MWPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA

1. Call to order.

2. Roll Call.David Kimball Barry Evergettis Mark WhiteSashi McEntee Bill Shea Bob RavasioRachel Kertz Paul Jeschke Barbara ColerGabe Paulson Bruce Goines Julie McMillanDennis Rodoni Tom Finn Steve BurdoKathryn Donohue Cathryn Hilliard

3. Agenda Adjustments.

4. Open time for public expression. The public is welcome to address the Board of Directors at this time on matters not on the agendathat are within the jurisdiction of the Board. Please be advised that pursuant to the GovernmentCode Section 54954.2, the board is not permitted to discuss or take action on any matter not onthe agenda. Comments may be no longer than three minutes and should be respectful to the

MWPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDAThursday June 17, 2021

3:00 PM

https://zoom.us/j/93068198420Or Telephone:669-900-6833

Meeting ID: 930 6819 8420

For those joining by phone use: *9 to “raise your hand” and *6 to mute/unmute

ATTENTION: This will be a virtual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Marin Wildfire PreventionAuthority pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20 issued by the Governor of the State of California.

There will not be a public location for participating in this meeting, but any interested member of thepublic can participate telephonically by utilizing the dial-in information printed on this agenda. If any

member of the public has a request for a reasonable modification or accommodation for accessing thismeeting due to a disability, she/he/they should contact Mark Brown at [email protected]

AGENDAS & STAFF REPORTS ON-LINE www.marinwildfire.org

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community. Please silence your cell phones during the meeting / mute your microphone whennot reporting out.

5. Executive Officer's Report - Verbal Report.Information Only, such as information about Marin/Statewide Wildfire Status Update, Executiveand Finance Committee Updates.

6. Consent Calendar.The opportunity for public comment on consent agenda items will occur prior to the Board'sdiscussion of the consent agenda. The Board may approve the entire consent agenda with oneaction. In the alternative, items on the consent agenda may be removed by any Board or staffmember, for separate discussion and vote.

a. Approve May 20, 2021 Board of Director Meeting Minutes 6a1 - MWPA BOARD 5-20-21.pdf

b. FY 2021-22 Work Plan Implementation: Acknowledgement of Environmental Complianceand Project Approval for Core Proposal “Prescribed Herbivory on San Rafael Open Space”

6b1 - MWPA_BoD_061721_StaffRpt_ProjApproval_final[78].pdf 6b2 - SR-21-C-FB-05_CatEx_PrescribedHerbivory_June17-2021[10].pdf 6b3 - SR-21-C-FB-05_NOE_PrescribedHerbivory_June17-2021[16].pdf

7. Staff Reports.

a. Finance Staff ReportRecommendation: receive report.

7a1 - June 2021 MWPA Budget Report.pdf

b. Board Update on FY 2021-2022 Work Plan Implementation Roll Out and Project Tracking 7b1 - MWPA_BoD_061721_StaffRpt_WorkPlanUpdate_final[58].pdf

8. Committee Reports.

a. FIRESafe MARIN Recommendation: receive report.

b. Operations Committee Recommendation: receive report.

c. Advisory/Technical CommitteeRecommendation: receive report.

9. Information Items.

a. Acknowledge May 6, 2021 Executive Committee Special Meeting Minutes 9a1 - MWPA EXEC COMM 5-6-21.pdf


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https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/960546/6a1_-_MWPA_BOARD__5-20-21.pdf

https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/961329/6b1_-_MWPA_BoD_061721_StaffRpt_ProjApproval_final_78_.pdf

https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/964206/6b2_-_SR-21-C-FB-05_CatEx_PrescribedHerbivory_June17-2021_10_.pdf

https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/961331/6b3_-_SR-21-C-FB-05_NOE_PrescribedHerbivory_June17-2021_16_.pdf

https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/960503/7a1_-_June_2021_MWPA_Budget_Report.pdf

https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/961487/7b1_-_MWPA_BoD_061721_StaffRpt_WorkPlanUpdate_final_58_.pdf

https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/961485/9a1_-_MWPA_EXEC_COMM_5-6-21.pdf

b. Acknowledge May 14, 2021 Finance Committee Minutes 9b1 - MWPA FIN COMM 5-14-21.pdf

c. Acknowledge May 21, 2021 Operations Committee Minutes 9c1 - MWPA OPS 5-21-21.pdf

d. Acknowledge May 26, 2021 Citizens' Oversight Committee Minutes 9d1 - MWPA COC 5-26-21.pdf

10. Action Items

a. MWPA Board Retreat Part VRecommendation: that the Board of Directors review notes from the MWPA Board ofDirectors Remote Retreat, review, discuss example objectives and provide feedback to stafffor the development of additional objectives.

10a1 - MWPA Board Retreat Part V.pdf

11. Board Members Request Future Agenda Items.

12. Adjourn.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participatein this meeting, please contact the MWPA at 415-539-MWPA (6972). Notification at least 48 hoursprior to the meeting will enable the Agency to make reasonable accommodation to help insureaccessibility to this meeting.

Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Board of Directors regarding any item on thisagenda after the distribution of the original packet will be made available for public inspection at 28Liberty Ship Way, Suite 2800, Sausalito CA 94965. *Note as of 4/30/20 offices are closed to the public.Therefore, documents will be made available upon request and will be available online atwww.marinwildfire.org

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Dire ctors may discuss and/or take action on any or all of theitems listed on this agenda. If any of these matters above are challenged in Court, you may be limitedto raising only those issues you or someone else raised at any public hearing described on this agenda,or in written correspondence delivered at, or prior to, this Board meeting. Judicial review of anadministrative decision of the Board of Directors must be filed with the Court not later than the 90thday following the date of the Board meeting decision (Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6)

I certify that this agenda was posted on the Public Notice Bulletin Board on or before Monday, June 14,2021 at 3 PM.

_________________________________________________

AGENDAS & STAFF REPORTS ON-LINE www.marinwildfire.org3

https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/961486/9b1_-_MWPA_FIN_COMM_5-14-21.pdf

https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/960560/9c1_-_MWPA_OPS_5-21-21.pdf

https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/960564/9d1_-_MWPA_COC_5-26-21.pdf

https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/960855/10a1_-_MWPA_Board_Retreat_Part_V.pdf

Mark Brown, Executive Officer


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THE MARIN WILDFIRE PREVENTION AUTHORITY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2021

Via teleconference due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) MINUTES 1. Call to Order- President Goines called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call and Introductions Directors – In Attendance: Steve Burdo (San Anselmo), Barbara Coler (Fairfax), Tom Finn (Sleepy Hollow Fire), Bruce Goines (Novato Fire), Cathryn Hilliard (Southern Marin Fire), Paul Jeschke (Muir Beach), David Kimball (Bolinas Fire District), Sashi McEntee (Mill Valley), Julie McMillan (Ross), Gabe Paulson (Larkspur), Rachel Kertz (San Rafael), Bob Ravasio (Corte Madera), Dennis Rodoni (County of Marin), Mark White (Stinson Beach), Barry Evergettis (Kentfield Fire) Directors- Absent: Sylvan Oyserman (Marinwood), Kathryn Donohue (Inverness), Staff in Attendance: Executive Officer Mark Brown, Planning and Program Manager Anne Crealock, Legal Counsel Megan Acevedo, Treasurer Alyssa Schiffmann 3. Agenda Adjustments There were no adjustments. 4. Open Time for Public Expression There were no comments. 5. Executive Officer’s Report Executive Officer Brown reported on the following: 1) Planning and Program Director Crealock’s first week was very busy; 2) Fire season and fuel moisture levels update; 3) “Shout out” to the member agencies for timely submission of well-designed Work Plan project proposals- a total of 111 projects in the amount of $18 million; 4) A Special Board meeting is scheduled for May 27th; 5) A small change in the format of the agenda; 6) Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC) continues to work on its Policies and Procedures; 7) Planning and Program Manager Crealock will be reviewing the Ecologically Sound Practices (ESP) Best Management Practices (BMP) package along with Panorama Consulting and Legal Counsel Acevedo; 8) The Advisory/Technical Committee (ATC) will be implementing the BMP’s; 9) The Community Forums have been very successful and informative; 10) Staff has been conducting the GrizzlyCorp interviews; 11) The Fire Inclusion Recruitment and Education Equity Initiative, pioneered by Marin County Fire Chief Weber, is moving along with weekly meetings and a goal to implement the plan by January, 2022; 12) Staff along with Director McEntee applied to speak at the September League of California Cities Conference in September; 13) Staff is getting involved with One Tam in areas including GIS platform and information sharing; 14) “Shout out” to Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) for it responsiveness to his request for a

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list of acceptable plants; 15) Election of President and Vice President will occur at the June meeting. Director Hilliard asked if non-elected city officials could attend the League of California Cities Conference. Executive Officer Brown stated he would find out. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. Mr. Larry Minikes supported the ESP process and thanked President Goines for attending all the meetings. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. 6. Consent Calendar

a. Approve April 22, 2021 Board of Director Minutes b. Approve Draft MWPA Communications Strategy c. Adopt MWPA Resolution 21-05 authorizing MWPA to apply for CAL FIRE Fire Prevention Grant

President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. Director Coler noted she submitted some comments on item #b and had a question about item #c. M/s, Rodoni/Kertz, to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. Ayes: All Absent: Donohue, Oyserman (through a roll call vote) 7. Staff Reports a. Finance Staff Report MWPA Treasurer Schiffmann reported on the following: 1) Working on changes to the report; 2) At the 86% point through the Fiscal Year and Expenditures to date total 80% of budgeted; 3) No “red flags” in the budget; 4) It is anticipated that they will be under budget at year end; 5) Agency disbursements at 95%; 6) Looking for submittal of agency reports soon. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments.

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There were no questions or comments from the Board. 8. Committee Reports a. Operations Committee Operations (OPS) Committee Chair Tyler reported on the following: 1) The ATC, OPS Ad Hoc Work Plan Committee, and Ad Hoc Finance Committee have completed their work and created a Draft 2021/22 Work Plan with associated costs; 2) 111 programs and projects were submitted including Core, D-space, and local with a total cost of approximately $18.5 million; 3) The updated Work Plan is on the MWPA Website; 4) The plan will be presented to the OPS Committee tomorrow for consideration; 5) The plan is organized similar to last year’s plan; 6) The focus of the review by the OPS Ad Hoc Committee was on project descriptions and CEQA information; 7) The OPS Ad Hoc Committee came up with a recommendation regarding consistent language for similar project categories; 8) They also made adjustments and re-prioritized projects for final review; 9) The plan will continue to receive public input; 10) The Board will take final action on the Work Plan at its May 27th meeting. Director McEntee explained how to pull up the Work Plan on the MWPA Website. President Goines asked about the decision regarding the approval process for projects subject to CEQA (pre-approval for CEQA analysis and associated funding). Executive Officer Brown summarized the process- the first step is approval as an “intended project” with 10% of project funds set aside for scoping and compliance. After that is competed it would come to the Board for approval as a project. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. b. Advisory/Technical Committee (ATC) Advisory/Technical Committee Chair Martin reported that all the member agencies contributed to the Work Plan and he thanked all those involved. Director McMillan noted this is a huge amount of work from so many people and she asked if there was a plan after Board approval to get the word out to the public. ATC Chair Martin stated the word will get out on social media sites. There will also be MWPA logos on the vehicles doing the d-space evaluations. Executive Officer Brown stated staff was looking at holding community forums at the beginning of the new Fiscal Year. Director Kertz stated this is the second year of building the plan and she asked if it felt more intensive compared to the first year and if there were opportunities to streamline the process. ATC Chair Martin stated Year One was more of the local funding and Year Two was augmented with the Core funding. Year Three should be easier and more streamlined.

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Executive Officer Brown stated this year was twice the amount of work than last year due to the addition of the Core Project. Many lessons were learned. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. c. FIRESafe Marin OPS Committee member Shortall reported on the following highlights: 1) Good attendance at the monthly Webinars; 2) Three community workshops were very well attended; 3) Training for landscape professionals; 4) Home Hardening Project and development of work forces; 5) Training of d-space inspectors; 6) Re-organization of the Website; 7) Chipper Program. Director Hilliard asked how to make an appointment for the Chipper Program. OPS Committee member Shortall stated an individual should go to Chipperday.com/marin to register. Director Kimball referred to the d-space visits by evaluators and a resident’s ability to pay for the clean-up work. OPS Committee member Shortall stated there are grant opportunities. Director Kimball asked if the evaluators could also check resident’s NOAA radios. OPS Committee member Shortall stated that might not be realistic but there is a lot of information on the FIRESafe Marin Website. Director McEntee asked if there were any constraints around homeowner association’s using the Chipper Program. OPS Committee member Shortall stated “no”- individuals in an HOA complex can sign up. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. 9. Action Items a. Environmental Consulting Services Contract Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report. He noted it was a unanimous recommendation from the Executive Committee to award the contract to Panorama Environmental. Ms. Tanya Treis, representing Panorama Environmental, and Ms. Debbie Montana, President of Sequoia Ecological Consulting, thanked the Board for the opportunity to work with the MWPA. They discussed their experience and work in Marin County.

