I. Call to Order

Kathy Bennett called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011.

II. Roll Call

Public Safety Members present were April Bender, John Duncan, Jamie Shulze, and Kathy Bennett. Public Safety Director, Dave Wallace was also present.

III. Approval of the May 19, 2011 Agenda.

Kathy Bennett added “Banners” under miscellaneous and it was noted that the Agenda said “Monday, May 19^th” rather than Thursday, May 19^th.

MOTION: To approve the agenda as amended.

Motion: April Bender Seconded: John Duncan Passed: 4-0

IV. Old Business - None

V. New Business

A. Village Fire-Wise Protection Issues

Discussion was held on fire-wise protection issues such as defensible space around homes, checking properties for defensible space, and organizations who could be contacted to help us in a quest for a safe village. Jamie said she would contact the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps to see if they can help us check properties. John said he would contact the Forest Service to see if they still provide boxes of fire fighting equipment to villages. April will contact the Soil and Conservation Organization to see if they could help.

Property owners, including the Amizette area, need to clear their properties of dead trees and underbrush and adhere to the requirements for creating defensible space around their homes, and on properties where there are no homes. If properties are not defensible, we don’t have the resources to protect these properties. In the event of a wildland fire, priorities will be given to salvageable properties only.

Dave reminded the Committee that the Village Council adopted the International Urban Wildland Interface Code in its entirety a few years ago. Chapter Six addresses Fire Protection Requirements, specifically Section 603 of this code references defensible space and section 604 addresses maintenance of defensible space. There are additional sections in this code that pertain to fire-wise protection. This document is enforceable.

It was the consensus of the Committee that the Evacuation Plan and Chapter 6 of this code should be mailed to everyone who has property in the Village of Taos Ski Valley. Even though there is some snow left in the Village, this is a proactive project that the Committee deems necessary to begin informing residences, businesses, and property owners.

The Committee also decided that phone numbers of organizations and agencies be sent to everyone so they can hire someone to help with their properties if they so chose. The Committee wants to make this as easy as possible for property owners.

B. Village Fire Department citing properties regarding wildland fires

Dave said, based on the fact that this International Urban Wildland Interface Code was adopted by the Village Council, it is feasible that property owners can be cited/fined if their properties are not in compliance with this code

C. Village Evacuation Plan

Kathy handed out copies of the Village Evacuation Plan that was developed in 2003 and agreed to be TSV, Inc. This evacuation plan will also be mailed out to every property owner. It states that Tenderfoot Katie’s Cafeteria building, owned by TSV, Inc., could be used by everyone as a safe place to go in the event of a wildland fire. This evacuation plan should be available in every property that is rented out so renters/guests will know what to do in the event of a major wildland fire. Pets are also welcome at this facility.

D. Village Safety Responsibilities during the summer festivals.

Discussion was held regarding the upcoming summer festivals. Four such events will be held in the Kachina area on weekends during July and August. There will be campers in this area and it was deemed by Dave that only one common campfire will be allowed. This will also hold true for campers attending the Summer Festival in the base area to be held August 20^th and 21^st. Last year there were 75 camp sites and it was sold out. This year, it is anticipated that approximately 1,000 campers will be in the Kachina area for this event. It is rumored that TSV, Inc., will allow camping on the return trail as well as in the area near the Phoenix Restaurant. Again, only one central campfire. Dave said this would be closely monitored.

E. Bear Problems in a dry season and what to do about it.

Discussion was held by the Committee regarding all the planned 2011 summer events in the Village. Bears could be a definite problem considering the anticipated number of campers and hikers. Also, there will be a National Bike Trial Competition being held for two weekends in August with about 150 participants. Bear pamphlets will be distributed to every condo in the Village and to rental managers for residences in the Village. Large posters will be tacked up on boards at Hiker Parking, Bull of the Woods trailhead, and in the Village base area by the Post Office.

Discussion was held regarding the sighting of one or more bobcats in the Village area. We’ve got bobcats thanks to all the garbage that accumulated during the winter months at Crossroads Pizza. They’re cute, but still a wild animal and have been spotted in the Village core area. The committee also talked about a mountain lion that seems to roam around here at times. Just be aware of this.

F. Renters need to be informed by owners of all of the above.

Discussion was held on this topic. It was felt that Kathleen Sullivan can help with who are all the property managers for all the homes that rent out here in the Village. Kathy said she’d call her.

VI. Status Reports and/or outstanding issues to be resolved

A. Police Department – One possible burglary, not sure yet. Waiting to hear from the owners.

B. Fire Department – No recent fire activity.

C. EMS Department – No EMS calls since the Ski Valley resort closed.

VII. Miscellaneous

Kathy requested three banners, one for each level of fire restrictions as issued by the Forest Service. These banners would contain wording as to restrictions for each stage. Mike Humphreys could make up these banners. Kathy said she would find out the cost from Mike and these banners could be placed over the “Volunteers” sign at the entrance to Amizette. This would mean more to summer guests arriving in the Village rather than just putting up a red flag. Kathy suggested that these banners could possibly be paid for out of the Fire Department Donations fund.

IX. Date, Time, and Place for the Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Public Safety Committee will be scheduled for the end of June.

VIII. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn.

Motion: April Bender Seconded: Jamie Schulze Passed: 4-0