Minutes from our meeting Friday June First.

Vashon Maury Island Community Council
Public Safety Committee
June 1, 2007

In attendance: King County Fire Marshall John Klopfenstein; Assistant Chief Mike Kirk, Vashon Fire and Rescue: Deputy Melvin Dickson, Sheriff’s Department; Tag Gornall, Co-President (with John Cornelison) of VashonBePrepared; Janet Quimby, and Jennie Hodgson, Chair

The meeting convened in the courtroom at Courthouse Square at 10:00.

Fire Marshall Klopfenstein was here to help the committee in preparing for the hazards that come with the Fourth of July.  King County Councilwoman Jane Hague has introduced an ordinance which if it passes would enable each Fire District to be declared off limits to personal fireworks if ten registered voters in each precinct within the District signs a petition to put whether to have fireworks banned up for a vote. This proposal is in the formative stages and details are being worked on.  Community Fireworks with the proper certification would still be allowed.  Under present laws setting off fireworks is illegal except for July Fourth and New Year’s Day.  Klopfenstein circulated flyers which lay out which devices are legal and which are not.

Deputy Dickson emphasized that when people call with complaints of illegal fireworks being set off, they need to be very specific as to location and description of those involved.  It also helps if the caller is willing to identify themselves.  Dickson described the difficulties that officers encounter in trying to deal with such calls, since perpetrators and fireworks tend to disappear when the Sheriff is spotted coming.

The successful record of fire prevention efforts was discussed.  Changes in the fire codes and improved construction have demonstrably saved lives.

Fire Marshall Klopfenstein brought a number of pamphlets designed for children of different ages, older folks, different situations all designed to raise awareness of fire safety and practical suggestions for fire prevention.

Jennie Hodgson will distribute the fireworks flyers at the June 18 meeting of the VMICC.

The meeting adjourned at 11:00.

 

Jennie Hodgson

Chair

 

At this time the plan is not to meet in July so the next meeting of the Committee will be August 3rd.

 

(There was no real meeting in May.  Jennie Hodgson was at the courtroom in case anyone wanted to contact her at the usual meeting time but the only visitor was Assistant Chief Mike Kirk.  General safety issues were discussed.)