HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2016-10-12 MinutesCITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
October 12, 2016
Station 58 – 777 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael
Present
Stephen Mizroch, Chair Battalion Chief Jeffrey Rowan
Larry Luckham
Carolyn Lenert
Leonard Thompson
David Fonkalsrud, Commissioner Alt.
ABSENT WITH NOTICE
Thomas Weathers
Chair Stephen Mizroch called the Fire Commission to order at 4:00 pm. The minutes of
the August meeting were approved.
Reports.
Chair Stephen Mizroch reported on the activities of the San Rafael Public Safety History
Exhibit working group. Funding may be available for furniture or fixtures through the
Essential Facilities building fund. The allocation for art may or may not be partly
available.
Commissioner Larry Luckham said he continues to assist in the documentation of the
existing stations #57, 52 and 51. He mentioned that oral histories are available and
would be valuable.
Commissioner Thompson summed up several efforts for the San Rafael Fire Foundation:
He has secured a donor for coffee for the Crab Feed fundraiser. He welcomes
volunteers to prepare the gift baskets that will be auctioned. He also noted that the
boat purchased by the Foundation will be updated and turned over to the City of San
Rafael. B.C. Jeff Rowan is obtaining bids on needed work.
Commissioner Carolyn Lenert mentioned that she will be attending the Hazard
Mitigation working group meeting and will report back to the Commission.
Commissioner Alternate Dave Fonkalsrud will be assisting with the crab feed publicity
and continues to follow up on other opportunities such as the donation of pet oxygen
kits.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
October 12, 2016
Station 58 – 777 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael
The firefighter/paramedics of Station 6 introduced themselves and shared their
backgrounds with the members of the Commission and the Foundation.
Battalion Chief Rowan shared the Fire Chief Gray’s report (attached).
In particular, he noted that our Type 3 Strike Team/OES engine served at the Sobranes
fire. With respect to the Department’s temporary facilities, trailers have just arrived.
He reported on the status of recruitment (85 applicants for 2-3 openings, noting that
Marinwood has 1-2 open positions as well). The San Rafael Fire Department will be
wearing bright pink t-shirts (SRPD patches) in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness
Week.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 pm.
Fire Commission – Fire Chief Update – October 12, 2016 FS 58
Our Firefighters assigned to Engine 652 on the Soberanes Incident returned safe and sound on Sept. 28th.
Capt. R. de Lambert, Eng. J. Vasco, FF/PM K. Kleinschmidt and FF/PM E. Cespedes provided outstanding
service to the Monterey Community and layed nearly 20,000 feet of hose line…uphill’s and down canyons.
Fantastic progress continues with our Essential Facilities Project as we are now moving full speed ahead on
temporary facilities with occupancy for FS 52 and FS 57 Crews expected in early December.
The newest San Rafael Battalion Chief is Jason Hatfield who has been assigned to Fire Administration and will
manage EMS, Training and Safety, among many other things. Congratulations! See attached Press Release.
Contract Negotiations are now complete with all Fire related employee groups. We have a new MOU for two
years. Outstanding effort by our personnel and City Staff with great support from the City Council.
We have started recruitment for the following positions:
o Firefighter/Paramedic to fill additional
Firefighter vacancies. Applications
closed October 9, 2016.
http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/hr-jobs/
o Environmental Management Coordinator -
After 5 years of service, Courtney Scott
accepted a position in Sonoma County.
The exam is scheduled for 10/18/2016.
o Emergency Management Coordinator -
John Bruckbauer has resigned after
nearly two years of service. He has
accepted a position with PG&E. The
recruitment for this position is about to
get underway.
o Fire Prevention Specialist - Recruitment
will be underway soon.
o Fire Mechanic - With over 28 years of
service, our Master Fire Mechanic, Steve
Rutkowski retired and served his last day
on September 30, 2016. A recruitment is
underway and Public Works will be
assisting us with mechanical needs.
o We will also be conducting a promotional
exam for Fire Captain and Fire Engineer.
See attached press release related to public meetings for development of our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The Department is leading an effort to bring TeleStaff to the other four CMTC Agencies.
