CLAREMONT CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Saturday, March 1, 2025 - 9:00 AM
Video Recording is Archived on the City Website
www.claremontca.gov/Government/City-Council/Watch-a-Meeting PowerPoint Slides are Available on the Calendar Page for this Meeting www.claremontca.cov/Events-directory/Wildfire-Preparedness-Community-Workshop
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Calaycay called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Calaycay led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT COUNCILMEMBER: CALAYCAY, LEANO, MEDINA, REECE,
STARK
ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER: NONE
ALSO PRESENT Adam Pirrie, City Manager; Alisha Patterson, City Attorney; Jamie Earl, Assistant City Manager; Katie Wand, Deputy City Manager; Michael Ciszek, Police Captain; Robert Ewing, Acting Police Captain; Brad Johnson, Director of Community Development; Melissa Vollaro, Director of Human Services; Jeremy Swan, Director of Community Services; Jeremy Starkey, Director of Finance; Bevin Handel, Public Information Officer; Shelley Desautels, City Clerk; Noble Robinson, LACoFD Battalion Chief; Diana Manzano-Garcia, Area D Disaster Management Coordinator; Marissa Castro-Salvati, Southern California Edison Regional Public Affairs Manager; Ben Lewis, Golden State Water Company Foothill District General Manager; Jessica Alvarenga; SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager; Mackenzie Bolger, San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Principal Management Analyst Wildfire Preparedness Community Workshop
Mayor Calaycay outlined the purpose and format for the workshop.
City Manager Pirrie introduced City staff and partner agency representatives participating in the workshop.
This presentation starts at 6:55 in the archived video.
Acting Claremont Captain Robert Ewing provided a PowerPoint presentation on City emergency preparedness.
This presentation starts at 16:20 in the archived video.
LACoFD Battalion Chief Robinson provided a PowerPoint presentation on Ready! Set! Go! regarding home hardening, importance of a preparedness plan, and defensible space.
City Council Minutes
March 1, 2025
This presentation starts at 29:55 in the archived video.
Area D Office of Disaster Management Coordinator Diana Manzano-Garcia provided a PowerPoint presentation on a regional coordinated disaster response.
This presentation starts at 42:10 in the archived video.
Southern California Edison Regional Public Affairs Manager Marissa Castro-Salvati provided a presentation and video on emergency preparedness and prevention.
This presentation starts at 55:30 in the archived video.
Golden State Water Foothill District General Manager Ben Lewis and Emergency Management and Security Administrator Karla Tejada provided a PowerPoint presentation on fire prevention, Incident Command System emergency preparedness and response, and mitigation efforts.
This presentation starts at 1:11:27 in the archived video.
SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager Jessica Alvarenga provided a PowerPoint presentation on fire and emergency response efforts and the importance of calling dig alert.
This presentation starts at 1:18:10 in the archived video.
San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Principal Management Analyst Mackenzie Bolger provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Regional Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Mayor Calaycay called for a brief recess at 10:24 AM.
Mayor Calaycay reconvened the City Council meeting at 10:29 AM.
Mayor Calaycay acknowledged audience member Assembly John Harabedian District Director Declan Floyd's attendance at the meeting.
City Manager Adam Pirrie stated that the January 2022 windstorm provided a context for response efforts during this year's January 7t" windstorm which occurred at the time of the fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, but that emergency preparedness is an ongoing learning process. He acknowledged the City's emergency partners and that readiness is so important.
This item starts at 1:35:35 in the archived video.
Mayor Calaycay invited public comment.
Mark Julius, Claremont resident stated there are heavily forested large parcels such as the Robert Redford Conservancy and the Botanic Garden, and asked if there have been discussions with those owners regarding mitigation measures to limit the potential of embers blowing onto adjacent properties. He also complimented the City on Wilderness Park alerts.
Claraboya resident on San Ancelo Drive asked why the Sumac behind his house along the wilderness area is not being addressed and what action the City will take. He expressed appreciation for the Fire Department saving his home 20 years ago.
City Council Minutes
March 1, 2025
Paul Wheeler, retired Claremont business member and resident expressed the need for residents to harden their homes and give insurance companies the assurance that this has been done. He also stated there is a shortage of tradespeople and good labor to do this work.
Lawrence Marada Chi, Claremont resident asked for the City to revise Building Codes to address public safety hazards such as eight -story trees that could fall onto a structure, and also what homeowners can do to harden their homes to mitigate against hazards.
Pamela Casey Nagler, Claremont resident asked the City to place the new CalFire High Fire Severity Zone Map on the City website in a clear location. She asked the Southern California Edison representative to address feasibility of undergrounding lines.
Deborah Scott Toux, Claremont resident expressed concerned about certain unmaintained properties, and asked how code enforcement is managed.
Jack McCall, Vice President of Lindsey FireSense, stated his interest is making the City Council aware the City of Rancho Cucamonga has acquired a thermal early wildfire detection and notification system along the wilderness/urban interface with the help of former Assemblyman Holden.
