The holidays are coming and so is the Holiday Bazaar.  Get December 14^th on your calendar, 11-3 at the Pub for lots of fun and items for your gift-giving.

Debra Yeager

deb@nullmountainvisions.net

Hello, GHS Friends!

William Kent Coghill 

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Agenda- Monday, October 20, 2025

7:00pm

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

MEETING BUSINESS:

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CALL TO ORDER-

ATTENDANCE- ROLL CALL

APPROV AL OF MINUTES-

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OPERATIONAL UPDATES:

Lumen- currently in hands of County and higher ups

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__________________________________________________________________

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES: Chief Caudill

OPERATIONAL NEEDS:

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TRAINING:

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MAINTENANCE:

Generator up and running

New garage updates- Did engineer drawings come through?

EQUIPMENT NEEDS:

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RECRUITMENT

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INFRASTRUCTURE

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next year?

What would removal of the old1500 gallon cistern cost? Budget for

___________________________________________________________________

OPERATIONAL READINESS:

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STRATEGIC PLANNING

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CAPITAL REPLACEMENT PLAN

$7000.

BUDGET

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Need to consider a shed behind the firehouse to replace old shed and

increase storage for the connex. 12×16 shed from Ted’s sheds is

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Need to begin assessing 2025 budget and expenditures and determine

what needs to be on the budget in 2026

Funds leftover from BWSC for GH? Do we have an idea of how they

could be spent and the total amount?

VEHICLES:

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5404,5402, 5439 and UTV- 5404 low battery, was the master switch

left on?

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Command vehicle? Is it necessary/financially feasible?

INVENTORY:

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GENERAL:

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Maltese with EMS star to replace hook and ladder? We would need

to allow for another vote by volunteers? Should we see if Barrett

could do 2-3 other options if we move in this direction? The deadline

for an approved Maltese would be the end of November.

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Given the recent fire in Nederland should we look at Boulder County

Fire Code and determine which codes would be most valuable for

safety in our community?

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Need to set up a meeting with the Sheriff or his representative to

discuss parking issues, emergency access, lack of BCSO presence,

safety concerns from residents.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

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________________________________________________

OTHER BUSINESS:

GRANTS-

COLLABORATION- CWPP-

WEBSITE-

COMMUNITY EVENTS/FUNDRAISING-

PARKING/TOURISM/TOWN CONGESTION

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________________________________________________NEW BUSINESS:

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ADJOURNMENT:

GHFPD Board Meeting, Monday, September 15, 2025  

Minutes by Gretchen Diefenderfer

Next Meeting – Monday, November 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at the Firebarn and by Zoom

The meeting was called to order at 19:06 by President Kent Coghill.  Attending in person were Kent, board members Boyd Brown Jessica Brookhart, Chris Dirolf, and Max Yeager.  Attending by Zoom were Stefani Wilson, and Chief Rich Caudiill.

Minutes – Boyd moved the minutes of the September meeting be accepted, Chris seconded and the minutes were approved.

Fire Chief’s Minutes – Rich reports

Lumen/CenturyLink – Things are in the works, especially for emergency communications – has some mainstream media interest in the problem.  Our community needs 9-1-1!  (Addendum: Channel 4 did a news report!)

Responses out of District –There was some confusion on a recent call down Sunshine because a report came through that we were called off, but that was for a different call.  Plenty of units responded, but we should always roll for calls in our District.  SOP – we will always respond to all calls in our jurisdiction.  Will do refresher on areas in borders of our district. All agreed.  Max has asked assessor for a list of taxpayers paying taxes to us.  Rich will confirm with dispatch on who was toned for this call.

Generator – Max reports electrical is hooked up, propane to come (Addendum: All up and running now for back up electricity in case of power outage).

Garage Doors – Still awaiting Engineer’s drawings.  Max met with Jeffrey and Mark Montgomery – the plan is to add 2.5” in width and 6” in height.  BoCo awaiting drawings to issue permit.

Equipment – Rich bought several short sections of hose.

New Truck – Will be delivered after the new year.  What about buying chains – this year or next?  Jess will have preliminary budget by October – needs to make sure.

Old 1500g cistern – Max is thinking we should remove it, backfill and it would give us a straight shot out of the barn.  Would still have 12,000g cistern and would need to change the gutter system.  We have an electrical outlet out there. 

Capital Replacement Plan

New Station – will be a 5-10 year conversation and, in the meantime, we need to keep this one as functional as we can.  Can’t do new slab where parking area is per Max – drainage/creek problem.  The tree he buried there helps with directing water away from barn, but only to a point.

Conex – We’re still using that and it’s ok, although we thought it would only be for 1 year. Max recommends, if we’re keeping it, that we paint and roof it to have something more in keeping with the look of our station.

Grant Cycle – Rich has list including bunker gear, SCBA bottles (some going out of date 2027) Porta Pond (aged out and getting brittle).  Would like potable water system – new poly tank with new superstructure underneath, plumbing and possible pump to upstairs?  There is a tier system in BCFFA 1. Operational needs, 2. Larger items, like rescue equipment, 3. Infrastructure.  Awards from previous years are taken into consideration.  His priority is that cement apron in front before the others. Has contacted 3 contractors for bids

Budget – Jess will get preliminary to everyone before next meeting.  Chris thinks maybe money ($60,000?) left over in BWSC left over. – some available to us?  Boyd thinks they need ~$4500 to upgrade equipment to deal with wood from mitigation work.  Should be available til August of 2026.  Strategic Fuels Mitigation Grant is a state grand – could potentially look at for matching funds.  Need to talk to Marcus and Boyd.

Apparatus – We have updated BoCo on delayed status of the new engine/grant.  Will send update and letter of documentation to show progress – also with door project – probably 2026 also.

Maltese Cross – Clarification?  Rich did put out a survey for preferences – trucks, t-shirts, etc.  50/50.  Many don’t want to change from old logo.  Will survey FFs again. New truck people need graphics toward end of production – end of November.

ISO – Meeting is scheduled and if results are favorable on initial testing, they will move forward with further evaluation.  Could take a couple of months.  Will get together with Sunshine and Fourmile and do deep dive evaluation for all at the same time.

Other Business

Grants – Boyd reports the Climate Equity Grant was submitted today.  Will focus on communication, alternative energy sources, large focus on older people or people who need resources.  ISET is Maya’s new group.  Also looking at Firewise status with Meg Holford at BoCo.  Still lots of wood available – some next year.

CWPP – Chris reports no report yet.

Website, Vector Solutions – no report

Parking/Tourism/Town Congestion – Kelly Veit has started a committee to address concerns/possible solutions with the businesses and the community regarding parking, noise, etc.  Kent has joined.  The aftermath is starting to escalate (trash, drunks, and so on) and the fire department has responsibility to address  safety/ emergency access issues.  There was a long discussion and a big concern that where will be an actual disaster eventually if we don’t find better solutions.  Possibly need to meet with the Sherrif’s office.  We had the meeting with BoCo Roads people, Josh Trickey, last year, but signage was the only outcome.  There is also a big problem with erosion narrowing the roads.  Boyd said there are pins buried in the middle of the roads indicating where the middle is and it is supposed to be 35” wide?  We also have the everyday issue of people speeding through town.  We’ve heard Jamestown actually puts barrels in the street with speed indicator signs. 

With that, the meeting adjourned at 8:37

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary.

Mark your calendars for the Gold Hill School’s Fall Fiesta!  This fundraising event will be held on Wednesday, Nov 12th from 5-8:30 at the Gold Hill Inn.   It will feature a taco buffet, silent auction, and live music by the Pineytops.  It’s an awesome event and we hope you can all come out to support our school.   We are also looking for volunteers both leading up to the event and supporting on the night of the event as well- things like baking cookies or brownies, serving food, chopping veggies, selling tickets at the door and so much more.  If you’re interesting in helping, please let me know.  Finally, we are looking for help securing items for our silent auction.  If you have something to offer- an experience, an item, a craft, a service- we would love to add it to our auction.  Please let me know.  Thank you so much for helping us to make this a magical night!

Chrissy Maedke

christine.maedke@nullbvsd.org

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the September 24, 2025  Zoom and in person Special Town Meeting

Next Regular Meeting will be Monday, October 13th in person at the Firebarn, and by Zoom

The meeting was called to order by Chair Kelly Veit at 7:10  Present were Kelly, Bear Carlson, Vice Chair Kaitlyn Barthnell, Leslie Finn, Treasurer Martha Knapp, Rick Sheingold, Boyd Brown, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Attending by Zoom were Maggie Simms and Val Crist.

Articles of Incorporation from December 5, 1969 were handed out.  Boyd wanted to make sure that people know these incorporate us as a non-profit and that we are not an incorporated town.  At the time, we needed to do this principally because we needed to be a more official body in order to receive the cemetery, most of the meadow, and people’s park from the County Commissioners, having discovered that they were all still held in trust by the County.  

Our Purpose is listed in Article III and was taken from our bylaws at the time.  

The purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized are: To hold town meetings and provide a forum for community discussion and basis for community action, and to establish qualifications for participation therein.  To acquire, hold, sell or lease real property for the general purpose of preserving the historical and natural setting of Gold Hill and surrounding area  To act as trustee.  To coordinate with the County Planning Department, County Health Department and other departments  of the County, State or Federal Government. To take any and all other action to improve, preserve and benefit the Community of Gold Hill and surrounding area.  To apply for and receive government grants or assistance, to solicit funds and donations and undertake or sponsor community fund raising projects.  To do all other acts necessary or appropriate to promote the social welfare of the Community of Gold Hill.

After looking at the A of I, Val asked if we wanted to jump into Article V.  The suggestion was that we should check and make sure there are no redundancies between  the roles of the Gold Hill Town Meeting and the GHTC.

Looking at Article II, Section C, it was suggested we need to add “which may include but not be limited to” after “Members of the GHTM shall have the authority and responsibility” 

Article II: Membership Proposed Addition 

Section C, Authorities and Responsibilities of the Gold Hill Town Meeting Membership: 

Members of the GHTM shall have the authority and responsibility to: 

•  Vote to elect the Town Council annually; 
•  Vote to remove a Town Council member before the end of their term; 

●  Vote on the establishment and removal of support staff; 

●  Vote on the formation and dissolution of committees; 

●  Vote on the designation of standing committees; 

●  Vote to amend a committees charter; 

●  Vote on the major programs and activities the GHTM will focus on annually; 

●  Vote to approve the annual budget; 

●  Vote on resolution of issues that may arise in the community; 

●  Vote on proposed establishment or amendments to policies and procedures; 

●  Vote on proposed amendments to the bylaws; and 

●  Vote on any proposed dissolution of the organization. 

●  Provide input and consultation to the Town Council; 

The question arose whether we need this at all or do we need to add the caveat, Members of the GHTM shall have the authorities and responsibilities that may include, but are not limited to….

Val pointed out that our experience has been that fiduciary responsibility lies with the granting agencies, i.e., Boulder Watershed Coalition (BWSC).  Maggie added that she would not like to see us hiring support staff with all the costs and legal ramifications/liabilities that would follow.  With that, we began to discuss our vision and concept of the function of the GHTM.  Leslie asked if we want to manage big grants on our own or remain with the outside agencies/organizations like the BWSC.  Boyd thinks it would be short sided of us not to manage them ourselves, particularly since we’re looking at becoming a Firewise Community with Boulder County.  This would mean managing things like mitigation, but would also mean benefits to the community with money coming directly to the town.  Leslie added that this contracting issue seems to be the core of the issue and really we should have had this discussion a year and a half ago before launching into the bylaws.  Martha added that people like the BWSC are all set up to do this and funnel money to projects.  We did not become fiduciary agents and it all worked.  Leslie then made the motion in favor of adopting Article II, Section C with the addition of “which include, but is not limited to” after Members of the GHTM shall have the authority and responsibility .. 

Bear seconded as amended.  The vote was 8 in favor and 1 opposed.

Next we looked at:

Article III: Members Meetings Proposed Addition Section G, Parliamentary Authority and Meeting Procedures: 

The GHTM shall conduct meetings in an orderly, inclusive manner that encourages good faith participation and respectful conduct. The general principles of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be applied, unless they conflict with the GHTM’s bylaws or any special or standing rules. The Chair, or the facilitating Town Council member, shall determine whether such a conflict exists and how to proceed. 

 Val moved that we put a period after applied and leave our the rest.  Leslie seconded.  Martha added that the main point is that we’ve always tried to run our meetings along the lines of Robert’s Rules although it had not been in the bylaws

The vote was 7 in favor, 2 opposed, and 1 abstention.

Article V: Town Council 

Section H, Town Council Meetings: 

A meeting of the Town Council may be called by any member of the Town Council by giving notice to all members of the Town Council at least two days prior to such meeting. Town Council meetings are for discussion. No decisions(s) reached at a Town Council Meeting are binding on the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. or the Town Council, or any member of the Town Council.

Section H, Town Council Meetings: Proposed Changes 

Town Council meetings shall be held bi-monthly, during the months between general membership meetings, on a date and time determined by the Town Council. The Council may cancel or reschedule a previously scheduled meeting if deemed necessary. An agenda shall be provided in advance, and minutes shall be recorded for each meeting. 

Special meetings of the Town Council may be called by any Council member, provided that notice of the meeting and its agenda is given to all other members at least two (2) days in advance. 

A quorum shall consist of at least one-half of the then-serving Town Council members. Once a quorum is established, any action taken by a majority of members present shall constitute an official act of the Town Council. 

The Town Council may also take official action via written or electronic communication, with or without convening an in-person meeting, either in lieu of or in addition to a scheduled meeting. 

Town Council meetings will be open to GHTM members for observation but may be closed when confidential matters are under discussion, as determined by the Chair. 

Gretchen moved that we adopt the first section and Rick seconded.  In the discussion it was noted that not moving to adopt the Proposed Changes should mean that those changes fail. 

Boyd suggested that there seem to be trust issues floating around – that we’re not sure about trusting the town council to act in the community’s best interest and this creates some problems, particularly if any decisions need to be made in a small time frame.  We only had a few days to submit the latest grant.  Gretchen suggested that if we had previous agreement appointing a committee to watch out for grants on a specific topic (like mitigation), they would be authorized to act versus just granting the town council blanket authority to act.

Leslie brought up the problem of liability issues for our tiny community.  She talked to Maya.  She’d seen this grant possibility, but didn’t think it was a fit for GH.  She’ll shoot them all to us in the future.

Val asked if there is some consensus to enable us to make quicker decisions – an ability to call a Special Town Meeting quickly?  Maggie wondered, given the size of this meeting (only 5 community members), how big is the difference between a special town meeting and just letting the council make the decision.  Martha said that, in general, we’d have a bigger turnout if people weren’t worn out with the bylaw discussion – if it’s a topic of broad interest that needs acting on.

The motion to approve the first part (and not the Proposed Changes) passed with 8 in favor and 2 abstentions.

Next came Article V: Town Council, Section I, Town Council Duties: 

The Town Council is responsible for overseeing the organization’s business and properties and for fulfilling all duties under Colorado state law for nonprofit corporations, as well as those outlined in these bylaws. Each Town Council member will perform the duties typically associated with their office and any additional responsibilities as designated by the Town Council. 

Article V: Town Council Proposed Addition Section I, Authorities and Responsibilities of the GHTM Town Council: 

The Town Council, with the approval of the GHTM, has the authority and responsibility to make administrative and business-related decisions essential to the ongoing management of the nonprofit. Organizational decisions shall be made by a quorum of Town Council members. 

These authorities and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

●  Representing the GHTM in interactions with county officials, donors, community partners, and other external organizations to advocate for the organization’s interests and needs; 

●  Overseeing website maintenance, marketing efforts, and community communications; 

●  Purchasing merchandise and organizing fundraising activities; 

●  Authorizing and supporting GHTM committees; 

●  Establishing and enforcing the organization’s policies and procedures; 

 Applying for grants and managing grant-related obligations; 

 Entering into contracts, leases, or agreements necessary to advance the organization’s mission;
●  Acquiring, managing, improving, encumbering, or disposing of real or personal property;
●  Managing the organization’s financial resources and overseeing financial transactions;
●  Securing insurance and indemnifying officers and employees, for liabilities arising from their work on behalf of the organization;
and
●  Taking any other lawful action in the best interest of the organization. 

Leslie moved that we table this Proposed Addition and revisit it at a later time – different draft.  Martha seconded.  

This also coincides with our values discussion and vision of an open town meeting versus representative.  This Section is very regulatory and gives serious authority to the Town Council.  It was decided to address it at our October Town Meeting.

Ten people voted in favor of tabling this change – unanimous.

Next:

Article V: Town Council Proposed Addition Section J, Town Council Support Staff: 

The GHTM may establish paid or volunteer positions to assist in fulfilling its responsibilities. Examples of such roles include, but are not limited to: volunteer coordinator, fundraising coordinator, mitigation coordinator, project manager, youth leader, or any other position deemed appropriate by the Town Council. 

All such individuals shall serve at will under the authority of the Town Council and may be removed at the GHTM’s discretion at any time. 

Martha moved that we remove this Proposed Addition, Section J and seemed to be the consensus.  If we ever do decide we need support staff, we can bring it up at a Town Meeting and take a vote.  Bear pointed out that we can just take a vote and vote against it.  Bear moved we approve Article V, Section J.  Boyd seconded.

The vote was 0 in favor and 10 against.

Article VI: Committees

Section D, Dissolution: 

At a member’s meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc., when a quorum is present, the Chair, with the approval of the members at the meeting, may dissolve a committee. 

Section D, Review, Amendment, and Dissolution: Proposed Changes 

The GHTM shall periodically review the charters of all committees and amend or dissolve them as needed. 

Bear moved that we approve the first section D (but not the Proposed Changes), Leslie seconded.

The motion passed: 8 in favor, 2 abstentions.

Article VII: Financials Section A, Contracts: 

The Town Council, with the approval of the members at a duly called members meeting, may authorize any council member(s) or agent(s) of the Corporation to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of or on behalf of the Corporation. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. 

Section A, Loans: Proposed Changes 

No loans shall be made or accepted on behalf of the GHTM, nor shall any evidence of indebtedness be issued in its name, except as authorized by a resolution of the GHTM.

Boyd moved that we adopt Section A, Contracts, but change “Corporation” to Gold Hill Town Meeting in both places,  Bear seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Leslie moved that we need to change “Section A, Loans” to Section B, and reorder the remaining Sections.  Boyd seconded and it passed unanimously.

Lastly, we had “any previously passed bylaws that anyone still questions” And Gretchen brought up two that she particularly wanted addressed, but possibly not at this meeting, given the late hour, but at the next, October, meeting.

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. 

She pointed to that we have always had a residency requirement and she objects to the idea of all property owners (who may have never been to Gold Hill) being voting members.   Martha suggested that we essentiality go back to the bylaw from 2020, although we may want to include voting by electronic means, etc.

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 requirement set forth in Article II, Section w, 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.

It was decided to table this and address it at the October meeting.  The vote was 9-1.

Secondly, Gretchen wants to readdress:

 Article III, Members Meetings, Section A, Membership Meetings

The GHTM will hold general membership meetings a minimum of six times per year on a regularly established schedule. Changes from the previously announced schedule can be made, giving members reasonable notice. These meetings may be held electronically and/or in person, as decided by the Town Council. Meeting minutes will be recorded and promptly distributed to the membership. 

She wants to go back to the previously established schedule.  It provides reliable predictability and, in an emergency, can be changed as it was during the Fourmile Fire. 

Section 1, Regular Meetings: Regular meetings of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held six times each year: February, April, June, October, and December on the second Monday of the month at such time and place as may be determined by the Town Council.

Section 2, Annual meetings: The annual meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc shall be held on the second Monday of August each year.  The election of Town Council members shall be held at the annual meeting.

Section 3, Budget Meeting: The annual budget meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. shall be held annually at the October Town Meeting.  The GHTM Treasurer shall submit estimated income and expenses for the following year.  Requests for funding from the general fund may be made by the various Committees or any constituency of the GHTM at this meeting, and at any regularly scheduled meeting.

Section 4, Special meetings: Special meetings of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. may be called by the Chair:

1. At the request of at least three members of the Town Council
2. By petition requesting a special meeting signed by at least twenty members of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc.

Section 5, Written notice: Written notice of all members’ meetings shall be posted to the town website (goldhilltown.com), emailed to all members, and sent by U.S. Mail to those who request them at lease two weeks prior too all regular, annual, and special meetings.

With this, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

Final community wood day at the Ashram: Sunday 9/28 from 9AM to 1PM
Questions? Text or call Boyd at 720-438-9445

Special Gold Hill Town Meeting 

Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. September 24, 2025 

 In Person at the Community Center/Firebarn
&
Zoom Virtual Meeting 

Kelly Veit is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81735212202?pwd=btFneQ2PdcfKgHXKlUBNXzvmaPiaKo.1 

Meeting ID: 817 3521 2202
Passcode: 500241

1. Discuss Remaining Proposed By-Laws:

          Article II, Section C

• Article 5 Section H
• Article 5 Section I
• Article 5 Section J
• Article 6 Section D
• Article 7 Section A
• —-and any previously passed bylaws that anyone still has questions

Article II: Membership Proposed Addition

Section C, Authorities and Responsibilities of the Gold Hill Town Meeting Membership:

Members of the GHTM shall have the authority and responsibility to:

• Vote to elect the Town Council annually;
• Vote to remove a Town Council member before the end of their term;
• Vote on the establishment and removal of support staff;
• Vote on the formation and dissolution of committees;
• Vote on the designation of standing committees;
• Vote to amend a committees charter;
• Vote on the major programs and activities the GHTM will focus on annually;
• Vote to approve the annual budget;
• Vote on resolution of issues that may arise in the community;
• Vote on proposed establishment or amendments to policies and procedures;
• Vote on proposed amendments to the bylaws; and
• Vote on any proposed dissolution of the organization.
• Provide input and consultation to the Town Council;

Article V: Town Council

Section H, Town Council Meetings:

A meeting of the Town Council may be called by any member of the Town Council by giving notice to all members of the Town Council at least two days prior to such meeting.  Town Council meetings are for discussion.  No decisions(s) reached at a Town Council Meeting are binding on the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc. or the Town Council, or any member of the Town Council.

Section H, Town Council Meetings: Proposed Changes

Town Council meetings shall be held bi-monthly, during the months between general membership meetings, on a date and time determined by the Town Council. The Council may cancel or reschedule a previously scheduled meeting if deemed necessary. An agen2da shall be provided in advance, and minutes shall be recorded for each meeting.

Special meetings of the Town Council may be called by any Council member, provided that notice of the meeting and its agenda is given to all other members at least two (2) days in advance.

A quorum shall consist of at least one-half of the then-serving Town Council members. Once a quorum is established, any action taken by a majority of members present shall constitute an official act of the Town Council.

The Town Council may also take official action via written or electronic communication, with or without convening an in-person meeting, either in lieu of or in addition to a scheduled meeting.

Town Council meetings will be open to GHTM members for observation but may be closed when confidential matters are under discussion, as determined by the Chair.

Article V: Town Council Proposed Addition

Section I, Authorities and Responsibilities of the GHTM Town Council:

The Town Council, with the approval of the GHTM, has the authority and responsibility to make administrative and business-related decisions essential to the ongoing management of the nonprofit. Organizational decisions shall be made by a quorum of Town Council members.

These authorities and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Representing the GHTM in interactions with county officials, donors, community partners, and other external organizations to advocate for the organization’s interests and needs;
• Overseeing website maintenance, marketing efforts, and community communications;
• Purchasing merchandise and organizing fundraising activities;
• Authorizing and supporting GHTM committees;
• Establishing and enforcing the organization’s policies and procedures;
• Applying for grants and managing grant-related obligations;
• Entering into contracts, leases, or agreements necessary to advance the organization’s mission;
• Acquiring, managing, improving, encumbering, or disposing of real or personal property;
• Managing the organization’s financial resources and overseeing financial transactions;
• Securing insurance and indemnifying officers and employees,  for liabilities arising from their work on behalf of the organization; and
• Taking any other lawful action in the best interest of the organization. 

Article V: Town Council  Proposed Addition

Section J, Town Council Support Staff

The GHTM may establish paid or volunteer positions to assist in fulfilling its responsibilities. Examples of such roles include, but are not limited to: volunteer coordinator, fundraising coordinator, mitigation coordinator, project manager, youth leader, or any other position deemed appropriate by the Town Council.

All such individuals shall serve at will under the authority of the Town Council and may be removed at the GHTM’s discretion at any time.

Article VI: Committees

Section D, Review, Amendment, and Dissolution: Proposed Changes

The GHTM shall periodically review the charters of all committees and amend or dissolve them as needed. 

Section D, Dissolution:

At a member’s meeting of the Gold Hill Town Meeting, Inc., when a quorum is present, the Chair, with the approval of the members at the meeting, may dissolve a committee.

Article VII: Financials

Section A, Contracts:

The Town Council, with the approval of the members at a duly called members meeting, may authorize any council member(s) or agent(s) of the Corporation to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of or on behalf of the Corporation.  Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section A, Loans: Proposed Changes

No loans shall be made or accepted on behalf of the GHTM, nor shall any evidence of indebtedness be issued in its name, except as authorized by a resolution of the GHTM. 

2. Articles of Incorporation: Relevant Section, Article III  

The purpose or purposes for which the corporate is organized are: To hold town meetings and provide a forum for community discussion and basis for community action, and to establish qualifications for participation therein,  To acquire, hold, sell or lease real property for the general purpose of preserving the historical and natural setting of Gold Hill and surrounding area.  To act as trustee.  To coordinate with the County Planning Department, County Health Department and other departments of the County, State or Federal Government.  To take any and all other action to improve, preserve and benefit the Community of Gold Hill and surrounding area.  To apply for and receive government grants or assistance, to solicit funds and donations and undertake or sponsor community fund raising projects.  To do all other acts necessary or appropriate to promote the social welfare of the Community of Gold Hill

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the September 8, 2025  Zoom and in person Special  Town Meeting

Next Special Town Meeting is Wednesday, September 24, 7:00 p.m., in person at the Firebarn and by Zoom

Next Regular Meeting will be Monday, October 13th in person at the Firebarn, and by Zoom

The meeting was called to order by Chair Kelly Veit.  Present were Kelly, Rick Sheingold, Janos Wilder, Boyd Brown, Elisabeth Caspari, Marcus Moench, Bear Carlson, Treasurer Martha Knapp, Vice Chair Kaitlyn Barthnell, Member at Large John Hatelid, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Val Crist attended by Zoom.

Kelly handed out this updated agenda:

Quick Update – New Funding Opportunity

Bylaw Revisions –

           Taking a Step Back – How we Got Here and What are our shared values for continuing?

           Review of Bylaws

1. (Cont. from August) Article 3 – Members Meetings & Article 5-Town Council 
2. (Expressed Concerns on approved Bylaws) Article 2, Section A and Article 3, Section A
3. (Time permitting, Not yet approved) Article 2 – Membership, Article 5, Sections H and J – Town Council, Article 6 – Committees, Article 7 – Financials

Quick Recap – How We Got Here

1. Bylaws were elevated as needing more clarity in order to remain up to current times, compliance, etc.
2. Mountain Stewards expressed a desire for strong bylaws for grant purposes (more accountability structures, ability to move in timely manner
3. Work with non-profit lawyer (thank you, Chrissy) to understand best practices in bylaws
4. Review of Bylaws in Town Meeting for 1,000,000 years (</:o ) – from Spring/Summer 2024 to today

Is there a way to reframe the bylaws conversation to honor the values of the GHTM Members?

How can we see ourselves best reflected in the bylaw efforts?

Stepping Back to the “why” – Shared Values

I’m curious – Can we find consensus on a shared reason, philosophy, value or principle that brings meaning and purpose to the bylaws?

For Example – 

1. We agree that having clearer language in our Bylaws is important for our community to move quickly on grant oped as well as the ones still under consideration

What do you see as the value or opportunity in updating the bylaws?  Can we agree to move them ahead, in service of these values?    Kelly Veit

Followed by the bylaws – the one that have been changed as well as the ones still under consideration

And the meeting began.  It was brought up that at issue is whether we want to continue as an Open Town Meeting (most purely democratic and our original form) or a more Representative Town Meeting (TM).  Marcus sees this grant issue as threading the needle on the question and added that, ideally, we’d get a larger group in order to be more representative .  When he was Chair, he wanted it to be more representative, but still felt that the town needed to vote on issues like “do we want to pursue wildfire mitigation?”  Currently, we have a grant opportunity which is due September 14, which is brought forward by informal group alliances like Mountain Stewards.  If the town says at the beginning that these are our goals and we want the Chair to be authorized to represent us with the County, without giving the Chair full license to act, but having established a priority area on this issue for the Chair, that’s one way.  We’d still have a fiscal sponsor to manage the $ as we did with the Boulder Watershed Collective (BWSC) on the last grant for the mitigation work.

Elisabeth added that Martha and Gretchen seem to have a clear idea of what the TM has been.  Gretchen said that we could have a committee (a mitigation committee, or a grants committee?) or we could vote to have the TC empowered to pursue and follow through on a given issue, but traditionally, most do not want the TC to be empowered to pursue whatever and then just let the town know what’s happening later.  

Marcus reports that this latest grants are for either $50,000 or $1,000,000 and would include funding and support for low income people and seniors, with mitigation and home hardening, battery back up especially for emergency communication, and other safety issues.

The consensus seems to be that we need to agree on some value statements and principles to make this grant process work smoothly and to give some designated people the power to move on them.  People dealing in the grant world need to have the info about support regarding what the grant is going to do and involve and require of us.  We’d need to write a letter of support and hold meetings and someone designated to say the TM supports and will follow through.  Dan said that our present structure is unclear about who is allowed to do what – the bylaws were not clear.  We have amended the last bylaws and we could stop there – they’re fine the way they are now – we don’t have to do the goals tonight.  Bear added that this grant opportunity seems like a wonderful opportunity.  Rick Sheingold asked who currently have been the group or committee who handled this big project.  Marcus said it’s the Strategic Fuels Mitigation Grant and has been managed by the BWSC and the Boulder Valley Conservation District.  Mountain Stewards has been our local group – an informal group of people formed independently (not formed by the TM) to address issues like mitigation and energy and involves some people not in the TM area.  They report to the TM.  The question was asked , if the TM can authorize a committee how is that different from the Chair and Vice Chair?  It would have to do with being empowered to handle specific issues.  John pointed out that, whether an appointed committee or elected TC, the legal responsibility/liability would still fall on the TC.  Martha suggested that the Cemetery Committee handles its own funds and issues – they do get people to sign releases.  Dan replied that we (the TC) have come into some risks – more risks with bigger grants.  Janos stated that we have to have Board and Officers Liability Insurance – it’s SOP.  Marcus added that the town does own land and we do have liability insurance.  Rick pointed out that there’s a reason people come together and it’s to provide greater opportunities for the group.  The collective is valuable to the health of the community as a whole.

Boyd reported that we’ve been looking into becoming a Firewise Community as well and wonders if the community of GH wants that designation.  The TM would need to support that.

Martha wondered, if some people want to go in the direction of getting all these grants, possible that group should look into forming their own 501(c)3.  Marcus replied that most grant people favor evidence of greater community support and buy in.  Most grants would see GHTM as a sub recipient with the BWSC or others as fiscal agent, but there does need to be a good sense of community support.  Key thing here is that, for the TM to be part of this process we need someone to sign the letter of commitment and help organize the required meetings – has low liability.

John made a motion to remand to the Chair the responsibility to look over this grant and then sign the letter, to support the grant and community meetings.  Janos felt we should not miss the step of the chair or a committee to approve the letter.  Pure Democracy is cumbersome , but also it is good to have the group make decisions – seems like that’s the way we want to go.  The vote was 10 yays with 2 abstentions.

Val questioned how we are going to identify our values.  Elisabeth wondered if we should have another Special TM.  Marcus said yes and need to look at our original articles of incorporation and bylaws and have that as a basis for a discussion of our broader values.

Martha stated we need to wrap this meeting up and made a motion to hold another Special Town Meeting in two weeks to discuss the articles of incorporation before getting into the weeds of the bylaws.  Marcus seconded it and the vote to approve was unanimous – 12 in favor.  Martha will also look into our liability insurance.

As far as where to hold the meeting, Dan reported the school is under scrutiny right now and the proper way would be to rent the school, have monitors, etc., and it’s expensive.  We’ll look into the Community Center (the upstairs of the Firebarn).  Kelly again mentioned our need to Step Back to Step Forward.

Marcus made a motion to adjourn, Martha seconded, Bear suggested we take a standing vote, and we adjourned at around 8:30.

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary.

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