Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-14 Study Session MIN ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES Monday,July 14,2025 Graham called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. Council Present: Mayor Graham, Councilors Bloom, Dahle, DuQuenne, Hansen, Kaplan and Sherrell. Council Absent: None Staff Present: Sabrina Cotta City Manager Alissa Kolodzinski City Recorder Chris Chambers Forestry Officer I. Call to Order II. Reports and Presentations a. Community Wildfire Protection Plan City of Ashland Forestry Officer Chris Chambers, along with Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist,Jerry McAdams,Volunteer, Charisse Sydoriak,and Executive Director of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce Sandra Slattery, presented the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) found in the agenda packet (presentation attached.) Chambers emphasized Ashland's high wildfire risk and the need for a new approach to wildfire preparedness.The 2025 CWPP differs significantly from the 2004 version,focusing more on preserving the community,economy,and way of life under the threat of urban conflagrations. McAdams stressed the importance of the fire-adapted communities' piece, highlighting Ashland's vulnerability due to its older, combustible homes and high density.The council was encouraged to consider increasing capacity in this area,given that wildfire is one of the highest risks to the community. Sydoriak, explained the community engagement process used in developing the CWPP. This included surveys, interviews, and outreach to socially vulnerable populations.The team collected data from various demographics, including homeowners, renters, and property management companies. Slattery from the Ashland Chamber of Commerce discussed the economic stability section of the plan. She highlighted the chamber's long-standing partnership with Ashland Fire and Rescue in wildfire preparedness efforts and outlined initiatives to educate and support local businesses in emergency preparedness. City Council Study Session July 14,2025 Page 1 of 3 The presentation covered several key aspects of the CWPP: • Risk Assessment:The team used advanced mapping techniques, like LiDAR,to identify wildfire risks, including structural threats and vegetation details. • Infrastructure Protection: The plan emphasizes securing Ashland's electric and water systems, including replacing wooden poles and fuses. It also involves collaboration with Oregon State University to bolster the water system's resilience. • Insurance Crisis: Residents face increased premiums and less accessible coverage due to higher wildfire risks.The CWPP suggests forming partnerships and obtaining certifications, like the Wildfire Prepared Homes Program,to help residents maintain and lower insurance costs. • Recovery Planning: Highlighting the need for a comprehensive wildfire recovery strategy,focusing on economic stability and maintaining the community's socio- economic structure. • Implementation Priorities:The plan outlines steps for implementing the CWPP, including revamping codes and ordinances,conducting outreach, improving evacuation systems,and performing wildfire risk assessments. The presenters emphasized the need for community-wide participation in implementing the plan, stating that it belongs to the entire community.They also stressed the importance of securing sustainable funding for implementation. Several crucial points and concerns were extensively discussed by the council concerning various elements of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP): • Funding:The council discussed various funding options, including successful models from other communities,to support the plan's implementation. Emphasis was placed on the importance of setting realistic funding expectations and achieving a sustainable long-term funding strategy. • Code Enforcement:The council explored transitioning from voluntary participation to enhanced code enforcement to ensure broader compliance and effectiveness in wildfire risk reduction,fostering community understanding and cooperation. • Affordability: The council addressed potential trade-offs and challenges tied to affordability across community segments, underlining the importance of addressing economic disparities and ensuring equitable solutions. • Insurance: Discussions centered on refining insurance-related initiatives to clarify the city's role and position. And to position the community for pilot programs with insurance companies. • Community Engagement: To boost wildfire preparedness,the council proposed strategies to enhance community participation, including