OJAI VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
October 11, 2007
In Attendance: Tony Sabatino, Kathleen Tarrats, Wally McCall, Will Castagna, Bob Daddi.
Absent: Bill Prather, Dawn Schook, Jim Clark
Approval of the Minutes: The minutes of March 28, 2007 were accepted as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Will clarified the difference between a calendar quarter report and the “quarters” of elapsed time in the Grant work, which are not necessarily calendar quarters. Will reminded everyone that we have two bank accounts, one for General Funds, which contains both restricted (project) and unrestricted funds, and the Project 008 account with contains only Project 008 restricted funds. We have $74,649.12 in the Project 008 account, and have just received a check for $66,640 for that account. We have $5,743.91 in our General Fund bank account, $5,000 of which is reserved for Project 009, Phase 1 of the WISE Project funded by Sate Farm.
Grants Manager’s Report:
Grant 008: Will reported that progress is being made faster than anticipated with all Grant 008 milestones being met. About 22% of the work has been completed and finishing the approximately 4.3 miles of fuel break before the start of the next fire season is possible. Wally noted that the skill and age level of the summer crews resulted in fast results, but these will diminish as less skilled workers are hired for fall work and the terrain to be cut is wilder. Issues such as maintenance of the fuel break and use of any leftover Grant 008 funds was discussed. For example, the break might be widened at critical points and new growth cleaned up. Wally noted that $50,000 of matching funds was promised from the CREW, Ventura County Fire, and the City of Ojai. Wally noted that the CREW has borne the burden of the in-kind contributions to date. Will is following up on expediting commitments and will continue conversations with the City and VCFD.
Grant 009: Will explained the purpose of State Farm Grant 009, a Wildfire Information System for Emergencies (WISE) that will be published in the local phone books along with pertinent links to websites. Overlap of the Youth Foundation emergency website that is being developed was raised. Tony asked that Will report back on the status of the phone book information entries and communications with the OVYF on their project at the next meeting. It was moved and approved that Will Castagna be paid $200 per month for 3 months to initiate the Grant. Will was asked to present a project budget at the next meeting.
New Business:
Wally asked that item 3 under the Treasurer’s Report in the minutes of March 28 be clarified. The intention is to achieve more unrestricted funds.
Wally suggested that a yearly budget be developed by the Board, and that Will and Bill prepare a tentative budget for the January meeting.
It was moved and approved to amend the by-laws to have quarterly rather than monthly meetings.
The resignations of Shari Skinner and Dick Weirick were accepted with regrets.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 pm.
OJAI VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCILBOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGMarch 28, 2007
In Attendance: Bob Daddi, John Maggio, Bill Prather, Bob Roper, Tony Sabatino, and Will Castagna (by phone).
Absent: John Bridgwater, Jim Clark, Scott Eicher, Mike Havstad, Wally McCall, Dawn Schook, Kathleen Tarrats, Dick Weirick and Richard Wilson.
Call to Order: Tony Sabatino called the meeting to order at 5:56 p.m. As there was not a quorum, no formal action was taken at this meeting.
Approval of Minutes of the Meeting of February 15, 2006:
1. It was noted that the minutes need to be corrected (under Action Taken) to read: Bob Daddi of State Farm Insurance, generously donated…
2. It was noted that the Transaction Detail Report also needed to be corrected to reflect that the $1000.00 check was from State Farm rather than Allstate.
Treasurer’s Report:
1. Bill Prather noted that the 008 Grant has been fully funded.
2. A request was made that Will Castagna copy the Grant Proposal to all Board members so that Grant perimeters and milestones are clear to all. It was further suggested that Will and Bill ready a detailed presentation of the Grant for Board members that focuses on the relationship among the Grant, the Crew, and the OVFSC.
3. It was suggested that in the future the Council focus fundraising efforts for its own use rather than for another organization’s use.
4. It was requested that the names of current Council check signatories be clarified.
Old Business:
1. Discussion continued regarding the Board’s future direction. Bob Daddi recommended that 5 sub-committees be formed with a Board member assuming responsibility for each of the committees. Committee membership might be drawn from members of the Advisory Board and/or interested parties. The five proposed subcommittees and Board members agreeing to chair each committee are as follows:
Communications: Will Castagna, Chair.
