Posted on: April 1st, 2024

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

March 18, 2024 – Unofficial Minutes – Next meeting April 15, 2024

 The meeting was called to order by Boyd Brown.  Kent Coghill, Board President, was on shift at work and attended by Zoom.  Present were Board Members Boyd, Max Yeager, Chris Dirolf, and Jessica Brookhart, Acting Chiefs Bret Gibson and Chris O’Brien, Assistant Chief Dwight DeBroux, community members Val Crist, Tim Knox, Heidi Kessler and Richard Roth, Joey Schusler, Marcus Moench, Leslie Finn, Kathleen Gilgannon, and Recording Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.

In honor of Max’s birthday, Bret lit a candle for him.

Minutes – of the February meeting were approved.

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES – Bret suggested that the planning in

Chief’s minutes be deferred until a new chief is in place and then incorporate planning collaboratively with him and O’Brien and Mike Schmidt, Chief of Sunshine.  O’B added that there has been great progress in the last 2 years and the strategic plan will be a nice roadmap for the future.  IQS needs to be updated with the new Chief and Bret added that he and O’B want to help and be advisors/collaborators.  They also know the new chief will need his own autonomy.  Chris D added that moving forward focusing on collaborative efforts and  away from the siloed approach of the past will make us all healthier.  This will be a new chapter and we want to express real appreciation for you two (Bret and O’B) for all your help.

Training – Bret talked about BES (Boulder Emergency Squad), which offers a great deal of specialized skills.  Each one of our agencies could try to master them all, but our strategic plan focusses on Structural Fires, Wildland Fires, Hazmat, and Medical responses.  He would like to see the four agencies take our individual skills, integrate our agencies, and support and utilize BES.

         Kent asked if we want to delay any purchases from the County Grant, but consensus is no, not for stuff for the first hours of a response.  Kent said the company meeting scheduled for the end of the month has been cancelled – they’re still working on the teams concept.  There will be a training on progressive hose lays and he will put together some hose lay packs.

New Volunteers – Kent reports that we have Tim, Justin and Joey and will try to get together with them soon and get them on the I Am Responding ap.  Also, we did get a nice donation.  Bret added that the strategic plan calls for annual recruitment efforts and, again, would like to see collaboration with the four departments.

Updates – Max got an email recently about our icy entrance and someone slipped and fell a week ago.  Kent heard that, too, and said we need to be aware of that.  Bret said that in case of injury, we need to report it within 24 hours.

Handbook – Jess reports we have Lefthand’s and will work on that.

Maintenance – Station Maintenance – Max reports that he’s received 2 proposals for gutters; from Colorado Seamless for $2103 without guards, and Front Range Seamless for $1553 and leaf guards would be extra.  Both companies are outstanding – he recommends Front Range.  Chris D made a motion to select Front Range Seamless, with the ultimate leaf guard later.  Do we want to add heat tape?  Jess seconded and the motion passed.

Equipment Needs – Max reports that he was authorized to spend $100 on assorted tools, but we have inherited Arthur Few’s tool collection and need to assess that.  Bret has a grab box of tools, too.  Regarding UTV stuff, winch, chains, etc., he’d like that back burnered for now because there may be unexpected expenses for 5404.  Reverse is fine, but it’s growling at above 40 mph plus and when shifting the 4wd lever back to 2 wd, it’s not going anywhere.  Trans West thinks the problem may be with the thru shaft to the pump, but might be something else, too – gear box? Pump? Could be an end of life situation.  At one of our calls, it was left in gear that shouldn’t be during the call and that’s when the problem showed up.  PTO?

OPERATIONAL READINESS

Strategic Plan – Boyd would like it to be adopted at this meeting and he pointed out that it’s a working document.  It will be reviewed every year and interim changes can be approved at any board meeting.  Chris D said the bones of it are good and he agreed that they can make adjustments as needed and review annually – thinks it will be really important for the new chief.  Bret added that Fourmile is also working on a strategic plan and talking about yearly review or maybe every 6 months.  He suggested that it’s important to review the plan during any major actions taken.  Jess replied that right now we have big reasons to keep looking at it and she made a motion to adopt it as of 3/18/24.  Boyd added that there was a real impetus to have it to guide the new chief and he wanted to recognize Max, O’Brien, Greg Buis, Anita Sturtz, and himself  for all their work – they all deserve thanks.  Bret thought there was a really good analysis of our strengths and weakness and Boyd replied that they established the norm at the beginning that nothing was out of bounds and honesty was vital.  The motion carried unanimously

 and it will be put it on the website

         Boyd added that one goal is to improve communication with the GHTM.  He will go and present the plan and they want to continue to have some member go to town meetings.

Vehicles – nothing else new from Max.

Chief’s Job – has been posted and they have had quite a few applicants.  Jess reports some are out of state and she doubts if they would actually come here.  We do need to respond asap.  Max would like Jess to do a preliminary screening.  OK’d.  O’B said one of his captains might be interested.  Jess will gather them together and get them to others who will need to make quick phone calls to answer any questions.  Bret reported that, as a governmental agency, we have to establish a standard procedure for everyone.  O’B said we should have a closing date and we can re-open if necessary  It was decided that the deadline would be April 10 and they could start the board meeting on the 15^th early to look at what we have and come up with our questions – they will hold an executive session at 6pm on 4/15 – Kent will be available.

OTHER BUSINESS

Grants – The Fuels Mitigation Grant came through with BVCD and BWC.  Scott Heffernen (SP?) of the BWC will make a presentation at the GHTM on April 8 with Boyd.  The grant includes a pilot project for grassland mitigation – possibly goats? For the meadow and other smaller areas.  There will be fundraising to get a Brush Hog – that’s a separate discussion.  They’re considering Goat Pros and looking for bids.  They will make sure Hill Street folks are informed and ok.  Bret added that our 501 c(3) can tie into the county for mitigation equipment.  Marcus added that in theory the funds are good for 3 years, but there may not be enough actually, so maybe it might be smaller scale. There will be a fair bit of wood coming out, also, from town property, Tone’s, and Carpenter’s so community wood utilization will be happening again.  Chris D added that this all will be a community event so there will be collaboration with the fire department and town meeting.

         Maya McHamer of BWC is also working on a regional awareness grant.  Chris D is also on the town meeting agenda to report on Wildfire Partners free assessments and grants available for homeowners for home hardening and mitigation work.

Website – Jess will post the Chief’s job opening and the Strategic Plan

NEW BUSINESS

Fire Code – Bret points out that we should start the conversation about adopting a fire code with all its headaches and responsibilities.  Jess added that that’s a long term goal.

 

Respectfully submitted,  Gretchen Diefenderfer, Recording Secretary