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CREW Summer Quarterly Meeting Minutes
Held at UBC, CEME Building, Room 2204
Vancouver, BC
August 24, 2005

10:00 AM Business Meeting:

In attendance were:
In Person

Tim Walsh (Chaired the meeting in Bob Zimmerman's absence)
Ed Brighton
Judi Van Swieten
Joan Scofield
Matthew Mabey
Kellie M. Reynolds
Andre LeDuc
Bill White
Mike McCallister
James Bela
Steve Charvat
Mike McCallister
Bob Freitag

Via Phone/Teleconference (NOTE: most dropped off after the lunch break)


George Crawford
TJ Harmon
Jay Wilson
Gail Dreckman
Michael Park
Bill Steele
Craig Weaver

1. Welcome and call to order:

  • Chairman Pro-tem Tim Walsh called the meeting to order at 10:00 am.

2. Approval of minutes

  • The minutes of the May 25, 2005 meeting. Andre LeDuc made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Joan Scofield seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.

3. Financial Report -Tim Walsh

  • Treasurer Tim Walsh provided a verbal report. There are still a few unresolved issues regarding miscellaneous payments to Andre LeDuc for past services rendered. The new contract with FEMA began on April 1, 2005. Motion to accept the financial report was made by Joan Scofield and seconded by Andre LeDuc. The report was approved unanimously.

4. Project Team Reports:

  • Business/Homeowners Template and Web site

    Michael Park reported that there was no progress on this issue. Bob Freitag noted on behalf of Ines Pearce's Business toolkit (online) is in process and is expected to be completed by November.
  • CREW's role in support of Emergency Management Organizations

    Emergency Management Organizations David Spicer was not present to give an update on this agenda items.

  • Scenario Development for the Portland (Benioff) Area

    Gail Dreckman and Craig Weaver made a brief presentation noting that updated hazard maps for the Portland area are expected by September 30, 2005. These new maps will have different levels of shaking shown compared to current maps that are available. We should be able to make a decision at our Fall CREW meeting

  • Professional Community Involvement

    Andre LeDuc reminded members of the need to involve CREW in other professional organizations or meetings and conferences in the region. Andre will follow up with CREW Board members to get their listings of activities, but noted a number of activities and workshops that he is personally representing CREW at. The question was asked about the level of "community involvement" (e.g, planning, building trades, land use, geology, etc….). How would this list be compiled? CREW Board of Directors members were asked to email both Andre and Bob (what the meeting is, location, date, membership, etc…) so that they can compile this list. Current CREW policy is encourage involvement in other conferences, but the Executive Board will decide if we should participate. CREW will be at the WSEMA conference with a booth in Lake Chelan during the last week of September, 2005. Joan Scofield will be in attendance representing WSEMA along with other CREW members.

  • e. Tsunami Workshops

    Jay Wilson and George Crawford reported. Jay noted the paper that was submitted for the Cannon Beach project (developed by Andre LeDuc). This project will be used as a model for developing short and long-term issues related to preparedness, response and recovery. Andre reviewed the proposal noting that the City Council members in Cannon Beach are strongly supporting this, with an emphasis on identifying issues related to post-disaster recovery and regional issues of coordination and activities. A key aspect of the proposal is to have smaller communities address long-term recovery in addition to the traditional short-term recover activities. The workshop that is being proposed would be funded through CREW. USGS is also supporting this pilot project studying the inundation zone to set the framework for the workshop. Andre present the deliverables for the $10,000 estimated cost, noting that this request only represents a small portion of the overall project and that other partner organizations are supporting the project via direct and in-kind support. George Crawford asked if this product can develop a template to be used as a model for similar-sized communities? Andre: This is an expected deliverable as part of the product for other coastal communities.

    Jay Wilson reported that approximately 90% evacuated in Cannon Beach due to the tsunami warning issued in June, 2005. The Board discussed the benefits of funding this project to other coastal communities by addressing key issues that are common to activities more than just the scientific/technical issues. A discussion ensued regarding how "typical" Cannon Beach is compared to other coastal communities regarding political support, community involvement, etc…It was noted that Cannon Beach may not be replicated easily, but could provide guidance to other communities. Discussion of "next steps" after the Cannon Beach project and how to transfer the lessons learned to other communities. James Bela spoke against the motion. Motion to approve in concept was called. Joan moved to give preliminary approval to set-aside $10,000 based on scope of work being submitted at a later date. Bill White seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously with Mr. LeDuc abstaining from voting.


