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