Posted on: July 20th, 2026

GHFPD Board Meeting Minutes, Monday, June 15, 2026

        

Next Meeting – Monday, July 20, 2026, 7:30 p.m. at the Firebarn and by Zoom

 

The regular meeting of the GHFPD Board of Directors was called to order by President Kent Coghill on Zoom.  Present were Chief Rich Caudill, Board members Boyd Brown, Chris Diorolf, Jessica Brookhart, Max Yeager, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.  Attending by Zoom were Kent, Marcus Moench, Leslie Finn, and Kris Gibson.

 

Approval of Minutes – Max moved that the minutes of the May meeting be approved, Boyd seconded and all voted to approve.

 

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES –

Operational Report – Rich has the title and registration for the new truck all set and it’s permanently plated.  As far as other titles, Jess has the title for the UTV only and will need to look for the others.  Rich has the big manual for the new truck in the top right file drawer in the office.  Boyd suggested that we get a copy and keep it where everyone can access it.  Rich will also put a copy of the registration and title in the glove box.

 

Training – We had a good training with Sunshine and Fourmile and identified some inter-operational needs re RIT with the SCBA. We are putting together our Epi and IG that have been ordered. Solvendahl has been very supportive.  Epi should be stored between 59º – 98º so we may need to keep the barn a little warmer and will get an insulated container for it.  Will put the new kits in in our primary medical response truck, 5431.  The consensus is to have only one kit and Leslie affirmed.  Kent is glad we have that now.

 

Recruits – Ben and Micah are getting trained, plus Aiden is coming back in town.

 

Infrastructure – Max has sent out the recent set of plans and has asked for a permanent set.  He suggested we don’t need a new door for the third bay.  He will get the permit process for the two going for next year.

         Kent reports concerns with the 10-mile cistern.  Recent levels were down quite a bit and the question is whether there is a leak or has it been getting used.  Max made a gauge.  Chris checked it some time later and it was only off 1” from the previous reading, so it looks like it’s holding steady.  Wondering if Roads and Bridges might have tapped into it or someone else?  Max suggested we keep a log for the cisterns so we can track them regularly.  Kent reports they do make a locking mechanism for hydrants (expensive), maybe signage, game camera?  Everyone thought a lock is a good idea.  Boyd added that Fourmile uses a universal code for their locks and Sunshine just got its first.  So, monitor for 3 months, keep a log and see.  Rich has a call into Roads and Bridges to see if they might have used some.   Dave Steinmann has a system to monitor and log.  The Chief and officers should get together and decide re locks, etc.  Rich added that we have a grant for signage and at the Sunshine training, it turned out one of their volunteers is a plastic tech and drew up prototypes.  They talked about ids, directions, numbering and other things that would also be in a manual on the trucks.  This is the same grant that is planned to cover kiosks for each district, approximately 4’ x 6’ with a box for handouts.  Chief Schmidt took the lead and we’ve put in for one.

Patrols – Boyd reports that he’s gotten some calls for campfires out west and at Rocky Point and he’s responded.  Also, the Ashram was very concerned about the Native American ceremonies out there near them recently – members of the group would go off on their own and have individual fires.  Boyd found one way down the hill, took 3 gallons and real work to get it out.  He thinks we should have regular patrols and signage to stress fire restrictions.  He ran into a Sheriff who said they have zero tolerance this year – they’re ticketing the first time, not giving warnings.

Kent agrees – yes to signage, Kiosks, and patrols.  Chris added that anytime we’re called about any fire, we should call 9-1-1.  Leslie added that that is Forest Service property, so when we get toned, the Forest Service has to be notified, too.

5404 Status – Rich reports it will go to borrowed space.  Max thinks we should rehome it – put out for sale?  The last one went to Beaver Lake.  It was 3 years older – maybe they’re ready for a newer one?  All are considering selling it if possible – contact Calwood, Boy Scouts at Tahosa, American Legion, and see if interest.  It only has 18,000 miles on it although it’s a 1981, so 45 years old.  Rich is a little torn – it’s a nice quick attack truck with hose, but knows it’s old  and has some issues, so yes he’s probably in favor of sending it down the river.

Kent asked Jess to check on market value.

5431 – Rich has checked on the electrical issues – will work on when it’s up here on Sunday.  We’re still able to turn on the pump from the cab if the switch on the pump is on.  Maybe a fuse?  Wil get it figured out.

Station Maintenance – Max endorses time off, but we need to come up with time frames to keep positions filled and make sure we’re operationally ready.  Maybe have meeting with Board and officers to set up protocols and make sure we’re all on the same page.  Rich will be out of service later in the Summer getting a knee replacement (no driving for couple of weeks).  and we need to set up a rotation for acting Chief.  Also need to look at Rich’s tenure – about half-way through the original plan – and see if we have qualified candidates interested in being Chief – ongoing conversation.

 

Fire Marshall and Fire Code – Unnecessarily difficult issues around emergency access have come to a head.  Top priority – if something does happen, it will come back on the department.  We do have the power to adopt a Fire Code and will need to go through the Boulder County Commissioners.  Rich has spoken with Fire Marshall Joslin in Nederland and he referred us to Ron Flax with Boulder County.  He has a call into him.  Bret Gibson offered to help – Fourmile has had 3 codes adopted and are now going for a 4^th.  For a small hourly fee, he would help put ours together and shepherd us through the process with the Board and look at how to enforce – i.e fire lanes? education? tow? boot? Etc.  Kent thinks that would be great, will require extra meetings, should put together MOU with Sheriff’s about writing tickets and questions of enforcement.  Let’s put together meeting with Bret to begin to plan.  Kent also encouraged Rich to continue to reach out to our firefighters and neighboring departments.  We’ll start by looking at the 2024 IFC Code and get a clearer picture of our options.

 

Need to discuss a resolution for formally adopting the latest

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

amendments that reflect tight mountain terrain and limited water

infrastructure.

1. IFC Section 503 — Fire Apparatus Access Roads

It mandates that fire lanes must have an unobstructed width of

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

tight mountain topography) and vertical clearance of 13 feet 6

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

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

•  

2. IFC Section 503.4 — Obstructions on Fire Lanes

This code gives the district the direct legal authority to prevent

parking or placement of any obstructions on public or private

roadways used for fire apparatus access. It provides the

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

in congested town centers.

•  

3. IFC Section 503.3 — Marking and Signage

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

section dictates exactly how fire lanes must be marked—such

as painting curbs red and posting standard, legally enforceable

“Fire Lane – Tow Away Zone” signs.

 

 

Mitigation Updates – Boyd reports that Jordan, the goat herder, asked about water use from the hydrant on Grove St.  Max thinks we should top off the cistern and then monitor.  Everybody has been pleased with the Goat Bros operation.  They’ll be paid with our IAFC grant, including for our 5% match.  They’re on schedule or ahead and doing a great job.  The volunteer mitigation group has worked on a whole bunch of Hugh’s and Micah’s area, near Wilders, Bear Carlsons and the top of Lickskillet.  The crew has been great, effective and gotten a lot of stuff done. Fourmile will hit Myers’ and Atkinson’s after finished with town property near the Firebarn.  They’re looking at more grants.  Marcus added that the grazing under the Strategic Fuels funds have another year of funding.  Will also look at the gully at the bottom of the meadow.  Boyd reported that Teens, Inc. is doing all sorts of home hardening – they’re good workers and get a lot done.  Kent expressed thanks to Boyd  for all the organization.

 

CWPP – Chris reports they have grants for up to $500 for reimbursement to put non-combustible areas around homes (distributed through the 4 districts).  People do need to have WFP assessments.

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS – FUNDRAISING

4^th of July – Kent asked Rich what will be needed.  Rich reports he’s had a huge outpouring of offers to help.  They’ll have some merch to sell – aprons, t-shirts with the new logo are in the works.  He’s submitted the permits to

BoCo and reached out the Kerry at BVSD for permission to use the school.  They have a huge new process, but will waive all possible fees and put together a formal agreement.  He’ll talk with Jess about out budget.  Thanks to Joanne for her hard work getting donations.  Leslie has forwarded her original organizational sheet.  There is a banner on the Fire Department website with contacts and information.  Leslie added that Chris Finn will do whatever ordering Joanne can’t get donations for. Anita and Joanne are making Rhubarb sauce.  Boyd will manage the pancake operation.  Marcus and Elisabeth have donated a bunch of warming trays, which will help.  It’s all moving forward.  Rich will let the Board know if more help is needed.

 

Max moved we adjourn, Boyd seconded and we adjourned at 8:58.

 

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary