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Emergency Services Director John King reviewed the memo dated June 28, 2004. <br />He noted that at the last public hearing the Board and the County Administrator made several <br />observations regarding the proposed amendments to the Code. The proposed ordinance before <br />them today has those recommended changes incorporated. Those changes are “bulleted” in the <br />memorandum and staff was present to respond to any questions about the proposed amendments to <br />the ordinance. <br />In responding to Commissioner Lowther’s concern that this amendment appeared to <br />add another layer of government, Director King stated that the new language gives Emergency <br />Services the authority to put a stop to an activity that might result in endangering neighboring <br />properties of someone who refuses to meet requirements. <br />In response to Commissioner Adams, Director King stressed that language <br />concerning burning mulch has been tightened up and gives the Board the authority to put an <br />absolute stop to that activity when the owner is “playing between lines” on regulations. He also <br />specified that the $30 permits for special events do not cover costs but provide that fire prevention <br />personnel will do a general inspection for anything covered in the Fire Prevention Code. <br />Fire Prevention Bureau Chief Dale Justice specified there would be a need for <br />inspection for a large event where there is a life safety issue, usually where many people will be <br />attending, or a set up in an auditorium or other enclosure from which an emergency escape might <br />be necessary. This is already being done for the Firefighters’ Fair and St. Helen’s Harvest <br />Festival. Events such as these, indoors and outdoors, are looked at from a “life-safety” standpoint. <br />Using fire codes as a basis can help ensure the safety of our community. There have been no <br />accidents yet but problems have been discovered and corrected. <br />Chairman Ginn was concerned above giving authority to enter private property <br />without an owner’s consent, and Chief Justice pointed out that covers HAZMAT emergencies <br />only. <br />Director King added that under the Fourth Amendment, the fire service is one of the <br />few public safety agencies allowed the right of entry without a warrant, but it has to be an exigent <br />July 6, 2004 <br />18 <br /> <br />