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Chief Hill reiterated the need for community dialogue about what constituted community policing. He pointed <br />out that new ideas required new resources, or the reallocation of existing resources. <br /> <br />Action Priority: Address prevention of hillside danger <br /> <br /> Mr. Kelly, seconded by Ms. Bettman, moved to amend the work plan by adding a <br /> bullet that read "Explore building code changes, for example, roofing materials for <br /> improved fire safety. Work at the State level as appropriate." <br /> <br />Ms. Nathanson suggested alternatively, the text "Investigate relationship of building and roofing materials to <br />wildland fire safety, review the current local situation, report to the council." <br /> <br />Preferring Ms. Nathanson's suggestion, Mr. Kelly withdrew his motion, and Ms. Bettman withdrew her <br />second. <br /> <br /> Ms. Nathanson, seconded by Mr. Kelly, moved to amend the work plan by adding a <br /> bullet that read "Investigate relationship of building and roofing materials to wildland <br /> fire safety, review the current local situation, report to the council." <br /> <br />Ms. Nathanson spoke in support of her motion, saying she wanted to first analyze the current situation, <br />working with the local construction industry, to determine whether fire retardant roofing materials were being <br />used extensively or if something needed to be done. <br /> <br />Mr. Meisner asked if the motion also addressed landscaping. He wanted the City to look at broad code <br />changes that fostered fire safety. <br /> <br />Chief Tallon said he appreciated the approach reflected in the motion, but the problem with legislating plant <br />growth and vegetation was that there was no supportive regulatory framework at the State or County level. <br />Currently, the department used educational materials and cooperation to help homeowners understand what a <br />safe landscape is. Mr. Meisner asked if staff was stating there was no research to support an educational effort <br />that told citizens they should not have vegetation close to their homes. Mr. Johnson said staff had not done the <br />needed research. Mr. Meisner wanted more research. <br /> <br />Ms. Nathanson and Mr. Kelly accepted a friendly amendment from Mr. Meisner to include investigation of <br />vegetation to wildland safety in the motion. <br /> <br />Mr. Farr thought citizens would welcome information about safe landscaping because they wanted to protect <br />their property. He said that garden centers should be employed in any education effort related to landscaping. <br />Regarding the issue of roofing, he said most roofing materials are now have a fire rating of Class A, and <br />people were not using cedar extensively for roofing because of its high cost and low availability. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson said staff would research whether the City had the authority to supercede the State building code. <br /> <br />Mr. Rayor noted the County's requirement for a 30-foot vegetation setback at the time of platting. <br /> <br /> MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 23, 2001 Page 7 <br /> Work Session <br /> <br /> <br />