KERN RIVER VALLEY

FIRE SAFE COUNCIL

September 2006

Meeting Minutes

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KERN RIVER VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL

Board of Directors and General Meeting
September 21, 2006

President Ed Royce convened the meeting at 8:34 AM

Those present: Ed Royce, Tom Parkin, Robert Robinson, Lloyd Smith, Sue Rocha, Scott Williams, Ken Stevens, Ken Delfino, Gordon Hancock, Christine Hancock and Robin Wyatt-Little.

Introductions were made.

Minutes: Corrections were made. Motion to accept as amended - Lloyd Smith. 2nd – Christine Hancock. Unanimous approval.

Treasurer’s Report – Christine Hancock: Christine reports there were no changes from the August report. Robin Wyatt-Little – 1st. Tom Parkin – 2nd. Unanimous approval.

Kennedy Meadows CWPP Progress Report – Ken Delfino: Ken reports that 117 properties have been evaluated; 6 properties denied access; 11 had no access (locked gates in remote locations); 27 properties are vacant or have minimal improvements and 24 with travel trailers or recreation vehicles.

Dr. Chris Dicus visited the project to view the project and fuel types. He will conduct the fire modeling once he receives additional information from BLM.

Ken needs the fire sequence map for the Manter Fire which Scott Williams and/or Sue Rocha will provide.

Discussion followed regarding the need for adequate addresses throughout the KRV and neighboring communities. To be discussed further later.

Ken will provide Ed Royce with specific recommendations for Kennedy Meadows so these can be discussed at the November meeting of the agency(s) Collaborative. This will allow time to prepare grant applications for the January deadline.

One of the troubling aspects of Ken’s evaluations is that out of 116 properties, only 39 had addresses posted with only one property having the required 4” high reflective numbers. This factor creates concern if out of area fire fighters or emergency 911 personnel needed to locate specific properties.

On the positive side, Ken believes there is a strong desire by the majority of residents to protect themselves.

Ken’s final report will be in January, 2007.

Grant Reports: Rich Olson was not able to attend. To be rescheduled.
 

Road Signs - Scott Williams. Scott raised the question whether the signs would be one or two sided. After discussion it was decided unanimously that we would begin with one sided signs for the four signs (Hwy 178, Weldon area, Walker Pass and Walker Basin.) Ken Stevens suggested placing the Walker Basin sign below the “Y” of Caliente Creek and Caliente-Bodfish roads. Robin will try to contact Mr. Zullo, the gentleman who volunteered to maintain this sign. Gordon Hancock suggested we look into solar lights for the signs. He has a contact and will follow up on this. Scott shared an advertisement for prefabricated metal post, frame and roof signs. He will research cost. Ed Royce will follow up with Jim Davis regarding SCE sponsorship of this project. If Jim is not able to participate at this time Ed will follow through with SCE.

Fundraising: Lloyd Smith
Lloyd has completed the fundraising letters for 44 property owners associations. Ed Royce will sign today and letters will be mailed. If any of the letters are returned, Robin will notify Lloyd. Kudos to Lloyd and Jim for this effort. Well done!

Board Elections: Due to health concerns and time constraints it is necessary to replace Delores Walmer and Sally Peterson on the FSC Board of Directors.
Following discussion Robin nominated Tom Parkin and Gordon Hancock. Lloyd – 2nd. Unanimous approval. Thank you Tom and Gordon.

KRV FSC Brochure: Ken Stevens and Robin Wyatt-Little.
The history and accomplishments of the KRV FSC has been compiled. Ken is arranging the appropriate photos specific to some of the projects. Scott Williams offered the FS graphic resources for the brochure. Ed Royce summarized what these materials will be used for i.e. a brochure for distribution; a power point program for the speaker’s bureau and for fundraising purposes. Bob Robinson will look into possible funding from the Mountain-Desert RC&D. It was agreed that perhaps an initial printing of 500 would be sufficient.

Senior Summer Healthcare Seminar: Christine and Gordon Hancock

Chris and Gordon represented the FSC distributing informational pamphlets. Jim Davis arranged this event. The Hancock’s estimate 20 people stopped by the table for information. Thank you to Jim, Gordon and Chris.

Chamber of Commerce(s):

Jim Davis may have to curtail his time commitment with the FSC in which case a new FSC representative will have to be selected. Ed will speak with Jim and we’ll proceed from there.

Robin brought KRV FSC logo stickers and pins to be distributed.

Agency Reports:

Forest Service: Scott Williams reports that brush cutting has begun at the end of Burma Road and at the north end of the Airport, totaling 53 acres. Scott will arrange for a November Collaborative date via email.

BLM: Sue Rocha shared a map of the recent Cottonwood Fire. She will be reassessing the proposed fuels project in that area now that Mother Nature has reduced the fuels by 50%. Sue has been busy meeting residents in that area and has talked about the FSC and its’ mission.

KCFD: Ken Stevens reminded Scott that the Collaborative needs to attend to the signature page for both the KRV CWPP and the Alta Sierra CWPP.

Ken asked if there was an interest regarding a joint meeting of the Tehachapi , Mt. Pinos and KRV Fire Safe Councils? Several members agreed to participate. Ken offered the date of Saturday, November 4th in Bakersfield. He will keep us posted.

Property Owners Associations:

Walker Pass : Lloyd Smith reports all quiet in his neighborhood.

Squirrel Valley: Tom Parkin reports an upcoming POA meeting this coming Tuesday.

Lake Isabella-Bodfish: Gordon and Chris Hancock report that Gordon is now serving on the weed abatement committee.

Frontier Trail: Robin reports all quiet in her neighborhood.

Christine asked about Eucalyptus trees specific to fire safety. Ken Stevens cited that these trees are notorious for shooting embers during a fire. Bottom line is that these trees are not a good choice in a high risk wildfire area.

Meeting adjourned at 11:03 AM by Ed Royce.


Kern River Valley Fire Safe Council ● PO Box 633, Kernville, CA 93238

General information: Lloyd Smith ● (760) 377-3542

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