Posted on: July 31st, 2017

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Minutes of the July 17, 2017 Special Town Meeting

 Next Town Meeting is Monday, August 14, 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center. This will be our annual Elections meeting.  Come one, come all – consider joining the Council!

 The meeting was called to order by Chair Tony Vrba. Fourteen people attended: Joan Few, Mary Ryan, Member at Large Dan Maedke and Gabe, Rick Sheingold, Jojo Morrison, Chair Tony Vrba, Cherry and John Sand, Vice Chair Bear Carlson, Debra Yeager, Emily Rose, Virginia Schultz, and Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer.

Tony announced that this special town meeting was called to address both the issue of bike races through town and Rancho Fazoo Adoption.

Bike Race – Tony introduced guest Speaker John Hoste, Special Event Coordinator with the Boulder County Transportation Department (jholste@nullbouldercounty.org or 303-441-3906). He reported that he works with his counterpart at the City of Boulder and the State Patrol.  Any event the uses public right-of-way in Boulder County needs a permit. Concerns are health and safety. The application is to be submitted 60 days before the event and needs a medical plan, operations plan, route, $50 application fee and a $500 deposit to cover clean up, etc.   Fire Departments are to be provided at least two weeks notification. In the case of the bike race on June 24^th, some obligations from the coordinators were not fulfilled, particularly the timely notifications required and signs, and their deposit was not refunded. He was very apologetic about the lack of notification and they have instigated new protocols to make sure that does not happen in the future.

   Regarding the Gold Rush Rally (http://goldrushbikerally.com) on August 27th, the racers will leave North Boulder Park, come up Sunshine, turn right on County 83 to the Highline road, down to Lefthand, up Sawmill into Gold Hill and on down Sunshine. There are 3 timed sections – NOT timed through Gold Hill, we were happy to hear, so they won’t be racing through. There is also a shorter option, with only 2 times sections, still coming through Gold Hill and down Sunshine.

   He was asked about the collapsed section on Horsfal and reported it is stable at this time and being monitored.

   They try to spread events around so no area is overly impacted. They do want to encourage community events to bring people together.   He added that the fees are often waived for Fire Department or unincorporated town events. Check se@nullbouldercounty.org. for a list of county special events scheduled or under review.

 

Rancho Fazoo Adoption- Tony reported that the Community Space Committee has been looking at spaces for community events. Jojo added that the committee sees Rancho Fazoo as a space to build community. They have met with Boulder County Open Space people, particularly Eric and Janice, who have been incredibly welcoming and open to our input. The 55 acres includes a sliver of the cemetery land. Open Space cannot just give the land, but are happy to consider sweat equity, like fixing the fence, and work on cleaning up the Rancho Fazoo site. So, are we interested? If so, there is a mechanism through County Adopt-A-Park/Trail Policies and Procedures (included below).  The County could provide a dumpster, etc., for the clean up, which it seems like we could do at out own pace. The town would have to sign a Volunteer Application and Waiver of Liability.

Joan pointed out that this is an historical site and needs to be surveyed for historical significance before just picking up stuff. Carol Beam, County Preservationist, would be happy to have the involvement of our museum people – she knows our reputation and would be happy to have us check for historical significance. Joan said that the County has cultural resource managers to do historical surveys – map everything on the ground – and how does Carol want us to work with her? She needs to talk to Carol Beam.

   Mary added that the draw there is an animal highway and is important for that, too.

   Jojo’s vision is that step one is the clean up and then we can look at creating undefined useable space – maybe a deck for musical performances, maybe trails? This would be ongoing, starting with a 2-year commitment to adopt the land. We are still figuring out exactly how this would work – how many hours would we need to commit and so on.

   Tony added that another consideration is that the County has a 20-year plan to build trails all through the county and connect them, acquiring BLM land that intersects with open space.  Deb stated that if Boulder County gets BLM land through the Parks and Recreations Act, they would have to abide by Federal rules. She expressed concern that we might be putting out faith in people who don’t represent us. We’re in the middle of the playground for people from the plains. We have to be aware of the potential impact.  Gretchen said that they have been working on these plans for years now and there will be open meetings, which she thinks will take into account our concerns about impacts on our Gold Hill area.

   Several people felt we should go ahead with the adoption process and sign the paperwork. Several others wanted more clarification before we made this commitment. It was decided that the Committee would do more research and bring the findings to the August Town Meeting for a final decision.

 

Respectfully Submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary.

 

Attached: County forms, including the Adopt-a-Park/Trail Policies and Procedures, Open Space Rules and Regulations, and the Volunteer Application and Waiver of Liability.

 

 

 

 

 

Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department 
Adopt-A-Park/Trail Policies and Procedures ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

• An adoption site can be an entire park, trail or lakeshore. Adoptions can also be just a section of a park or trail; the area will be designated from a road intersection to a logical ending point or trailhead. More than one group can adopt an area if Boulder County Parks and Open Space staff determines the area needs more attention.
• The adopting group or individual will commit to a two-year period of adoption. At the end of the two years, the adopting group/individual may renew or terminate the adoption.
• The Parks and Open Space Department will provide the adopting group/individual with the following: 
- Staff orientation at initial trash-pick up
- Litter picker-upper tongs
- Necessary quantities of trash bags, if requested
- Disposal of trash bags
- Recognition on groups’/individuals’ participation in program
• During the two-year commitment, the adopting group/individual will remove trash from the designated site a minimum of four times from April 1st to October 31st.
• Generally, the open space trails and parks are fairly clean and require carrying a grocery bag size bag for clean up. These can be deposited in the trashcans at the trailheads. However, if you find large items that need removing, please place them by the trashcans and contact the Adopt-a-Trail coordinator at 303-678-6216 to let her/him know that trash needs to be picked up from that site.
• The Parks and Open Space Department will install a sign at the appropriate trailhead or kiosk recognizing the adopting group/individual after the first trash pick-up. The signs will remain in place throughout the adoption period.
• The adopting group/individuals will have opportunities to assist with other trail projects, such as trail repair and weed management. It is not required, nor available each year. The Adopt a Park/Trail program coordinator will inform the group leader about possible trail maintenance and resource management projects.
• The Adopt-a-Park/Trail participants must be aware of the hazardous nature of the work, which is to be performed and take full responsibility for any injury that could occur while participating in this program.
• The Adopt-a-Park/Trail participants must be aware of the Boulder County Parks and Open Space regulations and abide by them at all times while conducting their service.
• Boulder County Park and Open Space Rules & Regulations
• Property is open from sunrise to sunset — no camping. When park is closed, unattended vehicles will be ticketed or towed.
Dogs and other pets must be on a hand-held leash and under physical control of a person at all times. Dogs are prohibited at Hall Ranch, Heil Valley Ranch, and Caribou Ranch Open Spaces.
• Collecting, removing, destroying or defacing any natural or human-made objects is not permitted. Installing rock bolts and constructing trails or structures is unlawful. Feeding, disturbing, trapping, hunting or killing wildlife is not permitted.
Building ground fires is not permitted.
• Discharging or carrying firearms, crossbows, fireworks (including model rockets) or projectile weapons of any kind is not permitted.
No unauthorized motorized vehicles permitted beyond parking lot.
Mountain bicycling is permitted on officially designated trails only.
• It is unlawful to carry or possess (outside an enclosed vehicle) any glass bottle or container.
State law prohibits the possession or consumption of any beverage having alcohol content greater than 3.2% in any public place.
• Group use permits are required for any groups larger than 25 people.
No commercial uses are allowed.
No posting of advertisements in park or on vehicles is permitted.
It is unlawful to swim, wade, boat, ice skate or ice fish on any body of water except where posted.
• Violations are punishable by a fine up to $300. You are responsible for knowing and obeying all parks and open space regulations (B.C. RES. NO 98-148).
• Important Phone Numbers:
• To report an emergency, dial 911.
For non-emergency response (Ranger or Sheriff’s deputy) call dispatch at 303-441-4444. Adopt-a-Trail/Park Coordinator: 303-678-6216.
• Boulder County Parks and Open Space 5201 St. Vrain Rd
Longmont, CO 80503
• 
file://localhost/message/%253CCA+SJPGp7cN9WSrM26MLvBcCHwYxeFsLEFE=aod_q04BrV6vXxA@nullmail.gmail.com%253E

 

 

 

Boulder County Parks and Open Space Volunteer Application & Waiver

Please complete both sides, sign and return to Boulder County Parks and Open Space, 5201 St. Vrain Road, Longmont CO 80503 or fax to 303-678-6177.

Name ________________________________
Address ________________________________
City ________________________________
Zip _________________________________
Current Occupation: ______________________________________________________________________

Relevant Experience, Interests and Hobbies: (You’re welcome to attach additional page or resume)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

What blocks of time are you available to work?
(For example: Monday & Wednesday afternoons, weekends only, Tuesdays – Thursdays, etc) ______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Hours you can commit to this volunteer position:
_____ per week or _____ per month or _____ per project

What volunteer position are you applying for today ________________________________________________________

Which other volunteer positions interest you?

• ____  Volunteer Naturalist
• ____  Park Patroller and/or Angler Host
• ____  Writer
• ____  Illustrator/Artist
• ____  Assay Office Museum Docent
• ____  Walker Ranch Homestead Interpreter
• ____  Ag Heritage Center Tour Guide
• ____  Ag Heritage Gardener and/or Groundskeeper
• ____  Ag Heritage Animal Caretaker
• ____  Forestry Crew Leader
• ____  Trails Crew Leader
• ____  Seed Collection Crew Leader
• ____  Adopt a Park/Trail
• ____  Wildlife Monitor
• ____  Plant Monitor
• ____  Forest Monitor
• ____  Weed Monitor
• ____  Historical Researcher

Other: ____________________________________________

REFERENCES: (People who you have volunteered for/with in the past, or people who know you and how you work with others, etc) Name ________________________________________ Phone ___________________________ (daytime)

Name ________________________________________ Phone ___________________________ (daytime)

Date___________________________________ Home Phone ____________________________ Work Phone ____________________________ Email __________________________________

WAIVER OF LIABILITY

I, the undersigned, volunteer with the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department after due consideration of my age, health, physical condition, and ability, and the inherent risks and personal risks involved in this activity, I voluntarily agree to assume all risks of loss that arise out of my participation and agree to waive any and all claims against Boulder County and other parties described below.

I hereby release, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Boulder County, the Board of County Commissioners and any of their respective employees, agents and representatives, person or property, whether anticipated or unanticipated, from liability for any injury, loss or damage resulting from my participation in any activities contemplated by this agreement, whether such damage, loss, or injury results from the negligence of Boulder County, the Board of County Commissioners, and any of the agents, representatives, officers, employees, successors, assigns, administrators, and executors.

I realize that working on this program/project may involve risks and hazards, including the risk of injury. I am aware of the risks and hazards inherent in participating and do hereby assume sole responsibility for all such risks and waive all claims against Boulder County and their respective agents, representatives, officers, employees, successors, assigns and insurers.

I grant Boulder County permission to use my likeness or my child’s likeness in photograph(s) or video, in any and all of its publications and in any and all other media, including public website publication, and social media channels, whether now known or hereafter existing, controlled by Boulder County, in perpetuity, and for other use by the County. I will make no monetary claim or other claim against Boulder County for the use of my likeness in the photograph(s)/video. I understand that the nature of digital media on the Internet makes duplication difficult to control and that Boulder County is not responsible for any unauthorized use by third parties of the content and images published on its public website.

I authorize Boulder County to obtain medical attention for me (and my child/ward) in case of emergency if unable to reach the physician stated below, and I release Boulder County for such medical attention.

I certify that my vehicle will have insurance coverage as required by Colorado law in connection with my activities on Boulder County property.

I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of Boulder County while participating on this program/project. I hereby acknowledge that I have read, understood and voluntarily agreed to the foregoing waiver and release agreement.

_____________________________________________ ____________________ Signature Date

If volunteer is a minor, I agree to permit my child or ward to volunteer for the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department and agree to be bound by all of the terms of the above waiver of liability.

_____________________________________________ Signature of Parent or Guardian

In case of a medical emergency, we should contact:

Name & relationship ___________________________________ Name & relationship ____________________________________

_____________________ Date

Phone:_____________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________

Please list any allergies or medical conditions that we should be aware of: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

(March 2012)

 

Boulder County Park and Open Space Rules & Regulations

Property is open from sunrise to sunset — no camping. When park is closed, unattended vehicles will be ticketed or towed.
Dogs and other pets must be on a hand-held leash and under physical control of a person at all times. Dogs are prohibited at Hall Ranch, Heil Valley Ranch, and Caribou Ranch Open Spaces.

Collecting, removing, destroying or defacing any natural or human-made objects is not permitted. Installing rock bolts and constructing trails or structures is unlawful. Feeding, disturbing, trapping, hunting or killing wildlife is not permitted.
Building ground fires is not permitted.

Discharging or carrying firearms, crossbows, fireworks (including model rockets) or projectile weapons of any kind is not permitted.
No unauthorized motorized vehicles permitted beyond parking lot.
Mountain bicycling is permitted on officially designated trails only.

It is unlawful to carry or possess (outside an enclosed vehicle) any glass bottle or container.
State law prohibits the possession or consumption of any beverage having alcohol content greater than 3.2% in any public place.

Group use permits are required for any groups larger than 25 people.
No commercial uses are allowed.
No posting of advertisements in park or on vehicles is permitted.
It is unlawful to swim, wade, boat, ice skate or ice fish on any body of water except where posted.

Violations are punishable by a fine up to $300. You are responsible for knowing and obeying all parks and open space regulations (B.C. RES. NO 98-148).

Important Phone Numbers:

To report an emergency, dial 911.
For non-emergency response (Ranger or Sheriff’s deputy) call dispatch at 303-441-4444. Adopt-a-Trail/Park Coordinator: 303-678-6216.

Boulder County Parks and Open Space 5201 St. Vrain Rd
Longmont, CO 80503