ABSTRACT: The FIRE SERVICE ALTERNATIVES Report prepared by GEORGE E. RAWSON, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY (RET.), dated April 17, 2011, “focuses on alternative models of how fire protection services can be administered, and does not include the Carmel Regional Fire Ambulance component.” The FIRE SERVICE OPTIONS include STAND ALONE MODEL, MONTEREY FIRE CONTRACT and CAL FIRE CONTRACT. The SUMMARY states: “In summary, the stand-alone model is more costly and provides substantially fewer personnel and equipment resources versus the JPA or fire service contract alternatives. Although the JPA model is a promising alternative, the ability to implement this option in the near future makes this an impractical alternative at this time. It is recommended the city focus on contract fire services as the preferred alternative while maintaining the option to participate in a fire services JPA in the future.” An abbreviated summary of the Carmel-by-the-Sea Fire Service Cost Estimate Comparison table is presented. And the Comparative Analysis of Fire Service Options table, including all fourteen FACTORS (Emergency response standard (first unit on scene); Emergency response standard (structure fire); Availability of qualified chief officer for incident command; Station staffing; Fire Inspection services; Control over service levels and costs; Governance / local control; Capability to share other local City services; Workforce stability; Financial risk; Existing liability for retiree medical benefits; Ease of implementation; sustainability; Labor support and Employee Pre-employment background investigation) is reproduced. Importantly, Monterey and Carmel fire associations fully support the MONTEREY FIRE CONTRACT option. The intent of the report is “to facilitate preliminary discussion and public input.” The City’s FIRE SERVICE ALTERNATIVES Packet is embedded, including the Fire Services Proposal For the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea from the City of Monterey, Fire Department, March 31, 2011 and Service Options for the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CAL FIRE San Benito – Monterey Unit Richard C. Hutchinson Jr., Unit Chief, April 28, 2011. The 5-Year Totals for STAND ALONE MODEL, MONTEREY FIRE CONTRACT and CAL FIRE CONTRACT are $12,813,077, $9,560,633 and $8,686,017, respectively. A Fire Services Workshop is scheduled for Thursday, April 28, at 5:00 P.M., City Hall Chambers.
Carmel-by-the-Sea Fire Service Cost Estimate Comparison
OPTION #1: STAND ALONE MODEL
FY 11/12 Total $ 2,604,535
FY 12/13 Total $ 2,490,098
FY 13/14 Total $ 2,564,135
FY 14/15 Total $ 2,574,833
FY 15/16 Total $ 2,579,476
5-Year Total $ 12,813,077
Note: Total excludes CRFA subsidy and leases
OPTION #2: MONTEREY FIRE CONTRACT
FY 11/12 Total $ 1,928,541
FY 12/13 Total $ 1,852,083
FY 13/14 Total $ 1,909,541
FY 14/15 Total $ 1,928,734
FY 15/16 Total $ 1,941,734
5-Year Total $ 9,560,633
Note: Total excludes CRFA subsidy and leases
OPTION #3: CAL FIRE CONTRACT
FY 11/12 TOTAL $ 1,801,437
FY 12/13 Total $ 1,704,625
FY 13/14 Total $ 1,708,089
FY 14/15 Total $ 1,733,091
FY 15/16 Total$ 1,738,775
5-Year Total $ 8,686,017
Note: Total excludes CRFA subsidy and leases
Comparative Analysis of Fire Service Options
FACTOR: Emergency response standard (first unit on scene
STAND ALONE Response time is 3 to 5 minutes on 90% of calls.
MONTEREY Response time is 3 to 5 minutes on 90% of calls.
CAL FIRE Response time is 3 to 5 minutes on 90% of calls.
FACTOR: Emergency response standard (structure fire)
STAND ALONE 1 engine, 1 ambulance, and 1 chief officer (6 personnel).
MONTEREY 4 engines, 1 aerial apparatus, 1 ambulance and 1 chief officer (min. 18 personnel)
CAL FIRE 4 engines, 1 aerial apparatus, 1ambulance and 1 chief officer (min. 18 personnel)
FACTOR: Availability of qualified chief officer for incident command
STAND ALONE City establishes criteria for availability.
