HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2024-05-08 MinutesCITY OF SAN RAFAEL
FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 4:02 p.m.
In person meeting at 1375 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
The meeting was called to order at 4:02p.m. by Chair Burford
Present:
Chair Stan Burford
Commissioner Dave Fonkalsrud
Commissioner Ken Johnson
Commissioner Donna McCusker
Commissioner John Chung
Commissioner Brian Waterbury
Thomas Wong
Chief Sinnott
Chief Roman
Firefighter Angel Landaverde (Virtually)
Member of the public: Michael
1. Open Time for Public Expression
Michael promotes his Association and proposes to display some of the Club’s antiques Fire
Apparatus at the occasion of the 150th anniversary of San Rafael Fire department.
2. Approval of Minutes – April 10, 2024
Chair Burford requests to correct in the Minutes that Commissioner Brian Waterbury was
indeed present. The request is accepted by all.
Chair Burford makes a motion to approve the draft minutes. Seconded by Commissioner
Fonkalsrud and Commissioner Chung.
The Minutes are adopted unanimously.
3. Firefighters Without Borders California – Informational
Non-Profit | Firefighter Without Borders California (firefighterswithoutborderscalifornia.com)
Firefighter/Paramedic Angel Landaverde, from San Rafael Fire Department is a member of
Firefighter Without Boarders California International since 2008.
Landaverde and four other members of San Rafael Fire and Police Departments will leave on
June 6th, 2024, to Guatemala to support a local Fire Department in a humanitarian help. They
are bringing material they collected, shipping through an agreement they made with the
Airport. They will provide training and teach world rescue, firefighting techniques to 35
firefighters who never received any training.
Landaverde calls for the support of the Fire Commission. The cost for housing and
transportation for each firefighter is $2,000. Commissioner Mc Cusker wants to raise awareness
and calls for donations.
4. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner McCusker
Commission McCusker brings and shows the original City of San Rafael Certificate of
Corporation dated on December 14th, 1874.
The Fire Foundation is still searching for two new Board members.
The 2024 Crab Feed raised $17,000.
5. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
Commissioner Chung reports that almost each Fire Station has a scheduled date for an Open
House event to celebrate San Rafael Fire Department 150th Anniversary.
Commissioner Chung would like for the Fire Commission to sponsor the Parade.
Chair Burford shows a smart TV donated to the Fire Department available to display historical
pictures of San Rafael Fire Department.
Discussion about the collection of pictures, memorabilia, and the possible growing content
available.
6. Current Media Coverage
Major California home insurer could resume writing new policies. Here’s what it would take -
San Francisco Chronicle
Commissioner Jonhson presents the article. Discussion about the future of Fire Insurance in
California.
7. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
• Stan Burford– Chair: No report.
• David Fonkalsrud- Vice Chair proposes to advertise the need of two new members in the
Board of the Fire Foundation and volunteers both on the San Rafael Fire Department Social
Medias and on the Fire Foundation website.
• Donna McCusker: Point out the fire risks existing due to overgrown weed on alleyways in
Terra Linda.
• John Chung: No report.
• Brian Waterbury: Shares and proposes to use some personal pictures of his collection circa
2000 at the San Rafael Fire Department.
• Ken Johnson: No report.
8. Fire Chief Report
Chief Sinnott’s Report:
• Staff update: Manny Albano left us for Sonoma County, New Wildfire Prevention Inspectors will join
the Department in May and June.
• The Taqueria San Jose is closed since a Fire that happened few months ago. As an example, even
though a building is intact, it can take up to months to be able to reopen.
• Update given on Marinwood Development: the construction of 135 affordable housing and
commercial spaces should have a good impact on the community.
• Update given on Marin Lab – Vivalon project.
• The Wildfire Mitigation team is very busy training their Seasonal team members.
• Facility update: Station 55 will be installing fire-resistant planting garden as an educational tool for
residents, led by Calvin Schrader.
Chief Roman’s Report:
• The City Manager is asking to take a recess with the Fire Commission meeting in July because of an
overload of work. The Commission agrees to take July off.
• The firefighters are in the process of signing their agreement.
• Staff update: One of the Battalion Chief will be moving to an EMS Administrative position. There will
be an exam in June for filling the Battalion Chief vacant position in July. The Deputy Chief position
will be held open until next year. Chief Roman is hoping to have the operation staff fully staffed by
the end of the year.
Meeting adjourned at 5:18 PM
