Addendum
MEETING DATE: 08/20/2019
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ITEM NO: 8
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
ADDENDUM
DATE: August 19, 2019
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Authorize a FY 2019/20 Expenditure Budget Adjustment in the Amount of
$300,707 for the Vegetation Management – Town Wide Project
REMARKS:
A Council Member had the following inquiry and staff’s response is provided below.
I would like to ask a question about the chips laid down in an even spread to reduce erosion
as per the report. Is chipped woulod not a fire hazard in itself? Where in the fire ladder does
chipped wood start to burn? After bushes have caught?
The chips are beneficial for a number of reasons. They have a very low flame spread, so in
terms of hazard, are not a big concern on their own. They tend to smolder, but not burn. In
addition, they help keep down the return of undergrowth, which is the biggest of concerns and
ongoing maintenance of new growth can be a challenge. Organizations like the Santa Clara
County Fire Safe Council actually run chipping programs as a service to the community in
reducing fire hazards.
RegardlessIn addition, the project in concept has plannedincludes for a consultant services to
provide a plan for the initial treatment and a plan for ongoing maintenance to ensure we
alignthe Town uses with best practices.
PREPARED BY: Matt Morley
Director of Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 406-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov