Events Calendar

GHFPD Board Mtg Agenda, 4-20-26

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-

__________________________________________________________________

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES: Chief Caudill

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

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:

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.

___________________________________________________________________

OPERATIONAL READINESS:

STRATEGIC PLANNING

CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN

BUDGET

Any budget impacts after the additional costs associated with engine

purchase?

VEHICLES:

INVENTORY:

5404,5402, 5439 and UTV-

STATION MAINTENANCE:

GENERAL:

Fire Marshall and Code conversation:

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.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

________________________________________________

OTHER BUSINESS:

GRANTS- Boyd has updates

MITIGATION- Boyd has updates

COLLABORATION- CWPP-

WEBSITE-

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

_______________________________________________

NEW BUSINESS:

________________________________________________

ADJOURNMENT:

GHTM 4-13-2026 Agenda

Hi Gold HIll! Time for our April Meeting. Agenda and meeting link are below. 
 
  • Mitigation Scope of Work Presentation by Jackie Barry (Boulder Watershed Collective Forester) and Eric Kennedy (Fourmile Fire Crew Chief). This is to inform and entertain questions regarding the forest mitigation project on the Town parcel across from and uphill from the Fire Barn. This project is proposed to happen this spring.
  • Treasurers Report- Martha
  • GHTM Membership Bylaw wording review– Martha
  • Committee Reports- All 
    • Longer update from Business District Committee, with some recent updates
  • Events-  Gold Hill’s Sunset Trail Running Festival For 2026
Here’s the Zoom link- 

Kelly Veit is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: My Meeting
Time: Apr 13, 2026 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83469959463

View meeting insights with Zoom AI Companion
https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=cd9803fc-4ed1-4434-9c52-50012b395cee

Meeting ID: 834 6995 9463

Join instructions
https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/83469959463/invitations?signature=tH2Gvf1fenazKn0_SnQu3J_6bjX64UTQBbJ99bI27lM

Thanks, Kelly
 
 

Senior Alliance report

April Mtg. 4/7/26 GH area Senior Alliance, March notes

March notes:

 
For the How to prepare for everything, yep everything workshop, we chose a scenario of a 4 day power outage.
 
Some take aways:
  • how important pre-preparation is
  • how important personal responsibility is
  • nice to know these things are being talked about
Some action tasks that were taken on:
  • meet the neighbor and get to know her
  • research Eco-Flow battery for well pump backup
  • gatherings with neighbors
Thanks, Boyd, for facilitating.
 
 
Virginia mentioned an upcoming ODM workshop, Tuesday March 10th.
 
 
Rebecca Gretz offered that she would be willing to make mini videos with “bite sized” bits of preparedness information. Thanks, Rebecca.
 
 
 
April Meeting: Teams Reports
 
1st Tuesday of the month
4/7/2026
4 PM
Gold Hill Fire Station
 
Hope to see you there!
 
Val

GHTM Minutes 2-9-26

 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 17th 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 3rd   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 18th

 

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

Pine Beetles

The Watershed Center and Colorado State Forest Service are
hosting a zoom presentation on pine beetle infestation, April 7, 
5:30 p.m.  You’re also welcome to attend the meeting in person
in Allenspark at that time.
Register at this link.   Just select the “Attending over Zoom” 
ticket type and you’ll receive a link in the confirmation email. 
 
I’ve attached an event flier that you may share with others.
   
 

GH Time Capsule

Dear Gold Hill,

Join us for a truly special Gold Hill celebration as we open the 50-year-old time capsule placed by our community in 1976, and create a new one for the future. This is a rare chance to connect across generations, reflect on how our town has grown, and imagine what lies ahead. With live music, food, family fun, and a few playful nods to both the past and the future, it’s an event for everyone. We hope you’ll come be part of this meaningful moment in Gold Hill history.
 
Christine Maedke
K-5 Teacher
Boulder Valley School District
Gold Hill School
890 Main St.
Boulder, CO 80302
School: 720-561-5940
Classroom: 720-561-6015
 
 

Time Capsule Party.jpg

School Play Rescheduled – New Date!

Dear Gold Hill,

You’re invited!

