Firewise Meeting December 13, 2023
LCMC Board Room
Attendees: Dennis Wicks, Alec Pennington, Dave Peterson, Gregg Dahman, Gary Nelson and Kathy Stafford. Maggie Schmidt via Zoom. Ray Menard absent-excused.
Meeting was called to order at 10:05 AM by President Alec Pennington
Minutes of November 8, 2023 meeting were approved.
Treasurer Report- Gary Nelson. Savings accounts only provide statements quarterly. The account(s) can be viewed online by Gary, and Alec is working on access. Paid the POB for another year. Total in Firewise accounts $17,311.64. Discussion to turn on bank transaction alerts. Gary to investigate.
New Business:
Discussion of Treasury or Securities Bond. Cost depends on risk factors. With 2 signatures required on checks, and debit card our risk seems low. Agreed a Bond should be for the Organization and not the individual. Firewise will pay any costs. Agreed to put verbiage in the Bylaws that Firewise “may” purchase a Bond.
With the Bond language resolved, the Bylaws are now complete. Alec will finalize.
Resumed discussion on brochure boxes at mailbox clusters. Mailboxes are not controlled by LCMC so no permission is needed. Possibly USPS? Possibly add “Firewise Community” signs or Flyer boxes to existing LCMC signposts. Alec will talk to GM Dawn Lower. If Firewise adds posts it needs to be
approved by Chevon (Public Works) to be sure. DNR may help with costs.
There is an old Firewise sign by the Lake Cushman Realty office with a fire danger gauge. The sign needs to be repaired or refurbished. Discussion of who owns the degree of fire danger. Gary Nelson will check with Chief Sexton and/or Ray.
Fire hydrant snow removal- need to promote more volunteerism. Post COVID it has been difficult to reengage the community.
Additional discussion on a fall 2024 Emergency Earthquake/Disaster Event. Provide free “starter” Go Bags? Provide fire blankets? Provide lists of what to do if you have 5 minutes/30 minutes/4 hours of warning. Provide “Basics to be Ready” lists- i.e. Learn to turn off your propane. Engage Speaker? Gregg? Different disasters require a different plan. Event tailored for Cushman.
We will not be able to rent a golf course mini garage. The Hwy 119 storage is $80 month. Alec and Gary will ask LCMC and the Firehall if we can put in a storage locker/shed.
Gary requested feedback on Vendor aprons. He will order 6 with logos. Will continue to search GO Bags. Leaning toward backpack or “starter” GO Bags. Look at bumper stickers/vinyl window clings
Meeting was adjourned at 11:40
Next meeting will January 10th at 10 am in LCMC boardroom.