MONTEREY Available within 10 minutes of Carmel at all times.
CAL FIRE Available within 10 minutes of Carmel at all times.
FACTOR: Station staffing
STAND ALONE 1 engine company with 3 personnel; backfill with off-duty personnel as available.
MONTEREY 1 engine company with 3 personnel; will backfill Carmel station when Carmel engine is committed.
CAL FIRE 1 engine company with 3 personnel; will backfill Carmel station when Carmel engine is committed.
FACTOR: Fire Inspection services
STAND ALONE As established and funded by City.
MONTEREY Contract includes inspection services by Monterey Fire Prevention staff.
CAL FIRE Contract offers dedicated inspection staff plus on-duty engine crew
FACTOR: Control over service levels and costs
STAND ALONE Most control over service levels and costs.
MONTEREY City determines service level desired in collaboration with Monterey; somewhat more influence on costs than state model
CAL FIRE City determines service level desired; no control over state personnel salary & benefits costs.
FACTOR: Governance/local control
STAND ALONE City retains the most control with this option.
MONTEREY Local city to city partnership building on existing relationships and agreements. Fire Chief has track record of being responsive to Carmel standards.
CAL FIRE State/local government partnership subject to state’s oversight authority. Local area CALFIRE Unit Chief has authority to tailor fire protection proposal to meet Carmel standards.
FACTOR: Capability to share other local City services
STAND ALONE Not applicable
MONTEREY Significant potential to share other municipal services
CAL FIRE None
FACTOR: Workforce stability
STAND ALONE City has full control of employees; historically very stable workforce.
MONTEREY Majority of fire staff lives within Monterey County and is heavily involved in local activities; may result in lower turnover rate than state model.
CAL FIRE State agency with employees recruited throughout state; ability to transfer in and out of Carmel and local area at any time.
FACTOR: Financial risk
STAND ALONE More costly than contract alternative; city retains most control of costs with this alternative.
MONTEREY Proven local government partnership; likely somewhat more influence over costs than state model.
CAL FIRE State budget uncertainties do exist. City maintains right to pay costs for level of fire services city desires.
FACTOR: Existing liability for retiree medical benefits
STAND ALONE None
MONTEREY None
CAL FIRE CAL FIRE’s share of State’s unfunded retiree medical obligations not included in proposal; Retiree benefit calculated on basis of state employee service; city years of service excluded from benefit calculation.
FACTOR: Ease of implementation; sustainability
STAND ALONE Likely more complex than contract model.
MONTEREY Proven local contract partnerships; many of the required implementation steps have been completed to minimize transition period; likely quickest implementation.
CAL FIRE Proven experience with implementing contracts. May result in longer implementation period due to collective bargaining process yet to be completed.
FACTOR: Labor support
STAND ALONE Carmel Firefighter’s Association does not support this model.
MONTEREY Monterey and Carmel fire associations fully support this alternative.
CAL FIRE Unknown, however CAL FIRE firefighters union has previously opposed CAL FIRE contracting with Pacific Grove.
FACTOR: Familiarity with local structures and needs
STAND ALONE Carmel firefighters are well-acquainted with Carmel’s unique characteristics.
MONTEREY Carmel and Monterey Firefighters currently conduct joint training and are familiar with Carmel’s unique characteristics.
CAL FIRE Current Carmel firefighters remain assigned to the CFD as CAL FIRE employees. However, they have future discretion to transfer anywhere in the State. New staff must be trained on Carmel’s unique characteristics.
FACTOR: Termination of Fire Services Agreement
STAND ALONE Not applicable
MONTEREY 12 months’ termination notice required; payment for unpaid transferred leave balances due upon termination.
CAL FIRE 12 months’ termination notice required; no fiscal liability for transferred leave balances upon termination.
FACTOR: Employee Pre-employment background investigation
STAND ALONE All employees hired and promoted are subject to comprehensive background and psychological evaluation.
MONTEREY All employees hired and promoted are subject to comprehensive background and psychological evaluation.
CAL FIRE No agency specific requirements for pre-employment background checks, but criminal history checks are performed pursuant to State EMT employment regulations.