Declan Floyd, District Director for Assembly John Harabedian stated the importance of home hardening, and that Assemblyman Harabedian is pushing in Sacramento for increased funding to incentivize people to take these measures.
Robert Grimes, Claremont resident at Griswold Townhomes stated that recent high winds filled properties in the townhome complex with dried debris. He asked Golden State Water to address whether outdoor irrigation systems should be turned on prior to evacuation. His gas meter is behind wooden flammable doors, and asked SoCalGas to address whether those should be made out of different material, and to the Battalion Chief and City Building Division what size mesh should be used to retrofit various vents.
Nancy Woo, Claremont resident north of Baseline spoke regarding the availability of water stated water companies typically during winter shut down reservoirs and inquired if that practice would be reviewed. She also asked if the City has an evacuation plan and to make the public aware. She stated we should consider the types of trees we plant and address dead trees on vacant private properties.
Darrell McCance would like to see the entities attending today to come back and go deep into individual best practices specifically for Claremont.
Russ Binder, President of Active Claremont stated Active Claremont is working with Claremont Rotary Club who sponsors a group of High School students, the Claremont Community Restoration and Revival Program, to host a cleanup program to assist senior citizens, those with mobility issues or those with financial issues for a one-time cleanup to remove dry brush, weeds, plants, trimming bushes, etc. which will improve appearance and reduce fire risk. For more information contact ActiveClaremont.org or the City Community Improvement Division.
Christy Lowe, Claremont resident in Stone Canyon stated there is very poor cell service in her area and would like the City to consider how residents could be contacted in case of emergency.
There were no other requests to speak.
City Council Minutes
March 1, 2025
Mayor Calaycay closed public comment and stated that today's meeting is a starting point, and to ensure accountability, it is his intention to appoint an ad hoc committee to carry this forward. The committee will include a member from each Commission and two members of the City Council to engage the Colleges, the School District and private schools and citizens.
Mayor Calaycay invited the City Council to provide questions.
This portion of the meeting begins at 2:07:04
Councilmember Reece inquired if the City has a copy of all partners' emergency plans for reference in preparing for or during an emergency; what emergency and evacuation plans are in place around the Colleges, School District, Girl Scout Camp, and high fire areas; getting better communication into the northern section of Claremont and how we address service gaps; benefits of undergrounding electrical lines; PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) frequency; fire hydrant testing and maintenance, and solution to pump issues experienced in the past.
Councilmember Leano noted that during the recent fires, perimeter security measures were established, and there were questions about when people were allowed to return and who was managing the perimeter as multiple law enforcement agencies were in the area. He would like to be able to provide a clear explanation to the community of the protocol and procedures for evacuation orders, if a perimeter established, when people will be allowed to re-enter and who is in charge of that, so residents can be assured there is order and predetermined assessment.
Councilmember Stark stated with respect to the City registry for people who need extra help asked that community members with mobility issues or households with members who have mobility issues, or lack a vehicle, have an easily accessible way to find the information on how to get onto the City registry so the City can track and assist when needed in the event of an emergency.
Councilmember Medina asked Southern California Edison if there is a way for community members to see a tract map to identify and receive assurance for what appears to be aging infrastructure that a pole is either scheduled for maintenance or has been inspected and cleared as safe; to Battalion Chief Robinson, if their clearing program in Fire Zones 1 or 2 would supersede a City policy with respect to trees on private property allowing residents to work with the Fire Department for potential removal; and is there a process where City and Fire could identify areas of open space that the City should look at to potentially reduce in size.
Councilmember Leano requested that the ad hoc also include the Red Cross.
Mayor Calaycay noted that communication carriers are missing from the meeting, and that is an element that will need to be brought into discussions. He asked about Fire Department policy for use of pool water; is there thought of putting a reservoir at the top of Claraboya for gravity feed; strict adherence to evacuation orders versus use of resident volunteers who wish to stay; use of goats for brush mitigation.
Mayor Calaycay called for a brief recess at 11:23 AM.
Mayor Calaycay reconvened the City Council meeting at 11:36 AM.
This portion of the meeting starts at 2:34:33.
City Manager Pirrie stated questions from the public begin with brush clearance on large forested private properties, and responded that a representative from the Colleges, who own the Robert
City Council Minutes
March 1, 2025
Redford Conservancy said annual brush clearance is done in accordance with County guidelines and they will have future meetings to discuss further measures. All private property owners are required to comply with weed abatement notices.
Battalion Chief Robinson responded that brush clearance season is approaching and residents who have abatement work receive instructions and a compliance due date. He stated there is a fire prevention bureau and provided the number for a fire prevention forester: (562) 622-0329. He further spoke to inspections and compliance in Zones 1 and 2; tree canopy clearance from structures; hillside brush clearance; the potential for erosion; and appropriate plant resources.
City Manager Pirrie responded to a question about how County weed abatement and City Community Improvement work together; Sumac inspection in north Claremont; Building Code review; and High -Fire Severity Map placement on the City website page dedicated to fire preparedness: claremontca.gov/wildfire, which will also include the meeting materials.