Education: Tony Sabatino, Chair. (John Maggio, member)
Fundraising: Bob Daddi, Chair.
Programs: Bob Roper (temporary Chair.)
Finance and Investment: Bill Prather, Chair
Board subcommittee chairs are asked to provide an email update to Tony by April 24 regarding plans and recruitment of committee members for their area of responsibility.
2. Tony will contact current Board members to get feedback on restructuring the Board with goals of keeping a broad community base and limiting the size of the Board of Directors.
3. Bob Daddi suggested that the 2007 spreadsheet of possible projects for the Board be prioritized.
4. Bob Roper reported that United Way, CWG, and Federal monies are not available. Both Kathleen Tarrats, who provided an email report in her absence, and Bill Prather found similar results from their respective pursuit of possible funding sources.
New Business:
1. Bob Daddi reported that he and Will are pursuing a Good Citizen Grant from State Farm.
2. Bob Daddi agree to wear “wear two hats” on the valley wide Emergency Task Force, which Bob Roper suggested the Council participate in.
3. Bill suggested contacting valley scouting organization with a suggestion that a merit badge for FSC related tasks be developed.
4. John Maggio reported that his review of the Council’s insurance policy reveals non-discretionary funds need to be established and maintained for the $1000.00 deductible.
5. It was noted that all serving Board members make a donation to the Council in order to establish good public relations with prospective donors.
Next Meeting: The next meeting date is to be determined.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
OJAI VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGFebruary 15, 2007
In Attendance: Will Castagna, Jim Clark, Bob Daddi, Scott Eicher, John Maggio, Wally McCall, Bill Prather, Bob Roper, Tony Sabatino, Kathleen Tarrats, and Dick Weirick.
Absent: Dawn Schook, John Bridgwater, Mike Havstad, and Richard Wilson.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Tony Sabatino at 6:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes of the Meeting of October 25, 2006: The minutes were approved as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Will Castagna will email a full financial report to board members.
Grant Manager’s Report:
For Grant 008:
• $10,000 was received and deposited; this will allow for payment of outstanding grant-related expenses.
• Of the three environmental clearances required to proceed with the fuel break work, two had been granted in January (ESA and MBTA). Preliminary approval for a “screened exemption” has been granted for the third and last clearance (NHPA), by the Heritage Program Manager, Joan Brandoff Kerr. After some final paperwork, we will be cleared to proceed with work.
• We do not yet have official word that the Clearinghouse has the funds for the grant. It is expected that these funds will be available soon.
Grant Application:
• Will noted that he submitted a $43K Grant ($35.5K in funding, $7.5K match) to the Clearinghouse for the creation of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The preparation, acquisition of letters of support, and submission of this grant application were done gratis.
New Business: A discussion was held regarding how to pay an outstanding bill of just over $500.00 to The Crew. The topic was tabled pending further progress on our discussion of the Council’s future plans.
Old Business: Tony Sabatino led the remainder of the meeting which was devoted to a discussion of opportunities for revitalization of the Fire Safe Council, moving the Council in the direction of its “dream,” identifying expectations for the Council, and identifying ways to meet expectations. The following points were discussed:
1. A draft revised mission statement: “Providing the Ojai Valley population with wildfire safety, prevention, and preparedness.”
2. Possible objectives include:
• educating youth
• educating farmers and ranchers
• educating homeowners
• communicating during wildfire incidents to the Ojai Valley community
• preparedness information
3. Assigned tasks include:
• Make inquiry to the Area Agency on Aging for donations. (Kathleen)
• Prepare public presentation to promote the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council. (Will)
• Make presentations to the Community Connections Committee, area Rotaries, and VCCF. (Bob Daddi and Bill Prather)
• Contact United Way, CDBG and Federal sources for information on grant applications. (Bob Roper)
• Recruitment of new experts for task force. (all)
• Contact Captain Norris. (Tony)
• Write a five friends letter. (Tony)
Unassigned: Inquire for a donation from the Ojai Civic Association.
Actions Taken:
• A motion was made to have Wally begin an Allstate Grant for the purpose of education and communication. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
• Bob Daddi of Allstate Insurance generously donated a check for $1000.00 to the unrestricted General Fund.
New Business: The next meeting will be held at Villanova on March 21 at 5:30. A light dinner will be provided.
OJAI VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
August 15, 2003
In Attendance: Will Castagna, Tony Sabatino, Shari Skinner, Mike Havstadt, Wally McCall, Bill Prather, Bob Dadi, Bob Roper, Scott Eicher, and Mike Strawhen.
Absent: John Bridgwater, Jim Clark, Mike Hall-Mounsey, John Maggio, Bill Moses, Dawn Schook, Kathleen Tarrats, and Richard Wilson.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Wally McCall at 6:18 p.m.
Approval of the Minutes:
• Minutes of the meeting of April 24, 2006: approved as read.
• Minutes of the meeting of June 29, 2006: approved as read.
• Minutes of the meeting of July 7, 2006: approved as read.
Old Business:
Check Signature Procedure: After discussion of the recommended check signing procedure, the Board voted to amend the proposed check writing procedure in the bylaws to include Board pre-authorization by email or fax of amounts over $500.00.
Conflict of Interest Policy: In the interest of adopting a conflict of interest policy, a Conflict of Interest Policy Ad Hoc Sub Committee (Scott Eicher and Wally McCall) will meet to develop a policy for the Board to review at the next meeting. Conflict of interest guidelines from several sources will be reviewed.
Status of 008 Grant Funding: The Grant was approved with a retroactive start date of May 17, 2006. However, we have been advised by CFSC not to spend any funds until the money is actually received.
Status of Fundraising Mailing: A mailing list has been compiled with fund request letters to be sent out Monday, August 21.
Presentation: A copy of Will’s presentation will be emailed to Board members. It is designed to educate the community about our Council and also to be used as a promotional and fundraising tool.
Treasurer’s Report: The financial reports were reviewed.
Disposition of remaining 007 funds: The Board voted that the remaining restricted fund monies be used for senior outreach working through Help of Ojai and also to pay for the administrative costs of the outreach. It was suggested that Will inquire about an additional Grant extension.
New Business:
Development of Business Plan: The Marketing Subcommittee will include Bob Roper, Shari Skinner, Bill Prather, Will Castagna and Wally McCall. The marketing plan will include P/R. for the fuel break. It was noted that strategic initiatives must be in place so that potential donors have access to the Council’s objectives.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 6 at Villanova from 6-7:30 p.m.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by Wally McCall at 7:52 p.m.
OJAI VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
September 6. 2006
In Attendance: Will Castagna, Jim Clark, Bob Daddi, Scott Eicher Mike Havstadt, Wally McCall, Tony Sabatino, Michael Strawhun, and Richard Weirick.
Absent: John Maggio, Bill Prather, Bob Roper, Dawn Schook, Kathleen Tarrats, and Richard Wilson,
Other:
Prior to the call to order, Will shared a PowerPoint presentation that can be used to present public information about our Fire Safe Council.
Old Business:
Revised Bylaws: The amended section 6.2 of the bylaws regarding check writing procedures was presented for review per the discussion and approval vote at the last meeting.
Fundraiser Mailing: A total of $340.00 in checks has been received so far as a result of the mailing done by the CREW.
Development of Business Plan: A marketing plan outline is being worked on by an ad hoc sub committee who will report back to the Board at a future date.
Conflict of Interest Policy: Scott reported on the research he has done on boilerplate Conflict of Interest Policies.
Treasurer’s Report:
Will reviewed the financial reports for July and August. Grants 006 and 007 will be spent down by September 30. Several hundred dollars of unrestricted funds will remain in the Council’s bank account.
Grants Manager Report:
Remaining 007 Funds:
A discussion regarding the lack of media coverage for the forest fire occurring in the Los Padres National Forest close to Fillmore resulted in a decision to have Will Castagna post information, updates and fire information links on our website. Posting to Adelphia and in the local press will also be explored. Wherever possible, postings will carry the OVFSC logo. Infusion will be employed to accomplish these new objectives. All remaining 007 funds will be used for this purpose.
New Business:
Board Membership:
Tony Sabatino was unanimously approved as the new President of the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council, effective immediately. Vice President Shari Skinner is on leave. Dick Weirick was appointed to the Board. Dawn Schook was appointed to the Board from the Advisory Council. Bill Moses resigned as a Board member on 8/29/2006.