The City is undergoing a change in Branding and is updating the City Website. The new log is here:
Thank you for your continued
service and advocacy.
Respectfully,
Christopher Gray, Fire Chief
MAYOR GARY O. PHILLIPS
VICE MAYOR KATE COLIN
COUNCILMEMBER ANDREW MCCULLOUGH
COUNCILMEMBER MARIBETH BUSHEY
COUNCILMEMBER JOHN GAMBLIN
1039 C STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94915-1560
WWW.SRFD.ORG
FIRE DEPARTMENT-CLASS 1
FIRE CHIEF, CHRISTOPHER GRAY
PHONE: 415-485-3304
FAX: 415-453-1627
FIRE CHIEF PROMOTES SAN RAFAEL FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
San Rafael, CA – September 14, 2016 - With pride and a strong sense of public service, San Rafael Fire
Chief Christopher Gray promoted Fire Captain Jason Hatfield to the position of Battalion Chief of the San
Rafael Fire Department during a Badge Pinning and Swearing-In Ceremony conducted at San Rafael Fire
Station 51, 1039 C St., San Rafael, CA. A large gathering of family, friends, co-workers and officials were on
hand to support Chief Hatfield.
Jason Hatfield, a 14-year veteran with the City of San Rafael, has been assigned as the Fire Battalion Chief in
charge of Emergency Medical Services, Training and Safety commencing September 14, 2016.
Chief Hatfield joined the San Rafael Fire Department in 2002, serving both as a Firefighter/ Paramedic and
Engineer/Paramedic until 2010 when he was promoted to Fire Captain/Paramedic. Jason is a local having
graduated from San Rafael High School. Chief Hatfield is a State Certified Fire Officer and earned a
Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences from University California Davis. He also holds an Associate’s
Degree in Fire Science from Allan Hancock College.
Chief Hatfield has provided lead instruction for our Firefighter Recruit Academy and served as an instructor
for Firefighter Safety and Survival, and Officer Development. Jason has been involved in a range of
department projects and services, including Paramedic Liaison. He is also a strong mentor for aspiring
firefighters and career fire personnel. Jason truly helps others through community involvement and volunteer
activity. Jason has served the San Rafael Firefighter’s Association and Marin County Professional Firefighters
as both Treasurer and Representative. Jason has also chaired Fire Ops 101 since its inception in 2010 which
provides “hands on” firefighter experience for community members. Jason was selected by his peers within the
San Rafael Fire Department as “Firefighter of the Year” for 2016.
Jason is happily married to Judy and they have a son and daughter.
Congratulations to Chief Hatfield as he accepts the challenge and opportunity to help lead and serve the needs
of the San Rafael Community.
MAYOR GARY O. PHILLIPS
VICE MAYOR KATE COLIN
COUNCILMEMBE R ANDREW MCCULLOUGH
COUNCILMEMBER MARIBETH BUSHEY
COUNCILMEMBER JOHN GAMBLIN
1039 C STREET, SAN RAFAEL , CA 94901
WWW.SRFD.ORG
FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE CHIEF, CHRISTOPHER GRAY
PHONE: 415-485-3304
FAX: 415-453-1627
Get Involved!
HELP YOUR COMMUNITY BE HAZARD-READY!
City of San Rafael, CA: A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is being developed by the City of San
Rafael. Flood, drought, fire, earthquakes, and severe weather are just some of the hazards to
be addressed in the plan. While natural hazards such as these cannot be prevented, a Hazard
Mitigation Plan will help San Rafael become more “Disaster Resistant” and forms the foundation
of a community's long-term strategy to reduce disaster losses by breaking the repeated cycle of
disaster damage and reconstruction. Additionally, only communities with a FEMA-approved
Hazard Mitigation Plan are eligible to apply for both pre- and post-disaster mitigation grant
funding.
Nationwide, taxpayers pay billions of dollars annually helping communities, organizations,
businesses, and individuals recover from disaster. Some disasters are predictable and, in many
cases, much of the damage can be reduced or even eliminated through hazard mitigation
planning.
