Please join us for our virtual Let’s Talk Mitigation event! Wildfire Partners staff members, Abby Silver and Leslie Brodhead will be available to answer your questions and discuss wildfire mitigation.

Date:  Wednesday, April 14

Time:  7 – 8 p.m.

Let’s Talk Mitigation!   You’ve got questions.   We’ve got answers!   Please join us for our virtual Let’s Talk Mitigation event! Wildfire Partners staff members, Abby Silver and Leslie Brodhead will be available to answer your questions and discuss wildfire mitigation.   Date:  Wednesday, April 14 Time:  7 – 8 p.m.   Join Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81466075732?pwd=WDAyaTRyNU5LNTFFMGk5eVBlVjNvdz09   Meeting ID: 814 6607 5732 Passcode: 201467   You can email questions ahead of time to info@nullwildfirepartners.org.       Wildfire Partners 2045 13th Street Boulder, CO  80302 www.wildfirepartners.org 303-441-1420

Gold Hill Town Meeting

Monday, 7:00 p.m. April 12th, 2020

____________________________________________________________________________

Zoom Virtual Meeting

Topic: Gold Hill Virtual Town Meeting

Time: Apr 12, 2021 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 848 9085 3708

Passcode: 454815

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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcI4JjHZCN

____________________________________________________________

Review of Previous Minutes (additions or corrections)

Treasurer’s Report

Committee Reports

Mountain Stewards 

Forestry and Forest Management

Gold Hill School

Museum 

Community Planning and Fundraising 

Cemetery

Community Center

SafeLink/NeighborLink 

Food Pantry

Emergency Preparedness/Communications

AirLink 

Weed Management

Historical Zoning

Fire Department

Other Town News: 

Speed Study Update:

County is getting ready to hire on a couple of traffic interns for the summer to do counts, but also waiting for warmer weather. 

Evaluating if there are missing speed signs, as we have few in town – checking the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). If signs are missing that should be in place, they can add more in good weather. If all signs are intact, they will wait until after the speed study so signage doesn’t compromise the data.

Community Concerns: 

Campers west of town have the potential to increase risk of wildfires, attract animals due to food and waste, and can present the issue of improperly disposed of waste materials. Fire Department has discussed this concern at the last board meeting and plans to conduct a drone test to learn if a drone could respond to a call by flying out to the site to capture photos to tell if a campfire is or is not unattended. This test will help to identify possible solutions. Additionally, private property owners should post “no trespassing” signs on property lines.

Upcoming Meetings/Events

         Town Cleanup and Summer Wildfire Prep: 

–A Holistic Perspective on Wildfire Mitigation: Monday, April 19th at 7:00pm – GHTM & GHFPD in partnership present Abby Silver, Wildfire Partners and Maya McHamer, Boulder Watershed Collective to speak on importance of wildfire mitigation from greater landscape scale down to individual property. Topics: forest health, ecological benefits of mitigation and fire, environmental sensitivity, creating defensible space and home hardening on larger mountain parcels and in the more “urban” setting of the Gold Hill townsite, as well as touching on issues around homeowners insurance. 

–Town Cleanup Day: Date Proposed – last weekend in June (Sat 26 or Sun 27) – Dumpsters available for Spring Cleaning

–Wildfire Mitigation Week: Date TBD – Dumpsters, equipment, and skilled crew      available to assist Gold Hill residents with wildfire mitigation on your property!

Gold Rush Bike Rally: September 19 (Dan)

____________________________________________________________________________

Next Gold Hill Town Meeting: June 14th, 7:00 pm

____________________________________________________________

Calendar Meeting coming up this coming Thursday, April 15th, 10:30.  Still always looking for pictures, drawings, ideas.  

We’re looking for March snow photos, dog photos, certainly any drawings. Any great pictures of last 4th of July?  Other historical Gold Hill happenings?  How bout New Faces in Old Places

Hello all,

We are suddenly finding ourselves with TWO upcoming vaccination clinics in Nederland for folks 60+ and have 35 spaces left to fill. The first one on April 6^th, with a follow up clinic on May 4^th is full, but the second clinic on 4/13 is still open. That second dose clinic will fall on May 11^th. Initially we had a very large list of folks to try and schedule however since we collected our list of names, several folks have already received their vaccines. The clinic is from 1-330 on Tuesday, April, 13^th at the Nederland Community Center and we are to prioritize adults aged 60 and up per state guidance. If you know anyone 60 and up that is interested, please have them call me directly at 720-616-9109. Thanks so much for your help and sorry for the late notice. This came up quickly for all of us!

Colleen

To: Armstrong, Katherine -FS <katherine.armstrong@nullusda.gov>
Subject: [BCFCA] Get wildfire ready by creating defensible space around your home; Application period opens April 1 for Boulder Ranger District

U.S. Forest Service

Roosevelt National Forest

Boulder Ranger District

Boulder, Colo.

Find this news online: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD897959

Get wildfire ready by creating defensible space around your home
Application period opens April 1 for Boulder Ranger District

BOULDER, Colo. – Landowners across Boulder and Gilpin counties are preparing their properties to be more resilient to wildfire by creating areas of defensible around their homes. To support this effort, the U.S. Forest Service’s Boulder Ranger District has completed two environmental analyses (Boulder Defensible Space Project and Forsythe II Project) that allow private landowners in Boulder and northern Gilpin counties to reduce hazardous fuels on National Forest lands around their homes.

This opportunity will complement the mitigation work already being completed by private property owners in cooperation with the Colorado State Forest Service and county wildfire preparedness programs to create areas of defensible space around primary structures on private lands.

Each year, applications will be accepted April 1 through April 30. Upon receipt of the application, resource specialists will evaluate design criteria for your specific location. Defensible space permits will be issued by the Boulder Ranger District before July 1, and work may begin after receipt of the permit.

The Boulder Ranger District will provide homeowners permits based on the mitigation area and the volume of trees to be cut (either a free-use permit or personal use paid permit). On National Forest land, hazardous fuels shall only be cut by hand with manual equipment (e.g. chainsaws, handsaws, loppers). Landowners will be responsible for removing the debris created from the defensible space treatments from National Forest land to their private land for disposal utilizing non-mechanized equipment (e.g. carts, wheel barrels, etc.); off-road vehicles and other motorized equipment shall not be used. Cut material shall not be left on National Forest property.

For more information about this project and to learn how to apply, go to Boulder Ranger District Defensible Space Permits.

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

We invite you to join us for a collective moment of silence to honor the lives lost during the recent mass shooting in Boulder. 

Here’s the link to the information    

  https://bouldercolorado.gov/boulderstrong

Please join us at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2021 as we come together as a community. We want to create an opportunity to safely mourn in this difficult time. Together, we will honor those lost and hold space for the loved ones they leave behind.   

• When : Starting Saturday, March 27 at 8 p.m. for 10 days.  
• What : On the first night, step outside and take 10 slow breaths, followed by 10 minutes of silence. Each breath and each minute is to honor the lives lost in the tragic Boulder shooting. We invite you to continue this practice as you are able and to put a light or electric candle in your window each night through April 5, 2021.  
• Who : Everyone. The impact of this tragedy stretches across our community and nation. If you love Boulder or just want to support us in this difficult time, we invite you to join in this collective moment. 

From Dina Elder, dina.elder@nullgmail.com

The Mt. Stewards are hosting this zoom event that ties into Gold Hill’s big fire mitigation efforts this summer.

Water on the Edge: Practical Strategies from Garden to Forest

Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

In the face of climate change, the dilemma of drought, the challenges of wildfire mitigation – what can we do? Join local experts to learn the why and how of storing/harvesting/slowing water in our Ponderosa/Doug Fir/Lodgepole zones to improve plant and animal diversity and reduce the impact of wildfires.

What can you do on your property? What can be done in our surrounding forests? This is an opportunity to listen, ask questions, and recognize opportunities for taking practical steps around our homes, on our land, and in local forests. 

This event is FREE, but please register at Water on the Edge Free Registration to receive the Zoom link or call-in numbers.  After the presentations and Q&A ending at 12:45 p.m. the gathering will remain open for 30 minutes for networking.

AGENDA

Watersheds: Why Healthy Headwaters Matter

Maya MacHamer – Boulder Watershed Collective

Maya is the Co-Founder and Director of the Boulder Watershed Collective. Born and raised in this area, Maya started her Emergency Services career with the Four Mile and Gold Hill fire departments. After receiving a master’s degree in Public Administration and Emergency Management, she worked in flood recovery before establishing the Fourmile Watershed Coalition in 2015 to create resiliency and build community connections for Fourmile Canyon. She carries this expertise, along with her genuine desire to collaborate, into her role with the Boulder Watershed Collective. She is currently actively working to leverage Federal, State, and Local Agency initiatives and funding to support forest restoration and environmental enhancement that holistically support water and forest health and community resilience. https://www.boulderwatershedcollective.com/

Earthworks: The Push and Pull of Regenerative Landscapes

Avery Ellis – UNITED ECOLOGY   united we grow.

Avery Ellis, is a sustainability specialist and ecological designer. He focuses on designing sustainable ecosystems that serve humanity through natural processes. He has a master’s degree in Ecological Design through SFIA and a BS in Biology & Sustainability through Stockton College. He is also a Certified Permaculture Designer and Teacher. Drawing on his experience with permaculture, aquaponics, greywater and water harvesting systems, and food production, Avery founded UNITED ECOLOGY to create integrated long-term ecological solutions for urban, suburban, rural, and wild landscapes that care for the earth, the people, and share abundance with nature. https://unitedecology.org/

Pollinators: What, Why, How?

Joyce Kennedy – People and Pollinators Action Network (PPAN)

Joyce is the chief coordinator of PPAN. In this multi-faceted role, she directs organizational development and project implementation. She leads the organization’s advocacy work, builds constituency and develops community outreach programs. She has worked as an environmental professional for 20 years for consulting firms, nonprofits and the National Park Service. Prior to her work as a pollinator advocate, she did rivers work in New England for 12 years.https://peopleandpollinators.org/ https://peopleandpollinators.org/longmont-coalition-for-people-pollinators/

Presentations will be recorded and available for later viewing. Contact Virginia Schultz at arneyschultz@nullhotmail.com with any questions or for more information. We look forward to working together toward more resilient mountain communities. Sponsored by: Gold Hill Mountain Stewards.

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the February 8, 2021 Town Meeting by Zoom

Next Town Meeting will be Monday April 12, 2021,  7:00 P.M. by Zoom

The meeting was called to order by Chair Emma Dirolf.  Forty-one people signed in: Chair Emma Dirolf, Rick Sheingold, Maggie Simms, David Brigham, Norm Skarstad, Peter Swift, Lacey Story, Brieda and Rick Geesaman, Dana Dallavalle, Shivaun Hoyle, Greg Buis, Kris Gibson, Treasurer Martha Knapp, Rick Sinner, Leslie and Chris Finn, Dina Elder, Virginia Schultz, Heidi Kessler and Richard Roth, Bear Carlson and Poppy Copeland, Chrissy and Member at Large Dan Maedke, Matt Connery + 2 kids, Mireille Brown, Emily Rose, Boyd Brown and Johanna Gangemi, Marcus Moench and Elisabeth Caspari, Michael Wollard, Vice Chair Marielle Sidell, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, Debra Yeager, Val Crist, Sarah O’Brien and Sam Bennett, Joanne Cole, and Maya MacHamer.

Minutes – Martha had emailed me that the information around the Town Relief Funds was confusing, because there are two different funds.  I added the following to the last December minutes and sent out a town email

We in fact have two Relief Funds. If any town member finds herself/himself in a financially challenged place, you are encouraged to apply for help from these funds.   Our original Community Relief Fund came about after the 2010 Fourmile Fire to help people affected by the fire.  As time went on, the Town Meeting decided to make funds available for other financial difficulties or emergencies.  The Town Council administers this, all information is confidential, and we still have $2375.20 available in this fund.  Contact Emma Dirolf (emmadirolf@nullgmail.com or 513-259-1532), Marielle Sidell (marielle.sidell@nullgmail.com or 303-819-2029), Martha Knapp (elev8296@nullearthlink.net or 303-442-5254, Dan Maedke (maedkedan@nullgmail.com or 303-808-7082), or Gretchen Diefenderfer (gretchend@nullmac.com or 303-442-3847). Here is the form

Gold Hill Town Meeting Community Relief Fund Application *Revised 12/14

Please use back of form or additional sheets as needed.