On Wednesday, March 25th at 10:00am and 6:30pm, the Gold Hill School students will perform Scooby Doo and the Magical Mystery Machine Tour!

This original musical is a classic Scooby mystery set right here in Gold Hill, brought to life with the music of The Beatles. Expect mystery, humor, familiar landmarks, familiar characters, and plenty of heart.

Our school play is a free, annual spring tradition, and the entire community is warmly invited to attend. Whether this is your first Gold Hill School production or your hundredth, we would love to see you there.

Come cheer on the children of Gold Hill and celebrate this special town tradition together.

We hope to see you in the audience!

Warmly,

Chrissy

christine.maedke@nullbvsd.org

 

Sunset Trail Running Festival

From: Sunset Trail Running Festival <noreply@nullrunsignup.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 3:17:53 PM
To: Virginia Schultz <Virginia.Schultz@nullColorado.EDU>
Subject: Gold Hill’s Sunset Trail Running Festival Back For 2026 – Sunday, June 21st.

 
[External email – use caution]

St. Paddy’s Day Party! 3/21/26 Sat. 3 PM on

Host:  Micah “O’Frost”
 
Location:  700 Hill St. (Few’s old house)
 
Time/Date: 3:00 till the leprechauns come home. Sat., 3/21/2026
 
Potluck: bring fav Irish dish and drink
 
Dogs welcome
 
Come as you will, the more the merrier. Bad children will be given whiskey, 3 lashes and have to face the wall (just kidding…)
 
More details: TEXT 845 661 8533 (Micah Frost, the newest ¼ Irishman in Gold Hill)
 
See y’all there!
 
P.S. Bring  your instrument and/or singing voice for an evening of Gold Hill fun.  Donal would be proud and hopefully will be there.  See you then.

GH School Play

Assuming we have power and school tomorrow, we are going to have a performance at 10 am.  We are going to try again after spring break for our evening show – planning on 10am and 6:30pm on Wednesday the 25th.  With three upcoming options, we hope you’ll be able to catch a show.

Screenshot

GH Museum Community Outreach

SAVE THE DATE!    The Gold Hill Museum is excited to present our annual Community Outreach event this year at a new time.  We have permanently changed the day for the Community Outreach from a Friday evening to a Saturday evening moving forward so we can accommodate those of us who are working full time and have a challenge getting back to town in order to enjoy the event.

 

This year our date is SATURDAY, JUNE 20th beginning at 5:30 pm.  More exciting news coming in the next few weeks.

Volunteer Fire Mitigation Days

Volunteer Fire Mitigation Days:

February 28th and March 7th

On February 28th: Work will focus on the critical area north of Pine Street and adjacent to Lickskillet Road. Should a fire come up from Lefthand Creek, this unmitigated area represents a clear risk to residences along Pine Street, the old town and wider surrounding areas including the Subdivision.  Volunteers will gather at 10:00 at the town land near the corner of Pine and Lickskillet. 

Our goal will be to remove ladder fuels, ground juniper and previously cut slash.  Volunteers skilled with chainsaw use have already been identified and may be able to cut significant amounts in advance.  Bring gloves, loppers and mattocks (for the ground juniper).  Slash will be stacked where it can be chipped by the Wildfire Partners program and Boulder County starting in April.

On March 7th: Conditions permitting, targets for volunteer work include both the areas above Gold Hill Road just west of town and at the top of the town meadow where significant regrowth is occurring in previously mitigated areas. This is intended to both reduce current fire risk and avoid the need for future major forestry programs. More specific plans for March 7th will be communicated as the date approaches.

Join us!  It should be fun!

If you feel like it, bring something to nibble or perhaps a thermos with a hot drink to share!

Two additional volunteer mitigation days are tentatively planned for June.

Note:  Volunteer contributions fill key gaps in existing grant-funded mitigation activities.  They will also help the community leverage free chipping and hauling later in the spring through Wildfire Partners and the county.  Finally, volunteer inputs are central to obtaining grant funding in the future and to Gold Hill’s participation in the Firewise program. This program was described by Meg Halford from the county in the last GHTM.

