Minutes

Call to Order: Bulanti served the chair and called the meeting to order at 12:05 pm.  Directors present included  Greg Bulanti, Mike Freschi, Jean Myles, Mark Jokerst.  Directors absent included  Mike Heuer, Peter Heubner and Carl Butz.  Contractors Present included  John McDonald.  Contractors Absent included  Frank Stewart.  Members and Guests included:  Bob Myles (Parliamentarian); Bob Hale, AVFD; Bob Cole, PRCSD; Arnold Olson, USFS Battalion 31.
Approval of the Minutes:  The minutes for the April 22, 2006 meeting, having been distributed via email to the board and the membership, and having been made available for each board member at this meeting, were opened for comment and discussion.  Motion to approve (Myles, Freschi, Unanimous) Motion Passed

Public Comment: Bob Myles noted that Pike City is just one notch short of glorious.

Reports

USFS Report: Yuba River Ranger District Battalion 31 Arnold Olson noted that the district is currently managing a 157 acre mastication project in the Camptonville Area, part of the “Moonbird” unit fuel reduction.  This is a cooperative project with the Yuba County Fire Safe Council.  Olson noted that the fuels budget for the “west side” of the Tahoe National Forest is severely limited this year, hence they do not have many active projects this year.  Olson noted that the district is planning future projects, for example a project next year in North San Juan, and following that a project in Sierra County using revenues from the “Ruby” project.  (The Ruby project is a commercial thinning currently or soon out for bids).  Olson stated that the district will be re-applying to the Sierra County Resource Advisory Council (RAC) for the “Goodyears” project, as funds were not available for the project at the last application.  Olson noted that the district will be moving up the Highway 49 corridor in the future, doing small “spot” projects.  Asked if the North Yuba River “scenic” designation hampered fuel reduction projects, Olson replied “not much”.  Asked what the (Sierra County Fire Safe and Watershed) Council can do to urge the USFS to plan some projects in the summer tracts, Olson recommended the Council be more vocal expressing specific needs throughout the County.  Olson noted that staffing for PRC-4291 “hazard” inspections was very short this year, but he hopes to be able to work with local Fire Chiefs.  Asked if the Council could invite Melissa Squire (USFS Fuels Officer) to the Summer Tracts to discuss possible fuels projects at the Summer Tracts, Olson suggested the Council address a letter to Mike Cherry suggesting this.  Olson requested that the Council be more vocal about getting residential inspections completed.

SPI Report: A representative was not available.

Local Needs Assessment: It was declared that this and all future meetings should include a presentation by persons residing in the community in which the Council meeting is held, for example local Fire Chiefs, or others interested in addressing the council about the community.  Two such presentations were made this day by the two Pliocene Ridge Community Services District Fire Chiefs:

Pike City Fire Chief Mark Jokerst passed out a map of the Pike City “urban” zone and addressed the Council.  Chief Jokerst described Pike City as a small enclave of 85 structures, 130 residents (some part-time), 1 commercial building (the school, now closing) and a PG&E substation.  Pike City lies atop a ridge in mid-mountain vegetation and is surrounded by steep slopes, chaparral vegetation and several possible ignition sources including Hour House Dam recreation area to the south, Camptonville and the Highway 49 corridor to the west, and Goodyears Bar/North Yuba recreation area to the north.  Chief Jokerst explained how the Pike City map showed completed projects (Green Zones), projects in progress (Blue Zones) and projects in Planning (Red Zones).  Chief Jokerst described a 1959 “Mountain House” fire that started in Halloween night in Goodyears Bar and traveled 10 miles to destroy the town of Pike.  To protect against a future occurrence, Jokerst requested that the Council seek funding for a DFPZ anchored at Alaska Peak, near the recently completed Godfrey Ranch thinning, along Chalk Ridge all the way to the intersection of “Old Schoolhouse Road” and “Ridge Road”, comprising some 150 acres at 400ft width or 475 acres at ¼ mile width.  Jokerst noted that the project would cross USFS, SPI, and two private parcels, including the “Alaska Mine” property in Pike, and that the Alaska Mine has indicated support for the project, and that the USFS is currently looking into how it may support the NEPA efforts associated with the project.  Olson gave Jokerst a map of the Oregon Creek underburn completed last year, which borders the project, and directed Jokerst to contact Melissa Squire about another older neighboring project on the Camptonville Road.  A motion was made to “incorporate Chief Jokerst’s map into the Sierra County Fire Plan” and to work towards his recommended plans, including the Chalk Ridge project. Motion to approve (Freschi, Myles Unanimous) Motion Passed.