 Mail completed form to:

Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

Attn: CRF

1011 Main Street – Gold Hill

Boulder CO 80302

Criteria: (1) Applicants must be a resident of Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc., including Rim and Shining Star Roads (2) Application signed and dated and (3) meet criteria A or B below:

1. Disaster, such as flood, fire, etc. Maximum $1000 per event, per household – committee approval needed
2. Family emergency such as lost job, hospitalization, car accident, etc. Maximum $250 per household annually– committee approval needed

Name__________________________________________________________________________

Home Address___________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address if different: ____________________________________________________________________________

Phone/Contact Information: ___________________________________________________________________________

Please explain your circumstances and what assistance is requested.  Specifically itemize/estimate amount to be used to replace losses (such as income, house repair, clothing, food)  __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please list other organizations from which you have received/or plan to receive financial help:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature ________________________________________________________________Date___________________________

Our second fund is the Pandemic Relief Fund and money was granted to us from the Community Foundation in 2020.  This fund is administered by Marielle Sidell (marielle.sidell@nullgmail.com or 303-819-2029), Emma Dirolf (emmadirolf@nullgmail.com or 513-259-1532), Deb Yeager (deb@nullmountainvisions.net or 303-44900454), and Marcus Moench (marcus.moench@nullgmail.com or 303-667-8327), is also totally confidential, and has $1057.26 remaining.    

Here is this form:

Gold Hill Town Meeting Community (GHTM) Pandemic Relief Fund Application *Revised 6/26/2020
Please use back of form or additional sheets as needed.

Deliver completed form to:

Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. Attn: PRF
1011 Main Street – Gold Hill Boulder CO 80302

Or send via email to the GHTM Chair: marielle.sidell@nullgmail.com

Criteria: (1) Applicants must be a resident of the GHTM or a local group that primarily serves GHTM residents; (2) Application signed and dated; and (3) meet criteria outlined in the GHTM Relief Fund Strategy (available on the town website). All awards and amounts are subject to approval by the Relief Fund Subcommittee.

Name_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address if different:________________________________________________________________________

Phone/Contact Information: ___________________________________________________________________________

Please explain the circumstances and what assistance is requested. Specifically itemize/estimate amount to be used to address needs (such as income, house repair, clothing, food) ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________

Please list other organizations from which you have received/or plan to receive financial help:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature ________________________________________________________________Date_________________________

Treasurer’s Report – Martha submitted the following report:

At the previous regular Town Meeting in December 2020 our bank balance was $17,297.10

Our current total cash assets are $17,031.32

Revenue Summary: Cemetery Fund donations $100.

Expense Summary: $50 from the General Fund for porta-potty cleaning; $158.40 food bank expenses and $157.38 for Zoom account subscription from the COVID-19 Response Fund.

Fund transfers: none.

 Current fund totals:

General Fund $3626.86; Cemetery $3,205.21; Safe Link (combined funds for SafeSite, AirLink, NeighborLink projects) $2,466.79; Community Planning/Fundraising $300; Forest Management $0 (zero); Community Relief $2,375.20; COVID-19 Response $1,057.26; Water Harvesting/Ag Education Grant $4,000.

Anticipated general fund expenses for 2021: $874 for taxes, insurance, report filings, bank fees, office supplies, porta-potty maintenance.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mountain Stewards – Chrissy reminded everyone about the Bee Safe Neighborhood.  Register online at https://www.thepeoplesbees.com/pledge

Virginia reported that Cat Russell (wildcat.russell@nullgmail.com) is looking at bulk purchasing for solar panels and storage batteries.  She is working with Energy Smart
(www.energysmartyes.com/energy/advising) and also looking for a location for an EV charging station.  Email her if you have questions.

They are also looking at water testing options particularly to look at firefighting chemicals.  Save the date, March 8, 6 pm-7 pm for a webinar about rain water, rain barrels and all water issues. Sarah is working on a website page for Green Gold Hill and starting a Green Gold Hill Newsletter.  They will be launching a rain barrel project – teach, make, and set up.  Home energy evaluations information will be in the welcome buckets and on the website.  Marcus added that the county will be getting back to them about potential grant opportunities.

Forestry and Forest Management– Maya MacHamer (fourmilewatershed@nullgmail.com)

updated us on the mitigation project planned for the north side of Gold Hill to begin in April or May.  They have had a great meeting with the Conservation District and NRCS (the Federal partner) collaborating on the forest management plan looking at the best treatment design, taking into account the information on the best types of trees, etc., wildfire suppression, forest ecology, access, thinning, etc.  Once the details are worked out, they play to start with the Ashley property and the Wollard property.  They’ll mark trees and the Fourmile Mitigation Crew will start in June.  Sarah will be putting out a survey about who might be interested in firewood or chips, etc., and then they can make plans to get people what they need.  Maya only has a draft map at this point.  The large scope of the project means it will probably take multiple years to complete.  They plan on cutting in 2021 and ‘22 on the north side, ‘22 and ‘23 burning piles, etc.  The grant funding expires in 2023.  They have been spending a lot of time acquiring funds, getting permissions, and so on and now it’s good to be getting to detailed plans about how the forest will actually look.  The Coalition is now the Boulder Watershed Collective and stretches from Gold Hill to Coal Creek Canyon.  They are working to incorporate the odd encroaching mining claims as well.  The funding is for treating 101 acres and principally includes the Ashley and Wollard properties  and Truth Consciousness.  They want to treat the properties that will provide the best wildfire mitigation.  The more accessible portion near the top will be worked by the Fourmile Mitigation Crew (4-8 people) in 2021, with ATVs and smaller equipment (no large-scale forestry equipment).    In 2022, they will probably hire a larger crew/contractor with larger equipment to handle the steeper denser areas.  They would be able to remove more wood and decrease the cost per acre.  This will be bid out and if you know any local contractors who can do this, please let her know.