City FIRE SERVICE ALTERNATIVES April 2011
FIRE SERVICE ALTERNATIVES April 2011
Showing posts with label Public Safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public Safety. Show all posts
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
HIGHLIGHTS of 2 December 2008 City Council Agenda Item: Options For Future Carmel Fire Department Management
ABSTRACT: HIGHLIGHTS of “Receive report and provide policy direction regarding options for future Carmel Fire Department management” is presented, including remarks by Public Safety Director George Rawson and City Manager Fred Meurer, City of Monterey. COMMENTS are made about the conduct of the City Council Members, in particular.
HIGHLIGHTS of “Receive report and provide policy direction regarding options for future Carmel Fire Department management:”
• The agenda item, “Receive report and provide policy direction regarding options for future Carmel Fire Department management” was the last item on the agenda. However, at the meeting, this agenda item was placed after IV. Extraordinary Business and prior to V. Announcements from Closed Session, from City Council Members and the City Administrator.
• Public Safety Director George Rawson presented the Staff Report. Interestingly, George Rawson stated that the reason the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea withdrew from consolidation negotiations in January 2008 was because of “labor negotiations” and “some other issues.” He presented the three long-term options for the Carmel Fire Department, including Stand Alone, Contract or Joint Powers Authority. At present, staffing levels, equipment and the fire department facility meet the “prerequisites” for future consolidation, he stated.
• Highlights of the presentation given by the City Manager of the City of Monterey Fred Meurer included, as follows:
The financial realities of post-2001 and recent financial events make consolidation absolutely essential if fire departments are going to maintain essential services to the public.
Goal is to form a regional fire authority to serve all of the Monterey Peninsula cities. A “step on the longer-term journey” is to go from three fire departments (Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel) to one “extraordinary” fire department, consisting of 1 Fire Chief, 1 Deputy Chief and a complement of fire prevention officers including division chiefs as the standard to dodge any lawsuits which naturally come when something goes wrong.
Major stumbling block to consolidation, excess liability carriers have great concerns about us commanding people not working for us. Therefore, we need to have an end date for the interim, intermediate, contract period. Ergo, contract for services is the best option. (End date 28 February 2009)
The City of Monterey is prepared to move forward, prepared to serve if the City Council of Carmel-by-the-Sea decides to contract for fire protection services.
• During City Council deliberations, all of the City Council Members expressed support for moving forward with contract negotiations with the City of Monterey for fire protection services except Mayor Sue McCloud.
• Concerns expressed by City Council Members about the uniqueness of Carmel-by-the-Sea, i.e., no physical street addresses, were addressed by City Manager Fred Meurer by stating that all of the firefighters would be familiar with Carmel-by-the-Sea and be able to navigate the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea expeditiously. And Carmel Firefighters would remain at the Carmel Fire Station. In fact, contracting with the City of Monterey would increase Carmel’s comfort level regarding safety, Meurer stated.
NOTE: City Manager Fred Meurer has a proven record of implementing cost effective, mission oriented, consolidation strategies involving the City of Monterey, the Army, Navy, Sand City and most recently the Monterey and Pacific Grove Fire Departments.
COMMENTS:
• At the meeting, Public Safety Director George Rawson, Fire Chief Andrew Miller, City Administrator Rich Guillen and City Council Members Paula Hazdovac, Gerard Rose, Karen Sharp and Ken Talmage stated for the record their support for contract negotiations with the City of Monterey for fire protection services. It was conspicuous that Mayor Sue McCloud was noncommittal. It appears, then, that the major stumbling block to consolidation is Mayor Sue McCloud.
• Only at the 11th hour did Public Safety Director George Rawson, Fire Chief Andrew Miller, City Administrator Rich Guillen and City Council Members Paula Hazdovac, Gerard Rose, Karen Sharp and Ken Talmage state for the public record their support for contract negotiations with the City of Monterey for fire protection services. Finally, at long last, they placed public safety and the citizens of Carmel-by-the-Sea ahead of the demands of Mayor Sue McCloud.