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Director Cole was concerned about controlling costs and asked about adding a “not to exceed” clause in the contract. She was concerned about a “time and materials” contract. Executive Officer Brown stated the cost containment strategy can be internal to the MWPA with a thorough and accurate accounting. Director Hilliard agreed with the comments made by Director Coler. She asked what amount was in the budget for environmental compliance. Executive Officer Brown stated these costs are built into each Core project at a rate of 10%. There is no separate line item. Member agencies can use the services of Panorama for the local mitigation projects. President Goines stated there will be real time tracking of the environmental compliance costs on a project-by-project basis. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. Mr. Larry Minikes, wearing his Marin Conservation “hat”, stated Panorama Environmental was involved in the MMWD Biodiversity Fire Fuels Integrated Plan. Marin Conservation was happy with the plan but concerned about the funding. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. M/s, Coler/McMillan, to award the environmental consulting services contract to Panorama Environmental Inc. Ayes: All Absent: Donohue, Oyserman (through a roll call vote) b. Legislative Support Policy Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report. Director Coler asked if taking positions on legislation would come to the full Board and not just the Executive Committee. Executive Officer Brown stated there are some initiatives that are in alignment with the MWPA and staff could make a decision. Others would go to the Executive Committee and the full Board if necessary. Director Coler stated she disagreed with that approach. Director Rodoni stated the President of the Board could send a letter on behalf of the MWPA depending on the legislative guidelines. The State moves quickly and the timing of these issues is crucial. Director McEntee asked about the process for vetting and approval and she supported both Director Coler and Rodoni.

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President Goines suggested that the time sensitive issues could be acted upon by the Executive Committee based on compatibility with the MWPA guiding documents. Other initiatives could be brought to the Board. Director Kertz stated the Executive Committee could do the initial review and vetting with some issues coming to the full Board. She did not want the Board to get side tracked. President Goines agreed that the Board could get distracted from their core mission. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. Director McMillan stated there would be some obvious cases where the Executive Committee could authorize the President to sign a letter. The other cases would be brought to the full Board. Director Ravasio agreed. Director McEntee supported the Executive Committee doing the initial vetting. Executive Officer Brown stated the policy as written gives staff the authority to work with the Board President. The discussion tonight has the Executive Committee doing the initial vetting. M/s, Kertz/Ravasio, to approve the Legislative Support Policy with the modification that the MWPA staff may draft a letter of support for legislation or agency policy which will be reviewed by the Executive Committee. Ayes: Burdo, Finn, Goines, Hilliard, Jeschke, Kimball, McEntee, McMillan, Paulson, Kertz, Ravasio, Rodoni, White, Evergettis Noes: Coler Absent: Donohue, Oyserman (through a roll call vote) c. Parcel Tax Levy Inflation Adjustment Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report. Staff and the Finance Committee thought it was prudent to not increase the tax levy. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. Mr. Larry Minikes stated he was concerned about the financial compounding effect. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. M/s, Evergettis/Burdo, to approve Resolution No. 21-06. Ayes: All

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Absent: Donohue, Oyserman (through a roll call vote) 10. Information Items a. Acknowledge April 7, 2021 Executive Committee Special Meeting Minutes b. Acknowledge April 8, 2021 Advisory/Technical Committee Minutes c. Acknowledge April 26, 2021 Advisory/Technical Committee Minutes d. Acknowledge April 28, 2021 Citizens’ Oversight Committee Minutes e. Acknowledge April 29, 2021 Operations Committee Minutes President Goines stated the Environmental Sound Practices Partnership group will be meeting tomorrow. He will be in attendance. 11. Board Members Request Future Agenda Items President Goines stated he would like to get an update on what is happening with the ESP. 12. Adjournment- President Goines adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Toni DeFrancis, Recording Secretary

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MARIN WILDFIRE PREVENTION AUTHORITY

STAFF REPORT

For the Meeting of June 17, 2021

To: Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority Board of Directors

From: Anne Crealock, Planning and Program Manager

Subject: FY 2021-22 Work Plan Implementation: Acknowledgement of Environmental Compliance and Project Approval for Core Proposal “Prescribed Herbivory on San Rafael Open Space”

______________________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the Board take the following actions related to the Prescribed Herbivory on San Rafael Open Space Core Project (“Project”):

(1) acknowledge completion of environmental compliance (Attachment 1); and

(2) approve the Project.

BACKGROUND:

On May 27, 2021, this Board of Directors approved a Work Plan for fiscal year 2021-2022 which outlines the priorities that the MWPA and member agencies intend to pursue. The Work Plan accounts for the distribution of MWPA funds for environmental compliance and implementation of Core, Defensible Space Evaluation/Mitigation, and Local Wildfire Mitigation Projects.

The MWPA budget is comprised of three primary categories: Core (60%), Defensible Space Evaluation/Mitigation (D-Space – 20%) and Local Wildfire Mitigation (Local Mitigation – 20%). The Operations Committee, in conjunction with the Advisory/Technical Committee, creates, vets and recommends to the Board of Directors for approval the Work Plan for projects within the Core budget. The local member agencies create, vet and recommend proposals to their city/town councils and boards for D-Space and Local Mitigation funds. D-Space and Local

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Mitigation funding proposals are included in the MWPA Work Plan to advise the Board of Directors and to confirm that spending is in line with MWPA’s mission.

Board approval of the 2021-2022 MWPA Work Plan enabled full funding of those proposals for which no environmental compliance is required, as well as funding of environmental compliance activities for those proposals that will be evaluated under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other local, state, and federal regulations.

For each Core proposal requiring environmental review, MWPA staff and consultants will work with member agencies to complete that review. MWPA staff then presents the associated documentation to the Board to demonstrate that environmental review is complete and to seek Board approval of the project. Once approved, MWPA will release full funding for project implementation.

ANALYSIS:

The Prescribed Herbivory on San Rafael Open Space Project (Project) is located within approximately 138 acres of land owned and managed by the City of San Rafael and Marinwood Community Services District. Vegetation within these areas includes non-native annual grassland with limited tree cover. Project activities include goat grazing to reduce fuel loading, use of portable temporary fencing, and management by a herder. Goats would graze for up to 36 hours at each site before being moved. No sensitive species or habitats have been detected within Project areas.

MWPA staff worked with City of San Rafael staff and Consultants (Panorama Environmental, Inc. and Sequoia Ecological Consulting, Inc.) to determine that the Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to categorical exemption (Class 4) Section 15304, Minor Alterations to Land, and no exceptions to the exemptions apply. Please see attached Notice of Exemption and memo.

Approval of this item would acknowledge the completion of environmental review, approve the project, and allow for disbursement of funds to implement the project. This Board action represents a major milestone for implementation of the FY 2021-2022 Work Plan.

FISCAL IMPACT:

This action would result in disbursement of remaining Core funds allocated in the approved FY 2021-2022 Work Plan for the San Rafael Core proposal Prescribed Herbivory on San Rafael Open Space project totaling up to $324,000.

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:

This project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to categorical exemption (Class 4) Section 15304, Minor Alterations to Land and no exceptions to the exemptions listed under 15300.2 apply. Please see attached Notice of Exemption and Memo for additional information.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Crealock, MWPA Planning and Program Manager

Attachments:

Notice of Exemption

CEQA Categorical Exemption Determination Memorandum

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California Environmental Quality Act Categorical Exemption Determination Memorandum

Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority

Date: June 17, 2021

Project: Prescribed Herbivory on San Rafael Open Space – San Rafael Zone Core 05

Categorical Exemption Summary

The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) has determined that the Prescribed Herbivory on San Rafael Open Space (project) is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15304, Class 4 for Minor Alterations to Land. A Class 4 exempt project consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. The project would involve fuel and vegetation reduction activities through the application of grazing goats on non-native annual grassland and oak woodland communities. The scope of the project is consistent with a minor alteration to the condition of the vegetation at the discrete prescribed herbivory sites shown in Error! Not a valid result for table..

The following analysis demonstrates the project would not result in adverse environmental effects, supporting the MWPA’s determination that the proposed activities are categorically exempt under CEQA. The project would be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, State, and local regulations and under contractual provisions prohibiting work in violation of applicable regulations and plans.

Information regarding the purpose and need for the project, a description of proposed activities, a discussion of why the potential exceptions to a categorical exemption do not apply here, and an assessment of the potential for environmental effects are provided below.

Background

Marin County voters passed Measure C in 2020, which established a 17-member Joint Powers Authority, the MWPA, to fund and oversee proactive state-of-the-art wildfire prevention and preparedness efforts within the County. Members include several cities and towns, fire protection districts, and community service districts. The MWPA was formed to develop and implement a comprehensive wildfire prevention and emergency preparedness plan throughout almost all of Marin County. This project is a Core Project that is funded by and within the purview of the MWPA. Core Projects include those projects that focus on wildfire detection, notification, and evacuation; vegetation management and fire hazard reduction; grants management; and public education.

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Categorical Exemption Determination Memorandum June 17, 2021

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Purpose and Need

A countywide assessment found that all of the City of San Rafael is categorized as moderate to very high fire risk and most of the city is designated as moderate to high fire hazard severity (Marin County, 2021). The City of San Rafael is also identified as a community at risk to damage from wildfire (CAL FIRE, 2021). The purpose of the goat grazing is to create fuel reduction zones between occupied structures and open space areas with the intention of reducing wildfire intensity and rate of spread in the event of ignition in the wildland or built environment.

Project Description

Treatment Area

The project would create fuel reduction zones between open spaces and structures located within the San Rafael Core Zone, shown in Figure 1. The fuel reduction zones would be implemented at 12 prescribed herbivory sites across approximately 120 acres owned and managed by City of San Rafael (City) and Marinwood Community Services District (CSD) as shown in Figure 1. Many of the prescribed herbivory sites identified in the project have been grazed in recent years.

Grazing would be primarily conducted within 50 feet of roadways and 150 feet of structures. In some locations grazing would occur within a larger buffer area where topographical or vegetation fuel conditions necessitate greater treatment distances to achieve project goals. Approximately 500 habitable structures are located directly adjacent to the project area and would benefit from the prescribed herbivory fuel reduction areas. Goat grazing sites are generally characterized as open grassland with limited tree cover or oak woodland, which is most suited for goat grazing for fuel management. Grazing would not occur in areas where slopes exceed 50 percent. Herds would be excluded from roadways, seasonal streams when actively flowing, and riparian zones.

Treatment Method

Goat grazing involves transporting a herd of goats to each of the designated prescribed herbivory sites. Site preparation would involve installation of a temporary fence and water trough. Water for the goat herds would be supplied via a hookup to the nearest water hydrant at each site. The goats would be contained by a portable, electric fence powered by a battery charged by a generator on an as needed basis. The size of the area to be grazed by a herd would be determined by the herder but typically ranges from 0.25 to 0.5 acre. Goats would be in one location for 24 to 36 hours before being moved to a new location. The temporary fence would be moved daily by herders. Goat herds would be unloaded and loaded between business hours.

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A herd of goats is typically comprised of up to 450 individuals. At any one time, only one herd is anticipated at a single prescribed herbivory site, but up to three herds may be active across the City and Marinwood CSD at different sites.

Site Access

Prescribed herbivory sites would be accessed by existing paved, improved, and unimproved roads.

Security and Monitoring

A goat herder would accompany each goat herd continuously to provide security and monitoring of the goats and temporary fence. No shepherding dogs or other security measures would be employed. The goat herder would live out of a trailer staged at a suitable nearby location, such as a parking lot or unimproved road. The trailer would be powered by a generator that would operate up to a few hours a day. Generator use would operate in accordance with the applicable local noise ordinances (e.g., City of San Rafael Municipal Code Chapter 8.13).

Schedule and Duration

The project would be initiated upon completion of the environmental review process and project approval. Of the approximately 120 acres, approximately 90 acres at eight prescribed herbivory sites would be treated in 2021 by grazing as shown in Figure 2. Year 2021 grazing is anticipated to occur for up to 6 weeks. The sites that would not be grazed in 2021 were mowed earlier in 2021 to reduce fine fuels. Grazing in the first part of Year 2022 across all 120 acres is anticipated to begin in late April or early May and continue for up to 8 weeks, depending upon herd size and availability. All prescribed herbivory sites are planned to be grazed annually.

Discussion of Exceptions (Section 15400.2)

(a) Location:

Sensitive habitats, including watercourses and riparian areas would be excluded from the treatment area and will be avoided, therefore, exception (a) does not apply.

(b) Cumulative Impact:

Ongoing maintenance grazing of the prescribed herbivory sites over time in the same treatment location would generally be limited to the types of activities described above, which would be performed annually or less often, for a few weeks at a time at any one location, as needed, to maintain fuel reduction areas. Existing uses would be ongoing, including use by recreationalists at some sites. Several other fuel reduction projects are planned that overlap with some of the prescribed herbivory sites, including the following San Rafael Core Projects; South San Rafael Hill Fuel Reduction Project and Fire Roads: Vegetation Removal and Enhancements (notably at Scettrini and Robert Dollar fire roads). Changes to the visual character of these sites are expected due to changes in vegetation cover and type

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(e.g., broom removal) as a result of cumulative fuel treatment projects, but the natural character would remain and the cumulative fuel treatment projects would not result in significant cumulative effects. Cumulative fuel treatment projects have the potential to significantly affect biological resources, particularly special-status plants and nesting birds. Surveys for avoidance are anticipated to be conducted for cumulative fuel treatment projects, which would avoid significant cumulative impacts. The proposed grazing would not significantly impact special-status plants and nesting birds due to the type of activity proposed, existing disturbances at the prescribed herbivory sites, and short-term nature of the grazing each year. As such, the project would not contribute to any potential significant cumulative effect; therefore, exception (b) does not apply.

(c) Significant Effects due to “Unusual Circumstances”:

All grazing activities proposed by this project, and future maintenance grazing is considered routine in environments that are prevalent and typical throughout the County and Bay Area region. Sensitive waterways would be avoided and the aesthetic change in the existing environment would not be substantial. Therefore, there are no unusual circumstances associated with the project or the environment in which it will be implemented, and exception (c) does not apply.

(d) Scenic Highways:

No designated California State Scenic Highways occur in the vicinity of the prescribed herbivory sites; therefore, exception (d) does not apply (Caltrans, 2021).

(e) Hazardous Waste Sites:

Per the current government database of hazardous waste sites at the time of this filing, the prescribed herbivory sites do not occur on any listed hazardous waste sites; therefore, exception (e) does not apply (SWRCB, 2021).