If you have questions: Contact Boyd Brown (boydb061249@nullgmail.com) or Marcus Moench (marcus.moench@nullgmail.com)

Town Clean Up Date Change

Town Clean Up date has been changed to Saturday, July 18th so that we won’t interfere with the Bocce Tournament on the 27th.  Details to follow.  Thanks to Brian Finn and Michal from Boulder County!

GH School School Play – POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Dear Gold Hill,

You’re invited!

On Thursday, March 12th at 10:00am and 6:30pm, the Gold Hill School students will perform Scooby Doo and the Magical Mystery Machine Tour!

This original musical is a classic Scooby mystery set right here in Gold Hill, brought to life with the music of The Beatles. Expect mystery, humor, familiar landmarks, familiar characters, and plenty of heart.

Our school play is a free, annual spring tradition, and the entire community is warmly invited to attend. Whether this is your first Gold Hill School production or your hundredth, we would love to see you there.

Come cheer on the children of Gold Hill and celebrate this special town tradition together.

We hope to see you in the audience!

Warmly,

Chrissy

 
Scooby.jpeg

 

Christine Maedke
K-5 Teacher
Boulder Valley School District
Gold Hill School
890 Main St.
Boulder, CO 80302
School: 720-561-5940
Classroom: 720-561-6015

GHFPD Board Mtg Agenda 2-16-26

Hi All,
 
The GHFPD Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for tonight at 7:30 PM at the firebarn.
 
The Zoom link for the meeting can be found in the attached agenda. All are welcome to attend.
 
Thanks,
 
William Coghill
 

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Agenda- Monday, February 16, 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- November Minutes and January Minutes need to be

approved

OPERATIONAL UPDATES:

__________________________________________________________________

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES: Chief Caudill

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

TRAINING:

EQUIPMENT NEEDS:

Chaya Bar-Evan proposes equipping Gold Hill V olunteer Fire

Department’s jump bags with quantitative capnography and

supraglottic airway devices (i-gels) to improve critical medical

emergency response in their remote, mountainous community,

especially given potential delays in ALS/paramedic arrival. These

additions would enhance airway management and monitoring

capabilities, significantly benefiting patient outcomes in scenarios like

cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, and strengthening their ability to

care for the local elementary school population and visitors. The total

estimated investment for this equipment and initial training ranges

from $1,840 to $3,040, offering substantial capability enhancement

for a modest cost.

RECRUITMENT

●●

 

INFRASTRUCTURE

Proposal from Max on purchase of propane tank for the department?

Can we get clarity on the benefits of this?

Any updates on the concrete apron? When do we start getting bids?

TECHNOLOGY USE

___________________________________________________________________

OPERATIONAL READINESS:

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Begin planning for 2026 Boulder County Grant proposal. My

suggestion, looking at preliminary costs of renovating the current

firehouse.

CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN

Do we have a place for 5402 once the new engine comes?

BUDGET

Set aside funds for transport of New Type 6? Airfare, hotel, food,

shipping?

VEHICLES:

5404,5402, 5439 and UTV-

Closer date for completion of new engine? I propose we look at

shipping the engine back instead of driving.

What is our budget and interest in beginning the search for a new

command vehicle?

INVENTORY:

STATION MAINTENANCE:

Garage widening- any updates?

GENERAL:

Do we have a proposal from the foam company who did the

demonstration? What are they willing to let us demo this year? What

are our feelings on the foam demonstration?

ADMINISTRATIVE:

________________________________________________OTHER BUSINESS:

 

GRANTS-

COLLABORATION- CWPP-

WEBSITE-

COMMUNITY EVENTS/FUNDRAISING-

PARKING/TOURISM/TOWN CONGESTION

At the last GHTM Business District meeting there was talk and

interest about having the GHFPD Board of Directors petition the

county directly with a plan for improving flow of traffic on mainstreet

by installing fire lanes and no parking areas.

_______________________________________________

NEW BUSINESS:

________________________________________________

ADJOURNMENT:

William Kent Coghill
Boulder Colorado
wkcoghill@nullgmail.com
518-366-4385

Fire Weather Watch

Begin forwarded message from Rich Caudill: rich.caudill5460@nullgmail.com
 
Fire Weather Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch forTuesday, February 17, 2026 at 0800 until Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 1800.

