May 2009 Meeting Minutes

Posted on June 30, 2009 by WebMaven

Cambria Forest Committee
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OF
May 27, 2009

LOCATION
Cambria CSD Suite #204
1316Tamson Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
DIRECTORS PRESENT: Bill Schassberger. Rob Trask. Galen Rathbun. Mark Miller, Rick Hawley. JoEllen Butler. Bryan Bode. Pat Bouldin. Brad Seek.
GUESTS PRESENT: Howard Vallens and Art Trinidade.
1.0 Meeting called to order 6:03 pm
2.0 April 22nd minutes approved (Rathbun/Butler)
3.0 Treasurer Report. $1900 (debit cards) and another $500 grant coming. Dir Rathbun was unable to cash the $1500 debit card. Dir. Trask will contact either the debit card co. (Chase) or PG&E or a liaison to reactivate old cards, get new cards issued, or have Chase send a check. Mr. Trinidade will send name and number of a PG&E contact.
Dir. Hawley will receive approximately $400 reimbursement from CFC for teaching certification classes to lot clearing contract workers.
3.1 501-C status. Dir. Trask said that CFC status is active. Dir. Hawley will  look into the need to file with IRS/Franchise Tax Board as this may be required to maintain active status.
4.0 Sub Committee Reports
4.1 Cambria Forest Mgt. Plan (FMP). Dir. Hawley invited the directors to email ideas that would help form an agenda for a speaker series that would be open to the public. This would be in lieu of having an individual speaker that was originally planned. A proposed agenda will be brought back to CFC for refinement and approval. Appropriate speakers would be approached for participation after the agenda is approved.
Dirs. reiterated the need to get the FMP out to the public through events like the speaker series possibly once or twice a year. It may also lead to the best way to fund the FMP (Local assessment, CCSD budgeting, grants, other agencies )
4.2 Annual Lot Clearing. All lot-clearing contractors have taken the certification class except Buddy Campo (Bushwhackers 1). Dir. Miller stated that Campo will have to take the class if he is not currentlycertified. Bushwhackers 1 are going to receive the contract to clear CCSD property, which includes Fiscallini Ranch Preserve.
Dir. Miller reiterated that he is in favor of implementing the FMP, as it would remove most of the lot clearing burdens away from his staff. The Fire Dept would  then need only to be an adviser to a Forester. If the community could become less polarized through more cooperation and respect, the FMP would have a greater chance of being implemented.
4.3. Tree Planting and Education. CFC directors will be asked to send a list of current benefits to the community that an implemented Forest Management Plan could offer (Butler/Bode).
Dir. Hawley completed 3 certification classes.
Committee members will comment on Fire Dept. Documents (including Exhibit C) pertaining to tat clearance. These comments will be sent to the Fire Chief (Dir. Miller) for review.
Mr. Trinidade suggested the possibility of participating in Arbor Day.
4.4 Membership Outreach. Dir. Bouldin is finishing the updated email list. A new list will be provided to members when all emails and contacts are received. All groups and individuals will receive an agenda and minutes of CFC meetings and be encouraged to participate.
5.0 Old Business
5.1 Dir. Rathbun and Mr.Vallens presented a compendium of codes pertinent to Native Monterey Pines (mostly in Cambria) for comments. Directors and guests made deletions and additions. Mr. Trinidade offered to have the county make 100 copies of the final draft. Directors have volunteered to do the binding.

6.0 Public comment. None
7.0 Other
8.0 Meeting adjourned 7:15 pm Rathbun/Hawley
Next meeting: June 24th.
Respectfully submitted by Brad Seek

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April 2009 Meeting Minutes

Posted on May 31, 2009 by WebMaven

Cambria Forest Committee
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OF
April 22, 2009

