Barbara Lawlor, Peak to Peak.  In the empty bays of Timberline Fire Protection District, Station 4, on Magnolia Road, the new board of directors greeted neighbors, offered them burgers, cookies and John Carder’s banana bread, still warm from the oven. Everybody has to be famous for something.

Although TFPD Chief Glen Levy was not present, the board, led by Chip Smith, president of the board, carried on with its agenda for the month of June and it was all good.

Also attending the meeting were vice-president Chris Samuelson, Treasurer Paul Ondr, Secretary Cheryl Taylor and Member at Large Rik Henrikson.

The meeting began with a moment of silence for fallen firefighters and for the first responders in the Orlando, Florida terrorist attack that killed 49 people Sunday morning.

During the public comment time, a Magnolia Road resident said that she had received an email saying her fire mitigation wasn’t up to date. Boulder County sent her an aerial photograph of her property, which she said disturbed her. She said they also offered her $50 to use their vendor for the work. She said she would rather consult with TFPD, and administrator Jennifer Hinderman told the woman to send her the paperwork.

The Treasurer reported that the budget was looking good, having spent 45 percent in the first 60 percent of the year.

Chief Levy had proposed to find a way to thank the firefighters by refunding the property tax they paid into the district, but after talking to the attorneys, he and Hinderman decided that the proposal had some issues that would dilute its intent. The proposal was pulled from consideration and the chief will continue to look for ways to say “thanks” to his firefighters.

The board also decided to design and order “Timberline Supporter” T-shirts and hats to be given out when appropriate to those who work on behalf of the district.

Chief Levy said he would like to sponsor a contest that Timberline personnel could enter to design the shirt. The winner would have a free lunch with the Chief and if he or she didn’t want lunch, he would give them the option of being removed from his email list for a month. The staff recommended selling the shirts for a slight profit to go back into the supporter program.

TFPD responded to 46 calls in May and 216 calls in 2016, including several significant medical emergencies. This is an average of 43.2 calls a month. Last year the average was 35.2.

Top responders are Chief Chip Smith, Lt. Dave Taylor and Chief Chris Schimanskey. The response time for the month of May averaged 6:42, which is amazing considering last year’s response time was 15 minutes.

Chief Smith reported that no firefighters were lost in May and there were at least nine applications waiting for review. The TFPD now has 55 strong and active members.

One of the largest issues facing the administration is the huge number of phone calls about residential insurance problems, as well as the process of reviewing properties to meet insurance standards. The standards differ. The issue will be put on a workshop agenda.

It was reported that 95 percent of the district completed the EMT training.

Smith said communications in the district have never been stronger and the firefighters are getting ready for summer, working to be certified with red cards for wild land fires.

The TFPD has decided to offer a 2017 district calendar, featuring photographs of department facilities, action shots, Timber babies, geriatrics and events throughout the years. The swimsuit edition was, unfortunately, shut down. The calendars will be for sale at businesses, fairs and public events.

Proceeds from the sale will go towards the purchase of green address signs.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45, probably a record for brevity.