Washington State Fire Marshall - While Washington is expected to experience warmer and drier weather than the past two years, dryness is not the only factor that increases fire danger; lightning outbreaks are also a major concern. Those areas in the wildland/urban interface (WUI) that are susceptible to lightning and experiencing these drier conditions are vulnerable due to the increased opportunity for fire to move readily between structures and vegetation. “Homeowners should do all they can to protect their property and take charge of their own fire safety,” says State Fire Marshal Charles Duffy.

Structure protection in the WUI is one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs for wildland firefighters, and there is no guarantee that they will be able or available to protect individual homes. Addressing conditions within the Home Ignition Zone, the home and adjacent surroundings within 100 to 200 feet, largely influences the effectiveness of protection during a wildfire.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following suggestions to make your home and property Firewise:

Within 30 feet of the home – Plant fire-resistant vegetation. Water plants and trees regularly to ensure that they are healthy and green. Mow the lawn regularly. Prune shrubs and cut back tree branches, the lowest branches should be 6-10 feet high and should not overhang any part of your home.

Within 30 to 100 feet from the home – Any trees should be spaced 20-30 feet between crowns to prevent fire spread. Plant in small, irregular clusters or islands. Separate shrubs by at least 2 times their mature height. Create fuel breaks, such as driveways, gravel walkways and lawns.

Beyond 100 feet – Prune and thin trees and brush. To slow the spread of fire, thin dense tree groups so canopies are not touching. Remove heavy accumulation of woody debris, such as piles of stem wood or branches.

Manson Parks & Recreation District
Regular Board Meeting
142 Pedoi Building, June 10th, 2010, 6:00pm

I. Call to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Agenda Deletions and Additions
IV. Approval of Minutes

a. Minutes of the May 13th, 2010 Regular Meeting
b. Minutes of the May 25th, 2010 Special Meeting

V. Financial Review

a. Review Monthly Financial Reports
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher

VI. Old Business

a. ALEA Grant Q & A with Thom Vetter
b. Individual Park's Report
c. Director's Report

VII. New Business

a. Cinebox Proposal
b. Manson Parks & Recreation Proposed Logo/Tagline
c. WLC Policy Discussion/Action
d. Employee (Life Guard) Pay Raise Approval

VIII. Public Comment/Questions
IX. Adjournment 

Chelan PUD outlines stable financial approach for the future

With the goal of paying down debt, building reserves for a rainy day and avoiding large, sudden rate increases, Chelan County PUD commissioners were offered four key elements of a strategic financial plan on Monday.

The presentation by Chief Financial Officer/Chief Risk Officer John Janney was part of the PUD's work on revising its strategic plan to build a solid foundation for reliable, sustainable services for the long-term. Commissioners will consider other parts of the strategic plan in September.

General Manager Rich Riazzi is describing the PUD's approach to strategic planning in a letter to all customers<http://www.chelanpud.org/8055.html> in this month's utility bills. He plans to send updates to customers in July and August as well.

In his presentation of financial targets, Janney explained the goal is to put the PUD on a reliable, sustainable path for the future. He said the PUD has heard in its customer research that most people want to avoid large sudden rate increases and that they would like to reduce PUD debt. Janney said future surplus power sales are still a good opportunity for the PUD to increase its rate of return and accomplish those goals.

The four goals for a solid financial future, as proposed by Janney, are:

*         Increase the rate of return so assets can be replaced over time and there will be sufficient income for unexpected circumstances;

*         Lower the debt ratio from approximately 75 percent to about 60 percent over time (total debt compared to total debt plus net assets);

*         Increase the debt-coverage ratio to demonstrate that the PUD clearly has the resources to meet debt obligations;

*         Improve financial liquidity (cash reserves and other sources) to cover risks and provide additional financial stability.

Janney summed up for the board by saying the targets and policies are designed to put the District on a reliable, sustainable path for the future. Reminding commissioners of the benefits of taking steps now to ensure reliable service and affordable rates in the future, Janney said if the District adopts these financial guidelines, the PUD's financial position should improve over the next several years.

Commissioners will discuss the financial parts of the strategic plan again next Monday and consider a formal resolution adopting the steps at the following meeting. The rest of the strategic plan will be ready for board and public review in September, prior to budget considerations for 2011.

Chelan County PUD - Chelan County PUD is among the agencies sending items deemed no longer useful and declared surplus to the auction planned by Northwest Auction Services of Entiat starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, at the Chelan County Fairgrounds in Cashmere.

Computer equipment, electronics and miscellaneous items from Chelan PUD will be up for bid including hard drives, towers, monitors, laptop computers and switches. Other items include office furniture, VCRs, TV carts and two vintage Polaroid cameras.

The items will be available for preview from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Friday, June 11, in the Centennial Pavilion at the fairgrounds, 5700 Wescott Drive, Cashmere.   

A list of all items up for auction is posted on the firm's website at www.nwauctionservices.com under "Auction Schedule."

Washington State Patrol - On Thursday, police agencies around the state will begin enforcing Washington's newly-revised law restricting the use of wireless devices by drivers.

The revised law makes texting or improper cell phone use primary offenses, meaning that drivers can be pulled over for those violations alone. It also prohibits the use of electronic devices by younger drivers with an Intermediate Driver's License or Learner's Permit, with or without a hands-free device.

How will WSP enforce the changes?

"If you're holding the phone to your ear, you're likely to be stopped," said Captain Chris Gundermann of the state patrol's field operations bureau. "We will be flexible with virtually any type of headset or speakerphone device, but holding the phone itself to your ear will get our attention."