Wildfire council urges town to adopt emergency notification system and a roadside maintenance plan

Representatives of the Boulder Wildfire Council presented recommendations to the Town Council at the June 5 meeting, urging adoption of a localized emergency notification system, a plan for roadside fuel breaks and coordination with state wildfire mapping efforts.

What the council heard: Judith Dial, speaking for the Wildfire Council, recommended two notification options: a subscription-based app integrated into a town website and a commercial mass‑notification product previously presented in 2023 (Onsolve/CodeRED-type services). Dial said an Onsolve contract previously quoted an annual price of about $5.22 per household (presentation materials described an annual cost bringing total to $635 with automatic registration and an opt‑out flow for residents). Dial asked the town to pursue an implementation plan this year and to coordinate with county and fire‑district systems already being rolled out.

Roadside maintenance and mapping: The Wildfire Council asked the town to budget for roadside mowing and equipment (brush hog contracting or equipment acquisition) to create defensible roadside corridors. Council members discussed contracting services versus town purchase of equipment; the Wildfire Council and councilors suggested starting by scoping roads amenable to a brush‑hog and asking public‑works staff (Corey) to assess more difficult rocky sections.

State law and hazard mapping: Town staff and council members said the state recently passed wildfire-related legislation that will produce higher-resolution hazard mapping and new mitigation requirements. Councilors recommended coordinating with county and state programs before finalizing a town roadside plan, noting the state’s mapping could affect required mitigations and grant eligibility.

Next steps: Council members asked staff and the Wildfire Council to work together over the summer to refine options for a notification platform and a roadside maintenance plan; Judith Dial agreed to coordinate with staff and provide a draft RFP or scope for contracting brush‑hog services. Councilor Josh Ellis said he would work with Dial and other staff to link the town into state mapping resources.

Ending: The council did not take formal action on the Wildfire Council recommendations at the June 5 meeting but requested further work and a follow‑up presentation once staff and volunteers have refined costs and scopes.