Hello, Gold Hill Community!

Christine Maedke

K-5 Teacher

Boulder Valley School District

Gold Hill School

890 Main St.

Boulder, CO 80302

ghe.bvsd.org

School: 720-561-5940

Classroom: 720-561-6015

Blue Bird Bus Fundraiser/9_5_2026

Hi Friends:

Hey, swing by and help us kick off phase II of the Blue Bird Bus restoration project’s fundraising campaign.

The action starts the morning of Sept. 5 at the Bocce Tournament in Gold Hill, on Pine Street, west of College. The bus will be there in all its glory. See the progress we’ve made over the last two years and help us plan a vision for the future.

As many of you know, these trucks were used in Glacier, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain national parks to transport tourists. Here in Gold Hill, they were used to bring the Blue Bird ladies to their Gold Hill summer residences, and at least one was used by the Walter family to haul products for various businesses and residents.

The fun starts at 8:30. We will have coffee and donuts, and volunteers will be standing by to help show off the bus and describe the work that has been done to date.

Generous local donors have provided us a $3,500 matching grant. We have set a fundraising goal of $10,000 to complete the restoration, which will include a canopy and benches.

The fundraising campaign begins now and will run through Sept. 30. We can accept cash, checks, Paypal and Venmo. We look forward to seeing everyone then. Thanks for your support of the Blue Bird Bus Restoration Project and Historic Gold Hill Inc. We could not do this work without your help!

Jerd Smith

jerd.e.smith@nullgmail.com

Hi everyone:

We are getting closer to being able to move into our cabin but sadly, we are still very much a construction site and therefore will not be able to host you for the Sunday before Labor Day party.  Our apologies!  Things are going along great albeit it still takes time to do things correctly.  Thanks for your understanding. 

Debra Yeager

deb@nullmountainvisions.net

Gold Rush Bake and Rummage Sale – September 27

It’s happening!  John Hatlelid, our Member at Large, has still been coordinating the Gold Rush. Albeit on a 9 hour lag from Germany. It looks like Brian can get us September 27th. 

John would rather not resign, it’s that he’s been out of town 2 weekends a month and it’s really limiting his time with his family.  He’s feeling the need to prioritize that when he’s here. If we can continue a search he’d be willing to hold the position until that search succeeds.  He’d also not step down if his travel schedule slows.  He’ll be out of town mid-September and hoping to have everything for the Gold Rush squared away before that trip. 

We, of course need volunteers; bakers, crafters are always great, and rummage contributors as well as helpers and buyers, possibly musicians.  We’ll have food, too!   It’s always a fun Gold Hill gathering.  Come one, come all!

Please contact John Hatlelid (johnhat@nullgmail.com) if you have questions or would like to volunteer.

Flyer to follow soon.

Passcode: 5tmo?263

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

 Minutes of the June 8, 2026, Gold Hill Town Meeting

 Next Regular Meeting will be Monday, August 10, 2026, 7:00 pm in person at

the Community Center and by Zoom.   

This will be our annual Town Council Elections meeting!

The meeting was called to order by Chair Kelly Veit.  Present were Kelly, Micah Frost, Dave Brigham, Vice Chair Kaitlyn Barthell, Boyd Brown, Juliet Carpenter, Boyd Brown and Poppy Copeland, Treasurer Martha Knapp, Jeffrey Combelic, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Attending by Zoom were Marcus Moernch and Elisabeth Caspari, Val Crist, Heidi Kessler and Richard Roth, Member at Large John Hatlelid, Maggie Simms, Chief Rich Caudill, and Virginia Schultz.

Chief’s Report – Rich updated us on the new truck.  It is now fully in service and will be out most Saturdays from 9 – 1:00 for everyone to see.  It’s exciting to have this brand-new truck.  They plan to have it in the parade and to have a little ceremony.

Also, we won the battle with Lumen/CenturyLink.  They replaced our batteries at the crossroads junction box, which will furnish power for our landlines for 4 to 8 hours.  If a power outage is longer than that, we will look at alternatives and there will be a generator at the barn.

Mitigation Info – Boyd reports that the Fourmile crew is working on the town property and is ahead of schedule.  Some home hardening is also being done on Hill Street by Teens, Inc. in conjunction with Wildfire Partners. The GH volunteer group, which includes Micah and a lot of other people, have spent a lot of time around Hugh’s, Rebecca and Janos’ and at the top of the Skillet.  They have an application in for chipping.  The goats are here and have done great work – the entire meadow and down in the draw between Fourmile and Dixon. Maggie asked why the entire meadow and Boyd said the minimum is 300’ and this creates a better fire buffer.  It will also give us data on what comes back for the 3-year study.  There were a lot of invasive weeds and it was overgrown.  The minders are making sure they get moved so they’re leaving the roots.  They can do 1 ½ acres in 24 hours!

