The Golden Gate Fire Protection District Board tabled a discussion of the CWPP and addressed the censure of a member during a regular meeting on Thursday, February 22, at 7 p.m. at the Grange.

The Board also heard the Chief’s report and the annual report for the district. Present at the meeting were Deb Curlee, President; Marith Reheis, Secretary; Dave Primmer and Steve Green.

The first item of business involved the District staff indicating that the Community Wildfire Protection Grant (CWPP) needs to be updated. The point of the CWPP is to save the community in the case of wildfire. They pointed out that the area now has more traffic than when the CWPP was originally created.

Staff added that the Plan could be updated more economically. The District can get grants to write the study. Meanwhile, it was said that “We have too much money and should spend that money on things we need.” When we apply for grants, we should approve, they added. We have other needs which the Board have to approve. However, further action on the CWPP and possible grants was tabled.

The Board of Directors of the District determined that Board Member Steve Green had violated the By-Laws of the District by identifying himself as “GGFPD board member” in conducting personal business. A vote to censure Green was tied, 2-2, so no decision was made.

Board member Kyle Kociemba-Benson reported that the mountain chiefs continue to work on the final details regarding the Wildland and All Hazards agreements with Jefferson County Emergency Management. Chief Enright continues to work with response partners on reviews of the District’s mutual aid and automatic aid agreements. Most of these agreements will remain unchanged. If any changes should occur, they will be brought to the District Board for approval.

Administrative Chief Benson continues work on the ESO implementation project. The District reports it is still on track for a full implementation and operational changeover in April of this year.

The Website project has achieved significant progress. FF Alaina Clar has stepped up to assist with this project and “get it across the finish line.” GGFPD’s fueling agreement with Jefferson County has been executed. During this process, the District learned that it needs a separate fuel tax exemption permit. Staff worked with the state Department of Revenue over the last month to receive this permit, which should allow all District fuel purchases to be tax exempt into the future.

The District has hit its expected seasonal lull, with only 12 calls as of the submission of the report. The area experienced several significant weather events since the beginning of the year that caused multi-vehicle traffic incidents. It appears that I-70 ski traffic from the northern neighborhoods of the Denver metro area and Boulder is being diverted through the District by mapping applications during heavy weather events.

The traffic diversions have proven to exacerbate the Department’s challenging road conditions with a significant increase in travelers through the district. At this time, the Department has been unsuccessful with requests to prevent re-routing of ski traffic through the District, and is examining alternative options for safety messaging on the District’s roadways.

There are currently 21 operational members and four support services members on the roster. Two members are on leave of absence.

The Board heard the annual report of the district, but it was tabled because not all members have reviewed it. Fire Chief Benson reported that in 2023, there were 109 total calls for service. The district, its leaders, its firefighters ,and its support staff re-affirmed their commitment to “our charge as an all-hazards emergency response agency, and our intent to continue a community-centric approach as a wildland/urban interface fire agency facing the future. Together, we will lean into these virtues as we navigate the path forward for the fire district and stand with pride knowing that these words embody our dedication to the fire service and the people we collectively serve.”

Among their many accomplishments, GGFPD established a completely new support services division with four new members, recruited 10 new firefighters, hosted and participated in multiple fire academies, revamped their budgeting process, brought two new emergency vehicles online, revived their firefighter residency program, and began the process of rehabilitating the three fire stations.

The District will meet again on March 4 at 8:30 a.m. at the Grange. The next regular Board meeting will be on March 28, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Grange, 25231 Golden Gate Canyon Road, Golden.