At approximately 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, Timberline Fire Protection District (TFPD) held their monthly board meeting. President Rick Wenzel, John Bushey, and Treasurer Whitney Donoghue attended the meeting, as well as Fire Chief Paul Ondr, Administrative Chief Jennifer Hinderman, and Member at Large John Carder.

Guests included the Gilpin County Commissioners, County Attorney Brad Benning, and Emergency Manager Nate Whittington. Highlights included discussions with the commissioners on wildfire mitigation in the Missouri Lakes One neighborhood, an energy impact resolution, and the Chief’s Report.

The Treasurer’s Report of unaudited financials was presented for January 2022 with no issue.

A discussion of the Fritz Peak Observatory application revealed that another applicant has also submitted a request for the facility. The commissioners will support Timberline.

New business included a resolution of the Board supporting submission of an energy impact grant. Timberline will be applying for a DOLA Mining and Mineral Grant in order to start the build on Station 10 in Virginia Canyon. Chief Ondr requested the Commissioners consider waiving the permit application fees. All were in favor of the resolution.

Next, the Boards discussed a mitigation project that would help protect County buildings and power lines in mid-county on the CDOT right-of-way near Highways 46 and 119. Chief Ondr and Whittington will review how the permitting will work and who will manage the project.

Ondr delivered the Monthly Fire Chief’s Report, reporting fifty-three calls in January. These were mostly medical calls but included one car fire and one structure fire.

They continue to work with the Sheriff’s Office to finalize the new Search and Rescue Plan.

Narcan kits have been received and training will commence soon. Once complete they will be on select departments’ vehicles.

In wildland news, USFS ignited a hundred large machine piles in the Pickle Gulch and Cold Springs areas, and TFPD has been working with them since to keep an eye on the piles as well as providing water when needed.

The first target of the mitigation plan will likely be Missouri Lakes One for roadside and slash removal, for which they have received the County funds.

Timberline attended the CSU Extension community wildfire presentation at the Library.

In Administration news, congratulations go to Will Doerrman and Garth Wagner for their new positions.

TFPD has received $5,211 in donations this year. This included a $2,500 donation from the Ameristar Casino through their “My Heroes” program. The RETAC grant was successful and $1,189 was awarded for medical equipment.

The DOLA Energy and Minerals Grant will be submitted by the end of the month. The FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant will be submitted mid-month.

At the March meeting, Ondr plans to have a new Auto/Mutual Aid Agreement for the Board of Directors.

There was no public comment and the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 p.m.

The next regular board meeting for Timberline Fire Protection District will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 6 p.m. at Station 5, 14908 Highway 119, Black Hawk.