(f) Historical Resources:

The project does not propose any ground-disturbing activities, would not alter any built environment features, and would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a known or previously undiscovered historical resource. Therefore, exception (f) does not apply.

Environmental Assessment

Aesthetics

Question Yes No

Relevant to the project? S £

Potential for significant impact? £ S

Visual impacts from grazing would include the temporary presence of livestock, temporary fencing, water troughs, and any visual changes in vegetation appearance associated with the

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post-grazed area. Goats would be in any one area within a prescribed herbivory site for up to a day and a half. Presence of goats in a particular part of the City or Marinwood CSD would not have a significant visual impact due to the limited area of grazing, duration, and the low visual intrusiveness of the animals. Degradative visual change would be considered low as viewers perceive their presence as temporary. Grazing would primarily reduce the height and density of vegetation for the season. Significant adverse effects to aesthetics would not occur.

Agriculture and Forestry Resources

Question Yes No



Goats would annually graze grasses, brush, and woody shrub vegetation at select sites throughout the City and Marinwood CSD. Proposed grazing would not convert or cause changes that would result in the conversion of designated farmland to non-agricultural uses. Implementation of grazing would not result in the loss of forest land nor would it convert forestry land to non-forestry use. Adverse effects on agriculture and forestry resources would not occur.

Air Quality

Question Yes No



Grazing goats would not themselves adversely affect air quality. The limited vehicle use to transport and monitor goat herds as well as generator use would emit very small amounts of diesel particulate matter and criteria air pollutants. Grazing would occur for up to 8 weeks a year and would not involve substantial vehicle trips or generator use. No tilling or grading activities that could generate fugitive dust emissions would occur. Significant air quality impacts would not occur.

Biological Resources

Question Yes No



Biological database searches for the vicinity of the prescribed herbivory sites were conducted (CDFW, 2021; CNPS, 2021). Of the species identified during the database search, species were determined to have potential to occur within the prescribed herbivory sites if the species is known to occur in the vicinity of the sites and if the sites or immediate vicinity contains suitable habitat to support these species.

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Special-Status Plants and Sensitive Vegetation Communities

Goats can graze scrub to a height of approximately 2 inches and could crush vegetation by trampling (Magnificent Meadows, n.d.). Several sensitive plant species have a moderate potential to be impacted by grazing as shown in Table 1. The degree to which livestock grazing is considered to be similar to prehistoric and historic, native grazing varies depending upon the study and the level of effects on native plant species depends upon the frequency and intensity. Goat grazing, with proper management, can reduce shrubland encroachment into grasslands, as goats preferentially consume shrubs, and has been found to improve diversity and density of species compared to ungrazed areas (Huntsinger, Bartolome, & D'Antonio, 2015). Generally, grazing impacts from this project would be minimal as the goats would be in a single area for only up to 36 hours minimizing potential for trampling; therefore, species that are adapted to occasional grazing influences would not be impacted. For the species with a moderate potential to occur, the grazing sites are relatively small in comparison to the known populations of the species. Furthermore, due to the temporary nature of the proposed goat grazing, it is not anticipated that the proposed grazing could impact the populations. Furthermore, the known populations of the identified sensitive plants generally do not overlap the prescribed herbivory sites. Those species that were found overlap with the prescribed herbivory sites are considered to be extirpated from the area (i.e., white-rayed pentachaeta) due to the last recorded observation occurring greater than 50 years ago.

The relationship between grazing and non-native and invasive plant species is complex and depends on many factors including livestock species, timing, existing vegetation community, and grazing intensity. With proper management, grazing can have beneficial effects on some native vegetation communities and special-status plant species based on studies. Invasive species pose a threat to native and special-status species, which livestock grazing can be applied to control. One study found that timed grazing of cattle, sheep, and goats reduced populations of yellow starthistle (Thomsen, 1993). Limited and carefully timed grazing can be used to help restore a non-native grassland to a native grassland (Menke, 1992). Generally, goats prefer shrubs and woody materials over forbs or grasses, which can be implemented strategically (American Sheep Industry Association, 2006). Significant impacts on native vegetation communities and special-status plants species would not occur.

Special-Status Wildlife

All wildlife species reviewed had either low or no potential for impacts from grazing treatment as shown in Table 1. No critical habitat occurs in or adjacent to the prescribed herbivory sites (USFS, 2021; NOAA, 2021). Grazing would occur in habitat where migratory bird species could nest, which are protected under state and federal law including California Fish and Game Code 3503 and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which make it illegal to take or destroy a nest without a valid permit. The proposed grazing and herding activities would not significantly disturb nesting birds at these sites due to existing and historic uses on the sites. These uses include the presence of existing recreationalists and visitors, adjacency to

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urban and built environment, and grazing and mowing activities conducted in recent years. Significant impacts on special-status wildlife species would not occur.

Wetlands

Seasonal streams occur within and adjacent to prescribed herbivory sites (USFWS, 2021). Seasonal wetlands may occur on some sites. With proper management, grazing can have neutral or even beneficial effects on some wetland conditions (Morris & Reich, 2013). Fencing would generally be established so as to exclude goats from streams with actively flowing water. Goats would only be in one discrete area for up to 36 hours, which would not be long enough to establish bare areas of soil or trample wetland communities, if present. Significant impacts on wetlands would not occur.

Table 1 Special-Status Species with Potential to Occur in the Project Vicinity

Scientific Name Common Name

Sensitive Status

Habitat Types Potential to occur in

grazing areas

Potential to be impacted by grazing

Sensitive Plants

Hemizonia congesta ssp. congesta

congested-headed hayfield tarplant

1B.2 Northern Coastal Scrub, Valley Grassland

Moderate Low to moderate, species contains bitter toxins to discourage herbivory

Arctostaphylos virgata

Marin manzanita

1B.2 Closed-cone Pine Forest, Redwood Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Chaparral

Low, habitat is unlikely to be targeted for grazing

Low, woody perennial not targeted by goats

Streptanthus glandulosus ssp. pulchellus

Mt. Tamalpais bristly jewelflower

1B.2 Chaparral, Valley Grassland

Moderate Moderate

Arctostaphylos montana ssp. montana

Mt. Tamalpais manzanita

1B.3 Chaparral, Valley Grassland

Moderate Low, woody perennial not targeted by goats

Amorpha californica var. napensis

Napa false indigo

1B.2 Wetland, Riparian woodland

Low Low

Pleuropogon hooverianus

North Coast semaphore grass

1B.1, CT Meadows, vernal-pools

Moderate Moderate

Chloropyron maritimum ssp. palustre

Point Reyes salty bird's-beak

1B.2 Coastal salt marsh Low Low

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Sensitive Status


grazing areas


Eriogonum luteolum var. caninum

Tiburon buckwheat

1B.2 Chaparral, Coastal Prairie, Valley Grassland

Moderate Moderate

Sensitive Wildlife

Athene cunicularia burrowing owl

SSC Nests in grassland burrows

Moderate Low

Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus

California black rail

CT, FP Wetland None, Wetland species

None

Rana draytonii California red-legged frog

FT, SSC Breeds in ponds, may use grassland and oak woodland for dispersal and foraging

Low, may use grazing areas as dispersal or foraging

Low

Rallus obsoletus California Ridgway's rail

FE, CE, FP

Wetlands None, Wetland species

None

Thaleichthys pacificus

eulachon FT Aquatic None, aquatic species

None

Spirinchus thaleichthys

longfin smelt FC, CT Aquatic None, aquatic species

None

Danaus plexippus pop. 1

monarch - California overwintering population

FC Grassland, woodland

Low Low

Antrozous pallidus pallid bat SSC Roosts in large diameter trees and abandoned buildings

Low, no roosting anticipated in grazing areas

Low

Reithrodontomys raviventris

salt-marsh harvest mouse

FE, CE, FP

Marshes and wetland edges

None, Wetland species

None

Melospiza melodia samuelis

San Pablo song sparrow

SSC Marshes and wetland edges

None, Wetland species

None

Bombus occidentalis

western bumble bee

CC Grassland Moderate Low

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Sensitive Status


grazing areas


Emys marmorata western pond turtle

SSC Freshwater aquatic None None

Charadrius nivosus western snowy plover

FT, SSC Nests in coastal dunes

None, nests in coastal dunes

None

Notes:

Species with occurrences within 3 miles of prescribed herbivory sites were examined. Species which are considered "extirpated" or those with occurrence data greater than 50 years old were removed from the analysis as they are not anticipated to occur in the vicinity of the prescribed herbivory sites.

FE Federally Endangered

FT Federally Threatened

FC Federal Candidate

CE California State Endangered

CT California State Threatened

CC California State Candidate

FP Fully Protected

SSC California State Species of Special Concern

Source: (CDFW, 2021; CNPS, 2021; CDFG, 2003; Hickman, 1993; Stebbins, 2003)

Cultural Resources and Tribal Cultural Resources1

Question Yes No



Grazing would have minimal ground disturbance other than staking of temporary fencing and of disturbance of topsoil from animal tracks but could result in some compaction of soil. Surface and subsurface archaeological deposits would not likely be impacted by grazing. While animals could churn up some soils containing resources, grazing animals do not have enough directed force to significantly damage resources. Significant impacts on cultural resources would not occur.

Energy

Question Yes No



1 No tribal consultation requirement is associated with filing a notice of exemption per Assembly Bill 52 (PRC §21080.3.1.(b)).

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The vehicles and generators that would be used to transport herds and support grazing operations would consume energy, including gas, diesel, and motor oil. Vehicle engines and fuel used during implementation of the project would comply with State and local energy reduction and efficiency requirements. The use of fuel to implement the project grazing is minimal and the proposed fuel consumption would, additionally, be considered beneficial and not wasteful given the positive outcome of the work to improve ecosystem health and reduce wildland fire hazards. Implementation of grazing would not cause a significant impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources.

Geology and Soils

Question Yes No



Goats would only be in one discrete area for up to 36 hours and would be used on slopes of less than 50 percent. As such, grazing would not occur over a duration long enough to establish trails or expose large bare areas of soil. Significant impacts related to erosion and loss of topsoil would not occur.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Question Yes No



The limited vehicle use to transport and monitor goat herds as well as generator use would emit greenhouse gases. Grazing would occur for up to 8 weeks a year and would not involve substantial vehicle trips or generator use. Grazing goats release methane, a greenhouse gas emission (Crutzen, Aselmann, & Seiler, 1986). However, the project would not directly result in a larger population of grazing goats and the size of the goat herds that would graze the prescribed herbivory sites would be comparatively small to the overall global population of goats, which is over one billion (Miller & Lu, 2019). The project would not increase the size of goat herds in the area or their methane contributions, which would occur with or without the project. Significant greenhouse gas emission impacts would not occur.

Hazards and Hazardous Materials

Question Yes No



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The prescribed herbivory sites are vegetated, undeveloped areas that do not occur on or adjacent to any listed hazardous waste sites (SWRCB, 2021). Goat grazing would not require the use of hazardous materials in any quantity greater than a few gallons per year (e.g., fuel for generator operation). Grazing would not generate any significant hazardous material impacts.

Animal grazing would generally not involve equipment that could generate sparks in fire-prone areas. Electric fencing may be installed. Electric fences have a very low chance of starting a fire (Quitmeyer, 2004). Grazing animals would pose no fire hazard risks and are intended to reduce fuel loads, which would reduce the spread and intensity of a wildfire, should one occur.

Significant impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials would not occur.

Hydrology and Water Quality

Question Yes No



A few seasonal streams cross through or adjacent to the prescribed herbivory sites (USFWS, 2021). Goats would only be in one discrete area for up to 36 hours. This short duration would not provide sufficient time for grazing activities to establish trails or expose large bare areas of soil. Erosion and subsequent sedimentation of waterways would not occur.

Any leaks or spills associated with vehicle and generator use would be minimal and generally confined to existing paved and unimproved roadways. Significant water quality impacts would not occur.

Land Use and Planning

Question Yes No



Implementation of grazing would not involve any new development or changes to land uses that could physically divide a community. The project is consistent with San Rafael Municipal Code Chapter 4.12: Wildland Urban Interface - Vegetation Management Standards, the objectives of the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority, the Marin County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (2020), and the City of San Rafael Wildfire Prevention and Protection Plan (2020). All activities conducted would comply with local land use regulations and policies.

Mineral Resources

Question Yes No

Relevant to the project? £ S

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Grazing would not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource within the prescribed herbivory sites. Grazing is intended to reduce fuel loads and would not alter land uses, access, or subsurface areas that could impact mineral resources.

Noise

Question Yes No



Vegetation control methods such as animal grazing would generate low levels of noise. Grazing livestock would make animals sounds such as bleating. Noises from animals would be very low at sensitive receptors because they would be intermittent and transient across the herbivory sites. Furthermore, grazing would last for up to 36 hours at any given herbivory site. Truck visits to deliver goat herds, set up fencing and water troughs, monitor herds, would not occur in any one location for longer than a few days. A generator may be used for electric fences and for the herder staying on the site to tend the herd. Generators do emit noise (≤81 dBA Lmax at 50 feet) but would not operate frequently and would be positioned away from residences (USDOT, 2008). Generator use would operate in accordance with the applicable local noise ordinances (e.g., City of San Rafael Municipal Code Chapter 8.13). According to City regulations, portable generators must not exceed 69 dBA during full speed diagnostics and normal operations when measured at 7 meters with no loads (Municipal Code §8.13.020). Exceedances of local noise standards would not occur and significant noise impacts would not occur.

Population and Housing

Question Yes No



Goat herders are anticipated to be sourced from the existing businesses in the region. As such, this project would not induce population growth. No impact related to population and housing would occur.