utilizing the CERT program and developing neighborhood ambassador roles to engage residents and strengthen local readiness. City Council Study Session July 74,2025 Page 2 of 3 In preparation for the plan's return for approval,the Council directed staff to provide a comprehensive set of details, including: • A detailed outline of the city's specific responsibilities and the costs associated with them; an analysis of how existing staff and resources might be better leveraged. • A focus on identifying potential efficiencies to streamline implementation. • A clear plan outlining what would enable the city to implement the CWPP effectively and sustainably. This feedback reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that the city is both proactive and responsive in safeguarding against wildfire threats while balancing the multifaceted needs of the community. The council emphasized the importance of the CWPP in addressing Ashland's wildfire risk and the need for a cultural shift towards community-wide preparedness. Highlighting the importance of asking "who benefits and who pays"when implementing the plan to ensure equity. 111111. Adjournment of Study Session The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. co AA City Recorder Alissa Kolodzinski Mayor Lya Graham City Council Study Session July 14,2025 Page 3 of 3 2025 • • Community • - CITY OF Protection Plan HLAND City Council Study Session July 14th, 2025 CWPP Contractor: LLC Funded by a grant from the USDA Forest Service LVY\ NRDnR MTOC�NITIIES a:rc UMnumC 0.nk ReAsefLst ADpur DoxnLv] C­tat Ashland has a very high risk of wildfire—higher than 97%of communities in the US. Understand your risk Reduce your risk Risk to Homes IZ�N Risk Reduction Zones • • • Where areh—es airskO.ddt­' v Wh;0h t'o areR to fe ti toreducerisk! m.q" _t-O • Wlkhire Likelihood rv...1 Vulnerable Populations I!—:Wk n a'r.ilahi;in.d'.izarca � 'vYt:uisi sl a.risk and n—d.,.0­&t:,, We must recognize that our communities were developed in a climate and environment that no longer exist. We have the tools and knowledge to reduce community wildfire risks. But we must address the profound and deeply rooted misalignment of political and social expectations regarding what it means to live with wildfire. Now is the time to invest in long-term, economically efficient solutions, rather than short-term, risk-averse tactics. We have to live with wildland fire. We don't have to live with fire in our communities. From: Calkin, et al., 2023, Wildland-urban fire disasters aren't actually a wildfire problem. What is a CWPP? 1 . Community's strategic plan to avoid a wildfire disaster 2. Key to unlock grant funding 3. Directs U .S. Forest Service to consider community priorities in the City's watershed 4. A CWPP requires collaboration, measures to reduce structural ig n ita bi l ity, and prioritizing fuel reduction areas ( HFPA, 2003) 2004 to 2025: Changing Priorities 1 . 2004 Ashland CWPP focused on watershed and forest values 2. Time was limited to engage full community 3. The wildfire picture has radically changed since 2004 4. Major shift to community preservation due to increasing urban conflagrations in wildfire- prone areas. 2004 to 2025: Building on Success 1 . Ashland Forest Resiliency Stewardship Project, or AFR, created a model of success for community wildfire mitigation. 2. AFR initially planned for 7,500 acres at a cost of $12 million. Final project covered 14,000 acres and cost $33 million, a testament to success attracting funding and enabling more work. An External Assessment: Jerry McAdams, Ashland"s Obligations based on - CWDG Grant 1. Assess community structure ignitability& fill risk assessment gaps. 2. Assess critical infrastructure vulnerable to wildfire impacts. 3. Develop a risk reduction strategy for vulnerable community members. 4. Enable citywide structural ignitability risk reduction. 5. Mitigate landscape wildfire potential. 6. Strengthen wildfire prevention strategies. 7. Promote personal health and safety. 8. Develop an economic resilience strategy. 9. Identify what is needed for a post-fire recovery plan. 10. Develop a strategy to secure sustainable funding to create a fire adapted community. Contributors # Working Groups # State representatives 6 1 Community profile 1. Federal employees 6 Reflecting on the past 20 years 4 City Council 3 Assessing Community Risk 8 Chamber of Commerce 3 Public Health and Safety 10 City Committee Members 7 Economic Sustainability 12 Jackson County 2 Insurance 4 Universities 8 Rental Properties 6 Hospital Services 3 Socially Vulnerable People 10 Non-profit Organizations 6 Build Mitigation Capacity 7 Businesses 15 Landscape Resilience 3 Homeowner Associations 4 Codes and Ordinances 4 City staff 22 Response&Prevention 2 Contractors 7 Wildfire Recovery Planning 2 CWPP Organization The CWPP Vision ( 1 ) Thematic Goals Challenges (44) Initiatives • The CWPP Vision Vision Statement:We envision a future where Ashland's fabric, economy, and spirit not only withstand wildfire—but grows stronger and more connected because of it. In this future, residents, students, workers, visitors, and pets remain safe during wildfires and return quickly to undamaged homes, schools, businesses, and gathering places. Stronger Together, Safer Forever - Inspire and mobilize the Ashland community through trust,shared leadership,and open dialogue to achieve 90%risk reduction within 10 years. Strengthen What Matters, Track What Counts - Harden Ashland's highly valued resources and assets (HVRAs) to wildfire through data-intormed strategic planning, regular risk assessments,and monitoring progress. Smart Standards, Big Results - Revise municipal codes to align with the 90°% risk reduction goal by integrating clear compliance timelines and financial assistance for eligible populations. Strengthen Our Core,Fund the Mission -Establish a reliable local funding mechanism and build core capacity to partner,secure, manage,and match essential risk reductio resources. Meaningful Work, Massive Impact- Secure funding to support wildfire risk assessments, implement inclusive community engagement initiatives,create and maintain resilient forests,and fund structure-hardening and defensible space work. CW P P Topics Overview Community Participation Community Risk Assessment Vulnerable Populations Renters CWPP Topic Areas CWPP Topic Areas CWPP Topic Areas CWPP Topic Areas Insurance Crisis Resources and Assets Residential Risk Reduction Economic Stability �I N Paradigm Shift Landscape Resiliency Community Health and Safety Wildfire Recovery Community . Surveys and Attitudes 4 r , r Outreach Projects Local CWPP conversations Single-family home residents Evacuation time study Outreach Local® • - • • CWPP on-line survey Respondents - = • ••- • • •• - -Private rental owners survey ®© • • ?:articiiipants Engagement Outreach Ga s: Traditional communication p methods fail to reach many socially vulnerable Highlights residents-, hands-on, trusted community engagement is essential. Renter Challenges: Nearly half the community rents, yet tenants have little control over wildfire risk, face resource gaps, and are vulnerable to displacement and rising rents. Barriers to Action: Financial constraints, " limited knowledge, and physical limitations What are the wildfire risks r prevent many from reducing wildfire risks. on my property?�; R �� �p r �-��" "�' Mitigation Challenges: Workforce gaps, misinformation, and weak accountability hinder effective wildfire risk reduction efforts. Residential Risk Reduction Challenge Statements Challenge RR-1: Residents"perceptions of wildfire risk varies significantly by housing type, location, ownership, and experience, leading to inadequate preparations. Challenge RR-2: Physical/functional limitations prevent many residents from conducting wildfire risk reduction work. Challenge RR-3: Financial constraints pose a significant barrier to wildfire risk reduction across all demographic groups. Challenge RR-4: Collective residential risk reduction is essential to protect everyone,yet many neighbors do not participate, or their efforts are inadequate even when they are in a NFPA designated Firewise USA° Neighborhood. Challenge RR-5: Licensed and unlicensed workers are either not empowered to, are unaware of, or choose not to follow fire-resistant construction and/or landscaping best practices and some residents don't want to make recommended adjustments to be wildfire safe. Renter Preparedness Challenge Challenge RE-1: Most renters lack authority to implement risk reduction measures. Rental owners and property management companies (by proxy) are ultimately responsible for reducing wildfire risk, but they don't appear to have incentive or motivation to take necessary action. Challenge RE-2: Renters living in multi-unit housing face greater challenges. Many renters don't understand wildfire risk or are not motivated to learn. Challenge RE-3: In the aftermath of wildfire, the availability of affordable rental homes in Ashland may become severely limited, potentially forcing many residents to relocate. SVP Preparedness Challenge Statements Challenge SV-1: Many socially vulnerable households underestimate their wildfire risk and face multiple barriers to reducing that risk. Challenge SV-2: SVPs require a variety of communication modalities to develop trusting relationships critical to fostering engagement. Challenge SV-3: A majority of socially vulnerable residents live in housing that is highly vulnerable to wildfire ignition. Top 4 Risk Reduction Barriers to Making Homes Safer from Wildfires a Almost Approximately 22 o The top barrier 84%had no reported by single of renters felt like 1 in 5 Of SVPS reported family residents they control over residents are living not receiving any was physical their home's below the federal wildfire safety difficulty in safety from poverty line and information, performing wildfire. nearly 40%of revealing a major mitigation work, Ashland households ,outreach a are deemed"cost gap, cited by nearly burdened.