Emergency Services Committee
Meeting Minutes

Date:   19 June 2002
Location:   Rick Johnson’s Guest House
Time:   6:00 pm

Committee Members Present:
Rick Johnson, Chair
Bob Santoro
Lynn Austin
Chuck Austin
Walt Wolff
Paul Vircsik
Gene Downs
  Absent:
John Woods
Suzie Davis
Dennis Scott
Michelle Minion
  Minutes:
Joyce Wolff

Agenda Item #1 – July Fourth Weekend Plans
Volunteers will man the gate from 8 am to 8 pm on the 4th, 5th and 6th of July in order to remind property owners of fire danger and prevent unauthorized entry. A flyer with pertinent information will be offered. (See Below) One lane will be marked by a sign requesting a stop. Volunteers will be requested to sign up either on the bulletin board or at the next Women’s Group Meeting. Suggested shifts will be two hours. Joyce and Walt will take the first two-hour shift on all three days. The volunteer firefighters will be on standby for the weekend and consequently not available. Rick prepared a procedure for volunteers. Ranch car stickers will not be given at the gate but will be available at the Town meeting and the picnic with proof of property ownership.

Plans were made to set up an information display at the picnic.

Agenda Item #2 – Exit 2 Protocol
Last week Walt and Dennis checked the Exit 2 gates, opened the locks, and looked over the area around Exit 2. The gates remain locked in agreement with the Railroad. Gene and Walt will purchase new locks and the keys will be given to a few Emergency Services Committee (ESC) members and the Railroad. The Committee is very concerned about the possible abuse of our agreement with the Railroad. In case of an emergency evacuation the gates will be opened promptly by someone authorized by the ESC. It is entirely possible that Exit 2 could not be used at all depending on the location and approach of the fire. The Committee is also concerned about property owners trying to exit the Ranch on trails or roads that could lead no where or become impassable, creating a situation as dangerous as that posed by the fire. The Committee stressed the fact that there are two emergency exits. If the emergency evacuation plan is put into effect property owners will be directed by their Area Leaders to the exit that is safe.

A written protocol will be prepared for presentation and discussion at the Town Meeting on 5 July

Agenda Item #3 – Evacuation Plan
Rick will reword the emergency plan to make some issues more clear. The plan has always been in effect and every property owner was provided one. The information includes the names and telephone numbers of Area Leaders and Assistant Area Leaders who will contact every resident or temporary occupant in case of any emergency, not just evacuation. At that time residents will be told what to do and how to exit the Ranch if that is required at the time. Paul pointed out that directives to residents will depend on the circumstances. He will write more about this issue in his July column Preparedness Corner on the Website.

Rick will update telephone numbers and Bob Santoro will resume his task of getting the directory in order. He needs current information from Area 5. Area 5 needs an assistant.

Agenda Item #4 – Trespass
Rick has tried to contact Jess Gibson at the Sheriff’s office in order to pursue charges for the recent trespass in the north end of the Ranch. Mr. Gibson returned Rick’s call during the meeting, apologizing for the delay. Rick will try to meet with him tomorrow.

In response to what was described as an illegal camp fire near or in Area 6 Ed will increase vigilance in that area.

The scheduled meeting for 13 July is cancelled.

(Handout during Fourth of July Weekend Watch)

SFTR EMERGENCY SERVICES INFORMATION

FOR THE 4th OF JULY WEEKEND

DUE TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER

HAVE A SAFE WEEKEND