nearly 300 lbs. of food each year. Boulder County has joined forces with a variety of local organizations to address the food waste issues in our county. Their first annual Food Waste Awareness week Monday, April 16 – Friday, April 22, offers several events and daily informational emails. On Monday, April 16, at 6:30pm, Nederland’s Backdoor Theatre at Nederland Community Center will screen “Just Eat It”, an investigation of food waste from farm to fridge. The movie is free. The film will show in Boulder at the Bohemian Biergarten at the same time, so mountain folks who commute and can’t get up here in time can visit there. Other events include a tour of, and opportunities to volunteer at, Community Food Share. Sign up at www.bouldercounty.org/food-waste to receive waste reduction tips, food reuse recipes from area chefs and other food waste messages on social media or through their email newsletter.

Katy Butler & Slow Medicine

Best-selling author Katy Butler writes with a reporter’s skill, a poet’s eye, and a daughter’s love in her book Knocking on Heaven’s Door. Her story about advanced medicine’s single-minded pursuit of maximum longevity explores how it sometimes creates more suffering than it prevents. She advocates for the growing movement called Slow Medicine which promotes care over cure. Katy presents a talk on Wednesday, April 18, 7pm, at Har Hashem, 3950 Baseline, Boulder, followed by 8pm-9:30pm refreshments and book signing. $15 in advance ($25 at the door), register at www.TheConversationProjectinBoulder.org or call 303-442-0436 X133.

BIGfoot Snowshoe / Hike

The BIGfoot Snowshoe hike tradition continues with our volunteer leader Gunda Starkey. These hikes meet on third Fridays at 10:00am at the lower east entrance of the Nederland Community Center to carpool to a nearby trailhead. Our next snowshoe hike will be on Friday, April 20. If you have no snowshoes but would like to learn and participate, let us know. When we have too little snow, we can hike with YakTrax (or equivalent). Please call Gunda at 303-459-0412 with questions/reservations.

Swing Dance to Live Big Band Music

Swing Dance to a live dance band at the Avalon Ballroom at 63^rd and Arapahoe in Boulder on Saturday, April 21. Dance lesson 7pm-8pm included with the price of admission. Dancing 8-11pm. DJ dance music during intermissions. Light snacks provided. All ages welcome. No partner or dance experience required. Please wear non-marking shoes. Dress to express yourself. Casual is fine. Admission: $15 per person general; $10 students; $5 children accompanied by adult; volunteers free. Cash or check.

Foot Care

 Local Registered Nurse Debbie Neal serves mountain older adults with toenail and skin care, review of foot concerns – Monday, April 23. By appointment, downtown Nederland, $30, sign up early at 303-258-0799.

Featured Event!  Explore Portugal at Mountain MidLife Dinner

Explore Portugal with world travelers John Leventhal and Andre Mallinger. Last September, they visited for a month in two different regions of the country:  the first a 12-day, 300 mile bicycle tour along quiet roads through the cork fields, vineyards and olive plantations of the Alentejo, and the second by car through the Estremadura and Serra de Lousa areas north and east of Lisbon through rolling hills and mountains, visiting some of the oldest monasteries and walled cities of the country.  

Join us for an evening of Portuguese food and a slide show of their adventures. Meet old and new friends at the Mountain MidLife Dinner on Friday, April 27, 5:00pm doors open for social, 5:30pm meal served. This month’s menu includes our interpretation of Portugese foods: Bacalhau (Fish), Feijoada (Vegetable/Bean), Broa (Cornbread), and Custard w/Fruits/Nuts. Please reserve as far in advance as possible at Meetup.com/Mountain-MidLife-Social-Group, by replying to this email, or by phone at 303-258-0799. If you have special dietary needs not already registered with us, please inform us several days in advance. $10 Adults under age 60 or $5 requested contribution over age 60.

Chef Cher needs two volunteers to prep vegetables/fruits – one from Noon until 2pm and another to join her and her sous chef from 2pm until 4pm. If you enjoy cooking and would like to assist in the afternoon, please let us know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If you can help at the door with greeting/check-in and welcoming/orienting our newest guests, we really appreciate it. We need 3-4 people to handle this each time and need to know several days in advance that we have these positions covered. Please VOLUNTEER to help at these events.

Luncheon Program – Central City History

Join us at our luncheon on Wednesday, May 2. Deborah Morrow shares insights into the history of Central City and the origins of its famous opera.