(Source: Archived Videos, Council Meeting, December 02, 2008, 00:19:30 – 00:51:52)
RELATED ARTICLE: City inches closer to joining Monterey Fire, MARY BROWNFIELD, The Carmel Pine Cone, December 5, 2008, pg. 7A & 9A
HIGHLIGHTS of “Receive report and provide policy direction regarding options for future Carmel Fire Department management:”
• The agenda item, “Receive report and provide policy direction regarding options for future Carmel Fire Department management” was the last item on the agenda. However, at the meeting, this agenda item was placed after IV. Extraordinary Business and prior to V. Announcements from Closed Session, from City Council Members and the City Administrator.
• Public Safety Director George Rawson presented the Staff Report. Interestingly, George Rawson stated that the reason the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea withdrew from consolidation negotiations in January 2008 was because of “labor negotiations” and “some other issues.” He presented the three long-term options for the Carmel Fire Department, including Stand Alone, Contract or Joint Powers Authority. At present, staffing levels, equipment and the fire department facility meet the “prerequisites” for future consolidation, he stated.
• Highlights of the presentation given by the City Manager of the City of Monterey Fred Meurer included, as follows:
The financial realities of post-2001 and recent financial events make consolidation absolutely essential if fire departments are going to maintain essential services to the public.
Goal is to form a regional fire authority to serve all of the Monterey Peninsula cities. A “step on the longer-term journey” is to go from three fire departments (Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel) to one “extraordinary” fire department, consisting of 1 Fire Chief, 1 Deputy Chief and a complement of fire prevention officers including division chiefs as the standard to dodge any lawsuits which naturally come when something goes wrong.
Major stumbling block to consolidation, excess liability carriers have great concerns about us commanding people not working for us. Therefore, we need to have an end date for the interim, intermediate, contract period. Ergo, contract for services is the best option. (End date 28 February 2009)
The City of Monterey is prepared to move forward, prepared to serve if the City Council of Carmel-by-the-Sea decides to contract for fire protection services.
• During City Council deliberations, all of the City Council Members expressed support for moving forward with contract negotiations with the City of Monterey for fire protection services except Mayor Sue McCloud.
• Concerns expressed by City Council Members about the uniqueness of Carmel-by-the-Sea, i.e., no physical street addresses, were addressed by City Manager Fred Meurer by stating that all of the firefighters would be familiar with Carmel-by-the-Sea and be able to navigate the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea expeditiously. And Carmel Firefighters would remain at the Carmel Fire Station. In fact, contracting with the City of Monterey would increase Carmel’s comfort level regarding safety, Meurer stated.
NOTE: City Manager Fred Meurer has a proven record of implementing cost effective, mission oriented, consolidation strategies involving the City of Monterey, the Army, Navy, Sand City and most recently the Monterey and Pacific Grove Fire Departments.
COMMENTS:
• At the meeting, Public Safety Director George Rawson, Fire Chief Andrew Miller, City Administrator Rich Guillen and City Council Members Paula Hazdovac, Gerard Rose, Karen Sharp and Ken Talmage stated for the record their support for contract negotiations with the City of Monterey for fire protection services. It was conspicuous that Mayor Sue McCloud was noncommittal. It appears, then, that the major stumbling block to consolidation is Mayor Sue McCloud.
• Only at the 11th hour did Public Safety Director George Rawson, Fire Chief Andrew Miller, City Administrator Rich Guillen and City Council Members Paula Hazdovac, Gerard Rose, Karen Sharp and Ken Talmage state for the public record their support for contract negotiations with the City of Monterey for fire protection services. Finally, at long last, they placed public safety and the citizens of Carmel-by-the-Sea ahead of the demands of Mayor Sue McCloud.