Grants Manager Status: This item will be reviewed as part of the business plan discussion.
Website request from San Luis Obispo: Will reported on a request to duplicate our website. Discussion was tabled.
Creation of ‘Approved Signers’ List: Tabled
New Grant Opportunity: Tabled
Forest Stewardship Workshop: Wally will inform the Council that we do not have the facilities to accommodate their request to provide a venue for their workshop.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 25 at 6:00 pm in room 18 at Villanova.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 pm by Wally McCall.
OJAI VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGOctober 25. 2006
In Attendance: Will Castagna, Bob Roper, Bill Prather, Tony Sabatino, Richard Weirick, Bob Daddi, John Maggio, and Scott Eicher.
Absent: Richard Wilson, Jim Clark, Dawn Schook, Wally McCall, Kathleen Tarrats.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Tony Sabatino at 6:00 pm.
Approval of the Minutes: The minutes of the prior meeting were approved without amendments.
A motion was made and approved that the following information supplied by Wally McCall be included in the minutes of the meeting occurring tonight: Wally McCall resigned as President, but remains on the Board and on the Executive Committee. Wally recruited Tony Sabatino to fill the position as President.
Treasurer’s Report: Will reported on the two bank accounts held by the OVFSC and summarized the monies held in balance. The monies for Grants 006 and 007 have been spent and those grants completely closed out.
Old Business:
Discussion was held regarding the Marketing and Business Plan. Wildfire safety through education and action (developing community relationships that promote wildfire safety) were noted as the current mission statement. Discussion as to appropriate Council objectives as suggested in the Marketing and Business Plan draft followed.
Bob Roper offered to bring a list of identified wildfire-related needs in the Ojai area as a way to help pinpoint Council objectives and expectations. John Maggio and Tony Sabatino will look at this list before the next meeting in order to facilitate further discussion at the next meeting.
It was moved and unanimously approved that Bill Prather and Tony Sabatino be on the approved signers list for check writing.
Grant Manager’s Report:
The Grant is scheduled for 18 months beginning last May, but will likely be extended due to the delay in receipt of funding. Prior to the next meeting, Will was asked to provide Council members with a breakdown of “use of proceeds” for the grant funds.
An agreement to hire Will Castagna as the Grant Management contractor for Grant 008 for a monthly fee of $1500.00 was considered, moved, and passed unanimously.
Next Meeting: The next meeting date is to be determined and will be distributed by email.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm by Tony Sabatino.
OJAI VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGJuly 7, 2006
In Attendance: Will Castagna, Bill Prather, Scott Eicher, Wally McCall, Shari Skinner, and Tony Sabatino.
Absent: Roger Essick, Mike Hall-Mounsey, Bill Moses, Bob Roper, James Clark, Kathleen Tarrats, John Bridgwater, Bob Dadi, John Maggio, Dawn Schook, and Richard Wilson.
Call to Order: Wally McCall called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m.
Minutes: Minutes of the meetings of June 29 and April 24 will be revised to reflect major actions and discussion topics. It was asked that absent members be included in future minutes.
Old Business:
1. Check signing procedures: Check writing procedures were discussed in respect to the number of designated signatories needed. It was suggested that three signatories be identified. A recommendation was made that as check writing procedures are established, conflict of interest policies be explored. This matter will be revisited at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
2. Web Site Maintenance: Will will check and confirm that the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council owns its URL for the website.
New Business:
1. Business Plan: Wally recommended that a schedule of monthly meetings (the Board currently meets quarterly) be developed and that subcommittees be established to address various aspects of a comprehensive business plan.
2. Grants 006 and 007:
Will gave updates as to status of progress and closure on grants 006 and 007.
To strengthen the FSC’s visibility in the community, a suggestion was made to develop a television ad to run on Adelphia.
Closed Session
The Board went into closed session at 7:03 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. At 7:48 p.m., the regular meeting was reconvened.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting of the Board will take place on Tuesday, August 15, from 6 to 7:30 pm at Thatcher School.
Adjournment
At 7:49 the meeting was adjourned.