Open burning including agricultural burning is Prohibited beginning Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 12:01AM through Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:59PM

 

    FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING	

THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE	

NORTHERN FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS, MUCH OF THE I-25 CORRIDOR, AND	

NORTHEAST PLAINS...	

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 215, 238, 239, 242, 243, 	

  248, 250 and 251.	

* TIMING...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.	

* WINDS...West 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.	

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 11 percent.	


BCSO Fire Management

303-441-4500 | Visit our website

 

Town Clean Up date changed to July 18

Our annual Spring Clean up will be Saturday, July 18 in the Bluebird Lodge Parking Lot.  Boulder County facilitates this;  providing lots of re-use/recycling for free, but we do have to pay for the trash dumpsters and always need donations/contributions.

Details to follow as things develop.  It’s always great to get rid of junk!

Always looking for volunteers to help 

Yours truly, Gretchen

GH Seniors news, next mtg Tues. March 3rd

In Jan. we reidentified team leads, team members and began brainstorming in individual teams, who will report back in the April meeting. Teams and contact info listed at the bottom of this page.
 
Feb.’s meeting was our first fun social for the entire community, maybe the 1st of many annual Midwinter sweetheart socials. Set beautifully in the community center, well attended by both new and not so new community members with good connections successfully made between the two. Wonderful times! We had singles, couples, circle of friends and one two month old baby, a Nubian goat baby!
 
Upcoming mtg.-March 3 – Boyd & Pam S. to co-facilitate: How to Prepare for Everything, Yep Everything
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.
 
This is based on the workshop developed by Aaron Titus, head of the Intermountain West VOAD and Executive Director of the international Crisis Cleanup (and a longtime member of the IMA in our area) Pam is a certified facilitator of this workshop (and quoted in his book–he mentions a bunch of mountain people in western BoCo like us in his book). 
Please bring a snack to share🍩🍱🧈🍟🥝🥒🫐 
Tues. March 3rd 
Fire station, upstairs (community center)
4 PM  
Returning to 4 PM meetings
 
If you need assistance attending this just ask!. 
Due to the nature of breaking out into smaller groups, there will be no Zoom offering for this meeting.
 
TEAMS
1) SOCIAL TEAM
 
2) HOME EVALUATION FOR SAFETY AND Maintenance Team
Lead Steve Sherman contact Steve at spsherm@nullmsn.com or Jerry Krenz 303 442 8492 
 
3) EMERGENCY AND FIRE DEPARTMENT TEAM
Fire dept  has a back up generator for all to utilize, upstairs, charge phones, wi fi access. School has guest wi fi. Neighbor link being reactivated, contact Deb Yeager. File of Life should be on everyone’s fridge, available at fire station Saturdays A.M. 
 
4) HEALTHCARE TEAM
Lead: Sophia Pardo contact sophiagpardo@nullgmail.com, Sophia is compiling contact and resource phone numbers, Deepika Avanti researching how to age at home doctors, nurses (live in Gold Hill?), rehab, insurance, grants? Michell is compiling AAA resources and Julie Carpenter.
 
5) COMPUTER STUFF: FINANCIAL FORMS  IT HELP, FILLING OUT FORMS TEAM
Lead: Paul Landskroener contact plandskroener@nullmac.com or Rebecca Gretz rebgretz@nullprotonmail.com or rebgretz@nullyahoo.com 
 
6) Transportation: Lead Val at vjcrist@nullhotmail.com
 
See you soon!
 
Val

GHTM Agenda for 2-9-26

Kelly Veit is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Feb 9 GHTM
Time: Feb 9, 2026 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
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Hello Gold Hill! 

Time for our next GHTM. The meeting will be Monday, 2/9/26 at 7PM in the FireBarn (Zoom link below).  We’ll be joined by a guest speaker from Firewise, to speak upcoming fire mitigation efforts and prep for the summer. Boyd will also be providing an update on the Community Wood program. Otherwise, we’ve got our usual Committee reports and updates. Hope to see you there!