The people most aware of potential hazards are the people that live and work in the affected
community. In addition to participation by local, state and federal agencies, the community is
seeking enthusiastic, community-minded residents to be part of our Local Hazard Mitigation
Planning project. We encourage attendance and participation from the general public at our
upcoming public meeting to kick off this important project:
October 12, 2016
Public Meeting: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
San Rafael Community Center
618 B St, San Rafael, CA 94901
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
GOALS AND STRATEGIES
Fiscal Year 2016-17
MISSION
The Mission of the City of San Rafael is to enhance the quality of life and to provide for a safe,
healthy, prosperous and livable environment in partnership with the community.
VISION
Our vision for San Rafael is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of our
diversity, with unique and distinct neighborhoods in a beautiful natural environment, sustained
by active and informed residents and a responsible innovative local government.
2
2015/16 Highlights of Accomplishments
Completed a strategic planning process and commenced the design
phase for a new Public Safety Center as well as new fire stations #52
and 57.
Negotiated a 40-year cost-sharing and service agreement for Fire
Station 57 and CSA 19.
Commenced working with Golden Gate Transit, Marin Transit, SMART,
TAM, and MTC to develop interim and permanent relocations options
for the transit center.
Extended and increased the Special Library Parcel Tax (9 yrs).
Assisted over 20 businesses to open their doors in San Rafael,
including new Downtown restaurants Le Comptoir, State Room
Brewery, Magnolia Park Kitchen, In Cavo Wine Bar.
Re-opened a new and improved Beach Park to the public in partnership
with Terrapin Crossroads.
Hired a Director of Homeless Planning and Outreach and began
implementation of top priorities.
Completed 30 capital projects, including a new Terra Linda Pool House,
ADA curb ramps, multiuse pathway repairs, drainage and pump station
repairs and much more.
Worked with event promoters to host 15 major events in Downtown
and other locations throughout San Rafael, including The Great Race
start-city.
Reestablished the Citizen Police Academy.
Established a MOU with the County of Marin that allows our Mental
Health Outreach Provider to make 5150 determinations.
Formalized participation in the Major Crimes Task Force.
Commenced the Focus on Chronic Inebriates (“FOCI”) project to
minimize the impacts of chronic inebriates downtown.
Improved community engagement including expanded email
notification and content, pop-up workshops, community conversations,
and selection of a new website vendor.
Expanded partnership with Downtown Streets Team; 19 more people
found employment during the 2015-16 Fiscal Year (now over 70).
Created the “Junior Second Units” program to allow for small housing
units created through the re-purposing of existing, habitable home
space, creating additional affordable housing opportunities.
Established a working group to advance planning and funding for the
Pickleweed Park sports field conversion to synthetic turf.
Added extra high visibility foot patrols on Fourth Street, made
permanent the Mental Health Outreach Worker position, and increased
of private security contracts for key areas.
Launched a new on-line permit system for small building improvements
such as the installation of water heaters and furnaces, re-roofing,
window replacement and residential resale reports, reducing the cost
and processing time for residents needing small and routine permits.
Received $75,000 in grant funding from FEMA to develop a local hazard mitigation plan (LHMP).
Held multiple joint fire recruit academies with Marinwood, Larkspur and Corte Madera.
Collaborated with outside police agencies and advocacy groups to combat human trafficking throughout the Bay Area with
three operations held in San Rafael.
Formally applied to Federal Rail Authority to establish “Quiet Zones” for SMART’s upcoming service.
The San Rafael Fire Department was awarded a Class 1 rating by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).
Enhanced clean air protections in the Downtown and citywide with new smoking laws.
Watercolor rendering of the new Public Safety Center
New and improved Beach Park
Joint Fire Recruit Academy
New Terra Linda Pool House
3
GOAL A: STRATEGIES AND KEY IMPLEMENTATION TASKS COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES
& LEAD DEPARTMENTS
NEIGHBORHOOD
AND ECONOMIC
VITALITY
Create and
Preserve a
Healthy Economy
and
Neighborhoods
1. Sustain a vibrant Downtown and other business
areas
a) Actively recruit new retail and restaurants to
Downtown.
b) Support and encourage development of key
opportunity sites throughout the city.
c) Formally launch commercial over-the-counter
plan check to streamline the permit process.
d) Initiate environmental review process updates
for “vehicle miles traveled” to reduce GHGs by
incentivizing jobs and housing near transit.
e) Partner with Chamber of Commerce to improve
East San Rafael business climate.
f) Modernize Downtown parking policies.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUBCOMMMITTEE
Economic Development
Economic Development
Community Development
Community Development
Economic Development
Parking, Community & Economic
Development
2. Facilitate affordable housing opportunities and
reduce the number of homeless
a) Assist Ritter Center in operational changes and
relocation to mitigate impacts to Downtown.
b) Actively contribute to Homeless Outreach Team
(HOT) Program.
c) Represent San Rafael’s interests in Plan Bay Area
2040 process.
d) Enhance affordable housing by updating
commercial linkage fees and requiring affordable
units on rental projects.
e) Continue Focus on Chronic Inebriates (FOCI)
program to reduce revolving criminal justice
door.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT &
HOMELESSNESS SUBCOMMITTEES
Community Development, City
Manager’s Office
City Manager’s Office, Police
Community Development
Community Development
City Manager’s Office, City
Attorney’s Office
3. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
a) Complete construction of solar on the Boro
Community Center, C Street Parking Garage and
Public Works building.
b) Finalize Marin Sanitary rate analysis and make
recommendation.
c) Participate in county-wide sea level rise
vulnerability assessment, with a special focus on
underserved communities.
d) Implement a water conservation pilot program.
Public Works, City Manager’s
Office
City Manager’s Office
City Manager’s Office
City Manager’s Office
4
GOAL B: STRATEGIES AND KEY IMPLEMENTATION TASKS COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES
& LEAD DEPARTMENTS
QUALITY OF LIFE
Serve and
Strengthen
Community and
Regional
Relationships
1. Work to provide literary, artistic, recreational and
cultural experiences for all residents and embrace
our diversity
a) Commence phase 2 of the community needs
assessment for new and expanded library
facilities.
b) Complete community-driven strategic planning
for the Library.
c) Showcase and promote San Rafael through
events and happenings.
d) Activate City Plaza through place-making, such as
interactive programming.
LIBRARY AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
SUBCOMMITTEES
Library
Library
Economic Development
Economic Development
2. Collaborate with community partners and utilize the
expertise of Boards and Commissions, agencies, and
associations
a) Negotiate an agreement with San Rafael City
Schools for shared use of facilities.
b) Strengthen outreach and partnerships with San
Rafael schools.
c) Commence multi-year effort to update the San
Rafael General Plan 2040.
d) Recognize volunteers for the 20th anniversary of
Volunteer Program.
All Departments
Community Services
Library
Community Development
City Manager’s Office
3. Improve resident engagement and governmental
transparency
a) Create new City website.
b) Implement constituent relationship
management (CRM) software.
c) Launch public open data portal for City budget.
d) Commence “Invigorating our Neighborhoods”
(ION) program
e) Increase engagement efforts with Spanish-
speaking residents and businesses including a
Spanish language Citizen Police Academy.
f) Create a customer satisfaction feedback system
for recreation programs and facilities.
g) Launch instant messaging library support.
All Departments
City Manager’s Office
City Manager’s Office,
Information Technology
Finance
City Manager’s Office
City Manager’s Office, Police
Community Services
Library
5
GOAL C: STRATEGIES AND KEY IMPLEMENTATION TASKS COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES
& LEAD DEPARTMENTS
PUBLIC SAFETY
Prevent and
Respond to
Emergencies
1. Plan for essential public safety facility upgrades and
improvements with ¼ cent additional Measure E
funds
a) Finalize designs, award construction bids and
begin construction of Public Safety Center, Fire
Stations 52 & 57.
b) Relocate fire crews, staff and equipment;
prepare temporary communications and
computer systems.
c) Offer to sell/relocate 1313 Fifth Ave.