` particularly among half (49%) of (ACCESS,2023) apartment dwellers. respondents Lack of Financial Inadequate Physical Agency Constraints Knowledge Limitations 77% of respondents say action is needed as quickly as possible The 2010 Oak Knoll Key CWPP Topic : Economic Stability 1 . Double down on Smokewise Ashland program offerings forbusinesses Increase2. • • • partnership with the vulnerabilityChamber to assess and address business • wildfire, • • physical buildings, •and customers. Community Health and Safety Challenge Statements Challenge HS-1: Emergency notifications and advisories are not accessible to everyone,are confusing to some members of the community, and the communication system has operational weaknesses. Challenge HS-2: Many are concerned that safe evacuation during an event will be extremely difficult for many reasons, including not having the means to evacuate, confusion about what to do and where to go, blocked roads, and fallen utility poles. Challenge HS -3: While the city has a 4-year-old community smoke impacts response plan, it has not been adequately funded and fully implemented. Community awareness of smoke impacts on public health and proactive protective measures could be improved. Challenge HS -4: Local citizens and commuters are concerned about their health and safety during a wildfire event. Some fear they will be unable to receive health care or survive if they can't evacuate. Key CWPP Topic: Wildfire Fuels Management and Landscape Resiliency 1 . Strategic fuel breaks around the city 2. Maintain old, and grow new forest resiliency work on public and private lands 3. Prioritize dealing with recent tree die-off on federal lands in lower watershed 4. Work with USFS and Mt. Ashland Association to better protect this community asset Thursday,September 19t", 1 PM'. Legend Ignition Point y Ember Spotting 4 44 44 4 4 - 4 4 4 44-- 4 444 444 t l 44 4 44 4 4444 �444444�t 4x4t4 444 4 4 4 . ' 444{44 44 4 4 µ 4 1A,4� . 44 4` 4444 4444 `. 0444 y�444 44 44 4 4 1, 44t4 4444 4 �44 444 ~ _ 44 4,4444 44 4 44 44 •-t'" <i4Z 4 44 4;44444 r' 44 44 4t4 !, �). ';• t It 44<k4 Google Earth hupe EiC24 A,bu ! Key CWPP Topic : Prevent an Urban Conflagration The goal is o achieve meaningful wildfire reduction ! years. requires . - . • mitigating risk on -90% of structures in the city. Much of Ashland lacks ` adequate Structure Separation Distance (SSD), to avoid structure to structure ` fire spread, a key risk factor identified by the National Institute for Standards and Technology, upon reviewing past urban wildfire disasters. m Q Why a New Wildfire Mitigation Paradigm? - Past voluntary wildfire risk reduction programs have been inadequate in results and pace, including Firewise USA and the recent FEMA grant. - Building stock is primarily older, not built to wildfire code, and high density. - Aligning our community's safety with science-based codes will allow us to withstand inevitable fires of the future. - We are on notice: The Almeda Fire experience demands we act now 1 i 1 Cutting-edge hazard mapping was created by the �r City, Rogue Reconnaissance, and Oregon State University ,M r using ultra high-resolution « '• aerial data from a method +a� 1 rt ,• called LiDAR. The risk and • : hazard assessment will be �' a` ...,.• R used to help prioritize areas of the city and to measure progress. • ;� i Ladder fuels are a key h, - _,_*r r t measure of the potential for *. ,� crown fire and ember production. MW et Other Key Content : 1 . Electric Infrastructure Hardening 2 . Water System Analysis 3 . Insurance Crisis 4. Wildfire Recovery Planning r WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN _ _t� r May 2022 / ` y . k%z Prepared For: ASHLAND Electrical Department, City of Ashland,Oregon Version: DRAFT 05/27/2022 FINAL OU3112022 Prepared ay: STO D DAR D wIN A [ D Engineers: Jerry Witkowski,P.E. — Jiapa Song,P.E. Martin Stoddard,P.E. � 1lW VML[R.tD+.-5.wrt360Eu..x.ORY)101MorafNl}22&9]53 ' t3 The insurance Crisis in Ashland threatens Housing, Renters, & Local Businesses • Ashland property owners face rising premiums (as much as 700%) and shrinking coverage. Inability to get insurance affects property values. Some homeowners are choosing not to have insurance. • Some insurers will only insure properties that meet fire-resistant standards. • -67% of Ashland renters are uninsured — at risk of losing all assets and housing because of wildfire. • Socially vulnerable residents (low income, seniors, disabled, single parents, and limited-English speakers) are least insured and face displacement. • Rising insurance costs threaten Ashland's economy — business continuity and housing security are at risk. The Wildfire Insurance Crisis Home insurance in areas with high wildfire risk is becoming more expensive and harder to obtain,with potential consequences for state and local budgets. - -- - -- eWILDFIRE-) PREPARED About Designation Levels Homeowner Resources —A l`KUGRd.%t OFl111y -- Protect Your Home 0 from Wildfire The Wildfire Prepared Home designation program enables homeowners to take preventative measures for their home and yard to protect against wildfire. nw - Apply Now 4 What needs to happen: Reduce community risk Investing in community scale wildfire-resistant construction,vegetation management,and neighborhood planning can minimize damages from wildfire and improve the accessibility and affordability of insurance. rrutnv " CHAMOIS IN TNSURANCF, POPULATION, AND PROPERTY VALUE SINCE THE CAMP FIRE IN PARADISE, CA 2918 2923 Absolute Percent •• • •. .•- .. •• change change Insutance Cost $2,178 $2,979 4861 36.8% ••• • Population 26,532 8,285 -18,247 -68.8% Property Value $678,602 $330,319 -$24e,292 -42AX SOURCES: U.S. CINSUS BURIAU, •Ie RICSN COnM 1111Y SURVIr; l li lfai/HVI If +- — ... . 1 r Implementation . p. Scaling up wildfire risk assessments and structure-hardening programs citywide. Strengthening evacuation systems and smoke resilience initiatives. Focusing outreach on socially vulnerable populations and renters, ensuring equitable access to wildfire risk reduction resources. Building a full-time CWPP implementation team and a robust tracking dashboard. Securing an average of$8 million annually for 10 years to fund wildfire mitigation, workforce development, and public engagement. Revamping local codes and ordinances to align with modern wildfire science. Critical Insights: What the CWPP Asks of ASignificant impact is possible — but only with visible, sustained leadership shland's leaders -Scaled Risk Reduction Requires Bold Leadership • a willingnessto make hard choices. -Expect • , for A long-term, proactive public engagement and communications strategy is essential to build trust and momentum. .Capacity existingImplementation demands a full-time, dedicated facilitator to build partnerships and manage funding. The work required cannot be absorbed by 1. City Leadership Must Be Visible and Accountable Retrofitting landscapes and buildings for fire resistance will be costly — and City- owned properties must set the example. 2. Equity Requires a New Approach Outreach and support strategies for renters and socially vulnerable populations must be reimagined — business-as-usual will leave people behind. 3. Partnership Over Promotion Facilitate and support collaboration with a broad network of community partners 4. Workforce Training Is Critical Landscapers and construction workers will need training, oversight, and accountability to capture capacity and meet standards 5. Risk Reduction Is an Investment in Economic Stability Proactive, community-wide mitigation can improve access to insurance and protect both property values and economic stability. 6. Ashland Will Look Different — By Design A fire-adapted future means embracing visible changes in how our city looks and functions — and helping residents understand why that matters. We must recognize that our communities were developed in a climate • environment that no longer exist. We have the tools and knowledge to reduce community wildfire risks. But we must address the profound and deeply rooted misalignment of political and social expectations regarding what it means to live with wildfire. Now is the time to invest in long-term, economically efficient solutions, • - We have to live with wildland fire. We don't have to live with fire in our • - From: Calkin, et al., 2023, Wildiand-urban fire disasters aren't actually • wildfire problem. Next Steps After Adoption 1 . August I 9th Council Business Meeting for CWPP Adoption 2 . Build a CWPP Implementaiton Partnership 3. Apply for external funding 4. Create Wildfire Risk Reduction Fee spending plan using CWPP priorities Thank you ! FIRE ijj