Full Agenda: (Also attached)

Gold Hill Town Meeting

Monday, 2/9/26 7:00 p.m.

Fire Barn and Zoom

Agenda  

 

  • Call to Order
  • Approval of previous Minutes
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • The Firewise program- (Guest Speaker, Meg Halford)

As everyone in town knows, we’re facing a critically dry year. As a result, advance planning is essential.  This set of presentations and discussions will focus on the activities that the Mountain Stewards and others have been planning for fire mitigation and risk reduction this summer.  Starting with a presentation by Meg Halford from the County on the Firewise program, we’ll present a summary overview of:

 

    • Plans for mitigation this summer including-
  • Grazing in the town meadow
  • Forest mitigation along the road out of town to the south-west of the main GH Road
  • Other on-going mitigation areas
  • Coordinated clearing of regrowth in key areas including work by Teen’s inc and related groups for slash hauling and chipping
  • Firewood distribution program from mitigation activities
  • Key areas for weed whacking
  • Potential opportunities for establishing foam capacities in the old town and GHFP district with support from Intelagard.

 

Community Wood Program- Boyd Brown

 

Approval of Remaining Bylaws:

  • Article II, Section A: Membership Eligibility. Vote to finalize changes from Special Meeting on 1/28.

Committee Reports

  1. Business District Committee
  2. Historical Zoning
  3. Cemetery
  4. Native Weeds, Ecology and Weed Management
  5. Safelink, Airlink, Neighborlink.
  6.  Senior Alliance

 

  • Community Groups Updates
  1. Intermountain Alliance
  2. Gold Hill School
  3. Fire Department
  4.  Gold Hill Museum

 

Announcements

  • Next GHTM April 13, 2026 7PM
  • Gold Hill Town Clean Up June 27

 

 

Kelly Veit, MHA | Program Manager, WellMind Connection  | Program Manager, Opioid Abatement

Interim Co-Director, Division of Strategic Initiatives | Boulder County Community Services

kveit@bouldercounty.gov  | 847-903-3396

 

GHTM Minutes 1-16-26

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

 Minutes of the January 26, 2026, Zoom and in person meeting

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

Vice Chair Kaitlyn Barthell called the meeting to order.  Present ion person were members Boyd Brown, Treasurer Martha Knapp, Kaitlyn, Leslie Finn, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Attending by Zoom were Val Crist and Member at Large John Hatelid.    A quorum requires 3 members of the Town Council plus 5 additional Members, so we cannot formally vote at this meeting.

Recap of Bylaw Progress – Martha has been going through all the minutes with Gretchen and Leslie to make sure where we are, see  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/138K9Dt8jq8qzRA7e34rQ9C-y3IHmCg-fS6a7ZIwbWXA/edit?usp=sharing .  If you see any corrections, please let her know.  The attached sticky notes tell the history of changes.  The pink sheet is t0o be discussed and voted on (will have to wait until the February meeting as we do not have a quorum). 

 

Purple sheets have been approved but need to be finalized at a regular meeting.  The ones in green have all been finalized.

Legal Parameters and review of Membership Bylaw – Boyd reports that he talked to 2 lawyers about the controversy over members/voters/residency requirements.  We are not an incorporated town and have no taxing ability and therefore have a lot of leeway to write our own bylaws and policies.  The Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. is a 501(c)3 and registered as a non-profit corporation with the State of Colorado, which is a very different thing from being an incorporated town.

Martha added that our residency requirement was written the way it was (in the 70s) in order to include the summer people, of which there were many at the time.  If we did include all property owners, there are absentee landlords, 10 corporations, 5 government entities and 12 trusts.  No one here knew why there had been a move to include all property owners.

All here at this meeting are in agreement to go back to the original wording as above.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Midwinter Social will be Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30 at the Firebarn.  It’s a potluck and everyone is invited.  RSVP to Val.

 

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

Full Moon Open House

Full Moon Open House

The Weather Looks Good!

Let’s Watch the Full Moon Rise Together

Kort McCumber will be playing and possibly a few others

 

Where: Marcus & Elisabeth’s: 601 Gold Run Street

When: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PMish on Sunday February 1st

We’ll have some wine, beer, and NA drinks along with a few nibbles to eat.  Bring kids and anything else you want to bring. If we feel it’s safe (no wind) we’ll have a Solo stove on our terrace and s’mores.