(Source: Archived Videos, Council Meeting, December 02, 2008, 00:19:30 – 00:51:52)
RELATED ARTICLE: City inches closer to joining Monterey Fire, MARY BROWNFIELD, The Carmel Pine Cone, December 5, 2008, pg. 7A & 9A
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Fire Prevention through City’s Compliance with Local Coastal Program
ABSTRACT: A SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at 4:30 P.M. in Council Chambers for the purpose of receiving a Staff Report and providing “POLICY DIRECTION REGARDING FIRE PREVENTION PLAN.” The focus of the Post is on the report section, “Public Property fire safety;” the “Public Property fire safety” section is reproduced in its entirety. COMMENTS are made and REFERENCES, including links to the STAFF REPORT REGARDING FIRE PREVENTION PLAN, prepared by Public Safety Director George Rawson, EXHIBIT “A” CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA MUNICIPAL CODES FIRE RELATED REGULATIONS and selected relevant sections of the General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan, are presented.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Special Meeting and Closed Session
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
4:30 pm
Council Chambers
East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Orders of Council
A. Receive report and provide policy direction regarding a City-wide fire prevention plan.
Meeting Date: July 15, 2008
Prepared by: George E. Rawson
TO: MAYOR McCLOUD AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
THROUGH: RICH GUILLEN, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: GEORGE E. RAWSON, PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR
DATE: July 9, 2008
SUBJECT: RECEIVE REPORT AND PROVIDE POLICY DIRECTION REGARDING FIRE PREVENTION PLAN
Public Property fire safety - In regards to public properties and parklands, city forester Mike Branson has been working with the fire department to ensure vegetation clearance efforts are completed. A contract crew is finishing the Mission Trails Nature Park project which included the mowing of dead grasses and the removal of undesirable vegetation. The sections completed include: the areas west of Flanders Mansion driveway, the upper section of Serra trail, the upper and lower Doolittle trail, the Willow trail, the Mountain View entrance, the Martin Meadow which was done by city staff, and other pedestrian trails.
The crew will also address the Pescadero Canyon area, specifically Second Ave. between Casanova & Camino Real Streets, by removing some genista. Dead grass and other vegetation will be cut on both sides of the roadway (target of 10’). The Public Safety Director and Assistant Fire Chief Dave Brown also met with CAL-FIRE administrators who confirmed they are coordinating a vegetation abatement process on the Pebble Beach side of Pescadero Canyon.
Public streets will be cleared of low limbs or other obstructions. Additional pruning will be done on the Willow trees from Rio Rd. to the city well.
View of “Cleared” Serra Trail, Mission Trail Nature Preserve
View of Vegetation Overgrowth Clogging Channel in Mission Trail Nature Preserve
View of Non-Native & Invasive Vegetation Overgrowth, East of Serra Trail, Mission Trail Nature Preserve
COMMENTS:
• Due to the unprecedented number and severity of wildfires in California during the 2008 fire season and “based on the high fire danger this year,” the City Council discussed fire prevention as an urgency topic at their meeting on July 1, 2008 and directed the preparation of a report summarizing existing municipal code authorities relating to fire safety. As it pertains to Mission Trail Nature Preserve, Public Safety Director George Rawson wrote that a contract crew is mowing dead grasses and removing undesirable vegetation. Completed areas include: “the areas west of Flanders Mansion driveway, the upper section of Serra trail, the upper and lower Doolittle trail, the Willow trail, the Mountain View entrance, the Martin Meadow which was done by city staff, and other pedestrian trails.” Moreover, City Forester Mike Branson has been working with the fire department to ensure vegetation clearance efforts are completed.
• Apparently, the impetus for “vegetation clearance efforts” in Mission Trail Nature Preserve was not normal, routine maintenance; rather it was due to the unprecedented 2008 fire season. While it is important for the City to recognize and respond to the unprecedented 2008 fire season, it is also important for the City to comply with the City’s Local Coastal Program, including the removal of invasive horticultural species and non-native plants from the Preserve, removal of inert debris and overgrowth to the extent that the vegetation prohibits water flow within the established channel, et cetera, as a proactive measure to address fire prevention and safety during normal periods and emergency periods.
• While, “Staff recommends a fire danger awareness campaign be initiated that includes a press release, media coverage, and posting information on the city website,” the City can promote fire safety by complying with the City’s Local Coastal Program and schedule regular, routine maintenance efforts year long, especially in fire prone areas, such as Mission Trail Nature Preserve.
