HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPCC Minutes 2001-11-19SRCC MINUTES (Special) 11/19/2001 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2001 AT 7:30 PM
Special Meeting:
San Rafael City Council
Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
Cyr N. Miller, Vice -Mayor
Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember
Absent: None
PRESENTATION BY MARY JANE BURKE, MARIN COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF
SCHOOLS, TO HONOR THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL AND THE SAN RAFAEL FIRE
DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
SKILLS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS IN SAN RAFAEL AND MARIN COUNTY SCHOOLS —
FILE 9-3-31 x 102
Before commencing the presentation, Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of Schools, invited
the firefighters to come forward.
Ms. Burke stated that every so often a miracle happens in the community, and in May of 2001, for the
students with special education needs in Marin County, this was one of those incredible miracles. She was
aware that all present played some significant part in achieving this and offered her thanks, particularly
thanking Fire Chief Marcucci, for his leadership and for the incredible committed staff under his direction.
Ms. Burke proceeded to introduce David Hellman and Terry Mason, Members of the Marin County Board of
Education representing the San Rafael area, and Luke McCann, Assistant Superintendent.
Subsequent to viewing a slide presentation, Ms. Burke stated this symbolized a lot of hard work on behalf
of the San Rafael Fire Department and represented approximately 180 students from the special education
programs operated by the County Office of Education. She indicated that some of the students could not
communicate verbally and some had imperfect motorability; however, their eyes revealed a multitude and
in so many ways, they know much more than most. Ms. Burke noted that each student was treated with
respect and honor and it was obvious that the men and women of the Fire Department were totally focused
on them in an effort to impart the skills necessary for safety. She indicated that the humanity and sensitivity
shown was admirable and when Fire Chief Marcucci stepped forward, he brought the resources, energy,
commitment, willingness and people to work hard with him, which is very special and does not normally
happen; hence their desire to show some recognition.
In presenting plaques and pins to Mayor Boro and the Councilmembers, Ms. Burke noted that without their
support, this could not happen. Presentations were also made to City Clerk, Jeanne Leoncini, City
Attorney, Gary Ragghianti and City Manager, Rod Gould.
Ms. Burke indicated that the County Board of Education passed a Resolution in honor of the City and Fire
Department, which she presented to Fire Chief Marcucci. Chief Marcucci was also presented with a plaque
and numerous pictures and memorabilia of the event, together with replica pictures for the members of the
Fire Department team involved.
Ms. Burke reported that the students involved come from all of the school districts in Marin County and
represented some 40,000 children; 12% of students in Marin County require special education, which is
significant, and these students represent those with the most challenges.
Summarizing, Ms. Burke stated it takes a strong leader to inspire and motivate others to do great things
and Fire Chief Marcucci succeeded in doing this in this case, and on behalf of the students of Marin
County, she wanted him to know how much this was appreciated. She indicated that the City is attending
to many issues for the community, including taking a huge leadership role in providing internships for young
people and opening the childcare center, which is great for children and families and a true example for the
community.
Responding, Fire Chief Marcucci stated this was not entirely his idea in that a Fire Department Dispatcher
with hearing impaired parents, suggested that perhaps something could be done for special education
children. It then struck him that this was a group of "customers" not adequately served, to his knowledge,
by this or any other Fire Department; therefore, it was an opportunity to do something. He stated it was
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special for the Fire Department in that parents allowed their children to go to Ms. Burke's office, where for
the first time, many of them came in contact with firefighters. With the subsequent emotion demonstrated
by the firefighters, he doubted if there would be a problem procuring volunteers in the coming year for this
event. He indicated the children were a joy and working with Ms. Burke and her staff was a pleasure and
easy. He noted he looks forward to January when planning the May 2002 event begins.
Fire Chief Marcucci thanked Marin County Superintendent of Schools Mary Jane Burke for her recognition
and paid tribute to all the firefighters in San Rafael and the City Council for making this possible.
Mayor Boro indicated that the bulletin board displaying various pictures would be located in the lobby for a
time. He thanked Ms. Burke, Luke McCann and the School Board members, not only for what they had
done, but also for taking the time to honor the Fire Chief and his department, who perform an outstanding
job. The School Board Members also expressed their thanks.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, CITY CLERK
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 2001
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
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