Notice of Public Meeting San Diego River Conservancy – July 8, 2021
Notice of Public Meeting
San Diego River Conservancy
A public meeting of the Governing Board of
The San Diego River Conservancy
will be held
Thursday, July 8, 2021
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
In Person Meeting Participation Prohibited
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20 issued December 14, 2020, and to maximize social distancing and public safety, the San Diego River Conservancy will conduct this meeting by video and audio only. Board members, staff, and the public may participate remotely.
Zoom Meeting ID: 971 1156 2727
Join Zoom Meeting
Audio only
(669) 900-6833, passcode 97111562727#
For Questions Contact:
Wendell Taper at wendell.taper@sdrc.ca.gov or (619) 390-0568
Meeting Agenda
The Board may take agenda items out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum, unless noted as time specific.
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes (ACTION)
Consider approval of minutes for the May 13, 2021 meeting.
3. Public Comment (INFORMATIONAL)
Any person may address the Governing Board at this time regarding any matter within the Board’s authority. Presentations will be limited to three minutes for individuals and five minutes for representatives of organizations. Submission of information in writing is encouraged. The Board is prohibited by law from taking any action on matters that are discussed that are not on the agenda; no adverse conclusions should be drawn by the Board’s not responding to such matters or public comments.
4. Chairperson’s and Governing Board Members’ Report (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)
5. Deputy Attorney General Report (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)
6. Health and Safety Report (INFORMATIONAL)
7. San Diego River Bottom Fire Fuels Reduction Project (ACTION)
The City of Santee proposes to reduce fuel loads on approximately 9 acres of San Diego River floodways adjacent to residential/occupied properties. Conservancy staff recommends funding $500,000 for fuel reduction activities to reduce the fire risk in the City of Santee. Project funding provided by Wildfire Early Action Plan through Senate Bill 85 in support of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan.
Presentation:
Tom Romstad, Senior Management Analyst, City of Santee
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 21-06
8. Barona Band of Mission Indians Replacement of Brush Rig (ACTION)
The Barona Band of Mission Indians (Barona), proposes to purchase a new fire engine to replace a 17-year-old Brush Rig for Barona’s Fire Department. Conservancy staff recommends funding $200,000 to purchase a new firefighting vehicle designed for off-road areas. Project funding provided by Wildfire Early Action Plan through Senate Bill 85 in support of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan.
Presentation:
Fire Chiefs Ron Laff and Ken Kremensky, Barona Fire Department
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 21-07
9. Fuel Reduction in El Monte Valley’s Wildland Urban Interface Area (ACTION)
The Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy proposes to implement fuels reduction activities on approximately 61 acres. Conservancy staff recommends funding $500,000 for fuel reduction activities on private and public property to reduce the fire risk in Wildland Urban Interface area in the County of San Diego near El Monte County Park. Project funding provided by Wildfire Early Action Plan through Senate Bill 85 in support of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan.
Presentation:
Robin Rierdan, Executive Director, Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 21-08
10. USDA – U.S. Forest Service – Cleveland National Forest (ACTION)
Cleveland National Forest (CNF) proposes a Wildfire Resilience and Forest Health project which includes fuel reduction activities on 1,485 acres and 26.5 miles of roads and construction of helicopter landing zone and three 10,000-gal underground water tanks. Conservancy staff recommends funding in the amount of $2,999,956.00. Project locations include in the following watersheds: San Diego River, Sweetwater River and Tijuana River (U.S. only). Project funding provided by Wildfire Early Action Plan through Senate Bill 85 in support of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan.
Presentation:
Scott Tangenberg, Forest Supervisor, Cleveland National Forest
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 21-09
11. Old Town State Historic Park Land of the First People Exhibit Area (INFORMATIONAL)
After over 23 years of visioning and planning, California State Parks transformed the old Caltrans District 11 Office into a new public open space located in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park on Taylor Street in the City of San Diego. California State Parks consulted with representatives of the Kumeyaay nation to design interpretive exhibits reflecting Kumeyaay culture and connections to the San Diego River and Old Town San Diego.
Presentation:
Nancy Mendez, Regional Interpretive Specialist, California State Parks
Marla Mealey, Associate State Archaeologist, California State Parks
12. Executive Officer’s Report (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)
The following topics may be included in the Executive Officer’s Report. The Board may take action regarding any of them:
- San Diego River Conservancy’s Proposed 2022 Board Meeting Dates:
January 13, March 10, May 12, July 14, September 8, and November 10 (Bimonthly on the second Thursday at 2 p.m.)
- Proposition 68 Update
13. Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting will be held September 9, 2021, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
14. Adjournment
Accessibility
If you require a disability related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please call Wendell Taper at 619-390-0568 or Julia Richards at 619-507-5085