Medicare Basics Class

Turning 65 soon? Or over 65 and still mystified by Medicare? Attend the FREE Medicare Basics class offered each month in Boulder. Sign up for Thursday, May 3, 2pm-4pm at the East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Drive. Please register in advance so they will print enough materials: 303-441-1546. Info at: www.bouldercountyMedicarehelp.org

Luncheon Program – Food Handling Safety

After our luncheon on Monday, May 7, learn about food sanitation, storage, and safety at this free presentation by Nutritionist Patti Murphy. Join us for lunch (RSVP to 303-258-0799, menu TBD) at Noon or swing by after 12:30 for just the presentation, which may run a little past 1:00pm. All staff are required to attend and all volunteers who prepare or serve food and beverage at our meals and community events are encouraged to attend.

Caregiving Symposium

Workshops, Resource Fair, Materials, and a Free Lunch are available at this free educational event for families and friends of older adults on Thursday, May 17, 8:30am-4:30pm (come for all or any portion you can) at the Plaza Convention Center, 1850 Industrial Circle, Longmont. Register by May 9 (if you want the free lunch) at www.2018CaregivingSymposium.eventbrite.com (schedule shown there) or 303-441-1685. Walk-ins (no lunch) welcome. For respite care assistance so current caregivers may attend the event call 303-678-6284.

Open-Caption Films at Monday Matinees

Our friendly Backdoor Theatre crew at the Nederland Community Center has added a special matinee showing every Monday at 1:30pm of the prior weekend’s film. Please help spread the word to friends whose jobs or busy schedules prevents them from attending movies on Friday and Saturday evenings. The matinee includes “open captioning”, which shows the words at the bottom of the screen. This is most helpful to those of us who stopped attending movies because we have trouble understanding what the actors are saying. Enjoy this new, enhanced feature and show your support to the BDT so they can continue to offer this new service!

  WEEKLY CALENDAR

Lunch at Nederland Community Center — RSVP 2 days ahead

   Every Monday & Wednesday, Noon

Mtn MidLife Breakfast/Brunch, Nederland Community Center —RSVP one week ahead if possible

   Second Sat Most Odd # Mos, 8:30am/9:00am; Second Sun Most Even # Months, 11:00am/11:30am

Mtn MidLife Dinner at Nederland Community Center —RSVP one week ahead if possible

   Fourth Fridays, 5:00pm/5:30pm (Third Fridays in 4^th Quarter)

Exercise at St. Rita’s Catholic Church; free

   Every Monday & Wednesday, 10:30am

Pickleball at Nederland Community Center; Ned CC fees

   Every Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, 10:00am

Writing Skills at Ned Community Library; free

   Every 1st and 3rd Monday, 1:00pm

Writing Life Stories at Ned Community Library; free

   Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 1:00pm

NedKnits at Ned Community Library; free

   Second Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm, Ned Comm Library

BIGfoot Memorial Snowshoe/Hike Meet at Nederland Community Center; free

   Every 3rd Friday, 10:00am, Call NAS to Confirm

APRIL MENU

Please RSVP two days ahead for lunches, several days ahead for breakfasts/brunches and dinners.

303-258-0799

We look forward to seeing you at an event soon!

Serene Karplus, Director

Nederland Area Seniors & Mountain MidLife

NederlandAreaSeniors@nullgmail.com

www.NederlandAreaSeniors.org

www.Meetup.com/Mountain-MidLife-Social-Group

303-258-0799

Gold Hill Store & Pub presents MATTY G & JOSH WEXLER for two hours of acoustic originals on Saturday March 31st, 6-8pm. Expect profound lyrics and smooth improvisation with guitar and flute!  Doors open 5:30, $5 admission.  This will be a unique musical evening — please join us.

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the February 12, 2018 Town Meeting

 Next Town Meeting will be Monday, April 9, 2018, 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center

 The meeting was called to order by Chair Tony Vrba. The meeting was attended by ten people: Marie Brookhart, Debra Yeager, Rick Sinner, Member at Large Dan Maedke, Amara East, Chair Tony Vrba, Treasurer Martha Knapp, Rick Geesaman, Maggie Simms, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.

The Town Meeting was preceded by the Town Pie Party, and Tony expressed how happy she was to see so many people turn out. The pies were great, too!

Minutes – Maggie moved, Deb seconded, and the minutes were approved as published

Treasurer’s Report – Martha reported that at the previous regular Town Meeting in DECEMBER 2017 our bank balance was $15,631.75. Our current total cash assets are $15,645.57.

Revenue since the December meeting includes donations to the cemetery fund and pint glass sales. Expenses include postage, insurance and property taxes.

