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. |