MINUTES
El Dorado County Fire Safe Council
September 27, 2006
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Gold Hill Fire Station, 6051 Gold Hill Road
The meeting was called to order at approximately 1:00 p.m. by Vicki Yorty,
Executive Coordinator. Directors and guests present were: Jim Stewart (Director), Penny Humphreys
(Director-Chair), Ray Griffiths (Director-Vice Chair), Walt Tyler
(Director-Secretary), Janet
Gastaldi (Director), Mike Reeves, Fred Ott, Gene Murphy, Maria Capraun, Linda Szczepanik, Denice
Rice, Jennifer Boyd, Bill Cave (Director), Cathy Koos Breazeal, Wendy West, Shelly Buell, Tobie
Edmonds, Bob Berry, Allen Jaeger (Director), Jose Henriquez, Rich Englefield (Director), Joan
Jennings (Director-Treasurer), Mary Cornelison (Director), Suzanne Todd.
Introductions were made. Vicki asked if everyone had copies of the agenda
and if there were any additions or deletions. The submitted agenda was approved by all present.
Penny Humphreys proposed a motion to approve the 7-26-06 minutes as submitted.
Second by Ray Griffiths. Approved by all present.
Joan Jennings made financial report available to all present. Vicki explained
that balances depend upon receipt of funding and may not reflect exact balances. We are current
and financially sound.
Rich reported that there are about 4800 hits on the web site per month. He
reviewed availability of fire information available from various sites through our web site. He
described difficulties he is experiencing regarding implementation of the fire camera antenna at
Camino. He is looking into alternative locations to transmit the information from the camera to
our web site.
A brief presentation was made by Jose Henriquez, the LAFCO representative,
regarding their organization and functions. He also explained how members were appointed and some
of their duties.
Penny Humphreys reminded all that volunteers are needed for the Home and Garden
Show. Contact Vicki. Penny reported that $57,000 had been received from air quality funding for
green waste dumpsters, education, and related expenses. The funds will not be used for groundwork.
The Directors Manual has been completed and distributed. The calendars should be available before
the Home and Garden Show. Vicki asked for members to consider various meeting locations for next
year and possibly an appreciation gathering. Contact Vicki with your suggestions.
Fred Ott reported on research he has completed regarding signs for residence
addresses. He has located a sign company that will work with us to provide signs possibly at a
discount price.
Mary Cornelison gave a very interesting and detailed report of her and other
Volcanoville resident's activities during the Ralston Fire. She complimented the various agencies
that were actively involved with containing the fire and keeping it from crossing the canyon into
the Volcanoville side. Residents were notified that an evacuation could be ordered by the EDC
Sheriff Dept. and it would be a good idea to get ready. However, using the term "evacuation" made
some residents anxious and could cause over reaction. Also, when using a telephone tree system to
alert residents of pending emergency, write down the message and have every recipient write down the
message and repeat the message to the caller. This should help maintain the original content of
the message. Excessive traffic on the narrow road caused problems. The local school was closed
when the fire threatened the community. An After Action Review (AAR) should always be completed to
make responses to the next emergency more effective and efficient. Thanks Mary!! Excellent
presentation.
Ray Griffiths reported on the status of the proposed Verizon tower to be located
in the Georgetown area. Meetings have been scheduled to determine location and usage.
Tobie Edmons stated that CDF is seeking persons for Volunteers for Prevention activities.
Suzanne Todd complimented the Fire Safe Councils for their efforts, which have
resulted in less fire damage during the year.
Jennifer Boyd gave an update on USFS current projects. Pile burning is expected
to start after the rains allow burning.
Mike Reeves reported that EID is completing the final mastication on 50 acres
to complete the firebreak in the Pollock Pines area.
Wendy West advised of a wildfire workshop to be held Oct. 30, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
at the Pollock Pines Community Hall.
Walt Tyler described the efforts being made on the demonstrated lots along the
evacuation routes at Grizzly Flats.
Janet Gastaldi advised of future logging activities in the Quintette area. A
meeting is scheduled to discuss the fire tank issue.
Bill Cave reported on the activities in Auburn Lake Trails. 98% of the
required annual inspections have been completed. Grant requests are being submitted and the
competition is increasing.
Joan Jennings reported that the Sept. meeting at Garden Valley was good.
Allen Jaeger stated that Log Town residents are highly motivated and meetings
are well attended. The two Sand Ridge grants have been put out for bid and will be opened soon.
The Log Town FEMA road grants have been out for bid and will be opened soon.
Jim Stewart described difficulties with starting up a FSC in El Dorado Hills.
A meeting is scheduled for the Latrobe community and a good turnout is expected.
Penny Humphreys stated that the meeting at Rescue was well attended and good.
Communication is being developed. Another meeting is scheduled for October.
Submitted by Walt Tyler, Secretary EDCFSC
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