           Kris asked about access and the plan is to use Ashley’s driveway and then some little roads that allow access to areas beyond the house.  There are some wider trails near Mike Wollard’s and the Ashram has a winding network of roads they created.  Val asked about how far North they plan to go and it depends on access  – some is too steep and some not accessible.  Will have to think of how best to protect the town given the access challenges.  Some answers depend on the foresters’ recommendations – plans still in process for neighboring landowners, also USFS land further west – they are open to conversations about potential areas.  The Fire Board brought up a fuel break along Lickskillet.  The upper part is BLM land and the lower part is county property.  The conversation is in progress with Stefan Reinhold with the County and BLM is considering the NEPA process to look at it

           Marcus added that a number of north side Pine Street property owners are interested in what they can do from a wildfire safety perspective as well as other private property owners in town.  Wildfire Partners?  Maya  suggested that interested people should let her know.  They want to work with people on what they can do for their properties with wildfire protection for the town as the goal.

Gold Hill School – Chrissy reports that they’re trucking along.  They’re in class Tuesday through Friday and it’s going all right.  Most attend in person and some online.  They have a 6.5 hours school day, which will be  going to 7 hours next year.  They don’t have the exact schedule yet.

Museum – Deb reports that the museum is on hold for the winter, but they are planning exhibits.  Everything is in good shape since lots of preparation took place last year and then they couldn’t open.  They’re not sure about this summer yet, but hope to be open.  She does keep getting contacted by people who find artifacts they want to donate.

Fundraising and Community Planning – Dan reports that he’s waiting to see how it all develops at this point.

Gold Hill Calendar – Gretchen reports that there is a calendar meeting next week and will begin working on the calendar for 2022!  Ideas or contributions?  Contact Gretchen, Marie Brookhart, or Marilyn Soby.

Cemetery – Maggie expressed thanks to Emma for heading up this crazy town.  She reported that there have been a number of plot purchases in the last 6 months – people are maybe looking at their mortality?  They had one full casket burial this month.   Once we can get together for the town clean up, there is clean up to do at the cemetery.  Last year they built a new shed and plan to gutter it to collect rain water – they have taken a rain barrel down there.

Community Center – Emma put out a call for volunteers who will participate on the Gold Hill Community Center Committee.  The Gold Hill Town Meeting Board is interested in community members who would be willing to participate in an evaluation of community center functions and roles, potential site locations, and links with other community needs. Ideally this would have representation from the Gold Hill Town Meeting Board, Friends of Gold Hill Community Center, Fire Department, and other Gold Hill institutions. The ideas that have emerged and the potential opportunity to gain a key asset are very exciting, but we do need to evaluate what is attainable in real detail. This group, made up of 7 community members will support a visioning process along with the practical steps required to make decisions. Please contact Mari at marielle.sidell@nullgmail.com if you would like to participate!

We want a broad, representative group to look at all sides and options, and it is definitely open to everyone in the community.

Greg stated that he doesn’t understand exactly what the committee is about.  Emma replied that we want to generate a collection of opinions, evaluate inquiries and ideas about sites, funding, and so on.  Val added that we want to gather information and get more feedback and explore all options.  Marcus added that initially when the 900 Pine Street option emerged, questions went out in the town email.  The question of a community center had been floating around for some time and the intent was to put 900 Pine on the table for consideration.  All options are possible for a community center/gathering place (or not) and if the 900 Pine building doesn’t fit our needs and goes to a family instead, that will be a happy outcome.

Emma had a note from the GH Fire Protection District that their present focus is on wildfire mitigation and, although there has been discussion of the need for a bigger firebarn to house our equipment, no decisions have been made on that.

Additional questions on the  community center ?  Get in touch with Mari (marielle.sidell@nullgmail.com).

NeighborLink – Deb reported that we are working to make NeighborLink more streamlined, swift and user friendly.  We’re working with Sarah on putting out a survey to gather information about whether people want to participate, collecting their information, how they receive town information presently and their preference for receiving emergency information – text, email, landline, cell phone?  We’re working on finalizing our groups and lists and will house it all in Gold Hill Google Drive accessible to NeighborLink and Emma.   NeighborLink is basically a phone tree to notify people of emergency information and we are asking people to form their own neighbor groups to share additional information with.  We are living with year-round fire danger. 

Food Pantry – Deb reports that the food pantry continues to roll along.  They’re excited to see people attending. Presently it’s held in front of the Bluebird Lodge on Mondays from 3 to 4.  If you have questions, contact Deb or any of the amazing group of volunteers.  Mari brought up that she saw a donation being given and Deb replied that some people just wanted to contribute and they put any donations into supplies, bags, etc., and travel expenses for the drivers. 

CSA Update – They are now going through Aspen Moon – contact LizWiig@nullgmail.com

Emergency Preparation and Communication – Sarah and her group have been working on emergency preparation and communication issues since the evacuation last year when we seriously realized the need to look at the best ways to communicate with each other and to help gather the information regarding everyone’s primary sources for receiving town news and emergency information, as well as their preferred methods.  To access the survey, go to   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYdP4hvsQ8OY-elTY2IunHynaBUv8a5pVniAxGniCkV0Ngbw/viewform  There are also forms to fill out at the Gold Hill Store.  They want to streamline our efforts so that communications go out as quickly as possible during an actual emergency.  There is also information on how to sign up at the Office of Emergency Management for Everbridge (the County reverse 9-1-1 system) and emergency updates – boulderoem.com   They’re looking at all ways to streamline communications with emergency responders – Of course call 9-1-1 to report any emergency.  They will be putting together laminated check-off sheets for people to put on their doors to notify emergency responders if they have evacuated and are updating our website .

AirLink – no report, but Deb added that AirLink is an element of SafeLink along with NeighborLink and NL wants to know where all the Ham Radio people are so we can connect them with NL groups.

Weed Management – Pam is looking at a community day, maybe in April, to work on the invasive spurge.

Historical Zoning – no report

Fire Department – Leslie reported that they are trying to get back to in person trainings.  Online train is challenging, but they’re doing their best, sometimes coordinating with Sunshine and Fourmile and some on our own focused on Gold Hill.

OTHER TOWN NEWS

Mental Health Vouchers – Kelly Viet and Mike live on Main Street and Kelly is our contact person for Mental Health Vouchers from the Boulder Community Foundation.  She is a great resource – reach out to her at veit.kelly@nullgmail.com  or 847-903-3396.

Speed Study – The County wants to know if we want to participate in another speed study.  The last speed study in Gold Hill found that 85% of drivers were within the speed limit, but Peter Swift pointed out that the rubber hoses and huge yellow signs they used alerted traffic and everyone slowed down, so the 85% number is not realistic.  He estimates that 10-15% of traffic speeds excessively, seemingly late in the evenings perhaps hurrying home, plus tourists.  Peter volunteered to work with the county about solutions/suggestions for traffic calming ideas. There were several proposals to slow traffic that came out of the last study, but were not implemented. He would prefer electronic monitoring that would not alert drivers.  Chrissy wondered what we will be able to do to slow traffic knowing that we are not allowed speed bumps (on county roads).    They are willing to come to the GHTM and talk about mitigation ideas.  Everyone agreed that we would like to participate with the County on the speed study, and several people would like speed monitored is additional locations besides Main Street.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer

P.S. If you are having this Newsletter mailed to you, but could have it emailed, please let me know as it will save time and money.  Also, if you know of anyone who should be receiving this, but is not, let me know that as well. 

Please get the word out that today’s (Monday 3/22) pantry in ON!

Thanks,
Rick Sheingold rsheingold@nullgmail.com

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA
MARCH 16, 2021 7:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88952891520?pwd=dkovb0hZR0tYVVcwd1lIRlZ5UDJtQT09

CALL TO ORDER
ATTENDANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES
CALLS:
Type of call
Initial response
Number of volunteers who arrived.
Who took command and transfer (if any)?
Equipment used.
Other Departments who arrived.
Lessons learned.
TRAINING:
Training team members
Past training
Upcoming training
MAINTENANCE:
Vehicles
Equipment
EQUIPMENT:
Inventory
Condition

OTHER BUSINESS

Forest Restoration Projects:
● Update on project timeline Maya MacHamer
● Possible webinar/zoom call on large scale forest projects.

Grants:
● Kris Gibson, Update and confirmation of SAM.gov and next steps.
● Marcus Moench, Urban Sustainability Directors Network, Partners in Places program https://www.fundersnetwork.org/partners-for-places/

Wi-Fi for Fire Barn:
● Installation and operations. Jessica, Chief Finn.

Arc Gis:
● Arc GIS, structure protection pending meeting with Fourmile project team. Dirolf,
● Grant applications for IPads update.

Drone use
• Thomas Woodson, Joey Schusler Marcus Moench

Campers west of town:
• Campers and campfires will return.

Discussion on Pension Fund

• What are qualifying hours and activities.:

NO FOOD PANTRY TOMORROW!

Because of the weather we will not be having our food pantry tomorrow. PLEASE NOTE: if you are in need of eggs; dry goods, i.e., rice, pasta, etc.; or canned goods, we have them available for you. Please contact Debra if you are in need of any of these items.
Deb Yeager deb@nullmountainvisions.net 303-449-0454

James and Kort are doing an open (free) Irish music concert on Saturday at 6:00-7:00 by Zoom. A good snowy day to listen.
The link is here:

Moors & McCumber’s Zoom Concert
Mar 13, 2021 6pm Mountain

Join Zoom Meeting
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Indian Peaks Wilderness Permits available online starting March 16

BOULDER, Colo., (March 8, 2020) – Starting March 16, 2021, Indian Peaks Wilderness backcountry permits will be available for purchase at Recreation.gov. Through the new system, customers will be able to view permit availability, book a reservation, pay online, print permits, and manage reservations from one account.

Permits are required for all overnight camping in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area from June 1 to Sept. 15 and are always required for groups of 8-12 people.

The Recreation.gov site, which is currently visible to the public, will allow visitors to view permit availability ahead of time, making it easier for them to plan their itineraries. It will add convenience, providing the opportunity to purchase permits on weekends and evenings, even when the district offices are closed. Permits will no longer be issued by mail, phone or in person.

Anyone considering a visit to Indian Peaks Wilderness Area should first do extensive research. Most of the wilderness area is in the high alpine zone where snowpack lasts into July and severe weather conditions can be expected year-round. Many of the routes involve strenuous and technical hiking. Hikers and campers should be well equipped with the appropriate footwear, clothing and safety gear and should be experienced in backcountry camping techniques, including Leave No Trace principles. Food storage containers are strongly encouraged.

The Recreation.gov page includes important links to detailed information about Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, including camping regulations, trail descriptions and maps. Once on the website, search “Indian Peaks Wilderness” to book small groups (1-7 people) and large groups (8-12 people). Be sure to review the Indian Peaks Wilderness backcountry zone map, to determine what zones to book and read through all the available information about Wilderness regulations and trail descriptions.

To be prepared, those interested in booking a wilderness camping trip this summer should set up an account with Recreation.gov in advance. Starting at 8 a.m. March 16, reservations will be available for the entire season. A portion of permits (25 percent) will be made available on a rolling basis starting at 8 a.m. three days in advance. Permits cost $11 (The backcountry permit costs $5 per party per trip. Recreation.gov charges a $6 reservation fee per trip.)

Visitors will be able to make modifications to an existing permit if circumstances change. Once a permit has been printed, modifications will no longer be allowed. While modifications are free, no refunds are provided for cancelations or changing trip start dates.

Indian Peaks Wilderness Area is a popular destination for recreation opportunities in the Front Range. The area’s proximity to the Denver Metro area makes it one of the most visited Wilderness areas in the country. To preserve the area’s wilderness character, a permit system has been in place for overnight camping since 1985.

K. “Reid” Armstrong
Public Affairs Specialist
Forest Service
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Pawnee National Grassland
p: 303-541-2532
c: 970-222-7607
katherine.armstrong@nullusda.gov
2140 Yarmouth Ave
Boulder, CO 80301
www.fs.usda.gov/arp

Caring for the land and serving people

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Let’s Talk Mitigation!

You’ve got questions.

We’ve got answers!

Please join us for our virtual Let’s Talk Mitigation event! Wildfire Partners staff members, Abby Silver and Leslie Brodhead will be available to answer your questions and discuss wildfire mitigation.

This month we’ll be discussing what Colorado’s drought means for this coming wildfire season.

Date: Wednesday, March 10
Time: 7 – 8 p.m.

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You can email questions ahead of time to info@nullwildfirepartners.org.

Wildfire Partners
2045 13th Street
Boulder, CO 80302
www.wildfirepartners.org
303-441-1420

Wildfire Partners · PO Box 471 · Boulder · Colorado · 80306
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GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & PENSION BOARD ZOOM AGENDA
FEBRUARY 23, 2021 7:00 PM
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CALL TO ORDER
ATTENDANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES
CALLS:
Type of call
Initial response
Number of volunteers who arrived.
Who took command and transfer (if any)?
Equipment used.
Other Departments who arrived.
Lessons learned.
TRAINING:
Training team members
Past training
Upcoming training
MAINTENANCE:
Vehicles
Equipment
EQUIPMENT:
Inventory
Condition

OTHER BUSINESS

Forest Restoration Projects:
● Update on project timeline Maya MacHamer
● Possible webinar/zoom call on large scale forest projects.

Grants:
● Kris Gibson, Update and confirmation of SAM.gov and next steps.
● Marcus Moench, Urban Sustainability Directors Network, Partners in Places program https://www.fundersnetwork.org/partners-for-places/

Wi-Fi for Fire Barn:
● Installation and operations. Jessica, Chief Finn.

Arc Gis:
● Arc GIS, structure protection pending meeting with Fourmile project team. Dirolf,
● Grant applications for IPads update.

Campers west of town:
• Campers and campfires will return. Proactive steps and protocols should be developed that provide a safe and speedy alternative to waiting for a Sheriff to arrive hours later. Vrba’s practice of leaving water containers at campsite is one option. The board has discussed the possible use of a drone to scout a campsite.

ADJORN AND RECONVENE AS THE GOLD HILL FIRE PENSION BOARD.

Update and review.

Due to Covid, Board meetings are being conducted by ZOOM until further notice.
Please check back here at goldhillfire.org before the meeting date to access the Zoom Link for the meeting. You will also find minutes of previous meetings as well as other Fire Department information

CANCELLED – Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 – 7:00pm – Via ZOOM LINK
RESCHEDULED – Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 – 7:00pm – VIA ZOOM LINK

Notice with the Zoom Link will follow

Mountain Anti-Racist Self-Education Group (MARSEG) is starting a new book February 25!

MARSEG is a great group of neighbors who meet on Google meet 6-7:30 pm every other Thursday to study anti-racist books and consider actions based on what we are learning.

We are beginning a new book February 25! Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson https://www.tatteredcover.com/book/9780593230251 This NEW book is getting lots of rave reviews and even our community’s most seasoned anti-racists will find something to learn here!

Please don’t hesitate to join us at any time — this is an OPEN group! If you have met with us in the past, please rejoin us. We miss you!

If you haven’t had a chance to read, come anyway and we will start with a brief synopsis. To RSVP and receive the Google meet link by email, please contact Cat by email at wildcat.russell@nullgmail.com. (Those who have already sent an email or PM on Nextdoor are on the list so you don’t need to send a second message.)

Thanks!

Cat Russell wildcat.russell@nullgmail.com

Wildfire Partners

Let’s Talk Mitigation!

You’ve got questions.

We’ve got answers!

Please join us for our virtual Let’s Talk Mitigation event! Wildfire Partners staff members, Abby Silver and Leslie Brodhead will be available to answer your questions and discuss wildfire mitigation.

This month we’ll be discussing the East Troublesome Fire and how it showed mitigation works!

Date: Wednesday, February 10
Time: 7 – 8 p.m.

Join via Zoom:
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Meeting ID: 814 6607 5732
Passcode: 201467

You can email questions ahead of time to info@nullwildfirepartners.org.

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Wildfire Partners
2045 13th Street
Boulder, CO 80302
www.wildfirepartners.org
303-441-1420
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Gold Hill Town Meeting
Monday, 7:00 p.m. February 8th, 2020
____________________________________________________________________________
Zoom Virtual Meeting

Topic: Gold Hill Town Meeting
Time: Feb 8, 2021 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

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____________________________________________________________

Review of Previous Minutes (any additions or corrections)
Treasurer’s Report
Committee Reports
Mountain Stewards
Bee Safe Neighborhood – reminder
Register online at: https://www.thepeoplesbees.com/pledge
Coordinator: Chrissy Maedke

Update from Mountain Stewards – Virginia

Forestry and Forest Management
Maya McHamer to answer questions about Gold Hill mitigation project
Gold Hill School
Museum
Community Planning and Fundraising
Cemetery
Community Center
Call for volunteers who will participate on the Gold Hill Community Center Committee. The Gold Hill Town Meeting Board is interested in community members who would be willing to participate in an evaluation of community center functions and roles, potential site locations, and links with other community needs. Ideally this would have representation from the Gold Hill Town Meeting Board, Friends of Gold Hill Community Center, Fire Department, and other Gold Hill institutions. The ideas that have emerged and the potential opportunity to gain a key asset are very exciting, but we do need to evaluate what is attainable in real detail. This group, made up of 7 community members will support a visioning process along with the practical steps required to make decisions. Please contact Mari at marielle.sidell@nullgmail.com if you would like to participate!

SafeLink/NeighborLink
Food Pantry
Emergency Preparedness/Communications
Survey Intro – Sarah
AirLink
Weed Management
Historical Zoning
Fire Department
Other Town News:
Community Resources
Mental Health Vouchers from the Boulder Community Foundation
Additional info – contact Kelly Viet at 847-903-3396 or veit.kelly@nullgmail.com
https://www.bouldercounty.org/news/announcing-the-launch-of-a-new-wildfire-mental-health-program/
Community Concerns
Speeding in Gold Hill – County has no additional solutions, but is developing a Speed Study. If there is interest, we can sign up when it is complete.
Upcoming Meetings/Events

____________________________________________________________________________

Next Gold Hill Town Meeting: April 12th, 7:00 pm
____________________________________________________________

Colorado’s Drought
Worst Drought Since 2002

How low can it go?

It doesn’t look like a lake anymore. The image that comes to mind is a dried up mud puddle, thirsting for water.