Minutes – Bear moved we accept the minutes of the April meeting, Marcus seconded and it passed with no one opposed.

Treasurer’s Report – Martha reports Account activity in the General Fund since the April meeting included testing the new US Bank Elavon Mobile Card reader with net fees of under $1.00. There was also a website domain name fee of $23.19. A total of $650 in donations to the Cemetery Fund brings that account balance to $3648.06.

There was no activity in any other accounts.     Our bank account total is $16,712.

Talking to Boulder County, they can provide property addresses and mailing addresses for the GHFPD.   She would like to request approximately $40 – $60.00 to purchase these lists if we decide to do mailings.  Bear pointed out that the bylaws were amended a few years ago to make the Town Meeting area identical to the Fire Department’s.  He supports us allocating the money for Martha to purchase the list.  Boyd agrees.  Bear moved to authorize up to $100 to get the list.  Dave seconded.  16 voted to approve, none opposed.

The mobile card reader from U.S. Bank is Elavon – has really low fees. Martha has given it to John.  Works best with iPhones, but there is an Android work around.  The money is deposited directly to our bank.

As far as merch, John reports we have the GH Logo water bottles for $15 or reasonable donation, some pint glasses for $15, and some assorted t-shirts and sweatshirts from thrift stores and silk screened with our logo that we’ll probably just ask a reasonable donation for.

Bylaws – Martha reports on the survey regarding the bylaw concerning residency, homeowners, property owners, etc. 

Article II, Membership, Section A, Eligibility in the 2020 Bylaws:

Those residing in the Town Meeting area are members and may vote at town meetings, provided they fulfill the following requirements:

1. Be a minimum of 18 years of age
2. Have lived in the GHTM area for sixty days furing the twqelve months prior to the meeting or for 60 days during the previous five years with no less then five days in any one year.

The GHTM area is identified as that included in the boundaries of the Gold Hill Fire Protection District (GHFPD).

Current Bylaw

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

Survey announcement published May 22, May 28, and June 3.

Survey closed end-of-day June 7.

Total number of respondents: 42

SURVEY INTENTION: A committee study and subsequent feedback from members at the April 2026 Town Meeting identified concerns, solutions, and general consensus of issues of importance.  This survey presents the consensus while seeking a broader audience and feedback. It is multiple choice with the opportunity for comments at the end of the survey.

CONCERNS: 
1. “residents” should be defined;

2. “property owners” should be defined or changed to “home owners”.

SURVEY QUESTION & RESULTS

RESIDENCY

1. Should “residents” be defined/specified to exclude campers and house sitters? Y/N

42 responses

 YES: 40 respondents: 95.2%

No:  2 respondents:  4.8%

2. Should there be a defined/specified length of time for residency? Y/N

42 responses

YES: 28 respondents: 66.7%

No:  14 respondents:  33.3%

If YES, what length of time for residency?

27 responses

30 days: 4

60 days: 8

90 days/3 months: 2

6 months: 6

1 year: 6

2 years: 1

TERMS

1. Should the term “Property Owners” be replaced with “Home Owners”?  Y/N

41 responses

YES: 27 respondents: 67.9%

No:  14 respondents:  34.1%

Much discussion ensued.  Should we convene the committee to work on rewording Article II, Membership?  The length of time for residency is all over the place.  Give top 3 options?  Martha moved that we go back and ask the committee, but this got no second.  Boyd added that if 2/3 of survey respondents agreed, as they did with changing Property Owners to Home Owners, we should move forward.  Val thought that we would vote tonight, and she moved that we vote on choosing the length of time for residency from the top 3 in the survey: 60 days, 6 months, one year, since these 3 got 70% of the survey results.  Micah seconded.  The vote was 9 in favor, 3 opposed, and 3 abstentions. 

Micah moved we adopt 60 days, Marcus seconded.  The vote was 13 in favor to 1.

Bear moved we adopt 6 months, Dave seconded. The vote was 3 to 11

Bear moved we adopt 1 year, Boyd seconded. The vote was 3 to 10, with 2 abstentions.  Therefore, we agreed on 60 days.

Micah moved that the residency definition be worded to exclude campers and house sitters.  Boyd seconded.  The vote was 14 with none opposed.

Micah stated that we should also vote now on clarifying the wording and the consensus was that we have enough information with the survey and the people here to move forward on proposed wording.  Per the bylaws, this will need to be published and finalized at the next meeting.

