GILPIN COUNTY – The Timberline Fire Protection District Board met on November 12, 2024, with full attendance, including President Rick Wenzel, Vice Chairman John Bushey, Members at Large John Carder, Kristin Turner, and Mary Kate McKenna, along with Fire Chief Paul Ondr and Administrative Chief Jennifer Hinderman. 

The board tackled a range of important topics, from financial updates and equipment replacements to new agreements with neighboring fire districts – discussions set to impact the district’s strategy and preparedness moving forward.

The Fire and Police Pension Association (FPPA) agreement was the first item of new business. This document outlines the responsibilities of TFPD’s volunteer pension plan. Chief Hinderman explained that while it was the first time they had seen the document, it did not introduce any changes, just clarified existing agreements. The board unanimously adopted it.

Next, the board reviewed the audit agreement with the Adams Group for 2024. Hinderman noted an $800 increase, bringing the cost to $17,800. Despite the higher price, she remarked that Adams Group provides quality service and that finding another auditor had proven difficult. The board approved this expense.

Ondr introduced a request from High Country Auxiliary to be added to TFPD’s insurance policy. High Country Auxiliary supports fundraising efforts for TFPD and emergency services like the Gilpin County Animal Rescue Team. Under the new plan, they will receive workers' compensation and general liability coverage. Additionally, they will begin holding bimonthly meetings at Station 3. The board approved this inclusion without objections.

A resolution calling for the 2025 regular district election was discussed and approved. This election, set for May 6, 2025, will fill the seats currently held by Directors John Carder and Kristin Turner. 

Micki Mills has been appointed as the Designated Election Official, tasked with overseeing the election process. If there are no contested seats by March 4, the election will be canceled, and candidates will be declared elected by default.

The tender replacement plan was a key topic. Ondr said they were given a good offer for their current firetrucks or "tenders." He presented two options for replacing one of the district’s aging water tenders. The first is a two-wheel drive tender costing $415,000, which could be delivered by the end of this year. The second option, a four-wheel drive tender, is priced at $456,000 with an expected delivery in mid-2025. 

Ondr argued for the importance of replacing the tenders sooner due to rising maintenance costs and the declining value of the current trucks. Wenzel and Bushey both emphasized the benefits of opting for the four-wheel drive version given the district's rugged terrain. 

Bushey expressed some confusion over the financial figures presented in the Treasurer's report, prompting Ondr to provide clarification using a whiteboard. McKenna suggested that this discussion be included in the upcoming budget review workshop. Hinderman said they are likely having their best year yet financially. The board decided to vote on the matter, authorizing the Chief to proceed with Option 2 of the purchase plan as outlined, as he sees fit. The vote was unanimous.

Ondr also introduced a draft Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for a shared mechanic position with Nederland Fire Protection District. Timberline will hire the mechanic, and Nederland will cover half of the salary and benefits. 

Carder asked whether TFPD’s insurance would cover the mechanic’s services, to which Ondr confirmed that it would. The board approved the IGA, noting that if neither party decides otherwise, it will automatically renew annually.

The board also reviewed a new Boulder County Mutual Aid Agreement, which formalizes cooperation between multiple fire agencies for emergency responses. The agreement covers protocols for providing personnel and equipment during incidents that exceed the capabilities of individual departments. The board was satisfied with the document as presented and agreed to forward it for legal review.

In terms of ongoing capital projects, Ondr provided updates on the installation of a generator at Station 1, noting that final inspections are forthcoming. 

Wenzel mentioned that federal grant funding for Station 3 requires ADA compliance, which will involve the installation of an elevator. This requirement came as a surprise to the board, and Ondr will gather more information on contractor options.

Ondr received a positive annual review, with Bushey summarizing that the Chief has exceeded expectations. Ondr thanked the board and committed to focusing on long-term strategic planning. The board will sign their approval of the annual review at the next workshop.

In his report, Ondr noted that Timberline responded to 51 calls in October, including assistance on two wildfires near the district’s northern border. 

With winter approaching, the district’s snow removal equipment is ready, and pile burning has commenced. 

The new chassis for Brush 52 is expected to arrive in Kansas shortly, and staff will coordinate its pickup. 

Ondr also submitted a grant application for funding two full-time mitigation employees, with results expected by March 2025.

The district recently secured $200,000 from a DOLA grant for additional garage bays at Station 3. However, legal counsel has indicated that state backfill is unlikely for the upcoming year, and this adjustment has been factored into the budget.

The board also reviewed the schedule for upcoming meetings. A budget workshop is set for December 3 from noon to 4 p.m. at Station 3, followed by the regular board meeting on December 12 at 6 p.m.

The meeting concluded with a brief executive session to discuss personnel matters, after which the board adjourned.