Brad Johnson, Community Development Director, stated Building Codes are minimum standards, but encouraged homeowners to look at best products available and not minimum standards with respect to home hardening. He clarified that vent sizing is dictated by situational requirements.
City Manager Pirrie stated as discussed at a previous City Council meeting, Pine tree mitigation measures are being reviewed for Claraboya, the Kemper neighborhood, and a portion of Claremont Boulevard.
Ms. Castro-Salvati responded to questions regarding evaluation, feasibility and opportunity for undergrounding utilities in Claremont (SCE.com/TUG); line clearing; the "Right Tree/Right Place" publication; availability of circuit maps on the Reliability Report page of the SCE website; power outage and litigation avoidance by undergrounding utilities; and ways to reroute power.
City Manager Pirrie stated with respect to City code enforcement issues, the City responds on a complaint basis.
Mr. Lewis stated with respect to activation of landscape irrigation prior to evacuation, that hydrants are designed to provide fire protection for a structural fire. An active irrigation system would reduce the ability of the hydrant to perform. He addressed use of supplemental mobile pumping systems and flow rate; reevaluation of timing of maintenance programs when reservoirs/tanks are offline and generator protection during that period to ensure water availability; water capacity during a fire event and what expectation is achievable; evaluation of existing tank above Claraboya; and communication between Edison and Golden State Water during a weather event; Battalion Chief Robinson concurred that ground -level irrigation would not prevent the structure from taking on embers and flames.
Ms. Alvarenga addressed concern that gas meter enclosures are constructed of wood and added that residents are encouraged to leave doors unlocked and report any gas smell.
City Manager Pirrie stated with respect to evacuation plans, staff will be working over the next several months on an update to the City Safety Element, and it will include evacuation routes, and that staff will research and provide information on the City website on home insurability. He further spoke to cell phone service and provider interest in north Claremont to address gaps in coverage on either City -owned facilities or by using micro -devices and cellular devices on wheels for deployment in case of emergency, and that grant funding may be available; and stressing the importance of cellular installations to staff and commissions.
City Council Minutes
March 1, 2025
Mr. Johnson responded to cell tower questions, stating that although there are currently no pre - approved cell tower designs, there are policies and ordinances to streamline the process in certain instances; whether any sites have been prioritized; the ability to streamline the process to fill need vs, transparency and neighborhood engagement; inability to deny a carrier's application when the provider shows evidence of coverage gap with no alternative in the area; and microcell self - governance allowance for staff ministerial approval.
City Manager Pirrie stated that the next set of questions were posed by the City Council.
Mr. Ewing stated that the City does not have copies of all partner emergency plans, but will work on getting them, and the City works with the School District, Colleges and other facilities on emergency preparedness to have an understanding of what is expected as part of the City response and to share a general understanding of shared event management; sharing of evacuation plans; working with transportation agencies to gain access to bus assets for use in evacuation with predetermined strategies, including the potential for storage throughout Area D; evacuation orders and perimeter establishment under unified command; and registration with Human and Recreation Services and tracking of those community members requiring additional assistance during an emergency event, including proactive measures.
Mayor Calaycay asked that Service Center for Independent Living (SCIL) be involved when the ad hoc committee is formed.
Ms. Castro-Salvati in response to questions about infrastructure maintenance, stated SCE does have an inspection and maintenance program schedule. High -fire risk above -ground facilities receive an annual inspection, and underground facilities every three to five years.
Battalion Chief Robinson stated the Fire Department does not rely on hydrants only, fire tenders are available to load and reload engines; engines can be set up in series to pump at increased pressure; and swimming pool water is used by a drafting method. He stressed residents should not tap into a hydrant; and should evacuate when asked, as unforeseen conditions such as extreme heat are serious for an individual to handle and can also negatively impact fire -fighting efforts.
City Manager Pirrie stated the use of goats for weed abatement is included in the City's RFPs for weed abatement, but no one has submitted a proposal in recent years, and added one potential deterrent is the City's insurance requirements.
Battalion Chief Robinson stated propane tanks should be stored away from structures as part of the home hardening process and protect them with a concrete barrier if possible.
Mr. Lewis stated hydrant inspection is on a three-year program and GSW shares system maps with LA County Fire on an annual basis.
Mayor Calaycay inquired about the blue reflectors in the street and having Community Improvement make sure hydrants are not obscured by brush or otherwise.
Battalion Chief Robinson responded the blue reflectors identify water mains in case of a sheared hydrant, and that hydrants should be visible from the street. He also stated that LA County Fire performs annual inspections to make sure they are visible and accessible; and that the standard for hydrant distancing is approximately 300 feet.
This portion of the meeting starts at 4:35:23.
City Council Minutes
March 1, 2025
Mayor Calaycay appointed Councilmember Reece and Councilmember Stark to the ad hoc committee representing the City Council. The committee will also include one member from each commission, and at least one member of the public. He invited community members interested in studying emergency preparedness to send applications to the City Clerk's office. Applications can be found on the City website.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Calaycay adjourned the special meeting of the Claremont City Council at 1:38 p.m.
Mayor
ATTEST: