At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021, Timberline Fire Protection District (TFPD) held their monthly board meeting. John Bushey, acting as Spokesman, Treasurer Whitney Donoghue (remotely) and Members-At-Large Chip Smith and Jeff Fisher attended the meeting. Others present included Fire Chief Paul Ondr and Administrative Chief Jennifer Hinderman. Highlights included a motion to provide insurance for the Timberline Volunteer Firefighter Foundation, a discussion on the Dory Lakes Fire Mitigation Project, and the Chief’s Report.

New business included a discussion on insurance for the Timberline Volunteer Firefighter Foundation, a summary of Dory Lakes Mitigation Project, and a draft of the 2022 Budget.

“The Foundation is designed to support Timberline and its families,” said Smith.

The volunteers require insurance and a motion was made to include them and their associated events in their policy, including workers’ compensation. The motion passed unanimously.

“Grant funds and free assistance from United Power fueled the Dory Lake Fire Mitigation Project, which entailed 417 hours of work and produced 325 cubic yards of slash,” reported Ondr. The clearing of the slash also allowed roadside chipping which helps with fire mitigation, access, and visibility. Ondr reported a positive response and active participation from Dory Lakes residents.

The board then discussed the 2022 Draft Budget. Ondr and Hinderman explained how the pending deployment income that has been invoiced will be paid partially in 2022, and is accounted as such, meaning that $40,000 of next year’s projected revenue is for work performed this year.

$10,000 is budgeted as an expense for election costs since there will be a board member election in 2022.

The budget workshop is scheduled for November 2 at 6 p.m. at Station 7.

Old business included an apparatus purchase update. Ondr said there will be a pre-build meeting soon and estimates on costs of engine building.

Golden Gate Canyon and Timberline met to discuss resources and the possibility of a fire authority which might combine their forces somehow. Their next meeting is October 28 at 9 a.m with more information forthcoming.

Chief Ondr then delivered the Chief’s Report. TFPD responded to 60 calls in September. On September 19, TFPD responded to the Pactolus fire which turned out to be a shed. On September 24, they responded via mutual aid to a structure fire in Coal Creek. Both went well. On September 25, a small fire was intentionally set as result of a dispute at Kelly Dahl campground; the camp host quickly extinguished it and reported it.

Firetruck Tender 57 was finally repaired.

In Wildland News, Brush 56 truck returned from Black Mountain and was sent to Windy Fire in California.

There are no current fire bans in our district.

In Administration news, there are three new in-district firefighters. TFPD applied for the Alan Green Grant, requesting $3,848 for four sets of dual-compliant wildland extrication gear. The district will be applying for the Fire Safety and Disease Grant, requesting six sets of traditional firefighter structure coats and pants.

TFPD received $5,500 from HCA to purchase traffic safety vests, job-shirts, and polos. The auxiliary will review any additional requests in November.

TFPD has requested $25,000 from Gilpin County for mitigation efforts for 2022.

Weekly COVID-19 rapid-testing is occurring for all employees.

The Board will serve all the firefighters at the All Hands meeting, to be held November 19 at 6 p.m.

The board then met as the Pension Board of Trustees at 7:38 p.m. and no motions were made.

The next regular board meeting for Timberline Fire Protection District will be held Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 6 p.m. at Station 5, 14908 Highway 119, Black Hawk.