Posted on: July 16th, 2013

Gold Hill Fire Protection District Board meeting, June 20, 2013

Notes by Gretchen Diefenderfer

Next meeting will be Thursday, July 18, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center.

 

The meeting was called to order by President Donal Maloney.  Present were Secretary Dave Sturtz, Board Members Rich Lopez and Bobby Vrba, Chief Chris Finn, and resident Gretchen Diefenderfer.

OLD BUSINESS

Rich reported that the easement agreement for the subdivision cistern would be signed by the end of the week.

Also, he has sent a letter to the Smiths, who own the property where they’re thinking of putting in a dry hydrant, about the potential project.

NEW BUSINESS

Donal reported that there is a Fire Department Facebook page, which Adriana owns (from the time she was on the Board and working on the website, etc.) and the FD doesn’t have access to it.  Rich volunteered to talk to Adriana.  (Update, it’s been taken down now).

Dave reported that there are new firefighters who have gone through training and are certified, but have no pagers or gear.  Chris said they just need to call him or Leslie.  Donal added that they do look for a bonafide commitment.

CHIEF’S CORNER

Chris reported that they received the first part of the order under the SCBA Grant, got the bill and paid it, and have just received the rest of the masks.

They also got 1/3 of the Wildland Grant and have put in an order.  However, they will give us 3 shelters, so really we got more than 1/3.   Also asked for fittings/adapters.  The grant is through the CO Dept. of Public Safety now (used to be CSFS).

The brush truck is dead right now.  The plan is to make one good truck from two.  A former fire chief from Lyons named Tracy will work on it.  Donal added that it’s worth spending some money on.

While weed whacking around the barn, Chris found the gas can for the generator that belongs to the Safelink folks.  It needs to be located in a safer place – Dave said that Amy will take care of it and the shed has a combo lock.  She will email the combo.

Shivaun is handling the Red Cards (actually IQS cards and are no longer red).  This will enable firefighters to be on a crew after the first day (when we automatically go) and get paid.  There will be a bunch of paperwork.

The transparency notice on the website is not up to date.  Donal will send Dave another copy and Dave will update.  Chris has pictures, etc., he’d like on it – some are on dropbox and he will put more on.

Regarding Firebarn repairs, gutters and windows are on the list as well as the electrical work.  Dick Cole is watching Resource.  They’ll start with the locker room and slowly seal up the place.  Before the electrical work can be done, there is a cabinet in the way that needs to come out and there is a window behind it that will be nice to have exposed.  Bobby volunteered to do this.  The plan is to get more steel shelves to replace the cupboard.

Dave Hurley from Sunshine donated a pressure washer.  Bobby will take it from Dave’s house and make sure it’s working.  It’s gas fired.

If these planned repairs/renovations go over $1,000, Chris will bring them to the Board. Rich moved that we authorize the Chief to spend up to $1,000 on these repairs.  Bobby seconded and it passed.

Some work also needs to be done on the siding – screwing them in where they’re coming loose.  He’s thinking there might be a teenager looking for work who would be good to do this.

Dave suggested designating some Saturday a.m. for a workday and putting out the word for volunteers to help with these projects.

Donal inquired about what’s in the budget for maintenance in general – Chris reported that we have $4,000 budgeted for the station, $5,000 for the trucks, $1500 for equipment, and $1000 for radios.

We also anticipate spending some money on a speaker/siren for Engine 4.

Chris wondered about the class with our lawyer, Dick Lyons, that the board talked about earlier on legal concerns and just generally how the board should operate – probably 2-3 hours.  Rich thought it would be a good idea sooner rather than later, now that the board has settled into it’s 5 present members.  Donal said that he’s willing to come up here. He’ll check with Dick about times and send emails to the Board before the next meeting.

Chris would also like 5, 10 year plans, etc.

Chris pointed out that we’re heading into hard-core fire season.

Donal brought up the stabbing in Nederland and reminded everyone to approach all calls with caution, especially if violence is suspected.

 

And, last, but not least – Don’t forget the Pancake breakfast on the 4^th.