Public Services

Question Yes No



The project would not directly or indirectly induce population growth and grazing is not a use necessitating more public services. Grazing would not result in an increase in the number of visitors to City or Marinwood CSD open spaces. No new or altered governmental facilities

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would be needed to provide public services as a result of the project, and the project would not result in increased demand for public services. No impact related to public services would occur.

Recreation

Question Yes No



Goat grazing would occur within temporary fenced areas within the prescribed herbivory sites generally in off trail areas. Some of the prescribed herbivory sites are in parks or open spaces that are open to the public for recreation. These areas would be temporarily unavailable for recreational use during grazing. Grazing in any one location would only occur for up to 36 hours. Temporary closure of off-trail areas for grazing would not affect a substantial number of recreationalists. Signage regarding work in progress would be erected to alert the public. Goat grazing can occur congruently with adjacent recreation. Due to the large quantity of recreational amenities in the area, significant recreational impacts would not occur.

Transportation

Question Yes No



Treatment of an area through goat grazing would not impact access along public roadways. No significant traffic impacts would occur.

Utilities and Service Systems

Question Yes No



Grazing animals would require water, which would be provided from the nearest water hydrant. An application for a water hydrant meter has been submitted to the Marin Municipal Water District. Alternatively, fresh water could be trucked in. Any waste generated by the herders, such as spent vehicle batteries or refuse would be properly disposed of at the appropriate facility. No impact related to utilities and service systems would occur.

Wildfire

Question Yes No

Relevant to the project? £ S

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None of the prescribed herbivory sites are located in very high fire hazard severity zone or in the state responsibility area (Marin County, 2021; CAL FIRE, 2007/2008). The purpose of the project is to reduce fuel loads, which would reduce the spread and intensity of a wildfire, should one occur.

References

American Sheep Industry Association. (2006). Targeted Grazing: A natural approach to vegetation management and landscape enhancement. Cottrell Printing.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). (2007/2008). Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps.

CAL FIRE. (2021). Communities at Risk List. Retrieved from https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/wildfire-planning-engineering/fire-plan/communities-at-risk/

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). (2021). Scenic Highways. Retrieved from California State Scenic Highways: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/design/lap-landscape-architecture-and-community-livability/lap-liv-i-scenic-highways

California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). (2003). List of California Terrestrial Natural Communities.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). (2021, June). California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) Rarefind Program. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). (2021). Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California, Database search for Marin County and surrounding quadrangles. C. Sacramento CA: CNPS.

Crutzen, P. J., Aselmann, I., & Seiler, W. (1986). Methane production by domestic animals, wild ruminants, other herbivorous fauna, and humans. Tellus B: Chemical and Physical Meteorology, 271-284.

Hickman, J. (1993). The Jepson Manual Higher Plants of California. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Huntsinger, L., Bartolome, J. W., & D'Antonio, C. M. (2015). Grazing Management on California's Mediterranean Grasslands. In M. S. J. Corbin, Ecology and Management of California Grasslands. UC Press.

Inman, J. (2020). Native Species Response to Goat Foraging in a Shrub-Invaded California Coastal Grassland Thesis. California State University, Monterey Bay.

Marin County. (2021). Marin Map Viewer. Retrieved from https://www.marinmap.org/dnn/Home.aspx

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Miller, B. A., & Lu, C. D. (2019). Current status of global dairy goat production: an overview. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 1219-1232.

Morris, K., & Reich, P. (2013, December). Understanding the Relationship Between Grazing and Wetland Condition.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2021). Essential Fish Habitat Online Mapper.

Quitmeyer, C. J. (2004, December). High Tensile Electric Fence: Phase 2 - Liability Issues, Maintenance Costs, and Containment of Bison. Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

Stebbins, R. (2003). A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Third edition. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). (2021). GeoTracker. Retrieved from https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/

Thomsen, C. D. (1993). Controlled grazing on annual grassland decreases yellow starthistle. California Agriculture, 36-40.

United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). (2008, December 8). Federal Highway Administration's Roadway Construction Noise Model.

United States Forest Service (USFS). (2021, May). Final Critical Habitat for Threatened and Endangered Species online mapper.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). (2021, May 5). National Wetlands Inventory website. Washington, D.C.

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Figure 1 Prescribed Herbivory Sites

30


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Figure 2 Prescribed Herbivory Sites in 2021 (Subset of Overall Sites)

31

Page 1

Notice of Exemption To:

Office of Planning and Research P.O. Box 3044, Room 113 Sacramento, CA 95812-3044

From (Public Agency): City of San Rafael 1400 Fifth Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901

County Clerk County of: Marin Marin Civic Center 3501 Civic Center Dr., Suite 234, San Rafael, CA 94903

Project Title: Prescribed Herbivory on San Rafael Open Space – San Rafael Zone Core 05

Project Applicant: City of San Rafael

Project Location – Specific: Twelve prescribed herbivory sites in San Rafael and Marinwood CSD-owned open space (refer to Figure 1)

Project Location – City: San Rafael, Marinwood CSD

Project Location – County: Marin County

Description of Nature, Purpose and Beneficiaries of Project: A countywide assessment found that all of the City of San Rafael is categorized as moderate to very high fire risk and most of the city is designated as moderate to high fire hazard severity (Marin County, 2021). The City of San Rafael is also identified as a community at risk to damage from wildfire (CAL FIRE 2021). The purpose of the goat grazing is to create fuel reduction zones between occupied structures and open space areas with the intention of reducing wildfire intensity and rate of spread in the event of ignition in the wildland or built environment. Approximately 500 habitable structures would benefit the prescribed herbivory fuel reduction areas.

Name of Public Agency Approving Project: City of San Rafael

Name of Person or Agency Carrying Out Project: City of San Rafael

Exempt Status (check one): ☐ Ministerial (Sec. 21080(b)(1); 15268); ☐ Declared Emergency (Sec. 21080(b)(3); 15269(a)); ☐ Emergency Project (Sec. 21080(b)(4); 15269(b)(c)); ☒ Categorical Exemption. State type and section number: 15304(i). Minor alterations

to land for fuel management activities. ☐ Statutory Exemptions. State code number:

Reasons why project is exempt: The project is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15304, Class 4 Minor Alterations to Land. A Class 4 exempt project consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural

32

Page 2

purposes. The project would involve fuel and vegetation reduction activities through the application of grazing goats on non-native annual grassland and oak woodland communities. The scope of the project is consistent with a minor alteration to the condition of the vegetation at the discrete prescribed herbivory sites. Additionally, no healthy, mature, scenic trees would be removed; no work would take place within sensitive habitat, including wetlands or waterways; and no ground disturbance, such as excavation, would take place. There are no facts or circumstances specific to this project that would support an exception to the categorical exemption. No exceptions listed under Section 15300.2 apply.

Lead Agency Contact Person: Paul Jenson, City of San Rafael

Area Code/Telephone/Extension: (415)-485-5064

If filed by applicant: 1. Attach certified document of exemption finding. 2. Has a Notice of Exemption been filed by the public agency approving the project?

Yes☐ No☐ Signature:

Date:

Title:

☐ Signed by Lead Agency ☐ Signed by Applicant

Authority cited: Sections 21083 and 21110, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 21108, 21152, and 21152.1, Public Resources Code.

Date Received for filing at OPR:

33

Page 1

Figure 1 Prescribed Herbivory Sites

34


FY21 Revenue and Expense Report

94% * thru June 10, 2021 Budget $ Over Budget % of Budget

Revenue

4000 · Measure C 18,711,328 19,325,698 (614,370) 97%

4100 · County Interest 7,965 0 7,965 100%

Total Revenue 18,719,292 19,325,698 (606,406) 97%

Expenditures

Core Program

6000 · Envrnmtl. Compliance/Monitoring 0 150,000 -150,000 0%

6005 · Evacuation Study 120,080 1,000,000 -879,920 12%

6010 · FSM Chipper Program 646,159 1,070,000 -423,841 60%

6015 · FSM NOAA Weather Radios 28,948 35,000 -6,052 83%

6020 · FSM Public Education 358,280 560,000 -201,720 64%

6025 · FSM Red Flag Signage 9,896 10,000 -105 99%

Total Core Program 1,163,363 2,825,000 -1,661,637 41%

Defensible Space Program

6100 · D-Space Agency Payments 3,739,190 3,865,140 -125,950 97%

Total Defensible Space Program 3,739,190 3,865,140 -125,950 97%

Local Wildfire Mitigation Prog

6200 · Local Agency Payments 3,739,190 3,865,140 -125,950 97%

Total Local Wildfire Mitigation Prog 3,739,190 3,865,140 -125,950 97%

Administrative Costs

6300 · Financial & Admin Services 106,384 106,384 0 100%

6305 · Legal Services 131,380 150,000 -18,620 88%

6310 · Personnel 169,723 400,000 -230,277 42%

6320 · Services & Supplies 92,932 85,000 7,932 109%

6330 · Start Up Costs 236,175 250,000 -13,826 94%

Total Administrative Costs 736,594 991,384 -254,790 74%

Total Expenditures 9,378,338 11,546,664 -2,168,326 81%

Net Excess/(Deficiency) 9,340,954 7,779,034

* Indicates percent through the year to-date. Budget lines exceeding this percent are highlighted in red, though this may not indicate a

projected budget overage as of year end.

6/11/2021 FY21 Revenue and Expense Report Prepared by Alyssa Schiffmann 35

June 7, 2021 May 14, 2021

ASSETS

Current Assets

Checking/Savings

1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 9,387,399.34 9,559,306.46

1100 · Payroll Account 110,030.36 17,218.24

Total Checking/Savings 9,497,429.70 9,576,524.70

Accounts Receivable

11000 · Accounts Receivable 0.00 0.00

Total Accounts Receivable 0.00 0.00

Total Current Assets 9,497,429.70 9,576,524.70

TOTAL ASSETS 9,497,429.70 9,576,524.70

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Accounts Payable

2000 · Accounts Payable 148,991.84 148,991.84

Total Accounts Payable 148,991.84 148,991.84

Other Current Liabilities

2100 · Short Term Note Payable 0.00 0.00

2200 · Payroll Liabilities

2210 · Federal Income Tax Withheld 0.00 0.00

2220 · Medicare Tax Payable 0.00 0.00

2230 · State Income Tax Withheld 0.00 0.00

2240 · DC Retirement Payable 7,483.54 7,022.00

Total 2200 · Payroll Liabilities 7,483.54 7,022.00

Total Other Current Liabilities 7,483.54 7,022.00

Total Current Liabilities 156,475.38 156,013.84

Total Liabilities 156,475.38 156,013.84

Equity

Net Income 9,340,954.32 9,420,510.86

Total Equity 9,340,954.32 9,420,510.86

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 9,497,429.70 9,576,524.70


Balance Sheet

6/11/2021 Balance Sheet Prepared by Alyssa Schiffmann 36


Expense Detail

Type Date Num Source Name Memo Split Amount

Core Program

6005 · Evacuation Study

Bill 01/22/2021 2021-0013 Zonehaven, Inc. First Year - One-Time 2000 · Accounts Payable 50,000.00

Bill 01/22/2021 2021-0013 Zonehaven, Inc. Annual EMP: Wildfire Module 2000 · Accounts Payable 95,000.00

Bill 01/22/2021 2021-0013 Zonehaven, Inc. Key account discount 2000 · Accounts Payable -29,000.00

Bill 01/22/2021 2021-0013 Zonehaven, Inc. Subtract out non-MWPA Population 2000 · Accounts Payable -7,250.00

Check 02/01/2021 815000068 Jourdain, Charlotte #MWPA-1 evacuation program development 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 11,330.00

Total 6005 · Evacuation Study 120,080.00

6010 · FSM Chipper Program

Bill 07/17/2020 firesafe Marin County Fire Department payment towards agreement 2000 · Accounts Payable 4,965.97



Bill 08/31/2020 2005 FIRESafe MARIN July 2000 · Accounts Payable 97,040.17

Bill 08/31/2020 2005 FIRESafe MARIN already paid by Marin County 2000 · Accounts Payable -54,833.21

Bill 09/04/2020 2007 FIRESafe MARIN August 2000 · Accounts Payable 73,333.64

Bill 10/01/2020 2010 FIRESafe MARIN September 2000 · Accounts Payable 218,543.60

Bill 11/09/2020 2015 FIRESafe MARIN October 2000 · Accounts Payable 45,564.30

Check 01/11/2021 815000033 FIRESafe MARIN Nov/Dec 2020 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 177,210.95

Check 03/01/2021 815000078 FIRESafe MARIN #2025 Feb 2021 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 24,554.02

Check 06/07/2021 815000130 FIRESafe MARIN #2032 Apr 2021 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 9,912.81

Total 6010 · FSM Chipper Program 646,159.49

6015 · FSM NOAA Weather Radios


Bill 10/01/2020 2010 FIRESafe MARIN Novato to reimburse 2000 · Accounts Payable 24,000.00


Check 01/11/2021 815000040 Novato Fire Protection District NOAA Weather Radios 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 -24,000.00

Total 6015 · FSM NOAA Weather Radios 28,948.00

6020 · FSM Public Education

Bill 08/31/2020 2005 FIRESafe MARIN July 2000 · Accounts Payable 49,544.47

Bill 09/04/2020 2007 FIRESafe MARIN August 2000 · Accounts Payable 23,478.73



Check 01/11/2021 815000033 FIRESafe MARIN Nov/Dec 2020 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 37,362.22

Check 01/11/2021 815000036 PlaceWorks CEQA Booklets (22) 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 176.00

Check 01/11/2021 815000036 PlaceWorks discount 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 -22.00

Check 03/01/2021 815000078 FIRESafe MARIN #2025 Feb 2021 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 54,605.14

Check 04/26/2021 815000096 FIRESafe MARIN #2028 Mar 2021 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 54,329.55

