Jacqueline Hart Gibson, Gilpin County. The Timberline Fire Protection District regular meeting of the Board of Directors was called to order at 7 p.m., February 11, 2020, at Station #5 located at 14908 Hwy 119 in Black Hawk, followed by the pledge of allegiance, and a moment of silence of emergency responders and servicemen and women who may be in harm’s way. Roll call revealed President Chip Smith, Treasurer Michael Carlson, Member at Large Rick Wenzel, Chief Paul Ondr and Secretary to the board Jennifer Hinderman, were all in attendance. Absent and excused were Vice President Carol Tucker and Member at Large Doug Lupo. 

Changes to the agenda were not proposed by any board member and the minutes from the previous regular meeting, January 14, 2020, were approved unanimously. President Smith invited public comments, there were none, and the treasurer’s report was submitted and approved unanimously by the board. There was no new business scheduled for this meeting. 

In old business, Chief Ondr updated the board regarding the fee impact study stating, “Given the results of the workshop (held earlier in the evening) I will meet with the attorney to draft a resolution.” Also, in old business was the radio update which, according to the Chief, is an ongoing project as he continues searching and applying for grants to cover the costs.

Jennifer Hinderman spoke to the update concerning Roosevelt Ridge and the requirement of cisterns. It was decided there is no action needed, or appropriate, for TFPD to take at this time. 

Chief Ondr’s report for January revealed TFPD responded to 34 calls and there was much hard work associated with issues connected to heavy snowfall over the weekend. 

A wildland fire, called in on February 1, located across from the water treatment plant, was ignited by gunfire on private land. There was no “funny business” associated with the fire. The man who called the fire in, stayed with the crew and remained extremely concerned until the fire was put out. Clear Creek, Golden Gate, Fairmont, Coal Creek, Nederland, Left Hand, and USFS fire departments, worked together to safely contain and put out the fire. 

Twelve volunteer firefighters were interviewed in the first two weeks of February, and ten were offered positions with TFPD. Two future interviews were scheduled.

Todd Barron, who has served the TFPD for six years, was thanked for his service. Barron chose to resign to pursue different goals. Another resident, Dylan Woods, was thanked for his service as well. Chief Ondr reported an offer was extended to a new resident who will be moving in the coming weeks. 

Achievements in training for the month of January included; Johnny May and Josh Colgan. May completed the ice rescue trainer course in Golden. Colgan passed the written and practical HAZMAT exams, completing his Firefighter I certification and participation in the Mountain Agency Academy. 

Regarding maintenance, Ondr reported two trucks are out for repairs and one has recently returned. All repairs and services to the returned truck are complete. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. 

The next regular meeting of the TFPD Board of Directors is scheduled for March 17, 2020, at 7 p.m. 

(Originally published in the February 20, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)