REFERENCES:
STAFF REPORT REGARDING FIRE PREVENTION PLAN
FROM: GEORGE E. RAWSON, PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR
DATE: July 9, 2008
EXHIBIT “A” CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA MUNICIPAL CODES
FIRE RELATED REGULATIONS
General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Resource Management Element
P5-118 Avoid removal or pruning of native riparian vegetation except for drainage channel and road/trail clearance and/or for the purpose of new native indigenous tree/shrub establishment. (LUP)
O5-27 Reduce the introduction and population of invasive horticultural species in the Preserve. (LUP)
P5-122 Organize volunteer work groups to remove non-native plants from the Preserve. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection crews from Gabilan Camp could be used to assist in this effort. (LUP)
G5-10 To preserve the natural drainage of Mission Trail Nature Preserve and enhance wetlands. (LUP)
O5-31 Maintain natural drainage patterns except where erosion or human safety problems may be created. Maintain the existing creek bed and preclude it from becoming debris clogged. Encourage/allow the channelized ditch to revert to a more natural channel in order to enhance the Preserve’s wetlands (riparian forest, wet meadow) and natural character. (LUP)
P5-131 Remove fallen trees and limbs from the stream channels as needed. Place natural boulders and creek cobbles to prevent erosion only in situations where private property or public safety is at risk. (LUP)
P5-132 Repair stream bank deterioration as it occurs, and remove inert debris and new growth to the extent that they prohibit water flow within the established channel. Projects of this nature shall be reviewed by the Forest and Beach Commission, similar to its review of street projects. (LUP)
P5-137 Clean and grade road shoulders and maintain culverts at least twice yearly, to insure continuous drainage. The Forest and Beach Department will trim vegetation to the extent necessary to allow access by the City maintenance equipment and fire apparatus. (LUP)
G5-11 Maintain Mission Trail Nature Preserve using great care to avoid degradation of resources. (LUP)
O5-35 Implement the Mission Trail Nature Preserve Master Plan maintenance provisions. (LUP)
P5-149 Repair stream bank deterioration as it occurs, and remove inert debris and new growth to the extent that they prohibit water flow within the established channel. (Annually: September - October.) (LUP)
P5-150 Clean and grade road shoulders and maintain culverts to ensure continuous drainage. Trim vegetation to the extent necessary to allow access of equipment (Annually: September - October.) (LUP)
P5-151 Remove fallen limbs and trees from stream channels (As needed.) (LUP)
P5-156 Conduct trail maintenance and clearance (June - August.) (LUP)
NOTICE OF SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Special Meeting and Closed Session
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
4:30 pm
Council Chambers
East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Orders of Council
A. Receive report and provide policy direction regarding a City-wide fire prevention plan.
Meeting Date: July 15, 2008
Prepared by: George E. Rawson
TO: MAYOR McCLOUD AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
THROUGH: RICH GUILLEN, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: GEORGE E. RAWSON, PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR
DATE: July 9, 2008
SUBJECT: RECEIVE REPORT AND PROVIDE POLICY DIRECTION REGARDING FIRE PREVENTION PLAN
Public Property fire safety - In regards to public properties and parklands, city forester Mike Branson has been working with the fire department to ensure vegetation clearance efforts are completed. A contract crew is finishing the Mission Trails Nature Park project which included the mowing of dead grasses and the removal of undesirable vegetation. The sections completed include: the areas west of Flanders Mansion driveway, the upper section of Serra trail, the upper and lower Doolittle trail, the Willow trail, the Mountain View entrance, the Martin Meadow which was done by city staff, and other pedestrian trails.
The crew will also address the Pescadero Canyon area, specifically Second Ave. between Casanova & Camino Real Streets, by removing some genista. Dead grass and other vegetation will be cut on both sides of the roadway (target of 10’). The Public Safety Director and Assistant Fire Chief Dave Brown also met with CAL-FIRE administrators who confirmed they are coordinating a vegetation abatement process on the Pebble Beach side of Pescadero Canyon.
Public streets will be cleared of low limbs or other obstructions. Additional pruning will be done on the Willow trees from Rio Rd. to the city well.
