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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWildfire Advisory Committee 2019-08-14 Minutes WILDFIRE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 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 Robert Chatham Lisa Dal Gallo Kevin Hagerty Paula Kamena Larry Luckham Sandra Luna Stephen Mizroch Tom Obletz Rich Rusdorf Thomas Vogl Lauren Withey Brian Waterbury MEMBERS ABSENT: Gary Phillips, Mayor; Gina Daly; Greg Poulos; Tom Unterman OTHERS PRESENT: Chris, Gray Fire Chief Quinn Gardner, Emergency Manager Coordinator, Staff Liaison Gil Dong, OES COMMUNITY MEMBERS: Stan Burford INTRODUCTION Councilmember Bushey called the meeting to order at 16:36 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JUNE 19, 2019 MEETING Quinn noted that only a few type corrections were received. Councilmember Bushey called for a motion and vote. Luckham motioned, Mizroch seconded. Minutes approved by unanimous consent. OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION No public comments for the Wildfire Action Plan. The boat fire near McNears Beach was briefly discussed. MATTERS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE Councilmember Bushey asked Quinn to lead the discussion by item. Quinn provided an overview of the format for the meeting. The discussion will focus on specific questions shared with the group via email relating to each item. #24: Sign Improvement Quinn asked the group to provide feedback on features of signs that would get attention and adjust behaviors. The group generally agreed that uniformity, consistency in style and messaging was beneficial. Romeo and others suggested use of symbols to help communicate messages to those that can not read or are not native English speakers. The group discussed and supported the idea of variable fire weather signs, that indicate the severity of fire weather with a color coded scale. The group also brainstormed other ideas including the use of variable message boards, existing message boards such as the Civic Center scroll board, church bells, CalTrans message boards, raising more red flags during red flag days, and clamshell signs that can be open and closed based on the season to keep the message relevant. The group had minimal concerns with this proposal. One consideration was the location and prioritization of the signs. The group generally agreed that signs in open space and other vulnerable areas would be more valuable than general reminders in less fire prone areas. #28: Reduce Fuels along roadways. Chief Gray provided an overview or current ordinances. The group discussed challenges with enforcement. They generally agreed that public education was important to make sure people knew what they were responsible for maintaining and what parts of their yard may actually be a City easement. The group discussed the challenges with unimproved parcels. There was general agreement that the focus of this vegetation removal should be on dead and dying vegetation and plants that pose a significant fire risk. The group generally agreed that stronger enforcement of existing rules would be sufficient and that new ordinances may not be needed. #29: Hillside Parking Box Program Quinn provided an over of the item and that the focus is on narrow hillside streets. The group was generally in favor of concept and believed it would provide a clear and helpful way to address egress and access issues in particular areas. The group expressed concerns about loss of street parking and discussed broader solutions to address the growing parking issue. The group agreed that this may pose greater challenges for visitors unfamiliar with the regulations or meaning of the boxes, then residents. The group believed outreach and education for impacted neighborhoods was essential. Suggestions relating to outreach included allowing neighbors to weigh in on locations, having residents from areas with existing parking boxes speak to residents, and providing a clear rationale and reason why the boxes were necessary. #30: Improve public emergency alerting capabilities Quinn provided an overview and updated to progress already made on this item, including a recent upgrade to the City’s Nixle account and the County’s improvements for Spanish language alerting. Quinn asked the group what ideas they had to increase registrations and for other alerting tools. A discussion on sirens and LRADs (Long Range Acoustical Devices) was had. While Sirens do not share a specific message, they are uniformly understood to mean danger. The group understood the costs associated with LRAD may be prohibitive to effectively use in San Rafael. The group suggested a variety of ways to increase emergency alert registration including schools, civic groups, faith based organizations, cell phone stores, traditional and digital media and others. #32: Review and expand evacuation plans Quinn briefly summarized the item, and the challenges associated with they way many people think about evacuation. She explained that a evacuation is not a singular linear process, but rather a series of steps designed to reduce harm. The group discussed the need for the community to know areas of refuge and what the City and County plans are. They asked that existing mapping be shared. Due to time restrictions, the group asked to continue the discussion on this item at the next meeting. Future meeting dates were set for August 28th, and September 19th at 4:30pm at 618 B street. Meeting Adjourned at 6:00 P.M.