Alleghany Fire Chief Bob Hale passed out a map and addressed the Council on behalf of the town of Alleghany.  Chief Hale described Alleghany as a town of 60-70 people, 54 homes many of which are very old structures, but not all are occupied, and several commercial structures including the County road department shop, the 16-to-1 Mine and office, a bar, a café, a museum and a post-office and a PG&E substation and a SBC phone substation.  Fire threats include the town being built on the face of a very steep slope with overgrown mountain forest vegetation in town (elevation 4500 feet) transitioning to mid-mountain and chaparral fuels below the town.  According to Chief Hale, it has been over 100 years since a major wild-fire occurred in the area, excluding the 2003 Alleghany Fire in the heart of town.  One of Chief Hale’s concerns is the limited escape routes out of town, notably the connecting road to Ridge Road (through Wet Ravine) and the “Hells Half Acre” connecting road to Heness Pass.  Chief Hale spoke in support of the Sierra County Fire Plan proposed projects for Alleghany, but given the difficulty funding this large project, he recommends breaking the project into smaller pieces.  Asked if the project was divided into two parts, Hells-Half Acre as one and Miners Street as the other, which he would put as priority, Chief Hale stated it was hard to chose; both were important.  It was suggested that Hells Half Acre might be a good starting point as it would vastly improve egress for the town, and would be a “safe” demonstration project for local residents to observe fuels work before committing their own properties to the effort.  Olson noted that the USFS is pursuing a project that would extend from Footes Crossing Road up to Ridge Road, but that successful funding will depend on local support for the project.  It was discussed that there is a huge fire threat from Footes Crossing road, as the vegetation is now very overgrown along the roadway, and that the Council needs to convey this to Sierra County as it is a county maintained road.  Olson liked the Hells Half Acre project as first priority as it would protect the town from a north wind event as well.   A motion was made to incorporate Chief Hales recommendations into the Sierra County Fire Plan. (Freschi, Myles, Unanimous) Motion Passed.

Executive Director's Projects Report: John McDonald presented his “Projects in Progress and New Projects” matrix and discussed project status.  Pike City:  The contractor is waiting for the ground to dry before moving onto the site.  John will resubmit the Ridge Road “Shaded Fuel Break” project to the RAC, as a smaller package.   Calpine:  The application has been submitted and we won’t hear word until June-July about acceptance.  Alleghany:  John intends to file in December for the Hells Half Acre project, but will also package a smaller project for the RAC June-July period.  Downieville:  No Action; Sierra City:  John plans to focus on Sierra City in August; Loyalton:  John and Mike De Lasaux will be meeting Loyalton Pines residents next week to discuss a project there; Summer Tracts:  John and Mike Freschi intend to discuss possible funding via the Sierra Conservancy with the County Board of Supervisors meeting in Calpine on June 13.  Asked how many projects John can actively manage at one time, John replied “all”, explaining that he intends to build into each projects management funds so that management tasks can be handled by contractors/employees of the Council.  John noted that he likes the “Local Needs Assessment” concept and will work to have locals present their views at future meetings.

Secretary's Report: Mark Jokerst reported that the council needs new members.  Jokerst reported that the filings with the Secretary of State and with the State Attorney Generals Registry of Charitable Trusts are ready but need two checks written, one for $20.00 payable to Secretary of State and one for $25.00 payable to Department of Justice.

Treasurer's Report: Carl Butz was absent.  Bulanti noted the council has $716.00 in the bank account, that there have been no expenses to date. Greg stated that he will have the two checks noted above plus the check to cover the IRS filing written this week. Bulanti stated that he has received a verbal notice of an intent to resign from Carl Butz.   A motion was made that should the present Treasurer resign in writing, the Board of Directors of the Sierra County Fire Safe and Watershed Council, Inc. appoints Mike Freschi to act as Treasurer until the next regularly scheduled election in October, (Myles, Jokerst, Unanimous):  Motion Passed.