Earmarked fund totals are as follows: General Fund $1442.91; Cemetery $6,857.78; Community Relief $3,326.95; Forest Management 0 (zero); Safe Link (funds for SafeSite, AirLink, NeighborLink projects) $3,785.25; Community Planning $232.68.

COMMITTEE REPORTS – Tony read reports submitted by email:

Weed Committee – Pam Sherman emailed: Hopefully our weeds will be UNDER SNOW until after then (presuming she meant after this town meeting). Fingers crossed

Cemetery Committee – Maggie emailed: Maggie will train with Bob for the next couple of months, meeting with people who wish to designate and pay for their grave-sites early, as well as meet with families wishing to bury their loved ones who have passed. Chellee Courtney will continue to record, research and codify both the history and the future burials.

            Maggie added that it is strongly suggested that people be cremated. If cremated, Maggie and David will be able to dig a hole. If a full casket is desired, you will have to arrange for it and it is suggested that you consider the annex for a full casket burial – it is more level and easier to navigate with a machine. She also reported that Bob had said, tongue firmly in cheek, that Republicans should be buried in the Annex and Democrats in the main cemetery, although she pointed out that Bob is no longer the Chairman. Rick added that his dad, Richard Geesaman (who was a Republican) donated the Annex property to the town when the subdivision was created, so that is where Rick intends to be buried. Deb suggested that we consider creating a very large headstone for anyone who wants to be included on it that would say, “The party continues down under.”

Friends of Fazoo – Jojo Morrison emailed: Friends of Fazoo meeting was held on Jan 21^st. Jojo is working with Boulder County Open Space to finalize adoption paperwork. Once adoption paperwork is completed there is a plan to conduct a historical survey of Rancho Fazoo. This creates a historical map of artifacts, foundations and other historically significant landmarks. The historical survey must be done before any major cleaning or mitigation can take place on the property. The historic survey will be led by Joan Few with any interested community volunteers. The survey days will take place in May. Dates to follow and weather permitting. All are encouraged to join in the learning process of what a historic survey entails.

Forestry – Virginia Schultz emailed: We can set up a date in July for chipping and BC anticipates there will be grant money. I will contact Fourmile to get on their calendar. Also we have an opportunity to send a postcard and/or letters (funded by Wildfire Partners) to inform all residents about mitigation resources to support their own safety and property, and the safety of the entire community. I will contact GHFPD to see how this could support their mission then bring it back to GHTM for discussion. Tony added that Virginia is also looking into organizing other volunteer efforts, perhaps helping f people who cannot do their own mitigation, as well as contacting the USFS about mitigation on the north side of town.

IMA – Tony reported continued work on communication plans. There will be an IMA Potluck with community leaders to network and talk about “mountain” difference as much in BC is focused on the city or eastern area. Dina is working on additional means of communicating in emergencies – perhaps walkie-talkies strategically distributed.

Mining – Tony has talked with Mike Cunningham from the State (michaela.cunningham@nullstate.co.us) and he said there are lots of delays related to the Mill and the possible water line, which may go on for a while. It will not be happening soon. Gretchen added that she has checked the State Laserfiche for updates on the Mill permit M1994-117. To get to the laser fiche list of requirements not met as of 1-26-18, go to http://drmsweblink.state.co.us/drmsweblink/0/doc/1239736/Electronic.aspx?searchid=ea6a64a8-80c3-436d-a239-4a89e4d0eeae. And, on Feb. 5, there is a new extended decision date of April6 .

 Gold Hill School – Dan reports that the big play will be in March. The skiing program at Eldora started last week and continues for 3 more weeks. Everything is going well.

Historical Zoning – The proposed Robinson house has gone from a shed roof to a peaked roof accommodating a second story – no one is here from Historical Zoning so we have no more info.

Historic Gold Hill – Deb reports that the Museum Community Outreach program is scheduled for June 22 and will be on the Switzerland Trail. The speaker will be Larry Dorsey. This is a Gold Hill event and there will be a cocktail party beforehand. The board has been renovating the office – principally Joan and Norm. They had a great year last year and will have new exhibits this year.

            Gretchen added that the 2018 calendar sold out, but they have ordered 30 more – contact Marie. Also the Committee for 2019 has begun meeting and always welcomes old and new pictures, drawings, poems, ideas, and additional committee members – contact Gretchen, Marie, or Marilyn.

OLD BUSINESS

 Budgeting/Forestry/Moving money for chipping – Martha reported that last year the cost of the chipping program to Gold Hill was $600 something (the County paid ½ and the property owner paid ¼), with a small portion going to someone outside the town meeting boundary.  The largest portion went to the Ashram. She doesn’t know what the plans are for the Ashram this year, but we only have $1400 in the General Fund and if we move $1000 to Forestry (as was proposed at the last town meeting), that will not leave enough to cover known expenses coming up. Martha suggested that we find out how much interest in chipping there is for this year before moving money and then perhaps limiting it to a certain amount.

