Jacqueline Hart Gibson, Gilpin County. Several firefighters were presented with new helmets, signifying promotions within the department, at this month’s TFPD board meeting on March 19, 2019, at station #6. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m., followed by roll call, the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence for firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel in harm’s way.

The standard meeting was paused to recognize firefighters who had taken on new responsibilities at TFPD. The recipients honored included: Tom O’Connell, Liam Donoghue and Kevin Schneider, who accepted positions as firefighters. Aaron Jones, promoted to Lieutenant at station 5, received a red helmet and Chris Bondus accepted a white helmet and the deputy chief of volunteer services position. The board expressed gratitude to the honorees for their dedication and service to Timberline.

The ceremony was followed by opening the Pension Board of Trustees regular meeting. The minutes from the December 12, 2018 meeting and the allocation report from the fourth quarter in 2018, were both approved. The pension board of trustees meeting closed at 7:10 p.m. and the TFPD board meeting was opened. February board minutes and the treasurer’s report were both approved by the board unanimously.

In new business, a letter from Gilpin County Commissioners, sent via email to Chief Paul Ondr, was presented to the board. The letter stated the Board of County Commissioners agreed to reimburse Timberline in the amount of $3,044.24 for expenses accrued by Timberline, based on the actions of the former county clerk, in the 2018 election. The Gilpin Commissioners letter stated intentions moving forward are to “effectively handle elections, including working with Timberline.” The GCC board expressed confidence in newly elected County Clerk and Recorder Sharon McCormick, who plans to meet with Timberline to “develop a positive working relationship.” Chief Odnr reported that he thanked GCC.

A grant request has been drafted for SAFER, staffing for adequate fire and safety response. Chief Odnr reported the federal grant, if approved, would be used to fund supervision and full-time staffing. The board unanimously agreed with Chief Odnr’s decision to submit the grant request, though an official vote was not required.

An agenda item regarding allowing current firefighters to sit on the TFPD board was tabled until April.

In old business, a first draft of the chief’s yearly evaluation, created by member at large Roy Stewart and Treasurer of the Board Carol Tucker, was presented. The draft included; budget, finance, equipment, personnel and training as well as volunteer firefighter feedback. Feedback was received for the first draft and further discussion was scheduled for the regular board meeting in April, pending a final draft of the Fire Chief Review document.

In the fire chief’s report, Chief Ondr stated TFPD responded to 40 calls in February. Pile burning is occurring in and around the district and has been discussed with dispatch. TFPD should not be called to pile burns, though they are involved in some. Over 1,300 piles have been burned to date.

According to the contractor in charge of construction on Hwy 72, work will continue through the summer. Increased traffic congestion is likely to occur in Golden Gate Canyon.

An upgrade to the Mutual Aid and Auto Aid agreement for structure fires is in the works with Central City Chief Allen.

Academy began on February 23, with 7 TFPD firefighters and 3 Central City firefighters. The $700 fee was waived for Central City. Training is reportedly going well. A live fire training was completed by burning a pleased property owner’s shed. Chiefs Schimansky and Koepke attended a week-long training in Maryland.

From April 23-28, 2019, a burn trailer will be set up in the fairgrounds giving demonstrations. The public is invited to visit and see what firefighters do.

In administration, prepping for the upcoming awards dinner has begun and 2019 driver checks are complete. Discussion with commissioners regarding Eldora’s approved expansion are ongoing, including which departments will respond to the new area.

According to the Wildland Division, predictive services anticipate a slow start due to the winter moisture. Training and equipment preparation in this department continues and 15 burn permits have been issued this year, so far.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2019 at 7 p.m. at station #7, 660 Hwy 46. The public is welcome to attend.