It was noted that more effective ways to generate income/cash flow for the Council need to be explored and that the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council needs to develop a business plan including a projected budget and fundraising goals. It was suggested that the Ventura County Community Funding Resource Library be contacted for a master list of available grant opportunities.
Executive Session:
At 6:45 p.m. the Board went into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.
The Executive Session concluded at 8:00 p.m.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
OJAI VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
June 29, 2006
In Attendance: John Bridgwater, Will Castagna, Scott Eicher, Wally McCall, Bill Moses, Bob Roper, Bill Prather, and Tony Sabatino.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:08 p.m. by Wally McCall.
Minutes: Due to a request for revisions, minutes of the meeting of April 24 were not available for approval.
Treasurer's Report:
Will distributed financial reports. The Balance Sheet showed assets as of May 31, 2006 of $12,830 in cash, and year-to date net income of $3,273. Current funds will be used to close out projects 006 and 007. The FSC Certificate of Insurance will be sent to Bill Prather for review.
Income Generation:
Income generation from website replication activities was discussed. If replicated for another FSC, the Ojai Valley FSC would handle registration, hosting site technology, and other embedded software needs for a fee, providing the Council with cash flow. A fee of 0.5% to 1% of the perceived value was suggested and a monthly fee versus an annual fee was thought to make the site technology more affordable to other Councils.
The question of copyright was raised, and Will confirmed that the website was copywrited, but those copyrights have not been registered.
There was discussion regarding the possibility of selling Fire Gel Kits for additional incremental cash flow. The sale of gel kits as a steady source of revenue was questioned due to improbability of buyers purchasing through the website and issues such as shelf life and environmental concerns.
OJAI VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGApril 24, 2006
In attendance: Scott Eicher, Will Castagna, John Maggio, and Dawn Schook.
The meeting came to order at 3:14 p.m. As a quorum was not present, it was noted that no official action could be taken. Minutes of the last meeting were reviewed by all present. There were no corrections or changes.
1. Financial Review
The Income Statement for Quarter 1 was reviewed.
2. Grant Applications:
Grant applications status was reported including the CWPP (Community Wildfire Protection Plan). This $50,000 grant was not awarded, but can be resubmitted.
City if Ojai Last Defense Fuel Break: We have been awarded close to $200K. The Ventura County Fire Protection District, the CREW, and the City of Ojai will provide $50K in matching funds. It was noted that Bob Roper and Wally McCall provided direct assistance as well as the match funding, without which the proposal would not have been selected.
3. Program Updates:
Will Castagna and Wally McCall attended the California Fire Safe Council Board meeting in Ventura. Wally reported on the success of the C.R.E.W and Will reported on the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council's on-line technology and education programs.
A 1/2 page ad promoting our website was published in the Ojai Valley News along with a flyer promoting defensible space landscaping. Left over copies of the flyers will be available at the Board of Realtors office. It was suggested that a small insert with a diagram of defensible space landscaping in be included with the Ventura County Clearance notices.
BLM/Clearinghouse Education Outreach Program: Thirteen presentations were made to area students in school assemblies and classroom settings. The Ojai-based Ventura County Engine Companies were available for most presentations, and Will commended the superb role they played.
Wheeler Gorge Fire Behavior Course: the Fire Safe Council is offering Free passes to the class on July 17.
4. Other Business:
Supplemental Revenue Proposals: As a possible source of revenue, Will proposed website replication and an on-line wildfire safety store (separate from the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council website) which would promote fire retardant gel sales. Details of the proposals will be sent by Will to the entire Board. An Executive Committee meeting will be called to discuss these revenue proposals.
5. Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 4:08 p.m.
OJAI VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCILBOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
JANUARY 23, 2006
Call to order: 3:02 pm
In attendance: John Bridgwater, Doug Campbell, Will Castagna, James Clark II, Scott Eicher, Mike Havstad, John Maggio, Wally McCall, Bill Moses, Bob Roper, Kathleen Tarrats, Chris Woods, and Christine Golden.
1. The meeting began at 3:02 p.m. The minutes of the meeting of September 5, 2005 were approved as corrected to reflect that Diane Cross is with the Ranger Station in Ojai.
2. Will reviewed the proposed meeting time and schedule. It was agreed that meetings will be held on Mondays, beginning at 3:00 and ending at 4:30 PM. Future meetings dates are: Apr 24, July 24, and Oct 23, 2006
3.
Financial Review: Will reviewed the 2005 Income Statement and Balance Sheet explaining that 3 grants are in the works. We are waiting to hear the status of two grants and the third grant is about to be re-submitted.
4.
Funding Review: a. CWPP (Community Wildfire Protection Plan) Update: Bob Roper will send Will a letter indicating that the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council is underway with its CWPP. He explained the CWPP review process and noted that it is turned around quickly. John Bridgwater advised that community involvement is an important part of the process. Will informed the group that Ojai’s new police chief, Bruce Norris, is interested in representing the City of Ojai in this process. It was noted that Will is the contact person for the CWPP process. Wally suggested going for at least $40,000 for the CWPP grant by applying to the Fire Safe Clearinghouse. Will will pursue this idea. Also, Will will contact Cathy Brooks to find out if the City of Ojai Last Defense Fuel Break grant may be submitted before the CWPP is complete.
b. 05BLM0204 Grant Review: Will shared a letter from Cathy Brooks of the California Fire Safe Council commending the Ojai Valley FSC progress in its grant action items. A copy of the letter is attached to these minutes.
5.
Program Updates: a. Student Wildfire Safety Education: Will noted in addition to the school assemblies already held, presentations are scheduled at Matilija Junior High School in February and at Villanova Preparatory School in March. During the presentations, students will be directed to the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council website which is being expanded and modified to include “tracks” for students (and ranchers) with appropriate prize incentives for each group. John Maggio suggested that Board members be notified of school assembly presentations should anyone wish to attend.
b. Controlling Nature’s Wrath DVD Distribution: DVD distribution to various vendors and schools throughout the Ojai Valley is near completion. It was suggested to include DVD delivery to the Wheeler Gorge Center and also to the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation. Kathleen Tarrats of RSVP distributed flyers for a showing of the Controlling Nature’s Wrath DVD to seniors on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 from 9:30-10:00 a.m. at Little House.
c. Brochure Distribution: Fire Safe Landscaping brochures were inserted in the Ojai Valley News last November for mass distribution to residents. A second OVN insertion is planned for this February. As State Farm Insurance is no longer able to produce free fire safe brochures, the council will pursue cost effective brochure printing. It was suggested that a new brochure with the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council logo be made. Wally also asked that LPFA and VCFA logos be included on the flyer as well. Kathy volunteered RSVP volunteers to help with brochure distribution and preparation if given advanced notice. Bob Roper will supply a database of those individuals who have received weed abatement notices if the Council wishes to target a specific audience for brochures, and Kathleen is able to serve as a resource for identifying specific seniors that need help with brush clearance.
6.
Other Business: a. Wally reminded the group that the Ojai Community Bank account needs to be opened. OCB will be setting up a philanthropic account and Wally suggested contacting Shari Skinner to be sure OVFSC is on the list.
b. Wally noted that Mike Havstad, the Los Padres Forest Association (LPFA) and the U.S. Forest Service have done an outstanding job of transforming the Wheeler Gorge Visitors Center into a training center. New workshops on Volunteer Wilderness Training and Fire Behavior Predictions and Survivability are being offered. The course includes a book available on line for $20.00. 20-35 people can be accommodated depending upon the workshop. Special criteria are not required for those who wish to attend the classes. Interested participants should contact Mike or Doug. A motion was made that the OVFSC fund up to 20 attendees. The motion passed unanimously. Mike suggested a Sunday program be offered to the public, and Wally suggested holding a class for the equestrian community.
c. Wally announced an April 22 Bar-B-Que and Barn Party will be held as a benefit event for C.R.E.W. Equestrian riders will to arrive at 1:00 p.m. and the BBQ will start at 4:00. There will be great auction items. Cost for horse back riding and BBQ will be about $100.00. Let Wally know if you wish to attend.
d. Bob Roper announced that the Wildland Fire Convention in Phoenix will take place March 7-8-9 this year. The Convention will cover topics from prevention to education to CWPPs. Bob will email particulars to Will. Bob recommends that our Ojai Valley Fie Safe Council be represented.
The Meeting was adjourned at 4:29 p.m.
OJAI VALLEY FIRE SAFE COUNCILBOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
SEPTEMBER 15, 2005
Call to order: 4:30 pm
In attendance: Board Members: Will Castagna, Jim Clark, Scott Eicher, Wally McCall, Bill Prather, and Shari Skinner.
Advisory Council: John Bridgwater, Bob Dadi, and John Maggio.
Visitors: Diane Cross, Mike Havstad, and David Mathe.
Discussion Items:
- The meeting was opened at 4:30 p.m. at the Ojai Valley Museum with introductions and welcoming of new participants.
- Will Castagna explained that Board and Advisory Council information is to be posted on the Ojai Valley FSC website. A Board and Advisory Council Roster was distributed to give members an opportunity to review and edit what information is to be published. Members not in attendance will be polled for this information before the roster is posted.
- After discussion it was decided to hold future quarterly meetings from 3:00-4:30 p.m. Meeting schedule for the next 4 meetings is: Jan 23, 2006, Apr 24, 2006, July 24, 2006, Oct 23, 2006.
- The FSC Accomplishments page was reviewed. Will highlighted various Grants the Fire Safe Council has received. In addition, the Fire Safe Council Website incentive program netted over 1,000 visitors. Wally noted with appreciation that Will has earned the Council nearly $150,000.00 in grant monies and commended Will for his work on the FSC Website, which has been recognized with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition and commended for excellence by the California Fire Safe Council community. Other discussion related to this item were:
- Bob Dadi asked for information regarding money granted by insurance companies to schools for educational purposes.
- Will will pursue the suggestion that the informational DVD be distributed to Adelphia for airing on our local public access station as well as having one available at the Wheeler Gorge Information Center.
- Help of Ojai will be used to reach the senior population.
- Wally asked if a grant from Washington Mutual would be sought. He suggested submitting proposals for smaller grants such as Allstate, Rotary, and Ventura Government County Agencies. Will and Wally will meet to create a list of possible funders.
- Will reviewed progress to date on arranging a minimum of 12 Fire Safety Education school presentations, the goal of enhancing the website for student use, and efforts to identify and contact the senior population for Defensible Space Education.
- Wally advised the Board that a CWPP (Community Wild Fire Protection Plan) must be written and is now required before distribution of any Federal Funds. Diane Morgan and Bob Roper are working with Will to complete a plan before the end of the year.
- It was noted that financials for the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council are available upon request through Will?s office.
- Promoting community awareness of Barricade (foam) as well as ways to obtain and distribute the gell was discussed. Shari Skinner suggested finding out if insurance companies would reduce policy cost to homeowners if foam is on hand and for brush clearance.
- Bob Dadi suggested contacting Indian Reservations for inclusion in FSC efforts and programs.
- Diane Cross from the Ojai Ranger Station, presented the Ojai Community Defense Zone Map showing the Ojai Front Fuels Management Areas. Wally McCall asked that the Board consider a letter or article (supported by the Chamber of Commerce) be drafted to disseminate the positive aspects of fuel breaks to the public at large. Further discussion and information on a possible approach was tabled.
Action Items:
- Will Castagna made a motion to authorize the Ojai Community Bank account for the FSC. Scott Eicher seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
- Mr. Castagna moved that in addition to himself, Wally McCall and Bill Moses be signatories for the bank account. The motion passed unanimously.
- Wally McCall asked for a volunteer to serve as Vice President of the Board. Shari Skinner agreed to serve in this capacity and was approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:38 p.m.
Board advised that Advisory Council member Walt Reimer has moved from the Ojai Valley. Allstate Insurance represented by agent John Maggio.
Will introduced Joan Sangster, OVFSC administrative assistant.
New Board Members: Vote on new Board members Kathleen Tarrats of RSVP and Frank Bennett of Southern California Water Company moved by Will C., 2nd by Judy M. approved by all.
W. McCall advised Board of upcoming opportunity for biomass reutilization in collaboration with the OVLC, USFS and The C.R.E.W. on a new fuelbreak program to begin on the OVLC Ventura River acquisition this fall. Issues of access for individuals to pick up mulch to be investigated by McCall.