LOCATION
Cambria CSD Suite #204
1316Tamson Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
DIRECTORS PRESENT: Rob Trask, Rick Hawley, Pat Bouldin, Brad Seek. Bill
Schassberger, Galen Rathbun, Jo Ellen Butler.
GUESTS PRESENT:Mike Walsh
1.0 Meeting called to order 6:03pm
2.0 Minutes approved with the following correction. Greenspace has not planted the additional 500 Monterey Pines but will in the near future (Bouldin/Trask).
3.0 Treasurer Report. No Change. Balance is a little over $1900. Some additional funds may be needed to cover expenses for training lot clearing contractors. (Trask/Bouldin)
4.0 Sub-Committee Reports
4.1 Cambria Forest Mgt. Plan(FMP). Dir. Hawley will speak to the CCSD on behalf of CFC  and Greenspace to include the FMP as it pertains to the property they own such as the Fiscallini Ranch. He will request that CCSD allocate staff time to write a grant or come up with a funding method to hire a consultant to implement the FMP (Hawley/Rathbun). Dir. Butler suggested the need to approach individual CCSD Board members on the need to implement the Plan.
4.2 Annual Lot Clearing.
a. Dir. Hawley observed that the Notice to clear lots only has the APN on the envelope and not the letter. It could confuse property owners as to what the letter relates to. The Fire Chief will be providing APN’s on all pertinent lots to the CFC. Dir. Schassberger stated that this information could be used to verify contractor performance.
Dir. Hawley suggested a CEQA overlay in the process of lot clearing to allow a provision of mitigation if too much native vegetation is removed.
b. A 2009 list of approved contractors will be provided to CFC after this year’s training program is finished.
c. Dirs. Trask, Schassberger, Butler, and Rathbun met with the Fire Chief to edit the Notice to clear the Lots document. The Fire Chief was very receptive to the changes. Dir. Butler will send a Thank You letter to the Chief on behalf of CFC.
4.3 Tree Planting and Education. Dir. Butler will contact Bert Etling to discuss putting a series of articles pertaining to the forest in the Cambrian. Dir Hawley will be teaching certification class on April 23rd and 27th.
A motion was approved to set aside $200 for expenses related to bringing Deborah Rogers (Geneticist/Ecologist) to Cambria. (Rathbun/Butler).

4.4 Membership Outreach. Dir. Bouldin asked all present at the meeting to provide any names of representatives not already on the distribution list. She will contact the remaining board members not present to help complete the distribution list.
5.0 Old Business
5.1- 501-c status. Dir. Trask will pick up all pertinent 501-c information from Dir. Kalshan possibly to be reassigned to another director.
6.0 No public comment.
7.0 Other. Dir. Butler was unable to use the debit cards through FFRP. A motion was  approved to allow Dir. Rathbun to use the debit cards for private purchases in exchange for cash. (Schassberger/Seek)
A motion was approved to fund putting together a list of State codes pertaining to the forest. It would be in tabular form with a table of contents: Those related to the fire codes and those applicable to forest protection. (50 copies).
Butler/Bouldin
Meeting Adjourned at 7:15pm. (Schassberber/Hawley)
Next meeting onMay27th, 2009.
Respectfully submitted by Brad Seek.

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March 2009 Meeting Minutes

Posted on March 31, 2009 by WebMaven

Cambria Forest Committee
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES     OF  March 25, 2009

Cambria CSD Suite #204
1316 Tamson Drive Cambria, CA 93428

DIRECTORS PRESENT: Bill Schassberger, Brad Seek, Rick Hawley, Bryan Bode, Mark Miller, Jo Ellen Butler, Rob Trask,

GUESTS PRESENT: Bob Putney, Mike Walsh, Howard Vallens, Muril Clift, Nancy Anderson, Chris Cameron.

1.0 Called to order at 7:03 pm.

2.0 February 25th minutes approved with the following correction: Muril Clift will act as a CCSD liaison at CFC instead being a CFC director.  (Hawley/ Butler)

3.0 Treasurer Report. The current balance is $1900. Still trying to convert debit card to cash. An exchange may be possible through Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.

4.0 Nancy Anderson (Community suggestions for implementing the Forest Management Plan FMP). Community partnerships is an effective way to get people involved including professionals(educators, researchers, planners), who work on 5 areas: common goals, democratic decision making, team effort , shared outcome/ownership, and mutual benefits. These priorities can result in a more effective implementation program.
Dirs. Butler and Hawley and Mr. Clift suggested that the first step would be to explain (to the public) the need for implementing the FMP.  Then, political leadership could be directed to act if a majority of the community wanted implementation.
Dir. Hawley offered to look into contacting an Ecologist to conduct a series of talks to address forest preservation. Also, He would contact a County Clerk/Recorder representative to discuss the mechanics of the initiative process and report back to CFC on the possibilities and costs.
5.0 Sub Committee Rpts.
5.1 Forest Management Plan
Dir. Hawley suggested that CFC further discuss the following topics: Assessment District, the Initiative process, Build out Reduction(Forest Protection Plan?) and a benefit analysis of the FMP.
Dir. Trask offered to contact Cal Poly on the possibility tapping into a senior or graduate program to assist in addressing a cost/benefit analysis of the Forest Management Plan.
Dir Bode suggested that the directors and interested parties contact people in the community about implementing the Plan. Dir suggested developing a one to two page public information document.

5.2. Annual Lot Clearing
Dir. Miller passed out. Resolution 11-2009 (to be presented to CCSD Board on 3-26-09), a list of Certified Contractors, and a draft timeline.
Dir. Miller stated that the deadline for passing the Parcel list to the County may be extended from 7-26 to 8-10. Also provisions will be made for contractors to work on first time lots earlier in the season.
Dir. Hawley expressed a need to train individuals who work under the certified contractor.
Directors discussed ways to encourage lot owners to use a certified contractor.
A sub. sub. Committee was formed to address the maximum/minimum logs and branches that could be left on a lot after clearing. Fire Dept. will review these guidelines and apply to existing guidelines.
Dir. Miller stated that there is a need to add more lots for clearing but also stated that some some low risk lots can be eliminated. The goal is to keep the total number static.
Hawley, Vallens, and Butler expressed the need to add the exceptions to the phrase that all vacant lots will be considered a nuisance. Dir. Miller agreed to add the exceptions in the draft resolution.

5.3 Tree Planting and Education
Dir. Butler agreed to approach the newspaper editor on adding articles about the forest. Another 500 pine trees were planted off San Simeon Creek rd. (Hawley).

5.4 Membership outreach
Dirs. Provided more contacts (person, email,  phone #) for individuals and groups pertinent to CFC issues.
6.0
6.1- Dir. Trask will contact Vern Kalshan on 501-C updates.

7.0 None.

8.0 All future meetings will start at 6pm(Miller/Bode).

9.0 Meeting adjourned 9:05pm.
Next meeting will be April 22, 2009.     Respectfully submitted by Brad Seek.

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February 2009 Meeting Minutes

Posted on February 28, 2009 by WebMaven

Cambria Forest Committee
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF    February 25, 2009
Cambria CSD Suite #204
1316 Tamson Drive  Cambria, CA 93428

DIRECTORS PRESENT: Pat Bouldin, Bryan Bode, Tim O’Keefe, Mark Miller, Muril Clift, Rick Hawley, Galen Rathbun, Bill Schassberger, Brad Seek.

GUESTS PRESENT:Bob Putney, Howard Vallens, Mike Walsh

1.0 Called to order at 7:07 pm.

2.0 Welcome to new CCSD representative liaison Muril Clift

3.0 Approved the minutes of February 25th (Rathbun/Hawley)  with the following corrections: Greg Sanchez was voted in as a Director. Rick Hawley was voted in as  Co- Chairman instead of JoEllen Butler. Each Sub Committee will have it’s own separate goals. Bryan Bode as an employee will carry out CCSD wishes but will express his personal views to CFC as a private citizen.

4.0 Treasurer reported Dir. Trask was not present to report.

5.0 PG&E Grant: Rick Hawley sent in the grant application and was notified that it was well received. The grant is for $500. It will be used to defray costs for the vegetation workers certification program. The money (pending approval) will be used entirely in 2009. Dir. Miller suggested having Certification material online. Information would be available at CCSD website (or through a link) for workers to study and then take a test to pass and receive certification. This could reduce the amount of training time dir. Hawley would have to spend training workers.

6.0 Sub Committee Reports
6.1- Cambria Forest Management Plan: (Hawley) A power point program has been set up to explain the Forest Mgt. Plan. An abbreviated version was developed as a starting point to introduce groups to the plan.
One option considered to funding the plan is to do an initiative. Mr. Clift found a code section that allows  designated initiative funds for particular purposes. It allows a community to tax itself without adding to taxation at large. Voter approval would be needed in the community only. He will provide more information in the next meeting.
The hiring of a Forester is needed to implement the plan. Dir. Rathbun suggested a one page summary on the total cost for employing a Forrester at least on a part time basis. Mr. Clift suggested that any steps taken to ask the community for money should be done incrementally and be clearly defined. Dir. Hawley stated that the plan could be implemented for a specific project such as the Urban Reserve Line or Sheffield Dr.
Howard Vallens stated that an ordinance needs to be passed to provide the forester with enforcement powers.
6.2 Annual Lot Clearing (Miller)
a. An APN list will be generated.
b. There is a list of approved contractors based on 2006 certification.
c. CCSD guidelines: The fire hazard fuel reduction program will continue. The proposed ordinance is no longer an issue. The “declaration of a nuisance” action will be presented  the March CCSD Board for approval.
The goal is to get an early jump on this year’s fuel reduction program to avoid careless clearing and the use of heavy equipment. The July 31st requirement to get the assessments on the tax roles creates a time constraint problem. The fire dept. is looking for ways to provide more time for quality work.  Dir. Miller stated that new lots will be added as it becomes necessary.
Mr. Vallens expressed concern over clearing large lots that have no dwelling within100 ‘ of its property line’.
Dir. Rathbun asked if the fire dept. was abiding by CCSD directive that the number of lots to be cleared was not increasing and if any lots were being taken off the list. Mr. Putney stated that the number of lots cleared in 2008 were the same as 2007. Dir. Miller stated that it would be possible to take some lots off the list that were no longer a threat. Total number of lots on the list is 2049.
Dir. Schassberger stated that his concern was in the way lots were recently being cleared. Some of the contractors were not allowing for any regeneration and that would kill the forest. Dir Miller agreed and said that some of these problems were also the result of property owners doing their own work or hiring unapproved contractors.
All directors agreed that including a forester in the lot clearing program would be beneficial.
6.3 Tree planting and education.  Dir. Hawley stated that Greenspace planted 500 pine seedlings on San Simeon Creek rd. across from CCSD well field (Clyde Warren property)
Dir. Schassberger complimented Dir. Seek on leading a pine tree walk at the Fiscalini Ranch. Schassberger and Dir. Butler discussed educating the public by putting regular articles in the newspaper.
a. Speaker series. Dir. Hawley has two talks planned: one to discuss the Forest Mgt. Plan and another to address the diseases that affect the forest. He asked the board if Nancy Anderson could come to the next meeting to give a 10 minute presentation. The subject would include  Wild Land/Urban interface and how to fund a plan through the initiative process. The board informally agreed.
b. Seedling funding. Dir Schassberger requested a fund of $100-$200 to pay for seedlings to be planted at the Grammar School. Dir. Hawley offered to furnish seedlings for sale or trade. All transactions would be reported to CFC. Approved (Schassberger/Rathbun).
6.4 Dir. Rathbun and Bouldin provided a list of organizations that should be reached to obtain an email address and a contact person. These organizations would be informed of CFC activities and encouraged to participate  ( Participant list attached).
7.0 Old business.
7.1. Follow up on letter to CCSD of October 24, 2008.
Dir. Miller addressed the jurisdictions between Cambria fire dept. and Cal. Fire at the last CCSD board meeting.
Cal fire has jurisdiction over improved parcels through the LE100 program(resource code 4291), and Cambria fire uses the local ordinance (fuel reduction) that covers the vacant lots. The two have agreed to communicate to identify homes that can meet defensible space requirements. Cambria fire has identified a number of steep sloped properties where they can assist in defensible space such as the rodeo grounds and Air Force housing.  Most homes cannot technically meet defensible space requirements because the lots are too small. Vacant lots that are beyond 100′ of a home will not be cleared unless it is CCSD property. The reason for clearing these lots is in anticipation of the public complaining that  CCSD is not maintaining their own.  Dir. Hawley objected to the way some of these  lots were cleared and expressed a need for guidelines in dealing with these lots.
Dir. Rathbun suggested that the fire chief develop protocols to insure that his policies were being carried out.
7.2 Nothing to report on 501-C3 with the state.

8.0 No public comment.

Meeting adjourned 9:00 pm (Rathbun/Bode)

Respectfully submitted by Brad Seek

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