The scent of hot dogs filled the air during the Open House at Timberline Fire Protection District’s Station 8, located at 4611 Smith Hill Road in Gilpin County. The event featured grilled hot dogs, snacks, fire hats, and informational booklets for the public, aiming to introduce residents to the fire station serving the Golden Gate Canyon area.
Following the Open House, President Rick Wenzel called the monthly board meeting to order at 7 p.m.
During the public comment period, Vice Chairman John Bushey expressed gratitude to Gilpin Ambulance and Timberline for their quick response to an emergency at his home. His daughter had fainted while he was isolated due to COVID-19. Fortunately, his daughter recovered.
Fire Chief Paul Ondr provided updates on ongoing capital projects at Stations 1, 3, and 5.
The generator for Station 1 has been delivered, and concrete will be poured for the generator pad this week.
A building permit application for the garage bays at Station 3 is expected to be submitted by the end of the month.
Station 5 recently received a new concrete floor, which was sealed earlier today.
Ondr also recognized Firefighter Johnny May, presenting him with his “Black Hat” to mark the completion of three training modules: EMR, Wildland, and Firefighter 1. The board applauded May, and Fire Chief Schimanskey gifted him a practice stethoscope and p-cuff (preformed cuff for taking blood pressure) that once belonged to the late Firefighter Tony Snow, to whom Station 8 is dedicated.
In his Chief’s Report, Ondr noted that response times in July were longer than usual due to an increase in unattended campfires near the service area’s boundaries, including Columbine Campground and the end of Tolland Road.
Operations Report:
The district responded to 80 calls in July, nearly double the usual number due to dry, hot weather. Staff members have stepped up during this busy period, with paid staff taking on overtime during deployments.
Engine 55 is currently out of service due to a failed weld on the intake side of the pump, which is covered by a 10-year warranty.
Wildland/Mitigation Report:
Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place.
Brush 52 was deployed to the Limepoint Fire in Oregon, with their last workday scheduled for the 18th. Brush 57 is also in Oregon, assigned to the Lane 1 Fire.
The mitigation phone line remains busy, with bookings until mid-November. The mitigation crew quickly responded to a small fire off Central City Parkway last week.
Fifty home assessments are currently in the queue, and CWPP neighborhood assessments are nearly complete. Last week’s meeting at the Historic Courthouse was well-attended, with several residents requesting assessments.
Administration Report:
The lease-purchase was completed, and funds are now in escrow. Administrative Chief Hinderman is preparing to submit the first draw for the architect.
A DOLA EIAF grant application for Station 3 has been submitted, with a meeting scheduled with the representative on August 30.
The district received a $35,000 FEMA AFG grant for a new fire alarm system at Station 5, with a $1,666 match required.
As part of a Boulder County grant, the district received 10 dualband Bendix King radios valued at $44,950.
All Century Link accounts have been canceled, resulting in approximately $1,000 monthly savings. Emergency phones will be removed due to improved cell phone service and rising costs.
The new website has launched, with ongoing improvements. Online payments can now be made for fire plan reviews and mitigation fees.
Minor injuries can now be treated at Clinica in Nederland or Gilpin.
The district is exploring partnerships with Nederland Fire for mitigation, deployments, and sharing a department mechanic.
Recruitment and Retention Report:
Twelve people are planning to attend the September onboarding, with six from within the district.
Ondr emphasized the need for more volunteers to handle the increasing workload.
Wenzel adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Station 3, located at 19126 Highway 119, Black Hawk, CO 80422.