Micah moved that we vote on amending the previous Membership bylaw and Martha came up with the following wording

All residents, excluding campers and house sitters, who have resided in the GHTM defined area for 60 days, and all homeowners within the Gold Hill Fire Protection District who are over the age of 18 are members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting and have voting rights.  Each member is entitled to cast one vote on any issue that requires a vote by the GHTM membership, regardless of the number of properties owned.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Business District Committee – Kelly reports that They are working on a general survey and will have results for the August meeting.  Addendum: The survey is out (see https://goldhilltown.com/community-livability-business-impact-survey/) and replies are due by August 5^th.  The ballot box is by the Firebarn.

Historic Zoning – Bear said he has no HZ report, but wanted to add that the Bocce Tournament is June 27, is a great town event/pot luck and encourages everyone to come.

Cemetery – We have two new permanent residents: Luzie Mason and Bill Atkinson, and will have Fred Bores next month.  RIP our legends.

Native Plants, Ecology, and Weed Management – Kaitlyn reports meetings with Pam Sherman, previous chair, Val, of the Senior Alliance, and Leslie Finn, who takes care of the garden at the Firebarn.  They will have workshops with seeds as well as others.  The Bee Chickas are also planning a presentation of the bees of Gold Hill.  Boyd added that people were excited about the seed packets and seed cards.

Senior Alliance – Val reports they had a great meeting in June – regular meetings are the first Tuesday of the month at 4 pm.  They are changing from informational to more social.  Everyone is always invited, not just seniors.  In July Pam and Kaitlyn gave a presentation on native, firewise, and pollinator plants.

Museum – Boyd spoke about the Community Outreach on June 20 at 5:30. The topic is Gold Hill music and musicians – historical to current.  There is a segment on Chuck Ogsbury and his banjos.  This is for members of the GH community to thank everyone and have an educational event.   They will also have the old bus they are restoring on display.  It’s actually running and can be driven around, but not ready for the 4^th of July parade.

Mountain Stewards – Marcus reports they are mostly supporting fire mitigation.  They’ll have Teens, Inc. later in the summer.  They coordinate with Maya on grant opportunities, the latest particularly on watershed protection, enhancement of native species.  Julie asked about her land behind her house and Marcus will ask Maya.  Boyd thinks we should look at the CWPP areas – they did the Fen out west.  Marcus asked people to email him with ideas (marcus.moench@nullgmail.com).

Softball at Rock Stadium – Jeffrey reported some history.  We began playing in the mid 70s and early 2000s several times a summer and eventually became part of the Mountain League – Gold Hill, Ward, Nederland, and Summerville.  He’s looking at reviving the tradition, at least for a game in mid-July, when his family will be visiting.  Bear volunteered to give him the Bocce list to notify people.

NEW BUSINESS

Historical Documents – Martha reported that we had some boxes of documents stashed in the Tuff Shed, whose main purpose is to store emergency supplies for the SafeSite group, and we need to figure out a good place to more permanently store our historical documents.  We formerly had room in the Community Center (upstairs of the Firebarn), but that is no longer working.  Boyd suggested that the Museum has room under the floor we could use.  Two Museum board members have inventoried the materials and made a summary of what is there – Norm and Marybeth.  John likes that solution – he can keep the merch at his place, but would like it to stay there until the Gold Rush.  Martha wonders about accessibility.  Boyd suggested it would need to be put in bins and labeled.  Martha moved we accept Boyd’s offer, David seconded, and the motion passed.  More in the future.

With that, the meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

P.S. If you know anyone who would like to receive the GH Newsletter, please let me know.  We also mail a few to people who don’t do computers.  And, If you are getting it and no longer want to, let me know that.  

This year’s Town Clean Up is this coming Saturday, July 18 from 9 to 2, and helpers are desperately needed.  As of today, I have only heard from people who cannot help, so sincerely hoping there are some of you out there who are able .  Any amount of time you have free will be very much appreciated.

Please let me know – thanks so much

Gretchen

303-442-3847

gretchend@nullmac.com

2026 Spring Clean Up

Saturday, July 18, 2026

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

For all within the Town Meeting boundaries 

DIVERSION is the focus again this year. Boulder County is a great support for our diversion/recycling efforts, but does not fund trash disposal.  We will be getting two dumpsters for trash and we will have to pay for them (roll off fee is $703.40 per container), so we will need to charge (rate sheet at the end). 

Four Dumpsters will arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. – 2 for junk/trash (we will need to collect a fee for trash and donations for the diversion stuff), one for metal, one for wood – slash and general wood/lumber as in the past.  Please don’t come with stuff earlier than 9:00. 

