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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWildfire Advisory Committee 2019-08-01 Minutes WILDFIRE ADVISORY COMMITTEE THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2019 AT 4:30 P.M. REGULAR MEETING SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER, ROOM 4 618 B STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA MEETING MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT: Maribeth Bushey, Councilmember Romeo Arrieta Kevin Hagerty Larry Luckham Sandra Luna Stephen Mizroch Tom Obletz Gregory Poulos Rich Rusdorf Tom Unterman Thomas Vogl Lauren Withey Brian Waterbury MEMBERS ABSENT: Gary Phillips, Mayor; Gina Daly; Lisa Dal Gallo; Paula Kamena; Robert Chatham, Alternate OTHERS PRESENT: Cristine Alilovich, Assistant City Manager Quinn Gardner, Emergency Manager Coordinator, Staff Liaison Robert Sinnott, Deputy Fire Chief Christine Foster, Digital Services Don Jeppson, Chief Building Official COMMUNITY MEMBERS: Stan Burford, Mary Stevens, Margaret Diener; Raya Hanlon INTRODUCTION Quinn welcomed and thanked committee and members of the public in attendance. Councilmember Bushey joined by phone for the first 15 minutes until arriving in person. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JUNE 19, 2019 MEETING Quinn noted the adjustments she had received via email. Additional changes included removing “to implement the plan” as a summary of goal of the committee, specifying that the group had not reached a consensus on what the specific distance of vegetation enforcement should be, and defining abbreviations WPPAP and WUI. The group asked for the guidelines to be included with the minutes. Quinn summarized changes. Romeo made a motion, Mizroch seconded, with no opposition the adjusted minutes were approved. OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION Mary Stevens shared that she has been a resident for several years and has some concern, partly due to her science background, about some of the species going extinct. She realizes the danger of fire and worries about the scope of the list of things and speed of implementation not giving critters enough time to react. She hopes someone on the committee is taking the ecosystem into account. Sister Margaret shared that she works with Bonnie Morris. She believes we are bio-dependent on nature. She agrees with Morris’ assessment of a need for an integrated approach and multilateral, not, unilateral. Sister Margaret also believes that no preparation is enough if a wildfire were to come through San Rafael. Councilmember Maribeth Bushey thanked the public for their comments. She emphasized how critically important to have well maintained and well water plants. She believes we can strike the balance between complete vegetation removal and safe maintenance. MATTERS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE #2: Citywide standards Quinn summarized the item and the intent to create citywide standards to reduce risks and address growing risks associated with climate change and forest health. Luckham expressed that it only makes sense that we have standards that focus on fire standards. The group discussed the various nuisances and had some confusion over the goal and outcome of the discussion relating to item 2. Chief Building Official, Don Jepsen, provided an overview of recent discussions at the state level relating to building codes and wildfire mitigation. Discussion included explanation of why different standards for the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and areas outside the WUI may be appropriate. A member noted that zoning ordinances address differences and that vegetation standards should compliment the zoning ordinances. Moving forward Quinn asked the group to consider if their recommendations are specific to WUI areas or apply citywide. #17: Increase use of fire-resistant materials Don provided an overview of current Building Codes and how the City uses 7A. In San Rafael, building materials must only meet 7A standards for new construction in the WUI. The group generally agreed that adopting a state standard limited future abilities to adjust or provide input on changes. Likewise, given the current review at the state level the group felt it may be too early to make a recommendation on what aspect of the Building Code could be applied to more homes in San Rafael. The group discussed potential cost implications associated with requiring specific building materials. Generally the group agreed that with some changes in building codes, over time, more buildings would become fire resistant. A member asked that information regarding the safety of exposure to chemicals used to make materials fire resistant be considered. #18: Eliminate shake and wooden roofs. Quinn summarized the point and mentioned that the City will monitor the success Novato has in applying for mitigation grant money to help residents needing to replace shake and wooden roofs. The City estimates about 200 such homes still exist in San Rafael. On behalf of the Marin Relators Association, Romeo expressed concern about using time of sale as a means to require the roofs be replaced. The group discussed timing and the need for variances for low income individuals and disclosure of replacement requirement to potential home buyers. Quinn asked the group to vote on removing the resale requirement but shortening the time until all the roofs must be replaced. The committee voted in favor of 2025 as a cut off, with Greg and Romeo opposed. Romeo proposed a later date such as 2027. #21: Increase the number of hardened homes in San Rafael. Group was largely in favor of additional educational opportunities to help people learn how to harden their homes. Greg expressed concern about cost duplication. Group shared outreach ideas including Farmers Markets, points of sale, building off existing workshop programs, and other areas. #36: Garage door battery backup Quinn explained the concern with people not being able to open their garage during a power outage. New state law will require any new garage have a back up system. The group generally believed retrofits should be optional for residents, but that education, helping people understand their options and testing their ability to manually lift would be beneficial. #37: Two Gates on fences in designated areas. Quinn summarized the item and the intent to avoid entrapments. The group was generally not very concerned with the item, and questioned how many homes it would impact. Romeo wanted to assure that the rule would not be applied at time of resale. Sandra commented that this would benefit areas in Gerstel Park and raising the issues of “flag” properties, surrounded by homes with a driveway easement. Additional clarification on item 2 was requested. Quinn clarified that citywide application vs WUI or other specific application should be considered with each item. Greg reiterated his perspective opposed to global standards and in favor of nuanced approaches and WUI application review. Future meeting dates were set for August 14th, August 28th, and September 19th at 4:30pm at 618 B street. Meeting Adjourned at 6:14 P.M.