  • National Earthquake Conference in 2007

    Craig Weaver will be discussing this in September at a Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee meeting in Seattle to see if they will endorse a conference in 2007 or 2008 with USGS support. CREW would hopefully be involved in supporting this event in partnership with FEMA.

  • Regional Coordination

    Bill White reported that there was not much activity in this area. Bill White noted the availability of having a CREW booth in early October 4-6, 2005 at an emergency preparedness conference in SW Canada in Vancouver. There was a call for a CREW volunteer to attend. EPICC is hosting a meeting in February 2006 in Richmond, BC focusing on business recovery. June 19-22, 2006, CREW being asked to co-sponsor with WSPCC the Earthquake Managers meeting in Salt Lake City, UT. George Crawford noted the importance of this developing network of professionals.

  • Speakers Bureau and Announcements

    Bob Freitag noted that various CREW members have been asked to make presentations lately. CREW office keeps a log of all. WSPCC conference September 11-14, 2005 in Boise, ID will have CREW representation. Various CREW members present at the WSPCC may meet to discuss business matters.

  • Quarterly Meeting Program

    Joan Scofield reported that there will be a presentation at the next meeting, tentatively scheduled in Seattle in October 19, 2005. The issue of tsunamis was proposed along with 2010 Winter Olympic business preparations. The tentative location of the meeting will be at the University of Washington Seattle Campus.

    There was discussion of an upcoming federal disaster exercise in 2006, entitled "Pacific Peril." This May 22-26, 2006 transportation-related multi-national, regional, multi-state exercise will be utilizing the Cascadia scenario. Jay Wilson will represent CREW on this project.

5. New Business

  • Election of CREW Board Members
    A draft slate was sent out prior to the meeting for review. George Crawford nominated 2 additional people from the floor, noting that State representation from California and British Columbia is underrepresented. Noting this, he nominated Rich Eisner from California (CA OES, Northern Regional Administrator) and James A. Whyte from British Columbia, Canada. Judy VanSwieten was nominated on the floor by Bill White.

    Following a discussion of the process of voting for the slate and representation issues for the Board a motion to approve the entire proposed new slate, including the floor nominations was made. Joan Scofield moved with Bill White seconding the motion. The 2005-06 slate of the Board of Directors was approved unanimously.


  • Role of CREW in Winter Olympics February 2010
    Bill White noted that current efforts have focused primarily on physical security issues. More recent discussions have been focusing on critical infrastructure. There was increasing interest by Olympic Organizing Committee on general emergency management issues. Currently, the role of CREW is undetermined. At the federal level, the Canadian federal government is looking at a timeframe between now and the end of the games… more than just the Olympic Committee that is just concerned about the actual games themselves. Bob Freitag noted that EPICC's recent small business guide is being used for preparing businesses for the Winter Olympics. TJ Harmon noted her recent work and linking cross-border preparations. Further discussion of business continuity efforts along the I-5 corridor will be presented at the October meeting in Seattle.

    The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:00 noon. It reconvened at 1:00 pm.

  • Role of Membership and those on the CREW Distribution List
    In Bob Zimmerman's absence, Bob Freitag noted that the Executive Board decided not to charge memberships dues to the nuisance factor and an interest in involving more people. It was decided to develop 3 types of lists (1) Distribution list of approximately 400 email addresses of all part participants in CREW activities. This list is what is used for events or tasks - the "wide net". (2) The membership list for people who will be expected to be involved in CREW activities. actually paid their $100 fee, approximately 40 on this list. These are people who volunteered to be active members of CREW. With the elimination of the fee, people are now expected to be active in CREW activities. There are approximately 75 people on this 3rd list and (3) the Board members. Board members are expected to attend meetings.

    Currently, the Executive Board decided that there would be 2 lists from now on: Board membership and general distribution list. Bob noted this current WSPCC website showing its "donation" button suggesting that the CREW website have a similar functionality to make up the loss of any future membership revenue losses. The Board noted that the issue of public recognition for donations be handled carefully.

  • Business Model for Holding Workshops
    Bob Freitag noted a recent discussion with Phil Lambert who is a contingency planning (previously with Safeco). Phil Lambert suggested that CREW develop a business model for developing and executing workshops. Phil would deliver technical workshops and would split any profits (50/50) to put on the workshops. This proposal would be new for CREW. Similar training delivery is used by groups such as DRII. The CREW Board discussed the potential pitfalls regarding curriculum and delivery methods and need for such a service. The Board decided that this issue resolution was a bit premature at this point due to need for this service and that more study is necessary. Andre LeDuc noted that CREW should examine the I-94 study that may be able to provide valuable insight into this issue. Bob noted that he will continue to work with Association of Contingency Planning.

  • Development of Grants Committee
    Andre LeDuc reported the need to develop a grants committee to bring in funding and the success of collaboration. He noted that perhaps CREW can be more aggressive in securing private and foundation grants as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tim provided a brief historical background of the original FEMA grant to support CREW. Securing additional outside grants could support new projects or current projects that currently do not have financial support. The legal and tax issues were briefly discussed. It was suggested that a core of 3-4 Board members with input by all CREW Executive Board members. Andre LeDuc, Ines Pearce, Steve Charvat, and Bob Freitag volunteered to serve on this new committee. Bob will begin a threaded discussion on the CREW website for this topic.

  • Discussion of Letter to City of Seattle Regarding Building Height Modifications

    The city of Seattle has a proposal to increase densities of housing in downtown, primarily via building taller buildings. Various versions of a letter have been sent to public officials in the City of Seattle regarding the impact of ground motions on buildings. Issues were presented concerning the proper role of CREW to dictate municipal officials on technical issues on building issues and the political role of CREW and protocol with local officials.

    The most recent edited version of the letter would provide King County and City of Seattle officials with a copy of the Seattle Fault Study with no references to tall buildings and the proposed changes. It primarily now promotes the recent release of the Seattle Fault Study. The CREW board suggested that perhaps this report and basic cover letter be sent to every mayor and emergency manager in Western Washington. Bob Freitag volunteered to contact Washington State EMD, via Rob Harper, (and is counterparts in Oregon and BC) who would provide their respective mailing lists. After additional discussion, the members thought that perhaps this document should instead be shared with emergency managers and building and/or public works officials who are more likely to use this information.

    Another discussion issue of promoting the Seattle Fault publication. Bob noted that he has begun talking with Barnes and Noble about selling the book in the Western United States. The first step is to get an ISBN # for the document. Matthew suggested that the report be sent to the editorial boards of the various Cascadia region newspapers.

  • Washington State Emergency Managers Association (WSEMA) and CREW Collaboration Proposal
    Mike McCallister from Snohomish County EM reported on a recent effort by Roger Serra and Bob Freitag to host a day-long workshop or roundtable for senior emergency managers to discuss the current issues regarding natural hazards in the region. This workshop, possibly hosted by the University of Washington, will take place in 2006. The purpose is to have CREW assist WSEMA in re-focusing again on natural hazards again to remind them of the recent developments that are non-terrorism related. It is likely that 25-35 people would be invited throughout the State of Washington. It was proposed that a small Steering Group between CREW and WSEMA be formed to develop both this future senior workshop and non-terrorism (climate, natural, geologic, etc…) topics at the 2006 WSEMA conference. Leads: Bob Zimmerman, Mike McCallister, Roger Serra, Bob Freitag, Craig Weaver, a UW climate change person, etc…. to focus on infrastructure. The board approved the next step for a small group to put together a proposal to develop a specific end-product and to allow CREW, via the Executive Director, to be involved into future WSEMA workshops.

The business-portion of the CREW meeting adjourned at 3:00 pm.

Many of the CREW Board members attended a tour of the UBC Earthquake Engineering Lab on Thursday, August 25, 2005.