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

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

DIVERSION –  see http://www.ecocycle.org/charm for what you can take there and costs

Block Styrofoam  – #6 White Block Foam only (the rigid type often referred to as Styrofoam; NO shipping labels on foam, no soft/squishy foam, packing peanuts, “Styrofoam” (polystyrene) cups, “to-go” boxes, meat trays or any other food-grade foam, moisture, or tape)

Household hazardous waste (HHW)

            Motor Oil, Antifreeze

          Batteries (household batteries and lead acid (car) batteries)

            Paint – latex and oil based

            As many of the following materials as our County helper, Michal, can fit in their pickup truck.  Then they will take them down to CHaRM at the end of the event:

• Mattresses, Box Springs (NO bedbugs, mold, wet, or contamination)
• e-waste
• block Styrofoam

METAL Container – No liquids  – No tires on rims (just rims are ok!) – No batteries – No paint cans with paint still in them.  We will NOT take fridges, or tires this year.  Wire fencing and barbed wire are ok.

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

        TRASH  Containers  – junk – No recyclables!  We need to pay for this and will need to charge for trash. We also request donations for the diversion items.  Please remember that it would be much more expensive to take a truckload to the dump or to Nederland (trash taken to Nederland is charged $16 per cubic yard – see https://bouldercounty.gov/environment/trash/nederland-transfer-and-recycle/#1601564428438-33e156fc-5926 for their fees).

         $5 per large trash bag

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

            $35 per pick-up truck or trailer full

            $35 – 40 per vehicle with trailer

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

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

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

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

2026 Spring Clean Up

Saturday, July 18, 2026

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

For all within the Town Meeting boundaries 

DIVERSION is the focus again this year. Boulder County is a great support for our diversion/recycling efforts, but does not fund trash disposal.  We will be getting two dumpsters for trash and we will have to pay for them (roll off fee is $703.40 per container), so we will need to charge (rate sheet at the end). 

Four Dumpsters will arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. – 2 for junk/trash (we will need to collect a fee for trash and donations for the diversion stuff), one for metal, one for wood – slash and general wood/lumber as in the past.  Please don’t come with stuff earlier than 9:00. 

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

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

DIVERSION –  see http://www.ecocycle.org/charm for what you can take there and costs

Block Styrofoam  – #6 White Block Foam only (the rigid type often referred to as Styrofoam; NO shipping labels on foam, no soft/squishy foam, packing peanuts, “Styrofoam” (polystyrene) cups, “to-go” boxes, meat trays or any other food-grade foam, moisture, or tape)

Household hazardous waste (HHW)

            Motor Oil, Antifreeze

          Batteries (household batteries and lead acid (car) batteries)

            Paint – latex and oil based

            As many of the following materials as our County helper, Michal, can fit in their pickup truck.  Then they will take them down to CHaRM at the end of the event:

• Mattresses, Box Springs (NO bedbugs, mold, wet, or contamination)
• e-waste
• block Styrofoam

METAL Container – No liquids  – No tires on rims (just rims are ok!) – No batteries – No paint cans with paint still in them.  We will NOT take fridges, or tires this year.  Wire fencing and barbed wire are ok.

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

        TRASH  Containers  – junk – No recyclables!  We need to pay for this and will need to charge for trash. We also request donations for the diversion items.  Please remember that it would be much more expensive to take a truckload to the dump or to Nederland (trash taken to Nederland is charged $16 per cubic yard – see https://bouldercounty.gov/environment/trash/nederland-transfer-and-recycle/#1601564428438-33e156fc-5926 for their fees).

         $5 per large trash bag

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

            $35 per pick-up truck or trailer full

            $35 – 40 per vehicle with trailer

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

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

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

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

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Agenda- Monday, June 15, 2026

7:30pm

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86980057492?pwd=LEV6GGmxTNiGttG7JlWg4Z4b

TO6wbs.1

Zoom Link can also be found at: https://www.goldhillfire.org/events

GHFPD BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING:

●

●

●

CALL TO ORDER-

ATTENDANCE- ROLL CALL

APPROV AL OF MINUTES-

●

●

OPERATIONAL UPDATES:

●

●

__________________________________________________________________

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES: Chief Caudill

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

●

●

TRAINING:

●

●

RECRUITMENT

●

INFRASTRUCTURE

●

Garage Doors/Concrete Apron update (update will be on agenda

monthly through this process)

10 mile Cistern- is it leaking?

TECHNOLOGY USE

EQUIPMENT NEEDS:

●

●

●

●

●

___________________________________________________________________

OPERATIONAL READINESS:

●

STRATEGIC PLANNING

●●

●

●

●

●

●

CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN

BUDGET

●

●

VEHICLES:

●

5404, 5402, 5439, 5431 and UTV-

●

5404- Max recommended that since it is stripped it should be

returned to Lefthand and taken off insurance. (Thoughts

regarding the future of this apparatus and placement?)