Check 06/07/2021 815000130 FIRESafe MARIN #2032 Apr 2021 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 54,802.39

Total 6020 · FSM Public Education 358,280.44

6025 · FSM Red Flag Signage


Check 04/26/2021 815000096 FIRESafe MARIN #2028 Mar 2021 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 6,120.00

Check 06/07/2021 815000130 FIRESafe MARIN #2032 Apr 2021 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 535.50

Total 6025 · FSM Red Flag Signage 9,895.50

Total Core Program 1,163,363.43

Defensible Space Program

6100 · D-Space Agency Payments

Check 01/11/2021 815000039 Bolinas Fire District 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 13,148.21

Check 01/11/2021 815000040 Novato Fire Protection District 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 531,665.53

Check 01/11/2021 815000041 City of Mill Valley 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 130,650.03

Check 01/11/2021 815000042 City of San Rafael 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 511,893.94

Check 01/11/2021 815000043 City of Larkspur Member Agency 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 114,558.69

Check 01/11/2021 815000044 County of Marin 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 179,564.54

Check 01/11/2021 815000045 Muir Beach Community Services District 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 3,338.65

Check 01/11/2021 815000046 Inverness Public Utility District 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 11,184.32

Check 01/11/2021 815000047 Kentfield Fire Protection District 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 72,875.29

Check 01/11/2021 815000048 Marinwood Community Services District 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 36,105.08

Check 01/11/2021 815000049 Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 24,994.63

Check 01/11/2021 815000050 Southern Marin Fire Protection District 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 247,353.99

Check 01/11/2021 815000051 Stinson Beach Fire Protection District 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 14,709.41

Check 01/11/2021 815000052 Town of Corte Madera 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 90,051.38

6/11/2021 Expense Detail Prepared by Alyssa Schiffmann 37


Expense Detail


Check 01/11/2021 815000053 Town of Fairfax 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 53,920.18

Check 01/11/2021 815000054 Town of Ross 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 29,790.67

Check 01/11/2021 815000055 Town of San Anselmo 55% DSpace & Local Funds 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 100,735.48


















Total 6100 · D-Space Agency Payments 3,739,190.32

Total Defensible Space Program 3,739,190.32

Local Wildfire Mitigation Prog

6200 · Local Agency Payments



































Total 6200 · Local Agency Payments 3,739,190.38

Total Local Wildfire Mitigation Prog 3,739,190.38



Expense Detail


Administrative Costs

6300 · Financial & Admin Services

Check 12/21/2020 815000027 Southern Marin Fire Protection District #20-21-28 FY21 Contract for Admin/Financial Services1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 106,384.44

Total 6300 · Financial & Admin Services 106,384.44

6305 · Legal Services

Bill 08/05/2020 4500 Epstein + Holtzapple legal counsel 2000 · Accounts Payable 6,018.00

Bill 09/03/2020 4578 Epstein + Holtzapple legal counsel thru 8/31/20 2000 · Accounts Payable 12,528.00

Bill 09/30/2020 259456 Burke, Williams, & Sorensen, LLP hiring EO 2000 · Accounts Payable 1,725.00


Bill 10/15/2020 260050 Burke, Williams, & Sorensen, LLP personnel matters 2000 · Accounts Payable 6,037.50


Bill 11/13/2020 114522 Remy Moose Manley, LLP legal services 2000 · Accounts Payable 10,998.00

Check 12/21/2020 815000024 Epstein + Holtzapple #4815 Legal counsel through 11/30/20 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 6,288.00

Check 12/21/2020 815000026 VOID #114666 Legal services through 11/30/20 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 0.00

Check 12/21/2020 815000029 Remy Moose Manley, LLP #114666 Legal services through 11/30/20 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 7,973.00

Check 01/11/2021 815000035 Lozano Smith #2124991 Legal Services thru 12/17/20 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 75.00


Check 02/01/2021 815000064 Remy Moose Manley, LLP #114820 Legal services through 12/31/20 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 234.00




Check 03/15/2021 815000086 Remy Moose Manley, LLP #115276 Legal services through 2/18/21 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 897.00



Check 04/26/2021 815000099 Burke, Williams, & Sorensen, LLP #267739 Fees for Professional Services through 3/31/211000 · County Operating Fund 8150 402.50



Check 05/24/2021 815000123 Burke, Williams, & Sorensen, LLP #269024 Fees for Professional Services through 4/15/211000 · County Operating Fund 8150 2,020.50

Check 06/07/2021 815000128 Burke, Williams, & Sorensen, LLP #269735 Fees for Professional Services through 5/31/211000 · County Operating Fund 8150 156.40


Total 6305 · Legal Services 131,379.90

6310 · Personnel

6311 · Salaries

Check 10/30/2020 eft Payroll 10/1-10/17/20 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 7,939.56






Check 01/22/2021 eft Payroll 12/27/20-1/9/21 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 6,538.46










Total 6311 · Salaries 106,016.46

6312 · Medicare Tax

Check 10/30/2020 eft Payroll 10/1-10/17/20 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 120.81






Check 01/22/2021 eft Payroll 12/27/20-1/9/21 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 99.49






Expense Detail








Total 6312 · Medicare Tax 1,613.16

6313 · Supplemental Allowance

















Total 6313 · Supplemental Allowance 5,238.51

6314 · Defined Contribution Retirement

















Total 6314 · Defined Contribution Retirement 7,483.54

6315 · Payroll Processing Fees

Check 10/30/2020 eft Paychex 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 291.55



Check 12/11/2020 eft Paychex payroll fee 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 56.55












Total 6315 · Payroll Processing Fees 1,123.45

6316 · Workers' Comp Insurance



Expense Detail


Check 12/24/2020 eft Workers' Comp Insurance 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 197.84










Total 6316 · Workers' Comp Insurance 648.18

6310 · Personnel - Other

Check 02/15/2021 815000071 Finesse the Future #2020-07-01 to 2020-07-31 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 5,600.00




Total 6310 · Personnel - Other 47,600.00

Total 6310 · Personnel 169,723.30

6320 · Services & Supplies

Bill 07/17/2020 defrancis Marin County Fire Department minutes 5/8/20 2000 · Accounts Payable 160.00






Bill 07/17/2020 zoom Marin County Fire Department Zoom webinar account with cloud recording 2000 · Accounts Payable 549.90

Bill 07/17/2020 firstnet Marin County Fire Department cell phone charges 2000 · Accounts Payable 235.67

Bill 07/17/2020 firstnet Marin County Fire Department cell phone + cell phone charges 2000 · Accounts Payable 580.65

Bill 07/17/2020 firstnet Marin County Fire Department cell phone 2000 · Accounts Payable 490.00

Bill 07/27/2020 7043303 RI Greatland Corporation checks & envelopes 2000 · Accounts Payable 344.79

Bill 07/28/2020 7/16 DeFrancis, Toni 7/16/20 BOD meeting 2000 · Accounts Payable 240.00



Bill 10/09/2020 10/5 DeFrancis, Toni BOD meeting 2000 · Accounts Payable 160.00




Bill 11/09/2020 584020 MOC Insurance Services FY21 liability insurance 2000 · Accounts Payable 4,165.00


Check 11/20/2020 eft Adobe annual subscription 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 179.88



Check 12/11/2020 eft Insurance - Cyber Liability cybersecurity insurance 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 50.00

Check 12/15/2020 je#1430 Marin County Tax Collector property tax admin fee 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 46,127.64

Check 12/21/2020 815000023 DeFrancis, Toni 12/8/20 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 60.00



Check 01/05/2021 eft Paychex Insurance cyber liability policy 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 25.00





Check 01/11/2021 815000034 FirstNet Past due-oct 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 987.80

Check 01/11/2021 815000034 FirstNet #287298752211X12082020 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 366.49

Check 01/11/2021 815000032 DeFrancis, Toni 12/3/20 MWPA Board Execuvitve Committee Meeting1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 60.00

Bill 01/22/2021 Schiffmann US Bank ELGL Network 2000 · Accounts Payable 250.00

Bill 01/22/2021 Schiffmann US Bank Neo Gov 2000 · Accounts Payable 199.00

Bill 01/22/2021 Schiffmann US Bank Craigslist 2000 · Accounts Payable 75.00

Bill 01/22/2021 Brown US Bank Zoom: Recording 2000 · Accounts Payable 11.61

Bill 01/22/2021 Brown US Bank Unicorn Printing: Graphics Work 2000 · Accounts Payable 104.37

Bill 01/22/2021 Brown US Bank Unicorn Printing: Business Cards 2000 · Accounts Payable 21.72



Expense Detail


Bill 01/22/2021 Brown US Bank Zoom 2000 · Accounts Payable 40.00




Check 02/01/2021 815000061 Finesse the Future planning for 4 positions 10/12/20-11/24/20 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 2,100.00

Check 02/12/2021 eft Insurance - Cyber Liability Cyber Liability Policy, Feb 2021 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 25.00

Check 02/15/2021 815000069 DeFrancis, Toni 2/2/21 citizen's oversight committee meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 50.00

Check 02/15/2021 815000069 DeFrancis, Toni 2/2/21 board meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 60.00

Bill 02/22/2021 Brown US Bank Apple: computer peripherals 2000 · Accounts Payable 324.82

Bill 02/22/2021 Brown US Bank Amazon: computer peripherals 2000 · Accounts Payable 294.20




Bill 02/22/2021 Brown US Bank Yeti: Support for PM recruitment process 2000 · Accounts Payable 390.52

Check 03/01/2021 815000073 DeFrancis, Toni 2/20/21 Finance Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 50.00

Check 03/01/2021 815000073 DeFrancis, Toni 2/10/21 Advisory/Technical Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 60.00

Check 03/01/2021 815000073 DeFrancis, Toni 2/8/21 Operations (OPS) Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 60.00

Check 03/01/2021 815000073 DeFrancis, Toni 2/8/21 Executive Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 40.00


Check 03/01/2021 815000076 Records Control Services, Inc. #21-06 1/27-2/22/21 On-Demand Consulting/Project Implementation1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 1,657.90

Check 03/01/2021 815000073 DeFrancis, Toni 2/23/21 Board Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 120.00

Check 03/12/2021 eft Insurance - Cyber Liability Cyber Liability Policy, Feb 2021 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 25.00

Check 03/15/2021 815000079 DeFrancis, Toni 3/8/21 Operations Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 160.00

Check 03/15/2021 815000079 DeFrancis, Toni 3/3/21 Citizens' Oversight Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 140.00


Check 03/15/2021 815000079 DeFrancis, Toni 3/10/21 Executive Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 160.00

Check 03/15/2021 815000084 City of Larkspur Member Agency 10/15/20 Board of Directors Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 0.00

Check 03/15/2021 815000084 City of Larkspur Member Agency 10/20/20 Finance Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 0.00

Check 03/15/2021 815000084 City of Larkspur Member Agency 11/5/20 Executive Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 0.00



Check 03/15/2021 815000084 City of Larkspur Member Agency 12/3/20 Executive Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 0.00



Check 03/15/2021 815000084 City of Larkspur Member Agency 12/22/20 Advisory-Technical Committee Meeting1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 0.00

Check 03/15/2021 815000087 City of Larkspur 10/15/20 Board of Directors Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 226.05

Check 03/15/2021 815000087 City of Larkspur 10/20/20 Finance Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 135.63

Check 03/15/2021 815000087 City of Larkspur 11/5/20 Executive Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 158.24



Check 03/15/2021 815000087 City of Larkspur 12/3/20 Executive Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 180.84



Check 03/15/2021 815000087 City of Larkspur 12/22/20 Advisory-Technical Committee Meeting1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 67.81

Bill 03/22/2021 Brown US Bank Apple: computer peripherals 2000 · Accounts Payable 95.11


Bill 03/22/2021 Brown US Bank Peet's: PPM recruitment 2000 · Accounts Payable 106.60

Bill 03/22/2021 Fee US Bank Late Fee 2000 · Accounts Payable 7.01


Check 03/29/2021 815000089 Wolfe, Lauren reimb: fuel for signatures for checks 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 82.80

Check 03/29/2021 815000088 DeFrancis, Toni 3/24/21 Board Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 160.00


Check 04/14/2021 eft Marin County Tax Collector property tax admin fee 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 15,375.86

Check 04/16/2021 eft Insurance - Cyber Liability Cyber Liability Policy, April 2021 1100 · Bank of Marin Payroll Account 25.00

Check 04/26/2021 815000093 Records Control Services, Inc. #21-12 4/5/21 On-Demand Consulting/Project Implementation1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 1,942.96

Check 04/26/2021 815000094 Southern Marin Fire Protection District #20-21-43 Granicus 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 7,500.00

Check 04/26/2021 815000095 DeFrancis, Toni 4/11/21 MWPA Executive Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 180.00

Check 04/26/2021 815000095 DeFrancis, Toni 4/19/21 MWPA Technical Advisory Committee Meeting1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 80.00


Check 05/10/2021 815000103 DeFrancis, Toni 4/26/21 MWPA Technical Advisory Committee Meeting1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 80.00

Check 05/10/2021 815000103 DeFrancis, Toni 4/22/21 MWPA Board of Directors Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 160.00



Expense Detail


Check 05/10/2021 815000103 DeFrancis, Toni 4/26/21 MWPA Citizens' Oversight Committee Meeting1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 160.00


Check 05/24/2021 815000125 DeFrancis, Toni 4/29/21 MWPA Perations (OPS) Committee Meeting1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 140.00

Check 05/24/2021 815000125 DeFrancis, Toni 5/6/21 MWPA Executive Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 180.00

Check 05/24/2021 815000125 DeFrancis, Toni 5/14/21 MWPA Finance Committee Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 120.00

Check 06/07/2021 815000129 DeFrancis, Toni 5/20/21 MWPA Board Meeting 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 160.00

