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.