Boulder County community task-force-brochure

As a longtime resident to Nederland, Barker Reservoir is a fixture. It’s the first thing you see as you crest the hill driving up from Boulder Canyon. The scene is a beautiful one with the snow capped Indian Peaks in the background, sunlight glinting off the water.

The dried up reservoir is just a symptom of a larger problem — Colorado is in severe drought.
Read More
Getting Rid of Slash in Winter

With the lack of snow and the increase in winds, you might find yourself with a lot of downed limbs and trees. You’re pilling things into slash piles, but with slash burning limited by the dry conditions, what can you do with it?

Though the county sort yards are closed, Western Disposal does accept slash from Boulder County residents at a discounted rate. They charge $2.50/100 pounds of slash, or 50 cents/20 pounds for lighter loads. Branches must be less than 12 inches in diameter.

Western Disposal is located at 5880 Butte Mill Road in Boulder and they are open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Pull out that chainsaw and get cutting!

Short Term Rentals

Do you own a Short Term Rental property? Do you know someone who owns a Short Term Rental? More information about applying for a STR license can be found on the county website.

Effective February 7, 2021, Boulder County has updated their code and is now requiring homeowners applying for Short Term Rental licenses to get a Wildfire Partners assessment. More information will be available on our website in March.

Let’s Talk Mitigation!
Wednesday evening

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers!

This month, we’ll be talking about Colorado’s drought and what it means for wildfires this summer. Did you know this is the worst drought we’ve had since 2002?

Grab a cup of hot cocoa, and join Wildfire Partners staff members, Abby Silver and Leslie Brodhead, to answer any mitigation questions you have.

Wednesday, February 10 at 7 p.m.

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Nederland, CO 80466
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Recorded Webinars on Wildfire Preparedness

Fire Ecology and Behavior

Defensible Space and Home Hardening

Fire Resistant Landscapes

Evacuation Preparedness and Animal Evacuation

Webinar Schedule:Click here to register for these free events
Feb 2 – Historic Forest/Fire Management and Policy: Tony Cheng, Professor of Forestry, CSU
Feb 9 – Fire Effects on Ecosystem Services: Mike Caggiano, Research Associate, Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, CSU; Richard Thorp, Fort Collins City Utilities
Feb 16 – Colorado Climate Change: Russ Schumacher, Associate Professor of Meteorology, Colorado State Climatologist
March 2 -Cameron Peak & East Troublesome Fire: Operations:Brad White, Grand County Fire Chief (Additional speakers pending confirmation)
March 9 – Cameron Peak & East Troublesome Fire: Sub-alpine Ecology/Historical Perspective: Jason Sibold, Assistant Professor of Geography, CSU
March 16 – Cameron Peak & East Troublesome Fires: Montane Fire History: Peter Brown, Director, Rocky Mountain Tree Ring Research, Inc.
March 23 – Cameron Peak & East Troublesome Fires: Short-term Post-fire Land Management: Jennifer Kovecses, Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (Additional speakers pending confirmation)
March 30 – Cameron Peak & East Troublesome Fires: Long-term Post-fire Land Management: Laura Marshall, Postdoctoral Fellow, Dept. of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship, CSU
April 6 – Cameron Peak & East Troublesome Fires: Post-fire Recovery & Resilience: Long-term Outlook: Marin Chambers, Research Associate, Colorado Forest Restoration Institute; Chuck Rhoades, Biogeochemist, USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station
April 20 – Future Fire Policy: Courtney Schultz, Associate Professor of Forest and Natural Resource Policy, CSU

Click here to register
*All webinars will be recorded and posted to the Southern Rockies Fire Science Network YouTube channel.

Topic: Special Town Meeting: Community Center
Time: Jan 25, 2021 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Just to highlight – we do have a dial in option now that we have the Town Zoom account! Those who can’t video chat can call in. Let your neighbors know who do not have internet

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Best,

Emma M Dirolf
emma.dirolf@nullgmail.com
513.259.1532

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER
Minutes of the December 14, 2020 Town Meeting by Zoom

Next Regular Town Meeting will be Monday February 8, 7:00 P.M. by Zoom

The meeting was called to order by Chair Emma Dirolf. Thirteen people (if I missed anyone, please let me know) checked in: Emma, Deb Yeager, Val Crist, Marcus Moench, Elisabeth Caspari, Sarah Davis of S.R.D. Consulting, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, Dick Cole, Leslie Finn, Emily Rose, Vice-Chair Mari Sidell, Virginia Schultz, Chris Dirolf

Emma then introduced Sarah Davis, our Boulder County Consultant, to present the summary of the Resilient Renewal Design Initiative (https://www.resilientgoldhill.com/feasibility-study), the study conducted for Gold Hill with our Technical Advisory Committee composed of Marcus, Elisabeth, Dina and Mark Elder, Bob Mazurkiewicz, Paul Melamed, Virginia, Cat Russell, Heidi Kessler and Richard Roth. The goal of the study was to evaluate the technical, economic, social and environmental feasibility of providing the community with renewable energy. It kicked off in Feb. 2020 and met monthly looking at solution brainstorming, feasibility, and prioritization. The most feasible solutions seem to be for individual households: energy efficiency, rooftop solar installations, and home battery back-up systems. Other areas of consideration are a Community Center Solar Microgrid although there are regulatory challenges with Exel Energy. Other considerations: local water supply, communication issues, electrical vehicle charging, mobile battery storage trailer, neighborhood hubs. They looked at the technical feasibility, financial feasibility and regulatory feasibility of all the solutions considered, and the possible path forward – the need to create a non-profit quasi-governmental entity, benchmarks and system tracking progress. Phase 1 – Funding for bulk purchasing for solar systems, battery storage systems, etc., before the end of 2021. Phase 2 – Finding space for a Community Center – new or retrofit. Phase 3 – Future possibilities, including wind energy and geothermal energy.
Addressing energy efficiency, Virginia added the EnergySmart link: https://energysmartyes.cfom / and Cat Russell has a renewable energy survey we can all fill out at https://www.climateactionmaps.org/challenges
For more information, the study is full of amazing information and there will be hard copies at the Store. You can also contact one of our Gold Hill members of the committee: Dina Elder: dina.elder@nullgmail.com, Marcus Moench: marcus.moench@nullgmail.com, Cat Russell: wildcat.russell@nullgmail.com, Virginia Schultz: virginia.schultz@nullcolorado.edu They are looking at grants for funding from the State and the County. Reliable communication is top of the list. DOLA is revamping their funding. Virginia added that the USDA has all kinds of grants for conservation. Even FEMA is thinking of funding things before disasters strike vs. after.

Minutes of the October GHTM were approved as published

Treasurer’s Report – Martha emailed her report
Gold Hill Town Meeting Treasurer’s Report Summary: 12/14/2020
At the previous regular Town Meeting in August 2020 our bank balance was $17,999.74. Our current total cash assets are $17,297.10.
Revenue Summary: Cemetery Fund donations $100, General Fund additions $243.15 from pint glass sales totaling $217 and bank safe deposit box refund $26.15.
Expense Summary: Cemetery miscellaneous expense $60.44; Liability insurance policy renewal $303 from the General Fund; and $682.35 food bank expense from the COVID-19 Response Fund.
Fund transfers: $300 from General Fund to Community Planning/Fundraising for t-shirt/pint glass expenses.
Current fund totals: General Fund $3676.86; Cemetery $3,105.21; Safe Link (combined fundsfor SafeSite, AirLink, NeighborLink projects) $2,466.79; Community Planning/Fundraising $300; Forest Management $0 (zero;) Community Relief $2,375.20; COVID-19 Response Fund $1,373.04; Water Harvesting/Ag Education Grant $4,000.
Anticipated expenses for remainder of 2020: General Fund $50.00 for porta-potty maintenance.

Prepared by
Martha Knapp, Treasurer Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. 12/14/2020
We do still have money in the COVID relief fund to help people in need in this time of COVID – loss of income, jobs, medical needs. For information and the application form, https://goldhilltown.com/ghtm-community-relief-fund/ Quite a bit of money has gone to help support the Gold Hill Food Bank also, which serves the community on Mondays at 3:00 p.m. in front of the Gold Hill Hotel and Inn.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mountain Stewards – Email from Chrissy Maedke – How to sign up to be a Bee Safe Neighborhood – This program is now being sponsored through The People’s Bees https://www.thepeoplesbees.com

The idea is that you try to get at least 75 addresses to commit to either:
• Level One Pledge: I will not use any insecticide products that include neonicotinoids or systemic poisons on my property.
• Level Two Pledge: I will not use any insecticide products whatsoever on my property.
• Level Three Pledge: I will not use any insecticide products whatsoever on my property, and will plant nectar- and pollen-rich flowers to feed the local bees.
They register online at: https://www.thepeoplesbees.com/pledge
When a person registers, the neighborhood is Gold Hill, and I am the coordinator: Chrissy Maedke. (PS, I am doing this as a citizen, not as a teacher.)

Forestry and Forest Management – Virginia reports that there are big Wildfire Mitigation projects in the works. Maya MacHamer at fourmilewatershed@nullgmail.com is working with us and the Fire Department on plans for the north side of Gold Hill including the Ashley property and the Ashram. The old mitigation efforts will be re-mitigated and improved. We will have to burn slash piles and possibly do prescriptive burns as well. Chris Dirolf has participated in prescriptive burns and every little bit helps to thin trees and open the landscape. There is nice data on how much the mitigation work that had been done helped in our last fire. Emily spoke about the cutting that was done on the north side in the past and the slash was left. She had questions about how this will be dealt with. Virginia replied that this is a big project and there will be a full report and maps. The work on the top can be done with hand crews, but the lower, steeper parts will probably require big equipment. There will be opportunities for local input to make sure our concerns are addressed. Mari added that Maya is very available and willing to come to the GHTM and do community outreach. Chris Dirolf said that Tuesday, Dec. 15 is the Fire Board Meeting and they will be looking at this project and touching base with Maya on Thursday. Emma is happy to invite Maya to come to our February and April GHTMs so we can tell her our concerns and find out about the plans.
Gold Hill School – no report

Gold Hill Museum – Deb reports that they are finishing up the year and there are still things available for sale: towels, t-shirts, etc. Call Deb at 303- 449-0454.

Community Planning – no report, Cemetery – no report, Community Center – no report

Food Pantry – Deb reports that the Foot Pantry is still distributing food on Mondays in front of the Gold Hill Hotel and Inn at 3:00 p.m. They are working on getting the refrigerator and freezer used for storage wired – they’re temporarily hooked up with extension cords at the Firebarn now.

SafeLink/NeighborLink/AirLink/Emergency Preparedness/Communications –
Deb reports that NeighborLink, our glorified phone tree, is still getting updated and we’re working on how to get information to everyone in emergencies, how to reach new people and let them know about how to get connected to make sure they hear about evacuation orders, and get signed up with the Office of Emergency Management (boulderoem.com) for Everbridge (the County’s reverse 9-1-1) www.boco911alert.com. We’re working on a survey to find out how everyone wants to be contacted, who all lives in each house, their email address, etc. Virginia added that OEM is coming out with a new hazard mitigation plan as well. More revised information will be included in Welcome Buckets.

Weed Management – Marcus noted extensive leafy spurge outbreaks that will need to be addressed.

Historical Zoning – no report

Fire Department – Leslie reported that COVID vaccinations are now happening and how soon the GHFPD gets them is still unknown.

Non Discrimination Statement – Marcus said that we need a non-discrimination statement in the bylaws, specifically to apply for grants. Here is what we came up with at our last meeting:
The Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc., does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender expression, age, citizenship status, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, election of Town Council members, participation by any members of the Town Meeting area, selection of volunteers or vendors, or potential hiring and firing of any staff. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc., its partners, guests and attendees, volunteers, subcontractors and vendors.
Gretchen moved that we approve this statement and add it to the bylaws and the motion carried.

Zoom for the GHTM – Virginia moved that we approve purchase of a professional Zoom account for town meetings and affiliated educational events. Mari seconded and the motion passed.

Emma will reach out to Maya MacHamer and see if she can attend our next meeting to discuss the Wildfire Mitigation planning for Gold Hill, and to Pam Sherman about weed management. Someone suggested getting a town goat.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary