GILPIN COUNTY - The Timberline Fire Protection District held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2025, at 6 p.m. 

Board members present included Vice Chairman John Bushey, Members at Large John Carder, Mary Kate McKenna, and Kristin Turner. President Rick Wenzel attended virtually. Also in attendance were Fire Chief Paul Ondr and Administrative Chief Jennifer Hinderman. 

Bushey administered Oaths of Office to John Carder and Kristin Turner, who recited their oaths in tandem. 

The team enjoyed Carder’s famous banana bread in celebration.

New business included the approval of a new, likely temporary, position for a Mitigation Assistant Coordinator. 

Ondr explained that the Timberline mitigation program continues to grow, and they are busier than anticipated, with both private demand and County work. Gilpin County recently approved an additional $100,000 for roadside mitigation and chipping events. 

In order to make this happen, TFPD needs an Assistant Coordinator to run two separate crews. The main Coordinator is often not on site because he conducts assessments and bids for additional jobs.

Ondr said the potential hire is aware that the position is only guaranteed through the end of the year and that its future depends on funding. 

A motion was made and seconded. McKenna asked about the recent slash-burning device by the transfer station that has raised alarms due to the smoke continuously emanating from it. 

Ondr responded, saying the slash burner is on loan and on trial. Its operation is based on an agreement between the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) and the County.

McKenna was concerned the device would become the responsibility of the new employee. 

Ondr assured her that would not be the case and sounded doubtful of the machine’s longevity in the county. 

After the discussion, the board unanimously approved the new position. 

In continued business, representatives from KCI Construction and Arete Architecture presented a slide show as an update on the designs for Station 3’s bay addition. 

The future bays will house the fire trucks. The construction project will bring the historic building up to code. 

The representatives will meet with Gilpin County’s Historic Preservation Committee soon to seek plan approval. They said their exploration of Station 3 has been critical to their understanding of how the unique building was constructed. 

Interestingly, the walls of Station 3 vary in width as the building ascends to the top floor, and there are different ceiling heights and floor joist depths.

The construction will begin this summer with a projected completion date of October. 

Looking to the future, the pair will request TFPD approval for the engineering designs for the cistern and a metal storage building. 

After thanking the representatives for the informative presentation, the board unanimously approved the April 8 Regular Meeting minutes. 

During public and press comment, Bushey commented as a citizen. He thanked Timberline for donating an air tank toilet paper holder at the Gilpin County Education Foundation Fundraiser held recently at the Ameristar. He said it was a popular item at the auction. 

McKenna thanked Timberline for their help when she recently had a natural gas leak at her business, Mid County Liquors. She said their education was invaluable and helped raise awareness in the community. 

In her Treasurer’s Report for May 2025, Hinderman said that mitigation is bringing in a substantial amount of money.

According to the Chief’s Report, TFPD responded to 43 calls in April and is seeing a positive trend in volunteer turnout. 

The department recently put a newly acquired pickup and a nearly complete deployment truck into service. 

Wildfire preparedness efforts are in full swing. TFPD’s new wildland engine, B59, is ready for national deployment and may assist with the Forsythe Prescribed Fire if not called out. 

Chipping events are scheduled for June 29 in Aspen Springs, July 27 in Severance Lodge, and August 24 in Bun Gun. 

The department also maintains a steady training schedule, with volunteers completing EMR courses and wildfire certifications. Joint simulation drills are planned with Alpine Rescue and UCHealth in June.

The board adjourned into Executive Session at about 8:30 p.m. to discuss mutual aid agreements. 

The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Station 3, 19126 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

Chipping events for Timberline Fire Protection District were incorrectly listed as June 29 in Aspen Springs, July 27 in Severance Lodge, and August 24 in Bun Gun. The actual dates are June 9 in Aspen Springs, July 7 in Severance Lodge, and August 4 in Bun Gun. We apologize for any confusion.