GILPIN COUNTY – The Timberline Fire Protection District Board of Directors convened for their regular meeting on March 11, 2025, at Station 3 in Black Hawk, Colorado. 

All board members were present, including President Rick Wenzel, Vice Chairman John Bushey, Members at Large John Carder and Kristin Turner, Fire Chief Paul Ondr, and Administrative Chief Jennifer Hinderman. Member Mary Kate McKenna attended virtually.

The upcoming May 6, 2025, board election was officially canceled as there were no contested positions. Consequently, John Carder and Kristin Turner were declared elected for four-year terms through 2029. Congratulations to Carder and Turner!

Treasurer's reports for February 2025 were reviewed, confirming stable financial standing. Discussions on capital projects included the approval of a contract with Krische Construction, Inc. (KCI) and Arete Inspired for the Station 3 Bay Addition. Confirmation of USDA funding of $908,000 was noted, pending further clarification on inspection processes. 

Board members acknowledged bureaucratic delays and outdated USDA guidelines affecting the project timeline. A motion allowing a 30-day grace period beyond the anticipated completion date to accommodate potential setbacks was approved.

The Board approved the purchase of two used CSP F-150 trucks for $21,500. These vehicles will support training, duty firefighters, and operational needs. The purchase was deemed a strategic investment to extend the lifespan of existing vehicles. 

The Board went on to further discuss vehicle issues, including keeping the plow truck in the district for response and snow removal; the future replacement of the 2007 white plow truck contingent on its condition; the arrival of a new chassis for the brush truck with deployment planned by April 30; and completed repairs on Tender 54 and Engine 58, improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Chief Ondr reported 47 emergency calls in February. The department currently has one career firefighter vacancy due to Tyler Ross’s transition to Black Hawk Fire. 

Firefighter Arbogast has returned as a resident firefighter. Wildland mitigation efforts are ongoing, with minimal snowfall allowing near-daily progress. 

Free mitigation assessments have been well received, with strong engagement through new website sign-ups. Upcoming chipping events are scheduled for Aspen Springs in June, Severance Lodge in July, and Bun Gun in August. A third Wildfire Movie event is scheduled for March 15 at 1 p.m.

Repairs and maintenance updates included PPE servicing and bunker gear distribution, completion of SCBA flow tests for 2025, the arrival of the transfer switch for the Station 3 generator with the generator expected soon, and minor repairs completed efficiently under the department’s new mechanic position. 

The Boulder County cistern grant application was denied, with further discussions planned to explore alternative funding options. 

Additional administrative updates included website updates and improved information distribution, a scheduled 2025 audit for June 16-17, coordination efforts for the Station 3 Bay Addition project, the successful Chili Cookoff Fundraiser held on March 9 at Very Nice Brewery, and the upcoming blood drive at Station 5 on June 7.

Recruitment efforts remain strong, with seven new recruits, including five EMTs or higher and two experienced firefighters. A recruitment event at Aims College is scheduled for March 12. February training focused on cardiac response and SCBA competency.

At the end of the meeting, the Board entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters regarding seasonal wildland employees.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Station 3, 19126 Highway 119, Black Hawk.

In the article "Carder and Turner reelected," the Timberline Fire Protection District Board approved $12,000 for a new truck, not $21,500. Only one vehicle was approved for purchase, not two."