View of “Cleared” Serra Trail, Mission Trail Nature Preserve
View of Vegetation Overgrowth Clogging Channel in Mission Trail Nature Preserve 
View of Non-Native & Invasive Vegetation Overgrowth, East of Serra Trail, Mission Trail Nature PreserveCOMMENTS:
• Due to the unprecedented number and severity of wildfires in California during the 2008 fire season and “based on the high fire danger this year,” the City Council discussed fire prevention as an urgency topic at their meeting on July 1, 2008 and directed the preparation of a report summarizing existing municipal code authorities relating to fire safety. As it pertains to Mission Trail Nature Preserve, Public Safety Director George Rawson wrote that a contract crew is mowing dead grasses and removing undesirable vegetation. Completed areas include: “the areas west of Flanders Mansion driveway, the upper section of Serra trail, the upper and lower Doolittle trail, the Willow trail, the Mountain View entrance, the Martin Meadow which was done by city staff, and other pedestrian trails.” Moreover, City Forester Mike Branson has been working with the fire department to ensure vegetation clearance efforts are completed.
• Apparently, the impetus for “vegetation clearance efforts” in Mission Trail Nature Preserve was not normal, routine maintenance; rather it was due to the unprecedented 2008 fire season. While it is important for the City to recognize and respond to the unprecedented 2008 fire season, it is also important for the City to comply with the City’s Local Coastal Program, including the removal of invasive horticultural species and non-native plants from the Preserve, removal of inert debris and overgrowth to the extent that the vegetation prohibits water flow within the established channel, et cetera, as a proactive measure to address fire prevention and safety during normal periods and emergency periods.
• While, “Staff recommends a fire danger awareness campaign be initiated that includes a press release, media coverage, and posting information on the city website,” the City can promote fire safety by complying with the City’s Local Coastal Program and schedule regular, routine maintenance efforts year long, especially in fire prone areas, such as Mission Trail Nature Preserve.
REFERENCES:
STAFF REPORT REGARDING FIRE PREVENTION PLAN
FROM: GEORGE E. RAWSON, PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR
DATE: July 9, 2008
EXHIBIT “A” CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA MUNICIPAL CODES
FIRE RELATED REGULATIONS
General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Resource Management Element
P5-118 Avoid removal or pruning of native riparian vegetation except for drainage channel and road/trail clearance and/or for the purpose of new native indigenous tree/shrub establishment. (LUP)
O5-27 Reduce the introduction and population of invasive horticultural species in the Preserve. (LUP)
P5-122 Organize volunteer work groups to remove non-native plants from the Preserve. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection crews from Gabilan Camp could be used to assist in this effort. (LUP)
G5-10 To preserve the natural drainage of Mission Trail Nature Preserve and enhance wetlands. (LUP)
O5-31 Maintain natural drainage patterns except where erosion or human safety problems may be created. Maintain the existing creek bed and preclude it from becoming debris clogged. Encourage/allow the channelized ditch to revert to a more natural channel in order to enhance the Preserve’s wetlands (riparian forest, wet meadow) and natural character. (LUP)
P5-131 Remove fallen trees and limbs from the stream channels as needed. Place natural boulders and creek cobbles to prevent erosion only in situations where private property or public safety is at risk. (LUP)
P5-132 Repair stream bank deterioration as it occurs, and remove inert debris and new growth to the extent that they prohibit water flow within the established channel. Projects of this nature shall be reviewed by the Forest and Beach Commission, similar to its review of street projects. (LUP)
P5-137 Clean and grade road shoulders and maintain culverts at least twice yearly, to insure continuous drainage. The Forest and Beach Department will trim vegetation to the extent necessary to allow access by the City maintenance equipment and fire apparatus. (LUP)
G5-11 Maintain Mission Trail Nature Preserve using great care to avoid degradation of resources. (LUP)
O5-35 Implement the Mission Trail Nature Preserve Master Plan maintenance provisions. (LUP)
P5-149 Repair stream bank deterioration as it occurs, and remove inert debris and new growth to the extent that they prohibit water flow within the established channel. (Annually: September - October.) (LUP)
P5-150 Clean and grade road shoulders and maintain culverts to ensure continuous drainage. Trim vegetation to the extent necessary to allow access of equipment (Annually: September - October.) (LUP)
P5-151 Remove fallen limbs and trees from stream channels (As needed.) (LUP)
P5-156 Conduct trail maintenance and clearance (June - August.) (LUP)
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