●

5431 electrical issues- have we figured it all out?

INVENTORY:

●

STATION MAINTENANCE:

●

GENERAL:

●

●

How are we currently set operationally with our Officer staff?

Ongoing conversation regarding hiring a fire marshall and adopting

fire code: Need to discuss a resolution for formally adopting the latest

model code (e.g., the 2021 or 2024 IFC) with custom local

amendments that reflect tight mountain terrain and limited water

infrastructure.

●

1. IFC Section 503 — Fire Apparatus Access Roads

It mandates that fire lanes must have an unobstructed width of

at least 20 feet (though local amendments can adjust this for

tight mountain topography) and vertical clearance of 13 feet 6

inches. It grants the fire chief the authority to require greater

widths if the radius of a turn or topography limits access.

●

2. IFC Section 503.4 — Obstructions on Fire Lanes

This code gives the district the direct legal authority to prevent

parking or placement of any obstructions on public or private

roadways used for fire apparatus access. It provides the

mechanism needed to declare “No Parking – Fire Lane” zones

in congested town centers.

●

3. IFC Section 503.3 — Marking and Signage

To enforce parking restrictions, the code must be visible. This●

●

●

●

●

●

●

section dictates exactly how fire lanes must be marked—such

as painting curbs red and posting standard, legally enforceable

“Fire Lane – Tow Away Zone” signs.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

●

________________________________________________

OTHER BUSINESS:

GRANTS-

MITIGATION-

COLLABORATION- CWPP-

WEBSITE-

COMMUNITY EVENTS/FUNDRAISING- 4th of July event- What positions for

this event need to be filled. Are we planning on getting tee shirts made? What is

the food plan?

PARKING/TOURISM/TOWN CONGESTION- Fire Code and Fire Marshall

_______________________________________________

NEW BUSINESS:

________________________________________________

ADJOURNMENT:

Hi All,

I will be taking the lead on the Breakfast and Parade this year. I will need a lot of support.  This is a special year.  Not only are we celebrating the Country’s 250th anniversary, but we will also have a ceremony to officially welcome the new truck to the department and community.

We will need help with:

Cooking/Serving
Cashiering
Condiment Station
Merchandise Purchasing
Children’s Toy Bags and Assembling
Traffic Control Points
Parking Signage and Setup
Parade Staging and Control
Food Purchasing

And probably a dozen other things I’m leaving out.  

I know we’re a little behind normal schedule.  Please let me know if you are interested in helping coordinate or work any of these categories.  

“Many hands make light work”
  -Old English Proverb

Let’s have fun  and great event this year!

Thank you!

Rich

rich.caudill5460@nullgmail.com

The next community volunteer fire mitigation workday 

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Agenda- Monday, May 18, 2026, 7:30pm

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86980057492?pwd=LEV6GGmxTNiGttG7JlWg4Z4b

TO6wbs.1

Zoom Link can also be found at: https://www.goldhillfire.org/events

GHFPD BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING:

CALL TO ORDER-

ATTENDANCE- ROLL CALL

APPROV AL OF MINUTES-

OPERATIONAL UPDATES:

__________________________________________________________________

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES: Chief Caudill

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

●

●

TRAINING:

●

EQUIPMENT NEEDS:

Update from our medical advisor about Igel/colormetric capnography use? Epi? (Discussed last meeting but still waiting to get more information)

RECRUITMENT

●

INFRASTRUCTURE

●

Garage Doors/Concrete Apron update (update will be on agenda monthly through this process)

●

TECHNOLOGY USE

●

Foam- We will be accepting the ‘donated’ packs and trying out the UTV skid. Kent has reached out to Marcus to confirm when we could procure the packs and UTV insert. Boyd, do you have any further

information on this?___________________________________________________________________

OPERATIONAL READINESS:

●

STRATEGIC PLANNING

●

CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN

●

BUDGET

●

VEHICLES:

●

5404, 5402, 5439, 5431 and UTV-

●

INVENTORY:

●

STATION MAINTENANCE:

●

GENERAL:

●

Fire Marshall and Code conversation:

●

We need to seriously evaluate parking on Main St. from Hill St. west. That portion of the road cannot accommodate parking,

pedestrian traffic, and thru traffic simultaneously and can cause FD access issues or resident egress/ingress issues during

emergencies. My recommendation would be looking at hiring a part time fire marshall or working with the Chief to close that

section of the road to parking up to the fire station. Additionally, we would need to consider resident only parking

in neighborhoods as parking on parallel streets to Main St. will not and should not accommodate overflow from a closure of

parking on Main St. If we don’t do both efforts simultaneously then the issue would simply shift to Pine, Gold Run, and