Total 6320 · Services & Supplies 92,931.67

6330 · Start Up Costs

Bill 07/17/2020 patches Marin County Fire Department MWPA patches 2000 · Accounts Payable 406.00

Bill 07/17/2020 TWB Marin County Fire Department senior mailer notice 2000 · Accounts Payable 24,622.27

Bill 07/17/2020 NBS Marin County Fire Department tax roll prep & audit 2000 · Accounts Payable 49,500.00

Bill 07/17/2020 NBS2 Marin County Fire Department out of county owners mailer 2000 · Accounts Payable 14,812.00

Bill 07/17/2020 qcorp Marin County Fire Department qcorp: MWPA apparel 2000 · Accounts Payable 1,742.14

Bill 07/17/2020 election Marin County Registrar of Voters March 3 primary election costs 2000 · Accounts Payable 54,406.84

Bill 08/17/2020 exec recruitment Nelson Staffing Nelson Staffing executive recruitment 2000 · Accounts Payable 26,250.00

Bill 12/03/2020 exempt low-income exemption 2000 · Accounts Payable 244.80

Bill 12/04/2020 exempt low-income exemption 2000 · Accounts Payable 261.00

Check 12/07/2020 815000017 Hansen-Kemp Design est#211-112320 business card/stationery/logo design1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 500.00

Check 12/07/2020 815000018 Measure C tax refund 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 116.30

Check 12/15/2020 je#1537 Marin County Tax Collector interest on bridge loan 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 8,383.56







Check 02/01/2021 815000058 Daily Dispatch State Employment Ad: manager of operations (closes 2/22/21)1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 280.00

Check 02/01/2021 815000062 Hansen-Kemp Design #1120 business card/stationery/logo design 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 1,500.00

Check 02/01/2021 815000063 Halloran, Maribeth 034-072-13 Measure C tax refund 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 239.70

Check 02/01/2021 815000065 TBWBH Props & Measures website update 6/20-12/2020 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 7,319.09


Bill 02/01/2021 1 Keene, William J. Not to exceed contract 2000 · Accounts Payable 11,250.00

Check 03/01/2021 815000074 Measure C tax refund 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 1,358.40


Check 03/15/2021 815000083 Consensus Building Institute, Inc. #02558 collaboration services 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 7,860.00


Check 04/26/2021 815000100 Fortezza Diversified Services, LLC #005-21 Anne Crealock 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 1,600.00

Check 04/26/2021 815000100 Fortezza Diversified Services, LLC #005-21 Corinne Bartshire 1000 · County Operating Fund 8150 1,000.00



Bill 05/10/2021 4 Keene, William J. apr 21 consultant services 2000 · Accounts Payable 4,923.75

Total 6330 · Start Up Costs 236,174.50

Total Administrative Costs 736,593.81

9,378,337.94


Current 1 - 30 31 - 60 61 - 90 > 90 TOTAL

County of Marin 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 148,991.84 148,991.84

TOTAL 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 148,991.84 148,991.84


A/P Aging SummaryAs of June 7, 2021

6/11/2021 Accounts Payable Prepared by Alyssa Schiffmann 44


STAFF REPORT



From: Anne Crealock, Planning and Program Manager

Subject: Board Update on FY 2021-2022 Work Plan Implementation Roll Out and Project Tracking

______________________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the Board review and provide input on FY 2021-2022 Work Plan implementation and project tracking.

BACKGROUND:

On May 27, 2021, the Board of Directors approved a Work Plan for fiscal year 2021-2022 which outlines the priorities that the MWPA and member agencies intend to pursue. The Work Plan accounts for the distribution of MWPA funds for environmental compliance and implementation of Core, Defensible Space Evaluation/Mitigation, and Local Wildfire Mitigation Projects.

At the June 3 Executive Committee meeting, Committee members asked MWPA staff to present an item to the Board regarding Work Plan implementation, tracking, and communication. Staff has prepared a description of the key components to project implementation and possible options for project tracking and communication below.

ANALYSIS:

Initial Work Plan Rollout

MWPA Staff has begun coordinating with member agencies to facilitate environmental compliance. Outreach to Advisory/Technical Committee members has begun in an effort to collect project-related information. Additional coordination with each member agency will

45

allow MWPA staff, consultants, and individual member agencies to share information and discuss how to facilitate environmental review and project implementation. Each member agency will help MWPA staff and consultants set priorities for project planning. This information will be used to create timelines and schedules for Work Plan implementation.

Member Agency Guidance

MWPA staff, counsel, and consultants will draft and distribute guidance for member agencies on environmental compliance processes and procedures, templates, communication best practices, and a basic set of best management practices for natural resources.

Future Board Actions

As environmental compliance for proposals is completed, the environmental compliance documents and associated proposals will return to the Board for consideration. For Core proposals, the Board may acknowledge completion of environmental review and choose to approve projects, thus releasing funding for implementation. Many of these proposals will be appropriate for inclusion as consent items while the Board may choose to discuss others in more detail.

For Local proposals requiring environmental compliance, local lead agencies must complete the environmental compliance process and approve projects.

Communicating Project Information to the Public

MWPA staff will work with partners, including OneTam, and consultants to develop a web-based interactive map to display project-related information for the public. Project-related documents, timelines, and meetings will be linked to points and polygons on a map of the MWPA service area. One potential model for this type of public-facing webpage is the City of Novato’s Planning Project Webpage. (https://www.novato.org/government/community-development/planning-division/planning-projects). MWPA’s communications strategy will inform MWPA project-related communications with the public.

Additionally, MWPA staff and consultants will conduct regular outreach to interested groups to ensure the public is informed and aware of upcoming opportunities to provide input.

46

Metrics, Tracking, and Opportunities

MWPA staff, Ops Committee, Advisory/Technical Committee, and consultants will work to develop meaningful metrics to measure progress toward meeting the vision, goals, and objectives identified by this Board in its Strategic Plan. Quantifiable metrics will be developed wherever possible. A user interface will be developed to provide a portal for member agencies to enter project data into digital forms linked to a database that can then update project-related metrics. A public dashboard will be developed to provide straightforward graphics and narratives to track progress. One potential model for this type of resource is the San Francisco Estuary Partnership’s Progress Tracking webpage, which includes simple graphics displaying percent complete for each action included in its Estuary Blueprint plan. (https://www.sfestuary.org/progress-tracking/)

Recent development of the Marin Countywide Fine Scale Vegetation Map by OneTam and its partners provides a unique opportunity to compare current (pre-work) conditions with future conditions following program-related activities. MWPA staff will coordinate closely with OneTam and other partners and consultants to determine the best ways to take advantage of the current state-of-the-art geospatial resources available. (https://parksconservancy.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4ef2881436bc4365be881b17f69ab067)

On-the-ground data collection can help inform our understanding of the short- and long-term effectiveness of program-related activities. Data collection can be incorporated into routine natural resources surveys conducted during the environmental review process as well as long-term monitoring activities. These data can help us better understand which activities are most effective in various settings and how long project-related benefits last before additional treatment is required.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The fiscal impact is identified in the FY 2021-22 Work Plan and Budget.


Receiving an update on the 2021-2022 Work Plan roll out and project tracking is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act, because it does not involve an activity which

47

has the potential to cause a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. (Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 21065).xxx


Anne Crealock, MWPA Planning and Program Manager

48

1

THE MARIN WILDFIRE PREVENTION AUTHOR ITY

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 6, 2021

Via teleconference due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) MINUTES 1. Call to Order. President Goines called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. 2. Roll Call.

Directors – In Attendance: Bruce Goines (Novato Fire), Dennis Rodoni (County of Marin), Julie McMillan (Ross), Rachel Kertz (San Rafael), Sashi McEntee (Mill Valley)

Staff in Attendance: Executive Officer Mark Brown 3. Agenda Adjustments. There were no adjustments. 4. Open Time for Public Expression. There were no comments. 5. Presentations a. Environmental Consulting Proposal Presentations Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report. b. Ascent Environmental Mr. Curtis Alling and Ms. Lilly Bostrom gave a PowerPoint presentation that included the following: 1) Ascent Team; 2) Highlights of Relevant Experience; 3) Environmental Compliance Approach; 4) Compliance Best Practices- Templates, Tools, Training; 5) Comparison of CEQA Documents. The team answered questions from the Committee regarding their relationship with other environmental stakeholders, whether their work been subject to litigation and the outcomes, any conflicts of interest with any of the stakeholders, their experience dealing with an agency that has a multitude of partners, how they would create efficient processes and control costs, the timing and triggers of a programmatic EIR, and how prepared they are to deal with a diverse group of entities. c. Panorama Environmental Ms. Tania Treis, representing Panorama Environmental, and Ms. Debbie Montana, representing Sequoia Ecological Consulting, gave a PowerPoint presentation that included the following: 1) Wildfire Prevention/Hazard Mitigation Projects; 2) This Work is Critical; 3) The

49

2

Panorama Team; 4) Our Experience is Direct and Local; 5) The Importance of Local; 6) Highlights of Our Approach; 7) Why the Panorama Team? The team answered questions regarding their relationship with other environmental stakeholders, whether their work has been subject to litigation and the outcome, how they will deal with multiple agencies, their experience with the different levels of CEQA sophistications, how they would create an effective process and control costs, and the timing and triggers of a programmatic EIR. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. Ms. Belle Cole, representing OFA Marin, asked how the firms would deal with carbon management and how they would optimize carbon sequestration and minimize greenhouse gas emissions at all stages of management. Mr. Curtis Alling, representing Ascent Environmental, stated a major practice of his firm is climate action planning and establishing thresholds for carbon emissions. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. Committee member McMillan pointed out what the two firms bring to the table and stated she was torn. Committee member McEntee stated she is leaning towards Panorama Environmental- the small, scrappy firm that has worked with MMWD. She noted they could not make a wrong decision since both firms were highly qualified. Committee member Kertz stated both firms provide a huge amount of experience. She was leaning towards Ascent Environmental due to its experience with complex litigation. Committee member Rodoni stated the voters expect efficiency and wise spending of funds. It seemed that Panorama Environmental would be more efficient and mindful of costs. He liked the local aspect. President Goines stated Panorama Environmental could bring bilingual communication to the community and workforce. However, he could support either firm. Executive Officer Brown stated he and Planning and Program Director Crealock are convinced they could work well with either firm. M/s,Kertz/Rodoni, to approve Panorama Environmental as the MWPA CEQA consulting firm. AYES: All Committee member McEntee left the meeting. 6. Executive Officer’s Report

50

3

Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report that included the following: 1) There was a small fire in West Marin this morning; 2) Red Flag conditions in the month of May are uncommon; 3) The Marin County Board of Supervisors passed a Resolution supporting Wildfire Prevention Week; 4) FIRESafe Marin Community Workshops started last night; 5) Workshops in July will be focused on the Fiscal Year 2021/22 Work Plan; 6) A deliberative process has been developed for reviewing the Work Plan- areas of concern, along with a rough budget number, will be presented to the Board, and once the environmental compliance is done along with public vetting then it would come back to the Board as a project that could be approved; 7) Project proposals that do not need environmental compliance will also be approved by the Board; 8) A Special Meeting of the Board might be needed to review the Work Plan; 9) The Finance Committee will be looking at the budget process for the Work Plan; 10) The Citizens’ Oversight Committee continues to work on its Policies and Procedures in coordination with its Bylaws; 11) The first round of the Brown Act Training occurred; 12) Work on the Ecologically Sound Practices (ESP) and Best Management Practices (BMP) continues with vetting happening soon; 13) Planning and Program Director Krelock will be working on the project tracking software and creating visual representations of projects; 14) A partnership is being formed (including the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy) to create a one-stop shop for all land management agencies in Marin to track vegetation management projects. Executive Officer Brown answered questions regarding the Work Plan’s two-step process. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. 7. Consent Calendar a. Approve April 1, 2021 Executive Committee Minutes b. Approve April 7, 2021 Special Meeting of Executive Committee President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. M/s, Rodoni/Kertz, to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. AYES: All 8. Staff Reports a. MWPA Legislative and Agency Policy Support Guidelines Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report. He worked with Legal Counsel Acevedo and Mr. Bill Keene on the document. He noted several edits.

51

4

Executive Officer Brown answered questions regarding whether the document would be presented to the Board President for his signature. There was a suggestion about several of the changes. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. Executive Officer Brown stated he would make the suggested edits by the Board. b. Parcel Tax Levy Inflation Adjustment Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report and stated the recommendation is to not adjust the levy. Executive Officer Brown answered a question regarding whether this is done on an annual basis or if there is a cumulative clause. c. Low-Income Senior Tax Exemption- Positive Contact of Receipt of Application Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report. He had a very productive discussion with Ms. Mimi Williard, representing the Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers, who had some helpful suggestions. He was recommending that notifications be sent via United States Postal Service and not by emails. Executive Officer Brown answered questions regarding other tracking mechanisms and the cost of notifications. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. Committee member Rodoni asked if it made sense to track this for one more year and see if it remains an issue. Committee member McMillan suggested highlighting a phone number and telling people to call the MWPA office. She did not think this was a large issue. Committee member Kertz agreed. 9. Board of Directors Meeting Agenda Review Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report.

52

5

There were no questions or comments from the Committee. President Goines opened the meeting to public comments There were no comments. President Goines closed the meeting to public comments. 10. Informational Items There were no informational items. 11. Committee Member Request Future Agenda Items There were no requests. 12. Adjournment- President Goines adjourned the meeting at 12:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Toni DeFrancis, Recording Secretary

53

1


FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 14, 2021

Via teleconference due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) MINUTES 1. Call to Order. Director Kertz called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. 2. Roll Call.

