Wildfire Recovery RFQ

[mpallamary]

If I may, as to the HAZMAT issues, that is not a problem. Indeed, every time I see the news, I see people wandering around their property, sifting through the rubble and removing things, all permissively. Because of the necessity to perform all the research, that takes a little time and if HAZMAT training is required, you can attend classes or train online while doing the research. Anyone who owns or runs a business understands the necessity to have properly trained personnel. That is how private businesses function and survive; training is merely an incidental component of business and an investment many savvy business owners make. There are a lot of good ideas being posted, (those being preferred over criticism) and that is my point. It would be beneficial if CLSA put together a recommended outline of measures to be taken in the case of a wildfire instead or reinventing the wheel or worse, having the survey efforts supervised by a non-surveyor. This isn't rocket science. It merely calls for a thoughtful plan.

See:

https://www.safetyunlimited.com/Online- ... aining#100

https://www.safetyunlimited.com/online- ... Online.asp

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadis ... &p_id=9765

[mpallamary]

Several years ago following the San Francisco Earthquake I wrote an article and did a lot of research about how the surveying community should respond. I worked with Hal Davis on it and I lectured across the state and back east. The City of Hayward had some great ideas underway. I also worked with ESRI on developing some emergency response measures and I promoted it with CLSA. The plan was quashed by the Executive Director at that time for reasons many of you should be familiar with.

These are the type of programs that can be worked on, over time, so that when disasters strike, we can all be prepared and responsive. This, I believe, should be one of the functions of CLSA.

[mpallamary]

Five years ago I proposed a symposium to deal with earthquakes. As with before, the then Executive Director quashed that idea. It was my hope that CLSA would get involved. For the same reasons, that did not happen. I spent a lot of time on this idea but it was buried. The flyer is attached.

[mpallamary]

Evan, please let me know if you have any other inquiries about my other efforts to engage the association in a positive way. As you know, there are a large number of similar proposals I have made, each of which was made with a willingness to roll my sleeves up and work and work hard.

[RAM]

the questions was asked about cost. Base on a fire we experienced in July, if people had insurance, most insurance companies only covered about $12-15k. Average cost for actual cleanup was $75-80k. Great benefit to the landowner. In our area the survey issues were not a factor as the parcels were all 5+acres or larger and home sites are set well within the properties.

So lesson is, check your policy, for a few $ each year, you can get the coverage.

[E_Page]

Mike,

As you know, there is a different Executive Committee and a different Executive Director than there was at the time of your previous examples. The Ex Comm, and in fact a growing number on the full BoD appear to be of a mind to find ways to provide meaningful value to CLSA membership. The Executive Director, unlike the previous one, appropriately defers to the judgment and direction of the CLSA members who comprise the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. The relationship appears to be working quite well. CAMS and the Executive Director they've assigned to the CLSA are doing a great job.

Also, CLSA leadership has been making some efforts with regard to the fire that I believe are ongoing. If you inquire and offer helpful suggestions through appropriate channels, you may find that the CLSA is being more than adequately represented in this and other matters. Genuinely offered help or suggestions are much better received than public accusations of dereliction of duty.

Since the conflict of the disgraceful meetings in 2015, I have attended most of the CLSA BoD meetings and continue to be encouraged with each one. Based on those observations and my conversations with various Ex Comm and BoD members, I believe that the CLSA turned to and continues in a positive direction since early 2016. If your suggestions are practical, helpful, add value to the CLSA for its members and for the public, are focused on furthering the goals of the CLSA rather than showcasing your past columns or availability as an expert, I'm sure they will be properly considered and incorporated into or added to current efforts as appropriate.

As long as we're doing good, it doesn't matter who (if anyone individually) gets the credit.