College St.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

●

________________________________________________OTHER BUSINESS:

●

●

●

GRANTS-

MITIGATION-

COLLABORATION- CWPP-

WEBSITE-

COMMUNITY EVENTS/FUNDRAISING- 4th of July event

PARKING/TOURISM/TOWN CONGESTION-

_______________________________________________

NEW BUSINESS:

________________________________________________

ADJOURNMENT:

Join us as we open the 50 year old time capsule and create a new one!

Saturday, May 16th, 11am to 2 pm at the Gold Hill School

Luzie Mason passed away peacefully at her home of over 60 years on December 10, 2025.

JUST A REMINDER…..come and enjoy “The Music and Musicians of Gold Hill”.

 Our annual Community Outreach evening will be held on SATURDAY NIGHT, June 20^th with a cocktail party beginning at 5:30 pm on the south lawn of the museum at 661 Pine Street.  The presentation begins PROMPTLY at 7 pm inside the museum. It should be a great time.  See you there!

Deb Yeager

deb@nullmountainvisions.net

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Agenda- Monday, April 20, 2026

7:30pm

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86980057492?pwd=LEV6GGmxTNiGttG7JlWg4Z4b

TO6wbs.1

Zoom Link can also be found at: https://www.goldhillfire.org/events

GHFPD BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING:

CALL TO ORDER-

ATTENDANCE- ROLL CALL

APPROV AL OF MINUTES-

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FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES: Chief Caudill

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

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OPERATIONAL UPDATES:

A training trip for the new Type 6 Engine was conducted this weekend.

Three members went to Yakima to inspect and get trained prior to it being

shipped next week. The chief will provide updates on the trip, when to

expect the engine, and his observations. Max was also in attendance as well

as Austin and Max will provide his observations which he has provided the

board.

TRAINING:

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EQUIPMENT NEEDS:

Update from our medical advisor about Igel/colormetric capnography

use? Epi? (Discussed last meeting but still waiting to get more

information)

RECRUITMENT

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INFRASTRUCTURE

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Garage Doors/Concrete Apron update (update will be on agenda

monthly through this process

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TECHNOLOGY USE●

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Foam- We will be accepting the ‘donated’ packs and trying out the

UTV skid.

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OPERATIONAL READINESS:

STRATEGIC PLANNING

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CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN

BUDGET

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Any budget impacts after the additional costs associated with engine

purchase?

VEHICLES:

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INVENTORY:

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5404,5402, 5439 and UTV-

STATION MAINTENANCE:

GENERAL:

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Fire Marshall and Code conversation:

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Parking: If a street is too narrow for a fire truck to pass or turn

around (20 feet is the standard minimum width), the Fire

Marshal can mandate “No Parking” signs on one or both sides

of the street.

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ADMINISTRATIVE:

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OTHER BUSINESS:

GRANTS- Boyd has updates

MITIGATION- Boyd has updates

COLLABORATION- CWPP-

WEBSITE-●

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COMMUNITY EVENTS/FUNDRAISING- 4th of July event, Welcome party for

the truck (PIO/press releases?)

PARKING/TOURISM/TOWN CONGESTION- As of the most recent Town

Business meeting, suggestions for town survey were put forward but questions

would need to be finalized. This would address two main issues: Noise and

Parking/Congestion/Traffic

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NEW BUSINESS:

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ADJOURNMENT:

 GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the February 9, 2026, Town Meeting

 Next Town Meeting is Monday, April, 7:00 p.m. in person and by Zoom

 The meeting was called to order by Chair Kelly Veit.  Twenty-three people attended in person:  Kelly, John Stocke, Maggie Simms and David Brigham, Kris Gibson, Travers and Jill Farrar, Eli Zabielski, Dina Huber and Chad Miltenberger, Wren Garrison and Ben Ross, Marilyn and Peter Soby, Elisabeth Caspari and Marcus Moench, Vice Chair Kaitlyn Barthell, Boyd Brown, Treasurer Martha Knapp, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer and from Longmont and Boulder Valley Conservation Districts (bouldervalley-longmontcd.colorado.gov): Anna Mango (anna.mango@nullbvlcd.com ), Patrick Morgan and Ben Mackle.   Fifteen more attended by Zoom: Deb Yeager, Dave Steinmann, Dan Maedke, Michael Shepard, Val Crist, Leslie Finn, Joey Schusler, Fire Chief Rich Caudill, Community Wildfire Rep Meg Halford, (mhalford@nullbouldercounty.gov), Maya McHamer (maya@nullboulderwatershedcollective.org), Steve Schultz, Member at Large John Hatelid, and Barrett (?).  Kelly reports Virginia Schultz and Steffi Wilson also attended by Zoom.  Please let me know if this is correct and of anyone else.

