Draft Meeting Minutes

April 24, 2009

Introductions: Board Members attending: Robert Eschleman, Laurenc De Vita, Nancy Finney, Peter Huebner, and Kathleen Goicoechea. Others present: James Defenbau, Dave Silva, Quentin Youngblood, Eric Pederson, Robert Haug, Gary Shelton, Interim Directors, Mike Freschi and Cindy Noble.

Public Comment: None

Approval of Agenda: Corrected date from March 27 to April 24. Robert motioned to approve with correction, seconded by Larry, all affirmed.

Approval of Minutes: Kathleen motioned to approve minutes, seconded by Robert, all affirmed.

Approve Financial Report: The Quickbooks register account balance as of 4/23/09 is 122,952.44. Mike Freschi will be getting up to speed on Quickbooks using Balance Sheets and Profit and Loss Statements for future reporting. The attorney has suggested increasing insurance from 1 million for $1,600 to 2 million for $2,500 per year. Robert made a motion to increase coverage, Peter seconded, all affirmed the motion.

1) Alleghany: Front page article in the Mountain Messenger explains language in the Landowner Agreement and advises landowners to cross out and initial the mistaken clause with regard to the sale of logs or chips to defray the cost of project. All material will be kept on the site for chipping or burning. Contractors will walk the property with RPF Heather Morrison on Sunday, April 26 to view sites and bid. Mike De Lasaux will attend for his introduction to the project. 13 out of 18 landowners have signed the contracts. Fire Department would like to help, however, Nancy wanted caution to prevail since there are only 6 volunteers, including herself. One of the landowners would like to provide burning on his property. Burning will be allowed for small piles on skid trails, closer to the top of the mountain in the fall or winter. Location, time, and size will be determined by the Registered Professional Forester. The contractor bids will be e-mailed to board members for consensus on the selection. Kudos were expressed by JD to Cindy and Mike for their work on the Fire Safe Council.

Larry wants to agendize and form a committee to research the science of prescribed burning and expand knowledge on fuel reduction and maintenance methods. The Forest Service spokesperson stated there is a huge liability to burning, however, it is the preferred method, cost efficient, and provides for ecological fire resistant plants, and a nutrient rich understory.

2) Sierra City: There are 340 acres involved. Mike De Lasaux will be mailing information to parcel owners and meet July 3 to begin the project which is expected to have a 2- year window for completion.

3) Loyalton: Meeting today at the Loyalton Social Hall from noon to 1:30 p.m. to discuss clean up. Loyalton Pines will not be included but will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. Forest Service Staff are deeply concerned with Loyalton Pines area and will work collaboratively with Fire Safe Council and private property owners.

4) Title III Funding: The Fire Safe Council will receive 20k per year for the next 2 years and 41k to update the fire plan.

5) Website: Mike Freschi opted to list the website as Fire Safe Sierra County.com for $19.00 per year and contemplating an address for Sierra County Watershed.com for $8.00 more.

6) California Fire Safe Council Funding- Eastern Sierra County Community Project: SCFSWC has been chosen to receive funding for projects in Sierraville and Calpine.

7) Upper Feather River Regional Management Group-MOU vs. JPA: Sierra County and Plumas County have agreed to use a Memorandum of Understanding instead of a Joint Powers Agreement as an instrument of cooperation between the two counties and various entities. Larry made a motion to sign on to any current watershed action if asked by the Integrated Regional Water Management Program, Peter seconded the motion, all affirmed.

8) Membership Applications: Applications have been received from Cindy Ellsmore and Gary Shelton. Kathleen made a motion to accept both applications for membership, seconded by Robert, all affirmed.

9) WUI Map Work: Wildland, Urban Interface maps were again reviewed with Forest Service staff. They will use (GPS) Global Positioning System to refine maps and present at the next meeting. A suggestion was made to color code priority areas for the fire plan which are in the heavily wooded and timber areas of the county. WUI designation was not considered for the Sierra Valley floor.

Meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m. The next meeting will be Friday, May 24^th 10:00a.m. in Sierra City, CA. Location to be determined.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen Goicoechea

SCFSCW Secretary/Treasurer