Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 18:02 by President Neil Frame

Attendance and Explanation of Absences

Board Members in Attendance: Neil Frame, Mark Villa, Greg Klaiber, Keith Dierking, Branch Russell (via Zoom)

Also Attending:, Josh Boyles, Peter Greenstone, Max Herte, Doug Barenburg, Will Quinby, Dave Olsen

Zoom: Christina Jantzef, Nancy Balter

Approval of the October 15, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes

• Motion made, seconded and unanimously approved

Public Comment & Announcements

• Fire Department Budget and Proposed Spending – Nancy Balter
  • Nancy Balter addressed the Board of Directors to express her concerns about proposed future spending from the Genesee Fire Protection District budget. The Emergency Access Route (EAR), approved by voters, may or may not be completed within the budgeted amount of 8 million. Nancy suggested that any remaining funds should be returned to the voters. However — and Nancy acknowledged this — the wording and description of the voter‑approved EAR project gave the Board of Directors the final decision on how excess funds would be allocated.

Financial Reports

Review of October financials

• The October 2025 financial report was presented by Christina Jantzef.
  • The total operating budget is at 54% for the year. ● Revenue is at 90% of the annual budget. ● The revenue budget is expected to exceed original estimates by $13,000.
  • The Board of Directors may approve refunds for planning and development costs of the EAR project to the Genesee Foundation and the Genesee Fire Protection District if extra funds are available at project completion.

A motion was made, seconded and approved unanimously to accept the year-to-date financials as presented.

Review of Notable Payable – Nothing to report 

Reports of Officers, Committees, Professional Consultants

Administrators/Training Coordinator – Lt. Max Herte

• Genesee Fire Protection District’s joint effort with Evergreen Fire Protection District’s fi re academy is approaching its final stages. Three GFR recruits are completing live burns and extrication drills to fulfill the requirements for their Fire I certificates.
• Lieutenant Kris Kleiner completed a Hazardous Materials Technician–level class and received written certification on December 5.
• Three members are currently participating in driver-operator training.
• Lieutenant Max Herte visited the E‑One Fire Truck & Emergency Vehicles factory to learn more about their products and the production of ladder trucks.
• Genesee Fire Protection District was awarded a $10,000 grant from Chemtrac, Inc. for four new gas monitors. The grant will replace two of the four gas monitors needed to equip GFR response vehicles.

Deputy Chief Reports – No Specific report

Apparatus Coordinator – Chief Josh Boyles

• The department is happy with the service provided by Fire Truck Solutions (FTS). Using FTS as the regular service provider for the response fl eet could ultimately save the department money on repair costs in the long term.

Recruiting – Deputy Chief Peter Greenstone

• Recruitment is ongoing, with three new recruits beginning training in January 2026. Two additional recruits are awaiting health screenings and background checks.
• With three rookies completing the Evergreen Fire Academy and the potential for five more recruits to begin training, the Department will have added a total of eight new members within the last twelve months.

Facilities Coordinator – Lt. Dave Olsen

• Station One has been winterized for the season.
• The new front door was installed on Station One with additional security locks installed on all exterior doors. Total cost of the new station doors was kept to a minimum with the skills and knowledge of GFR members assisting the design and installation.

Medical – Captain Doug Barenburg

• Planning is underway for the 2026 medical training schedule.
• EMT Steve Masztaler has a new Jump Kit and will now respond directly to scene.
• Genesee Fire Protection District hosted a Saint Anthony’s Hospital Training for stroke assessment for first responders.

Wildland – Chief Josh Boyles and Deputy Chief Peter Greenstone

• The Genesee Fire Protection District will host the Mountain Fire Area 2026 Wildland Training in April or May, weather permitting. This large-scale wildland training will prepare local agencies for the upcoming wildland firefighting season. Dozens of first responders will have the opportunity to renew their certifications and practice the essential wildland firefighting techniques needed for the potentially busy summer season.

Auxiliary – Deputy Chief Peter Greenstone

• The Department hosted a successful Haunted Fire House for the residents of Genesee on Halloween.
• The Volunteer Fund was given $9,000 from the Big Chili for the Department’s participation on September 6.

Old Business

EAR Update – Owner’s Representative Will Quinby

• As of the Board meeting, 30% of the financial payment of the EAR project is completed with 50% of the physical construction of the project completed.
• With expected weather challenges approaching the EAR Project will have at a minimum a pioneer road completed by the end of the year.
• Will has been working with the County on plans for a western disposal area of the extra material from the construction of the EAR project.
• The project has been accident free to this point.
• Residents will be informed of the use of a large chipper that will be used to dispose and handle large tree trunks and material from the EAR project.
• This aspect of the project will create excessive noise and will last for a period of five days.
• Negotiations with Xcel regarding access to a road for a replacement of a power pole is ongoing.

Meeting Paused – At 20:40 hours a motion to pause the Board of Directors meeting was made, seconded, and unanimously approved.

Meeting Resumed – The Board of Directors meeting was resumed at 20:52 hours.

2026 Budget – Chief Josh Boyles

• Planning continues in preparation to finalize the 2026 budget. This planning includes a possible station bay expansion and the replacement of Ladder 971.
• All estimates of the expanded budget are predicated on the possible surplus of the monies from the EAR project and collaboration of the project with Excel to replace a power pole with access provided by the EAR.
• Christina Jantzef reported that normally the Genesee Fire Protection District’s budget is designed with a conservative budgeting in mind.
• The Board of Directors was presented with a draft proposal for adoption of the 2026 Budget cycle.
• The next Board of Directors meeting will be held on December 10, 2026 to support the adoption of the 2026 Genesee Fire Protection Districts budget.

New Business

Amendment 2025 Budget- Christina Jantzef

• The Board of Directors was presented with an amended budget to reflect the cost and implementation of the EAR project. The November 19 Board of Directors meeting served as a public hearing for the new 2026 Genesee Protection District budget. The final budget proposal will be completed for the December 10 Board meeting.

Budget Audit Contract – Chief Josh Boyles

• Chief Josh Boyles presented the Board of Directors the Haynie & Company audit contract of $12,000 for the annual budget audit for the year ending on December 31, 2025.

Drone Program – No new information was presented to the Board.

Meeting Adjournment

There being no further business, the board meeting was adjourned at 21:46.