[mpallamary]

Thanks and I am, always about moving forward. As you are undoubtedly aware, over the last month or so, I have expended considerable time assisting in this effort and chatting with a number of association members up north. We are jointly working to develop some procedures and recommendations. I am a bit embarrassed to be reposting all of my previous activities and efforts but the truth be known, it is rather insensitive and insulting to suggest my efforts have been misdirected. I have a very exhaustive record going back some 35 years rising to the call every time. It is for that reason I remain and continue to speak. It would be nice if, as in life, if some research is done before questioning one's record and efforts. There are many of us who are willing to roll our sleeves up and work, often quietly in the background. There are others who seize every opportunity to shout and criticize every chance they get, while never making any contributions at all. I prefer the former as the record shows. I am not a troll who lurks in the shadows. I am a man who stands up, speaks, and is willing to accept criticism as long as it is valid.

How can I help?

[E_Page]

Mike,

I recognize that you have made and continue to make great contributions to the profession. I don't intend to take away or diminish those accomplishments.

However, in this and a few other threads over the past couple of years, you have openly criticized CLSA leadership for not doing something or other you believe they should be doing before finding out if they are actually doing something on whatever particular issue. There have been times, as in this case, where you have posted a lot of criticism about what you think CLSA is not doing while in fact, people in various leadership positions of CLSA have been diligently and quietly working on the very issues you proclaim they are ignoring. Sometimes, perhaps often, publicity on the efforts being made can be counterproductive prior to completing, or making significant progress on the task.

Personally, I don't need or want to be constantly apprised of every little part of those efforts, every little success or every little setback along the way. If my personal involvement is wanted or needed, I will be contacted. If I feel that I can make a positive contribution to an effort, I will find out if CLSA is working on the issue, who is leading the effort, and contact that person.

I am gratified that you have been in contact with some of the surveyors from the areas affected by fires to offer help, and hope that those efforts will be fruitful. I recognize and am gratified by many of the positive contributions and efforts you have made benefitting our profession over your career and hope that you continue to find opportunities to make positive contributions for many years to come. But none of your past efforts and contributions serve to transform unhelpful public accusations into helpful suggestions to people in positions to implement them.

Maybe I'm alone in this opinion, but those criticisms and accusations, coupled with repeated mentions of the great efforts you've been involved with in the past and posting multiple articles you've written, much of it having only a tenuous connection with any efforts to help with these fires, seems more like 2/3 self-promotion and 1/3 genuine offer of more direct service to surveyors in the area than a genuine offer to the CLSA to help with their efforts.

If your intentions are entirely altruistic, please accept my apologies for misunderstanding and try to take my comments as constructive criticism.

[mpallamary]

Thank you. Unfortunately, I am still sensitive about this topic as the problem remains. I can assure you, you have no idea as to the breadth of the contributions I have made to CLSA over the last 35 years, much of which was done and continues anonymously. Ever since I angered the former Executive Director some 25 years ago, I have been thwarted and disparaged at every turn. Her influence over certain members continues as evidenced by the issuance of the Past Presidents letter attacking me for pointing out financial irregularities in the association's books and for calling me a liar. It is wrong and it is unfair and it reflects poorly on the association.

I have repeatedly asked for an apology from the association regarding the Past Presidents letter and still, I have not received one and as such, I remain critical. Please read their letter. I am indeed entitled to be upset and until a wrong is righted, it remains a wrong.

I do accept your apology and I do take your comments as constructive criticism. Moving forward, I would simply ask that you get your facts straight before launching into these long-winded expatiations.

We are on the same team.

What can I do to help?

[mpallamary]

I would be remiss if I failed to extend an apology to the association. It has never been my intent to engage in a dialogue like this on the forum. It has always been my desire to handle such matters discreetly. As anyone who is familiar with these topics can attest, the record is filled with extensive and discreet communications I have submitted, all of which are still in need of a reply.

I think, as a member of CLSA, everyone should be entitled to express concerns and criticisms as it relates to the association at large. I do not think it advisable to pursue such matter in an isolated manner and against any one individual. Obviously, the Past Presidents letter was unconscionable and ill-advised. Actions like that can discourage others from speaking up. I shall therefore discontinue any debate on this matter through this posting as it detracts from the more important topic.

I am always interested in discussing matters of importance and my door is always open.