We won’t have much seating so feel free to bring a folding chair.  Very informal and spontaneous: we’d love to see Gold Hill folks coming out of the winter woodwork.  It’s supposed to be warm, but you may want a blanket or good coat.  We expect the music to be inside unless it’s very warm.

Marcus Moench

marcus.moench@nullgmail.com

Public Safety Shutoffs by Xcel, PUC Hearing Wednesday

Hello,

The Public Utilities Commission is holding a hearing on the Public Safety Shutoffs by Xcel (See Below).  I would encourage all who would be willing, to respond.  The PUC is also aware of the situation that we lose emergency communications when the power goes out.  

Please include comments about how long you were without power during this last shutoff, how power outages affect you in your personal life, i.e. medical equipment, etc., and how losing emergency communications during power outages affects you.  Any other issues you experience are also welcome to be heard.

We, as Boulder County Communities,  are working with our local, state and national legislators about the emergency communications situation. 

Thank you for your continued support on this important issue.  

Rich Caudill

Fire Chief

DORA PUC Lockup  

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 21, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Megan Castle
P: 303-513-2713
megan.castle@nullstate.co.us
puc.colorado.gov

Colorado Public Utilities Commission Holds Virtual Public Safety Power Shutoff Public Comment Hearing

Public Invited to Virtual PSPS Public Comment Hearing, Jan. 28

Denver ~ The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) invites the public to join a virtual public comment hearing on new, proposed rules addressing Public Safety Power Shutoff events. A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a wildfire mitigation tool used by utility companies to limit the risk of wildfire ignition due to downed power lines. 

All public input is welcome regardless of whether you have directly experienced a shut off event. 

Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) Virtual Public Comment Hearing, Proceeding No. 26M-0037E:

  • When: 4 PM – 6 PM, Wednesday, Jan. 28
  • Register here  

Other ways to provide public comment include:

  • Submitting PSPS feedback and taking a survey through the PUC’s online Public Safety Power Shutoff feedback tool
  • Emailing comments to dora_puc_comments@nullstate.co.us
  • Mailing to the Commission’s offices at: Colorado Public Utilities Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 250, Denver, CO 80202
  • Calling (303) 869-3490 to leave oral comments (English and Spanish options)
  • Note: please use the Proceeding No 26M-0037E when providing comment

For more information: 

  • To learn more about Xcel Energy’s Public Power Safety Shutoff, visit the PUC’s PSPS webpage: Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) 
  • The PUC approved Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan in June 2025 – clickhere for the press release that highlights some of the mitigations, including approving undergrounding 50 miles of lines. 

For more information on Proceeding No 26M-0037E, use E-Filings on the PUC website, puc.colorado.gov.  

About the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) 

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services consistent with the economic, environmental, and social values of our state. Learn more athttps://puc.colorado.gov/

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Midwinter Social – Everyone is Invited!

Midwinter Social 
RSVP required 
TUES. 2/3/26 6:30 PM @ Fire station aka community center
 
The Gold Hill area Senior Alliance is hosting a Midwinter sweetheart social for EVERYONE in the community. Please RSVP to Val at vjcrist@nullhotmail.com.
 
Come, spend an evening with your neighborhood sweethearts, bring your favorite dish to share, BYO drinks of choice. Let’s celebrate one another in a casual, fun time. Lovers, friends, sweet beings, sweethearts of all ages and types welcome!
 
See you soon!
 
Val

Singalong CANCELLED at Paul and Marybeth’s

Singalong CNCELLED at Paul and Marybeth’s due to illness.  Will look to schedule next month
❤️😉🩷
 
Mb 

Mary Elizabeth Neal (Marybeth), Ph.D

629 Dixon Road
Boulder CO 80302
 
612-990-3251 cell and feel free to text anytime

PSPS – Public Safety Power Shut off possible

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

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

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

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

Two things you can do:

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

Leslie Finn added:

You might want to consider  a hotel room if you have health issues that require electricity.. Thank you.