FACILITIES SUBCOMMITTEE
Public Works, City Manager’s
Office, Fire and Police
Economic Development, Parking
Services, Fire, Information
Technology
Economic Development, Finance,
Public Works
2. Provide a safe and secure environment for people,
businesses and property in the community
a) Roll out citywide RV/oversized vehicle parking
prohibition.
b) Formulate City’s policy position on commercial
medical marijuana activities.
c) Monitor and track short-term rental activity for
possible regulation
Parking Services
City Attorney’s Office, Economic
Development
Community Development
3. Further develop community and organizational
emergency readiness
a) Complete a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
b) Provide CPR Training to all 7th Grade Classes.
c) Continue training with SMART on critical incident
response protocols.
Fire
Fire
Police, Fire, Public Works
4. Pursue cost saving and efficiency measures for
emergency services
a) Coordinate with Larkspur, Corte Madera, and
Marinwood on Battalion Chief, training and
other shared service opportunities.
Fire
6
GOAL D: STRATEGIES AND KEY IMPLEMENTATION TASKS COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES
& LEAD DEPARTMENTS
PUBLIC ASSETS
Improve and
Preserve Public
Assets
1. Plan use of Measure A funds for park and open space
a) Complete Measure A park projects: Bret Harte
Restrooms, Albert Park playground planning, and
Victor Jones Playground.
b) Eliminate unlawful camping activity through
removal of unlawful campsites and debris.
Community Services, Public
Works
Police, Fire, Public Works
2. Sustain effective level of core infrastructure
a) Implement Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
City buildings, the right-of-way, storm drains and
the traffic system.
b) Develop a sidewalk maintenance program.
c) Pursue funding to dredge the San Rafael Canal.
d) Improve Point San Pedro Road including
changing the speed limit and traffic calming.
e) Begin implementation of short and long term
options for Spinnaker Point Salt Marsh issues.
Public Works
Public Works
Public Works
Public Works
Public Works
3. Improve mobility through reducing traffic congestion
and expanding bicycle, pedestrian, and transit
a) Update Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
b) Complete real estate purchases and begin
construction of Grand Ave Bike/Ped Bridge and
intersection improvements.
c) Install new wayfinding signage in Downtown.
d) Support development of North-South Greenway.
Public Works
Public Works, Economic
Development
Parking Services, Public Works
Public Works
4. Prepare for arrival of Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit
(SMART)
a) Complete interim and permanent alternatives
for San Rafael Transit Center.
b) Secure CPUC approval for the Andersen Drive at-
grade crossing design including flip of Francisco
Boulevard West.
c) Complete Downtown signal improvements and
queue cutter projects.
d) Finalize Quiet Zone for initial operating segment.
SMART SUBCOMMITTEE
Public Works
Public Works, City Attorney
Public Works
Public Works, City Attorney
7
GOAL E: STRATEGIES AND KEY IMPLEMENTATION TASKS COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES
& LEAD DEPARTMENTS
FOUNDATIONAL
SERVICES
Sustain
Organizational
Viability and
Exemplary
Service
1. Achieve short and long term financial viability and
continue to seek financial resources for City priorities
a) Implement paramedic tax and stormwater fee
ordinance and billing changes.
b) Create options for new long term revenue
growth.
FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE
PENSION/OPEB SUBCOMMITTEE
Finance, City Attorney’s Office
City Manager’s Office
2. Continue organizational excellence and succession
planning
a) Evaluate the talent management program and
develop a strategic plan.
b) Provide leadership and supervisory training.
c) Conduct an internal engagement survey to
improve employee experience.
All Departments
Human Resources
Human Resources
Human Resources
3. Employ technology to improve efficiency and service
level ability
a) Modernize service delivery and process through
key technology projects leveraging the use of
digital.
b) Implement cloud-based email services and
complete a network security risk analysis.
c) Launch a technology training program for all
employees.
d) Standardize printing and scanning vendors and
expand document management system.
e) Launch gigabit Ethernet at both libraries.
All Departments
Information Technology
Information Technology
Information Technology
Information Technology
Library
