HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2017-12-13 Minutes CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE COMMISSION MEETING Minutes of the Regular Meeting December 13, 2017 1600 Los Gamos, Suite 345 San Rafael, CA Present: Stephen Mizroch, Chair Chief Chris Gray Larry Luckham, Vice-Chair Leonard Thompson Thomas Weathers Nadine Atieh Excused: Dave Fonkalsrud Guest: Linda Barnello The meeting was called to order at 4:05pm. A. Chief Report: 1. Chief Gray updated the commission on San Rafael Fire personnel deployed to the large Southern California Fires. Chief Rowan heads a team of OES Engines; Captain Andy Rogerson leads an engine on a local government strike team; Marinwood and Marin County Fire crews have been deployed. 2. The City Manager, Jim Schutz, and Asst. City Manager have been doing “Ride-alongs” with Engine/Paramedic Crews in order to achieve a better understanding of the challenges that these crews face on a daily basis. The urgent need to update ambulance capability was evident. 3. New Nurse Educators Katie Pannell (Kaiser/SRFD) and Laura Pajari (SRFD) have the potential to be involved in a variety of efforts with the fire department, including the possibility of a new “Community Paramedicine Project” focused on high risk and frequent uses of the 911 System. This pilot program may include Marin County EMS and Novato Fire participation. 4. Vegetation Management: Marshall Nau has joined SRFD as a part time vegetation management inspector. 5. The search for an Emergency Management Coordinator is ongoing. CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE COMMISSION MEETING Minutes of the Regular Meeting December 13, 2017 1600 Los Gamos, Suite 345 San Rafael, CA CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE COMMISSION MEETING Minutes of the Regular Meeting December 13, 2017 1600 Los Gamos, Suite 345 San Rafael, CA B. Public Comment: Marinwood resident Linda Barnello commented on the professionalism, hard work and enthusiasm of the folks who put on the Crab Feed. The Fire Commission agreed. C. Commission Report: 1. Commissioner Thompson: The Crab Feed was a big success. 320 people attended and $20,000 was raised to support Fire Dept. needs. Widespread enthusiasm was pervasive at the Community Center. Dr. Mizroch will send a note of appreciation to the Fire Foundation concerning the Crab Feed on behalf of the Fire Commission. Due to scheduling conflicts, the Crab Feed for 2018 will probably occur in January 2019 instead of December 2018. Len also mentioned a joint Sonoma, Napa and Marin County project to create a “Crisis Debriefing” Program to assist First Responders and community members in dealing with the psychological aftermath of the wildfire catastrophe. 2. Commissioner Chair Mizroch presented two articles for the Fire Commission to consider: a) NEJM articles describing public health risks & ripple effects after natural disasters. b) NY Times article on the Bangkok, Thailand Fire Department and its frequent calls to help residents deal with snakes in their homes. The Fire Department serves different needs in different communities! 3. Commissioner Weathers spoke up for a role of the Fire Commission in promoting “Wildfire Risk Mitigation, Awareness and Preparedness” in our community. He will meet with Chief Gray to discuss. CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE COMMISSION MEETING Minutes of the Regular Meeting December 13, 2017 1600 Los Gamos, Suite 345 San Rafael, CA Also, Tom (with a lawyer’s insight) alerted the Fire Commissioners to look into how well their insurance policies protect their home and possessions after a fire…”Read the Fine Print”. Ask yourself, “Do I have adequate coverage?” 4. Commissioner Atieh raised the issue of a date conflict between the Crab Feed and the San Rafael Festival of Lights boat parade. This conflict needs to be considered in selecting a date for the next event. There being no further business, everyone was wished a Happy Holiday. Meeting was adjourned at 5:05pm. Respectfully submitted, Stephen Mizroch