Directors – In Attendance: Bruce Goines (Novato Fire), Rachel Kertz (San Rafael), David Kimball (Bolinas Fire District), Cathryn Hillard (Southern Marin Fire), Tom Finn (Sleepy Hollow), Jason Weber (County of Marin) Directors- Absent: Dan Schwarz (Larkspur)

Staff in Attendance: Executive Officer Mark Brown, MWPA Treasurer Alyssa Schiffmann 3. Agenda Adjustments There were no adjustments. 4. Open Time for Public Expression. There were no comments. 5. Executive Officer’s Report Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report that included the following: 1) This will be a challenging fire season due to the concerning fuel conditions; 2) The last Board meeting included a presentation on the North Ops Prediction Services for the upcoming fire season; 3) Vegetation fires are starting to occur throughout the State; 4) Increased communications to the public about actions that can be taken to make the community safer; 5) “Embercast” community meetings; 6) Operations (OPS) Committee and Advisory/Technical Committee are working on the legal definition of “project”; 7) The next OPS Committee meeting has been rescheduled to May 21st; 8) The Board has tentatively scheduled a Special Meeting for May 27th to approve the Work Plan and the Budget. Executive Officer Brown answered questions about the definition of the 1-hour, 100-hour and 1,000-hour fuels; category of fuels that are ember intensive; how to get the word out about community meetings, embercasting, 1-hour vs. 1,000-hour fuels, and fire science in general. Director Kertz opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. Director Kertz closed the meeting to public comments. 6. Staff Reports a. MWPA Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Framework Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report that included the following: 1) Had projected $19.3 million budget, Revenues came in at $19.7 million; 2) Staff is recommending that they do not apply

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the 1.75% Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase on the Parcel Tax levy for next year; 3) Core Budget is 60% of total revenues, minus 10% for administrative costs; 4) Core budget for the five geographical areas are based on revenue for the areas and not the agencies; 5) 20% is set aside for defensible space (d-space) which includes 2% that goes into an Abatement Fund; 6) 20% set aside for local mitigation projects; 7) Funding cannot supplant what an agency has already been doing; 8) Creation of a sixth geographical area- the JPA itself; 9) Re-tuning project forms and process for approvals centering around project approval per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); 10) Development of two-step approval process for any proposal that requires environmental compliance as follows: Once proposal is approved then 10% funding is approved for scoping and compliance and then once compliance is completed the project would come back to the Board for approval; 11) Carry over of Fund Balance minus $2 million put into a Reserve Fund; 12) Carry over of unspent Core funds; 13) Unspent d-space, local mitigation funds will be identified, carried over, and available for local agencies. Executive Officer Brown answered questions regarding the two-step process, whether a project would get approved if it does not achieve the CEQA exemption and/or compliance, what happens to worthy projects whose environmental scoping and compliance exceed 10%, implementation of the 2% Abatement Funding, work that could extend over multiple years, can local agencies pull from “Year 2” for a project that costs more in “Year 1”, could the Reserve Fund serve as the “backstop” as opposed to reaching forward, and how to set up accounting systems to document unspent d-space funds. Director Hilliard supported the concept of a Reserve Fund in the amount of $2 million. Executive Officer Brown gave a PowerPoint presentation and discussed the categories of projects, the Draft Fiscal Year 2021/22 Budget, and the framework for next year’s Work Plan. The overall budget of $19,693,500 is broken into the 60% Core Projects, 20% Local Projects and 20% D-space. Executive Officer Brown answered question regarding adding another column (MWPA- area wide) to the spreadsheet, purchase of an air curtain burner and carbon and biomass management, operational costs, re-organizing the information according to each agency, the best process for the next budget cycle and developing a budget calendar, and consistency within classification. Chair Kertz opened the meeting to public comments. Ms. Carolyn Longstreth stated a Programmed Environmental Impact Statement could provide the efficiency they are seeking. It is a broader analysis that identifies different types of impacts that could happen and mitigating measures. Chair Kertz closed the meeting to public comments. 7. Informational Items Chair Kertz asked if the Finance Committee would be meeting prior to the Board meeting. Executive Officer Brown stated that would not be feasible. He would like to schedule a Finance Committee meeting to discuss Policy Development and the formation of an ad hoc committee. 8. Committee Members Request Future Agenda Items There were no additional requests

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9. Adjourn- Chair Kertz adjourned the meeting at 11:21a.m. Respectfully submitted, Toni DeFrancis, Recording Secretary

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OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Held a meeting:

1:00 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2021 Via teleconference due to Coronavirus (COVID-19

1. Call to Order- Chair Tyler called the meeting to order at 1:05 p.m. 2. Roll Call

Committee Member Attendance: Eric Dreikosen (Marinwood), George Kraukauer (Bolinas Fire), Substitute for (Mill Valley Fire), Mark Pomi (Kentfield Fire), Darin White, (San Rafael), Rich Shortall (Sleepy Hollow Fire District), Bill Tyler (Novato Fire), Chris Tubbs (Southern Marin Fire), Dave Donery (San Anselmo), Jessie Peri (Stinson Beach), Todd Cusimano (Corte Madera), Dan Schwarz (Larkspur), Jason Weber (Marin County Fire), Jim Fox (Inverness Fire) Committee Members Absent: Chris Gove (Muir Beach), Garrett Toy (Fairfax), Joe Chinn (Ross)

Staff Attendance: Executive Officer Mark Brown, Planning and Program Manager Anne Crealock 3. Agenda Adjustments There were no adjustments. 4. Open Time for Public Expression A Mill Valley resident asked if the MWPA has investigated electric micro-grids in rural communities as a solution to help fire mitigation. This would include small clusters of electric grids that would reduce the need for so many power lines. Executive Officer Brown briefly discussed staff’s work with Pacific Gas and Electric on this issue. 5. Executive Officer’s Report Executive Officer Brown presented a staff report that included the following: 1) There are 111 different proposals and programs in the Work Plan totaling $18 million in spending; 2) The Advisory/Technical Committee (ATC) did the majority of work in building these proposals along with the OPS Ad Hoc Committee and the Finance Committee helping to create the spreadsheet; 3) Staff helped with creating consistent language and adjustment based on budgets; 4) Much was learned and next year’s process will be more efficient; 5) He was shocked at the plummeting of the 100-hour (already below critical) and 1,000-hour fuel moistures. Planning and Program Director Anne Crealock briefly discussed her background and stated she was looking forward to working for the MWPA.

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Chair Tyler opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. Chair Tyler closed the meeting to public comments. 6. Consent Calendar

a. Approve Operations Committee Meeting Minutes from April 29, 2021 Chair Tyler opened the meeting to public comments. There were no comments. Chair Tyler closed the meeting to public comments. M/s, Pomi/Tubbs, to approve the Consent Calendar as corrected. Ayes: All Absent: Chinn, Donery, Gove, Toy 7. Action Items

a. 2021 MWPA Work Plan Chief Tyler presented a report describing the process for the creation of the Work Plan. The initial focus was on the Core Projects and breaking them down into five or six categories. He noted they were not actual projects until they become irrevocable (no more changes occurring). He discussed the two step process for CEQA compliance. The ad hoc committee reviewed the Core Projects for a second time looking for those that had shared common values and would provide mutual benefits. Budget amounts were then adjusted for a final review. Committee member Tubbs discussed how the costs were broken down which started with the receipt of the revenue estimates from the County. Chief Tyler gave a PowerPoint presentation of the Work Plan that included the following: 1) The format is very much like last years; 2) New project forms requested more information and evidence; 3) Some projects need more specificity that will be worked out through the environmental review process; 4) Executive Summary explains methodology and MWPA background; 5) Overview of Measure C funding; 6) Core focuses on wildfire detection, notification, and evacuation; vegetation management and hazard fuel reduction; grants; and public education; 7) Defensible space and home hardening; 8) Local wildfire mitigation measures; 9) The Zones- Novato, San Rafael, Central, Southern, West; 10) Defensible space and home hardening evaluations; 11) Anticipated funding and area breakdowns; 12) Core common proposals and funding as a group including grants (totaling $500,000), UC Master Gardeners Public Education position; 13) Zonehaven evacuation platform; 14) Evacuation Study; 15) Set aside of $500,000 for facilities, support of GrizzlyCorp fellow, Communication Strategy, potential Beta-test for air curtain burner, connecting evacuation maps with camera feeds, training, grant management, personnel for field work, research and development.

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Committee member Fox asked about the information regarding area percentages and noted it looked like Marin County Fire was way under. Executive Officer Brown stated this was not based on area but rather revenue. Chair Tyler gave an overview of the FIRESafe Marin submittal which included eighteen proposals including the Chipper Program (provides an immediate impact to resident’s homes), the Red Flag Warning Sign Program, and sixteen others that are new or build on what has already been done. Committee member Shortall noted he worked for FIRESafe Marin and would not be voting on any matters pertaining to this organization since it would be a conflict of interest. Chair Tyler opened the meeting to public comments. Ms. Julie McMillan asked why there were sixteen categories under FIRESafe Marin. Executive Officer Brown stated all sixteen are considered a package deal. Ms. Steven Keese thanked the group for the outstanding work. Ms. Isabel Sendurni, Mill Valley, asked if there is coordination between the MWPA and Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) in terms of a reduction in water consumption. Executive Officer Brown briefly discussed the strategy surrounding the use of drought tolerant plants, etc. Chair Tyler closed the meeting to public comments. Chair Tyler stated there were discussions about funding a Regional Disaster Preparedness Coordinator position through grants. Committee member Fox pointed out an item that was designated for but not in Inverness. Executive Officer Brown stated that was an error and an adjustment would be made. Chair Tyler asked if the committee was comfortable with the format and the way this is put together. Committee member Tubbs noted there should be an adjustment to the Southern Marin proposal. M/s, Tubbs/Cusimano, to adopt the 2021 MWPA Work Plan and budget with the adjustment to the Southern Marin Core proposals in the amount of $210,000 less, the edit of the Inverness Park Project to Marin County Fire, and to allow any typographical edits. Ayes: All Abstain: Shortall Absent: Chinn, Donery, Gove, Toy 8. Information Items

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Committee member Weber reported on the Cal Fire grants submitted by County Fire in the amount of several million. Committee member Shortall stated the Chipper Program started this week and he encouraged everyone to get the word out ! Executive Officer Brown stated three of the five community workshops have been held with great success. Chair Tyler reported on the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant submitted by Southern Marin Fire and Novato Fire. Chair Tyler opened the meeting to public comments.

There were no comments. Chair Tyler closed the meeting to public comments. 9. Committee Member Request Future Agenda Items Committee member Tubbs stated he would like to see a status report on Zonehaven or Evacuation Plans on a future agenda. Chair Tyler opened the meeting to public comments.

There were no comments. Chair Tyler closed the meeting to public comments. 10. Adjourn- Chair Tyler adjourned the meeting at 2:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Toni DeFrancis, Recording Secretary

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CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Via teleconference due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) MINUTES 1. Call to Order- Chair Minikes called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. Roll Call

Committee members – In Attendance: Larry Minikes, Stephen Keese, Lucy Dilworth, Rebecca Suggs, Pat Randolph, Larry Chu, Max Perrey, Carolyn Longstreth Committee members- Absent: Kingston Cole Staff in Attendance: Executive Officer Mark Brown, Legal Counsel Emily Longfellow, Planning and Program Manager Anne Crealock 3. Agenda Adjustments There were no adjustments. 4. Open Time for public expression There were no comments. 5. Executive Officer’s Report Planning and Program Manager Crealock discussed her background and experience and stated she was looking forward to working with the COC. Committee member Keese had a question about how to get rid of invasive plant species. Manager Crealock stated broom is a big issue and she has had many discussions with land managers. She has received a variety of suggestions and pointed out it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. There is no quick fix. Chair Minikes asked about a Post Fire Recovery Plan. Manager Crealock stated she has worked with land managers and ecologists on post fire vegetation monitoring to develop a methodology and a way to share data. There is no funding available for this type of project. Executive Officer Brown presented a report that included the following: 1) The upcoming fire season and historically low fuel moistures; 2) Need for better communication; 3) The Work Plan (111 proposals) and Budget; 4) Fixing the hole in the approval process in terms of approving a “project” prior to CEQA analysis by utilizing a two-step process; 5) The first step includes approving a proposal as an intended project thereby opening up money for scoping and compliance. The second step includes Board approval of a “project” once scoping and compliance is completed; 6) Post-Covid plans with the potential for in-person meetings for the

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smaller committees using the Southern Marin Fire Headquarters starting in July; 7) The Zoom link for tomorrow’s Board meeting has been updated. 6. Consent Calendar

a. Approve minutes from the April 28, 2021 COC Meeting M/s, Keese/Longstreth, motion to approve the April 28, 2021 minutes as corrected. Ayes: All Absent: Cole 7. Committee Reports

a. Monitoring Assignment Reports Committee member Randolph reported she was pleased that the Operations (OPS) Committee was discussing funding for Neighborhood Response Groups (NRG). They are crucial during different types of emergencies. Committee member Longstreth discussed the work that the Fire Environment Resilence Network (FERN) has been doing on the approval process. The group wanted the Work Plan forms to include a bunch of different metrics for environmental compliance so interested people could evaluate projects for environmental impacts. The OPS Committee decided to include the list of variables recommended by FERN. However, local members can leave that part of the form blank until environmental compliance is done. The OPS Committee revised the procedure as explained by Executive Officer Brown. The environmental consultants will be recommending Best Management Practices (BMP). Committee member Keese stated this is an educational process. The BMPs are a good idea. Chair Minikes reported on the recent Board of Directors meeting. The Board decided not to enact a Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase on the upcoming Parcel Tax. He noted the compounding effect could be substantial.