Public Information Officers Report: Jean Myles has placed articles in both the Mountain Messenger and the Sierra Booster, and received very good presentation in the Mountain Messenger.  Myles noted the upcoming Sierra Valley Marketplace in Calpine (June 17) will be a good forum for the Council to have a booth.  Myles is trying to locate a “tent” or booth for the council to use.  Myles reported that the printing cost for 1000 brochures would be $713.68, including four-color four photos, glossy tri-old 8-12 x 1  80# stock, which price includes $49.02 of tax which the council could save if it receives the IRS exemption.  Myles says she is shooting for  completion in one year, for Fire Prevention Week.  Myles would like to get some “pre” and “post” project photos for the brochure; John will assist obtaining these photos.   Bulanti stated he would like the brochure to be mailed to all landowners, in an envelope with an accompanying letter from the Council that can be used to request donations.  It was thought that 1000 copies might not be enough to cover the county.  A mailing list is needed, Bulanti thought that the real estate folks may be the best source for a good list.  Jean agreed to the above and asked the board to email her suggestions for the letter content ASAP.  McDonald to seek funding for the brochure from SEDD.

>>> Action Items:  McDonald to seek brochure funding, All Directors to email Myles with suggestions for the letter.  Myles to obtain a mailing list for county property owners.

Budget Committee: Bulanti tabled discussion of the Executive Director’s contract pending a re-issue by McDonald, who will email the new contract language to the board for comments.  The Executive Directors Contract shall be on the next meetings agenda.

>>> Action Items:  All Directors to review McDonalds proposed contract and be prepared to take action at the next meeting.

Nominations Committee: Mike Freschi stated there was no report.

Old Business

Council Tasks and Needs Report: McDonald reported the following:  IRS Exemption: The IRS 1023 application will be completed by McDonald and Freschi.  Council received $500.00 from the county for the application fees.  DUNS Number:  The council has completed the application.    Brochure:  John is working with Myles.  Bulk Mail Permit:  No Action.  Support Letter for Phoenix Project:  Unable to contact Jeff Leach, comment period expired.  East-Side WUI map:  Unable to contact Jeff Leach.  Summer Home Tract Presentation:  No Action.  Corporate Insurance:  Unable to contact Driver-Alliant, will try again this week.

Report on County Funding: Freschi reported that the County must have the Council’s IRS exemption before funding the Council.  Freschi stated he will seek county funding for the brochure.

WUI Mapping Project: Jokerst:  No Action.

Membership Dues: Jokerst:  A motion was made to waive all membership dues.  (Jokerst, Freschi, Unanimous):  Motion Passed.

New Business

Membership Applications: Jokerst:  There were no new membership applications to review.

Board Roster: See above for Treasurer appointment.  A “director” may need to be appointed next month.

Towards Fiscal Sponsorship Status: Jokerst:  Jokerst reported that in order for the Council to be “qualified” to act as a Fiscal Sponsor, that the board needed to be educated on all of the attendant responsibilities, and that the Council needs to have a complete and sound “Policy and Procedure” for it’s accounting system and related procedures.  Jokerst suggested that a committee be formed with the sole purpose of gathering information and identifying resources needed to formulate policies and procedures necessary to Fiscal Sponsorship status, and suggested that this committee meet with Susan Werner as a consultant to assist the committee in assembling this information.  Jokerst noted that this committee would not necessarily formulate the policy and procedure, but merely lay the groundwork in identifying all necessary elements of a sound fiscal policy.  A motion was made to hire Susan Werner for $40.00 per hour, not to exceed three hours of time, to assist an “accounting committee” in developing a comprehensive plan towards obtaining Fiscal Sponsor status.  (Jokerst, Freschi, Unanimous):  Motion Passed.   Bulanti appointed the “Accounting Committee” with Jokerst as Chair, McDonald and Freschi as members,

Emergency Phone Tree: Myles suggested that the Council promote the idea of an Emergency Phone Tree, for resident notifications in the event of a Wildfire.  Jokerst noted that the County Office of Emergency Services (OES) has this on their agenda.  It was decided that for now, the Council should express it’s support of the notion to the County OES.

Summary of Priorities: Bulanti summarized the Board’s sense of Executive Director priorities for the coming month as the following:

• Completing the IRS application;
• Making progress on the Brochure;
• Contacting local VFD’s to participate in future meetings;
• Participate on the Accounting Committee

Bulanti further requested that the Executive Director have a copy of the Sierra County Fire Plan on hand at all council meetings.

Next Meeting: Council meetings will be the third Saturday, 10:00 am each month.  The next meeting will be June 17 in Loyalton.  Coming meeting locations proposed included:

• July:  Downieville Community Hall
• August:  Calpine
• September:  Sierra City
• October:  Downieville

Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Jokerst, seconded by Freschi, Unanimous at 2:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Jokerst,
Secretary