            She added that there is quite a bit of money in the SafeLink/AirLink account (which came from our Community Relief fund) for communications, but they got a grant so that money is just sitting there. Maybe we could use that? We will need to check with Dina and other AirLink members to see what their plans are. Maybe we should consider that, if we designate money to a cause/committee and it is not used within a year, we could revert the money back to the General Fund of there are no immediate plans. Marie asked about the Cemetery money, but that is specifically designated and they may need to get a survey, as well as pay for the portion that is on county land. Rick Sinner suggested that maybe the Fire Department should participate in mitigation and he advised that someone go to the Fire Board meeting.

            Tony said that these are good ideas – capping the amount to be matched for mitigation and possibly returning the AirLink money to the General Fund. She is very happy that Virginia agreed to take over the Forestry/mitigation project and that things are happening. Rick Geesaman likes the idea of mitigation and thinks the Fire Board may consider participating.

Fire Cisterns – Rick Geesaman reported that they are closer to making the cisterns happen to fulfill the need for additional water storage in closer proximity to the town. They have bought 2 frack tanks – like semi trailers – at 20,000 gal each – dimensions 10’ x 10’ x 40’, and had them cleaned and painted. Installation in the town meadow will supply Hill Street and down to Main Street and east Gold Hill. They will have to do significant excavation and move a lot of dirt/rock. There will be two lines – one between Clint and Mary Kay’s and Janos and Rebecca’s, approximately 15’, then due south to a fire hydrant on Hill Street right near Buckner’s. The second will go due east, paralleling the private lands down to the Cemetery Road, which will have tremendous water pressure because of the 100’ drop to the hydrant from the tanks uphill.

            It will be very disruptive this summer – chaos for probably a month – but will be an incredible benefit to the town in case of fire. Water will be hauled in to fill them. They will finish planning the first quarter of the year, finalize the engineering and find engineer the second quarter, and then do the construction the 3^rd quarter.

            The Fire Department has had a very good couple of years. They have installed dry hydrants in Lefthand Canyon, bought a new fire truck, and now this water supply project.

            In Bobby’s absence, Gretchen added that trainings continue, volunteers are always welcome – contact Chief Chris Finn or Donal Maloney.

 Strategic Planning/Community Center – Tony is asking for someone to take the lead on this.

NEW BUSINESS/Announcements

 Town Portrait – Maggie has copies of the old town portraits from the 70s and 80s and thinks it was a cool thing and that it would be good to do another – maybe around the 4^th of July when lots of people will be here. She has been looking for a photographer, a location and a date. Jojo has said she will help organize. Deb suggested Kim Huggins, who used to live here. Maggie thinks it would be good to include an old building in Gold Hill – maybe the Museum – and charge enough for a stipend for the photographer. The idea was received warmly.

Town Noise – Rick Sinner submitted a short statement: At the December Town Meeting, it was suggested and Rick and Karen Sinner meet with Brian to talk about town noise. So, upon their suggestion, Karen & I met with Brian Finn in mid December to discuss the issue of noise coming from the Gold Hill Inn. We talked about the many solutions to the problem that the December Town Meeting people suggested. None of those talked about solutions seemed to interest Brian and the Sinners left the meeting disappointed with no solution in sight.

Amend Bylaws Discussion – The Committee has not met

Guidelines for website postings – Gretchen passed out the guidelines from Jennie Rice that she generally follows.  

Upcoming Meetings – Tony announced that she has scheduled a Town Soup Party on Monday, March 6^th at 6:00, and invited Sheriff Joe Pelle up for people to meet him, along with a couple of the mountain deputies, to ask questions and just generally get to know each other.

April 9 – Gold Hill Town Meeting

June 11 – Gold Hill Town Meeting

July 4^th – GHFPD Annual Pancake Breakfast and Parade

July – Community Mitigation Event – More details to come

            Town Clean Up – date tbd

August 13 – Gold Hill Town Meeting and Elections

Respectfully Submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

P.S. If you know someone who should receive the newsletter and is not, please let me know!

BENJAMIN SPROUL & DAN PEREZ (from Electric Toast) will present an acoustic evening of original and traditional Americana next Saturday, March 24th, at the Gold Hill General Store and Pub. Doors 5:30, Music 6-8:00.  $10 cover for this special event.