b. ESP/Environmental Groups Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report Committee member Dilworth stated ESP produced a document that follows the draft shown at several meetings. She was not sure the document was complete or will be subject to further comments. Chair Minikes stated there is a meeting today. This is a living document and there will be further modifications. Committee member Dilworth stated the document represents broad statements of principal and intent and the “devil is in the details”. How this will get interpreted into specific activities remains to be seen. Chair Minikes stated the document will go to the Executive Committee and then the Board. Executive Officer Brown noted it will also be reviewed by Panorama Environmental and Legal Counsel Acevedo. Committee member Suggs stated she envisioned a document would serve as a check list but this is not what she sees. It looks like it would be challenging when reviewing proposals. Manager Crealock stated she could prepare a set of practices that are protective of natural resources and sensitive habitats and work with the consultants to create a manual based on

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the work done for the ESP document. These measures would then get incorporated into all of the projects. It is a lot of work up front but allows for consistency across projects. Committee member Dilworth asked Manager Crealock how much of her time would be spent developing these systems and how she is allocating her time in terms of the budget. Manager Crealock stated most of her time so far has been spent on the Work Plan with Executive Officer Brown. She would meet with him and come up with the answers to these questions. Executive Officer Brown stated a lot of her time will be spent, in the beginning, on creating Best Practices. Panorama Environmental is tasked with submitting a Permitting and Practices Manual. Committee member Dilworth asked if Manager Crealock would be coordinating with the local jurisdictions. Executive Officer Brown stated she would be supporting them on implementing their Core Projects. It is up to them to do their local mitigation projects. Committee member Longstreth stated she could see some conflicts in this scenario with the ESP. There could be some resistance to taking it to staff and redoing it. Chair Minikes referred the group to the MMWD Biodiversity Integrated Fire Fuels Plan and stated this will give them a good sense of what this plan will look like.

c. Policies and Procedures Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report Committee member Dilworth stated the Code of Conduct document is simple and has not changed significantly since the last review. The document was shown on the screen. Item #5 was removed. It had to do with the COC “assisting and supporting the MWPA in its work” and it was thought that the language could look like they were compromising their own independence. There was a small change suggested by Committee member Chu at the last meeting about “challenging issues and not people”. She referred to item #1 which states “if no member is present at an MWPA meeting that meeting will proceed without an observer”. The committee discussed the issue regarding an “appearance” of a conflict of interest and decided it was covered in the formation agreement. They want to keep things simple. Committee member Chu discussed the idea of a “perception” of a conflict of interest. Committee member Dilworth asked when a member should recuse him or herself from voting on an item. Committee member Chu stated that would depend on what was being voted on. He discussed a situation where a direct benefit (not necessarily financial) to an organization might occur. A committee member could discuss whether or not to recuse with the Executive Officer and Legal Counsel. Committee member Perrey stated the MWPA would be helping to fund Neighborhood Response Groups (NRGs) and he wondered if this would be a conflict since most Committee members are a part of their NRG. Chair Minikes stated there is a difference between conflict and advocacy. Conflict would be defined as taking advantage of or benefitting from the position. M/s, Keese/Parrey, motion to adopt the Policies and Procedures document as revised. Ayes: All

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Absent: Cole 8. Action Items

a. Audit Process and Financial Reports Executive Officer Brown presented a brief staff report. Committee member Suggs recommended that Committee members review the Annual Report prepared by the COC for Measure G in Novato. She will send it to Executive Officer Brown for distribution. Committee member Chu stated the formatting and content of the report would be left to the group. He wanted to know what type of information the COC would need in order to perform good oversight for MWPA’s finances. He reminded everyone that the Financial Reports will be prepared using governmental accounting. Committee member Dilworth recommended that Committee members Chu and Cole create a list of things the COC might want to review. They could locate the issues. Committee member Chu stated the goal is to make sure the money spent is in accordance with Measure C. Committee member Suggs agreed and stated the COC would need to make it clear to the public which projects got done and how much was spent. Councilmember Chu asked if they would like the agency members to attest that the money was spent in accordance with the intent of Measure C. Executive Officer Brown stated they would also rely on conformance to the JPA language with respect to supplanting local funding. Councilmember Chu stated the question remains how deep the COC wants to go into an audit function, i.e. spot checks, etc. An attestation could be signed off by the Mayor (top elected official) and the Town Manager (top administrator). The COC could do a thorough review of three agencies per year over a five year period. Committee member Randolph stated the attestation was included on last year’s form and she liked the review suggested by Committee member Chu. Committee member Keese liked Committee member Chu’s suggestion. Committee member Chu stated whatever reports go to the auditors should come to the COC. He suggested the COC hold a workshop to review the audit report Committee member Suggs asked if the auditors would be looking at alignment with Measure C. Executive Officer Brown stated “no”. Committee member Chu discussed the difficulty with strict adherence to internal controls with limited staffing.

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Committee member Randolph stated they need to review not only the financials but also the Work Plan. Committee member Longstreth agreed. Committee member Longstreth asked about the time frame. Committee member Chu stated they would need to wait three months for the audit to be released and then prepare the report. He is looking at the end of the year. Executive Officer Brown stated he would meet with Committee member Chu to review the types of reports the COC should prepare. 9. Informational Items Executive Officer Brown stated the Executive Committee will meet on June 3rd and the Board will meet on June 17th. Chair Minikes reminded everyone to check out the “Blood Moon” tonight ! 10. Committee Member Request Future Agenda Items There were no requests. 11. Adjourn- Chair Minikes adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Toni DeFrancis, Recording Secretary

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STAFF REPORT



From: Mark Brown, Executive Officer

Subject: MWPA Board Retreat Part V

______________________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDATION:

Review the draft objectives for Defensible Space Evaluations and Home Hardening Goal, and the Wildfire Detection, Alert, and Evacuation Improvements Goal. The Operations Committee will set targets and timelines for each measure of success.

BACKGROUND:

On January 21, 2021, your Board and the chairs and vice-chairs of the MWPA Operations Committee, the vice-chair of the MWPA Advisory Technical Committee and members of the public participated in the first part of the MWPA Board of Directors Strategic Planning Retreat. This retreat initiated a process to develop the Mission, Vision, Goals, Values, and Objectives for all MWPA Work Program areas. To date, your Board has approved the Mission, Vision, Goals, and Values for the organization. At the April 22, 2021 MWPA Board Meeting, your Board approved going forward with developing objectives for each goal based on a sample format for Defensible Space/Home Hardening that was reviewed at the Board meeting. Your Board also directed staff to work with the Executive Committee to get input on developing objectives to be discussed at the July Board Retreat. At the June 7 Executive Committee Meeting, committee members provided staff with direction to present draft objectives for both the Defensible Space/Home Hardening and Wildfire Detection, Alert, and Evacuation Improvements Goals at the June 17 Board Meeting. The draft objectives are discussed below, and will be sent to the Operations Committee for validation and to set target(s) and timelines for each measure of success.

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ANALYSIS:

Staff used the feedback from the April 22, 2021, MWPA Board Meeting and the June 7, 2021 Executive Committee Meeting to draft objectives for the Defensible Space Evaluations and Home Hardening, and Wildfire Detection, Alerts, and Evacuation Improvements Goals. Specifically, the following objectives for each goal are presented for your Board’s consideration.

Defensible Space Evaluations and Home Hardening DRAFT Objectives

1. Defensible Space Evaluations - Fund defensible space evaluations and establish priorities to evaluate high risk parcels located within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Other considerations for priority based on available resources include proximity and relative threat to emergency access/egress routes, topographic features, and areas with known fire growth potential.

Defensible Space Evaluations Measure of Success: Number of new and subsequent parcels evaluated annually.

2. Defensible Space Creation - Develop a clear action report to be delivered to residents following a Defensible Space inspection, outlining mandatory and recommended work that will lead to the creation of adequate Defensible Space. Identify and mitigate barriers to the implementation of d-space.

Defensible Space Creation Measure of Success: Number of parcels or acres with adequate defensible space; percent of high-risk parcels with adequate defensible space.

3. Home Hardening - Offer resources and education on the advantages and benefits of home hardening, in collaboration with FIRESafe MARIN. Develop a grant assistance program to help fund home hardening implementation.

Home Hardening Measure of Success: Number of home hardening recommendations that have been implemented following the last evaluation, as identified by the D-space inspector.

3. Fire Smart Landscaping – Offer education and resources and assistance in fire smart landscaping to residents, through FIRESafe MARIN and during Defensible Space Evaluations and follow-up. In addition, seek outside funding to provide grant assistance for creating Fire Smart Landscapes.

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Fire Smart Landscaping Measure of Success: Number of Fire Smart Landscaping recommendations that have been implemented following the last evaluation, as identified by the D-space inspector.

4. Home Hardening/Defensible Space Concepts – Develop model examples of home hardening, fire smart landscaping and defensible space, both online and in the field.

Home Hardening/Defensible Space Concepts Measure of Success. Will be developed by the Operations Committee in collaboration with FIRESafe MARIN.

5. Defensible Space Grant Funding – Develop and administer a local grant program for residents with access and functional needs, seniors, and/or financially disadvantaged to implement required defensible space improvements.

Defensible Space Grant Funding Measure of Success. Number of defensible space grant applications; number of eligible applications, number of funded applications.

6. Defensible Space Evaluations – Outreach to Residents – Develop, in collaboration with FIRESafe MARIN, an outreach strategy aimed at reaching all Marin residents advising they will receive a Defensible Space Evaluation and be required to complete the defensible space and home hardening improvements identified in the assessment within a set timeframe to be developed by MWPA and its member agencies. The purpose of this outreach is to educate residents on the need to conduct defensible space assessments, and to let residents know that improvements will be required within their jurisdiction. The outreach will also include information regarding financial assistance that is available to residents to complete the improvements. MWPA, in collaboration with FIRESafe Marin, will create an outreach strategy for getting notice to all residents of the availability of Defensible Space Evaluations.

Defensible Space Evaluations – Outreach to Residents -Measure of Success. Number of visits to website; social media posts and likes; number of residents receiving educational materials during D-Space Evaluations

7. Defensible Space Evaluation Data Collection and Reporting Tool - Develop a software tool to assist Defensible Space Evaluators during inspections and provide an action-oriented report to residents. The tool should serve as a platform for all D-Space stakeholders, including parcel owners, residents, D-Space vendors (who can implement

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the necessary work), chipper program, the grant funding application (including supporting documents such as financial eligibility and proof of work completion), etc. Using the Data Collection and Reporting Tool, evaluators will enter all code violations and recommendations for defensible space and home hardening implementation, by parcel. The tool will include a database that allows subsequent evaluators to monitor, track, and assess actions taken by individual property owners to address the recommendations received during the prior evaluation(s). The application will integrate with CAL FIRE’s data collector and each member agencies’ records management system.

Defensible Space Evaluation Data Collection and Reporting Tool - Measure of Success. Periodic updates regarding the tool’s development and functionalities until launch, followed by usage data over time.

Wildfire Detection, Alert and Evacuation Program Improvements DRAFT Objectives

1. Existing Wildfire Detection, Warning and Alert Systems – By (date TBD), identify market-tested, available and operational systems for wildfire detection, warnings and alerts to be considered for use, including existing systems in use throughout the County.

Existing Detection, Alert and Evacuation Program Options - Measure of Success. By (date TBD), the Advisory Technical Committee and/or Operations Committee will review and recommend specific systems, costs and implementation timelines for inclusion in the (2022-2023) budget and workplan.

2. Prospective/Innovative Wildfire Detection, Warning and Alert Systems – By (date TBD), build a database of potentially useful prospective/innovative/foresight technologies, communications systems, re-purposing of existing infrastructure and crowdfunded/hackathon/kick starter ideas for early identification, warning, alerts and prevention actions on wildfire events.

Prospective Detection, Alert and Evacuation Program Options Measure of Success. Refer prospective wildfire detection, alert and evacuation program options to the Advisory Technical Committee and/or Operations Committee for examination, vetting and recommendations, for inclusion in future budgets and work plans.

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3. Countywide Safe Evacuations – Establish a property-by-property safe evacuation route network adaptable and easily reconfigured to accommodate land use, paths of travel and infrastructure changes and improvements.

Countywide Safe Evacuations - Measure of Success. Identify tasks, training, grants and supplies needed for educating and equipping property owners, residents and businesses with the resources necessary to ensure safe and orderly evacuations; By (date TBD) and updated every two years thereafter, deliver training and equipment needed to X% (TBD) of property owners, residents and business operators.

4. Countywide Temporary Safe Refuge Area – By (date TBD) identify and harden temporary safe refuge areas for use by property owners, residents and business operators during a wildfire event.

Countywide Temporary Safe Refuge Area - Measure of Success. Draft and implement access agreements on public and private property for temporary safe refuge areas for use during a wildfire event; determine what hardening measures, equipment and services will be available at each refuge location to assist those in need.

5. Evacuation Route Clearing Standards – Define jurisdictional roadside and above ground clearance standards for public and non-county/city maintained roadways, including ecologically sensitive vegetation/habitat treatment plans and non-native/invasive vegetation removal.

Evacuation Route Clearing Standards for Public Roads - Measure of Success. Define roadway clearance standards to clear the publicly owned evacuation route roadways, as described in the 2021-2022 work plan.

Evacuation Route Clearing Standards for Non-County/City Roads - Measure of Success. Identify jurisdictions’ privately owned roadways subject to roadway clearance standards, and by (date TBD) introduce local ordinances requiring private roadway owners to clear the privately owned evacuation route roadways, as described in the 2021-2022 workplan and carried over into future years’ work plans.

Evacuation Route Clearing Standards for Roads - Measure of Success. Establish a program for continued maintenance of cleared roadways, for use in future years’ work plans.

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FISCAL IMPACT:

None.


The approval of objectives and the discussion of objectives are not “projects” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because they do not involve any activity which has the potential to cause a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. (Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 21065)


Mark Brown Executive Officer

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