Firewise Meeting February 12, 2025
LCMC Board Room
Zoom meeting was called to order at 10:00am by President Alec Pennington
Present were board members: Alec Pennington, Kathy Stafford, Gary Nelson and Dave Peterson.
Excused absences: Dennis Wicks and Gregg Dahman.
Special guest attending was LCMC GM Dawn Lower.
There were no community member attendees.
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With a motion by Dave and a second from Gary, the minutes of the January 8th, 2025, meeting were approved.
Treasurer Report – Gary Nelson.
The Treasurer’s Report had been previously published separately. Motion to approve Alec, 2nd Gary. Vote approved.
At the last meeting, questions arose regarding Kroger Rewards program – what it is, how sign up, is it on our website. It was also proposed to include info on the Firewise newsletter should we get one up and running. Dennis was to research and get back to us.
Realty Sign
Alec reported the sign has been successfully installed, although some adjustment will be done to the mounting once the weather warms up. The mounting bolts are too long so spacers will be installed.
Website Change-Over
Gary had previously taken on maintenance of our website on a temporary basis. We still need to find someone to take on the admin duties to make updates, changes, improvements etc.
Wildfire Preparedness Day
As of today’s meeting, the May 17 date for the event has not been confirmed by Karen Thomas of the Fire Department. Alec will not be able to attend the event if it is on May 17. Gary agreed to take lead for the event.
- One speaker confirmed, Margaret Kreder from Mason Conservation District will speak about fire resistant/resilient plants
- Bob Burbridge is tentatively scheduled but not confirmed to date or topic
- Dennis is to build a model home and landscaping display play station. No update available
- Discussion was held via email regarding number of speakers and it was decided at this meeting to only have two speakers due to time constraints with the caveat that Chief Sexton will probably want some time.
- For the raffle, it was decided to acquire the same type and number of gifts as last year. It was decided not to get a CERT kit bag but to save that for the Disaster Preparedness Day in the fall.
- Hunter Farms has been approached twice regarding plants to giveaway at the event but they have not responded. Speaking with Kathy, there may have been a miscommunication with Hunter Farms about whether we are looking for a donation of plants or purchasing plants. Alec will try again. Alec will also approach other vendors.
New Firewise Action Plan Template
Jesse Duvall previously sent out the new Fire Wise Action Plan template for us to use. It is more of a checklist instead of a narrative format. Alec sent to all Board members but those present had not looked at it.
Community Wildfire Defense Grant – Firewise Input
Part of the CWDG requires applicants include Accomplishments they hope to achieve. The application includes a “Measurable Outcomes Table” which lists several areas of possible accomplishments. One of the items is specifically within Firewise purview offering Firewise direct input into the grant application. Alec sent to all Board members but those present had not looked at it.
2025 DNR Microgrant
The DNR Firewise Micro grant is supposed to open February 1 but has not yet been released. Jesse Duvall expects it to arrive next week.
Firewise Property Assessment Training
Training will be done once the weather warms up. We have at least on candidate very interested in doing assessments.
Storage Tubs
The tubs have been delivered and are in the storage shed waiting to be filled.
At 12:00 Gary motioned we adjourn, Dave seconded, all approved and the meeting ended.
Next regular meeting will be on March12th at 10 am in the LCMC boardroom.
ACTION ITEMS
Dennis:
Line 18 – Dennis will research the mechanics of a Firewise Newsletter
Line 44 – Will build a home and landscaping play model for a fire wise assessment
Alec:
Line 24 – Adjust mounting bolts on sign.
Lines 55, 56 – Alec will follow up with Hunter Farms and other possible vendors.
TABLED FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION
Giving Gary a pre-approved spending limit.
Working on next year’s Disaster Preparedness Day.
Hosting a Wildfire Home Assessment training