Minutes – Boyd moved we approve the December minutes, Maggie seconded and they were approved.  Boyd moved we approve the January Special TM minutes, Marcus seconded and they were also approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Martha reported that we’ve had 638.95 in expenses since the December meeting, received $100 for the Cemetery for a balance of $2998.06.  Debits from the General Fund include $10.00 to the Secretary of State filing fee, $449.00 for Insurance, $100 for Porta Potti maintenance, and $79.95 for Zoom.  Balance is $16552.12.  Val asked if the $79.95 covered the Zoom AI – yes, it does

Firewise Presentation – Marcus reported that he and Boyd have been working with Meg Halford from the county.  Here is his report on mitigation activities: Key Fire Mitigation Activities – On Going

Completion of existing grant from State with BVCD and BWC

1. Finish Mitigation of Maloney area – Maya is contact
2. Mitigation of small parcel of town land south side of road west of Gold Hill – Maya is contact
3. Grazing with Goat Bros on town meadow and weed area of Gold Run Stream (Kaitlyn as town contact on this) – June if possible but may be July based on their schedule

Teen’s Inc & Wildfire Partners – Mostly June

1. Trying to get as much Teen’s Inc. time as possible with the following goals. We’re hoping to arrange as much as four weeks of their time.  Meeting with different agencies on 17^th to plan
   1. Help removal of slash and logs from Fishbaugh property
   2. Removal of saplings, slash and ladder fuels along road W. of Gold Hill, top of meadow near Hugh’s property where extensive lodgepole regrowth is occurring – particularly if GH volunteers can go in and cut saplings first.
   3. Moving logs to road for collection and firewood use
   4. Weed whacking of critical grassland areas in town
2. Planning to arrange dumpsters and chipping (if possible) through support from Boulder County and Lefthand.

GH Volunteers

1. Eli and Austin helping organize cutting of smaller trees (regrowth) in key areas. This will be done as part of the GHFPD if possible to ensure liability coverage.
2. Possibly organize a volunteer group clean up and ladder fuel cutting activity (fire festival).
3. Grant writing: New opportunity for 15K on small fuels reduction. Tracking additional grant opportunities (with assistance from Maya)

Firewise program: 

Aimed at hardening and other risk reduction activities in old town area (where houses are too close to qualify for Wildfire Partners) – Meg will present.  Marcus and Boyd are local contacts.

May be helpful in obtaining resources to assist in risk reduction and insurance

Non-toxic Foam

Meeting with Dennis Smagac from Intelagard on Wednesday at 10:00, Marcus and Elisabeth’s place.  Anyone interested please join.  He is planning on donating (backpacks) and loaning (skid – truck mounted) equipment to the GHFPD for town use.  We’re also looking into options for individual houses.  Was very useful for Dave Steinmann in Fourmile fire.

Firewood Program: Boyd will talk on later tonight. 

Things not addressed but on the radar:

1. Rapid expansion of Beetle Kill in Lefthand, west of town, and up Boulder Street
2. Blowdown in areas that have been mitigated
3. Grass areas in subdivision that property owners can’t get to on their own
4. Parts of Pine Street (smaller lots near town)
5. Anything we can do for residents in Lefthand and out West
6. Other – let us know what your priorities are.

They’ve done a community mitigation planning assessment and tech report which are the first steps to becoming a Firewise Community.  It’s a 3-year action plan, which coordinates with Wildfire Partners, local fire departments, Boulder Watershed Cooperative, and the Conservation district.  Priority #1 is home assessments at the community level leading to home hardening and defensible space action, and potential rebates for homeowner mitigation work.

Here is the link to Meg Halford’s presentation:  https://goldhilltown.com/wp-content/uploads/Town-of-Gold-Hill-Community-Mitigation_Advisory-Report_2025-FINAL_9-29-2025.pdf

And here is her contact information: mhalford@nullbouldercounty.gov

The individual home assessments are all voluntary.

John Stocke said that he’s aware of Boulder County Open Space around town and asked if we’re working with them.  Meg said they work closely with BoCo Open Space.  Dan asked the locations of the Open Space – a portion of the Town Meadow, some pieces right near town, and some up by the Mill.

Everyone is encouraged to do the home assessment.  No mitigation is mandatory, but the assessment process should be educational.   The Firewise Community designation is principally the platted town of Gold Hill, but adjacent homes can be included.  Many structures in town can’t be assessed by Wildfire Partners because they’re too close together, but the Firewise Program allows this, and also allows businesses, which WFP doesn’t.  Boyd reports that the Museum got Chris Dirolf to do a walk around and he is a great resource for mitigation advice.  He added that it’s a good idea to get the assessments for all who can to learn, and to learn about our options and the resources available.

Fire Department – Boyd reports that the Fire Department has acquired new equipment and has been cutting a lot of wood in conjunction with our mitigation projects for this community.  He and Kris Gibson are trying to assess who needs wood, looking for feedback, will be sending out questionnaires re needs and volunteer possibilities.

Chief Caudill will give an update at a future town meeting on the new laws regarding fire insurance.  He’s been in communication with our state legislators who authored that law.  Reach out to him with questions, rich.caudill5460@nullgmail.com.  Boyd added that the whole process of insurance evaluations is being revamped and is in flux.  He also added that it’s great to see so many people here for information on our fire and mitigation situation and encouraged everyone to please stay involved and curious.  Our goal as a fire department is to provide as much information as possible, we’re all about protecting our community.

Longmont and Boulder Valley Conservation Districts – Three people introduced themselves: Ben Markle, Patrick Morgan, and Anna Mango (anna.mango@nullbvlcd.com   720-310-5591).

 BYLAWS – At the last Town Meeting, it was agreed upon to address Article II Membership, Section A. Eligibility.  Kelly asked for a report on the Special Town Meeting.  Boyd reported that he’d volunteered to check on the legal requirements for us regarding a residency requirement brought up by John Hatelid. Boyd checked with a couple of lawyers and, because we are not an incorporated town, cannot levy any taxes, but are a 501(c)3 we have a lot of leeway.  Basically, yes, we can write residency requirements the way we want to in our bylaws.  The principal question regarding Article II, Section A, is do we want to vote on returning to the previous bylaw with residency requirements or go with the most recent revision, which includes all property owners regardless of any residency. 

Previous bylaw: as adopted 12-14-2020

Article II Membership

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

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

1. Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
2. Have lived in Gold Hill for sixty days during the twelve months prior to the meeting or for sixty days during the previous five years with no less than five days in any one year.
3. Be registered with the Secretary at the meeting.
4. Be present at the meeting to be certified to vote at that meeting.

On 8/11/26, we voted to amend 3 and 4 to read : The Town Council shall determine the methods of voting, which may include any combination of:

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

Bylaw as amended most recently

Article II: Membership Section A, Eligibility:

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

Section B, Membership Voting Procedures: 

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

Election procedures may allow for voting to take place over a period of up to three (3) days and are not required to occur during the annual meeting.

Marcus moved that we vote on returning to the previous bylaw, which required a residency requirement and did not automatically include non-resident property owners.  Maggie seconded. Much discussion ensued.  Should we go back and consider revising the most recently adopted bylaw?  Do we want a residency requirement and if so, how should it be worded?  If all property owners, even non-resident, are included, does this mean trusts and corporations are included and, if a member of a trust or corp. also lives here, do they get more than one vote? Do we define a member as a person vs. corp. or trust?  It was brought up that former residents might well be interested in being able to vote, particularly if they are now landlords.  Was also brought up that, as a non-profit 501 (C)3, the Town Meeting has no real power over the community – we’re mainly a social organization /forum to meet and discuss matters of concern and possible actions to be taken. 

Martha then made a motion that we form an ad hoc committee to hash out the wording that might be best for everyone.  Leslie seconded.  After a bit more discussion regarding definitions of member, resident, person, and a hypothetical situation where an unknown group of property owners propose something unprecedented (Boyd pointed out that the board could just leave the meeting, which would eliminate the quorum necessary), Leslie called the question.  5 people present and 3 on Zoom voted in favor, 3 voted against, 2 abstentions.  Martha asked for volunteers – Marcus, Gretchen, Dan, Leslie, Val, Dave, and John Hatelid volunteered.  It was agreed we could conduct out meetings online.

Senior Alliance – Boyd reported that the next meeting is on How to Prepare for Everything,  Tues. March 3^rd   Fire station, upstairs (community center)

Returning to 4 PM meeting

This is a high energy workshop which galvanizes people to think and take action on preparedness for resilience. All ages are welcome. This is NOT a presentation. There will be lots of discussion on specific topics chosen by participants. 

Town Clean Up is scheduled for Saturday, July 18^th

Respectfully Submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

Please let me know if you are receiving this newsletter and no longer want to, or if you know someone who should get it and isn’t.  Thank you