HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2025-02-12 MinutesCITY OF SAN RAFAEL
FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Fire Station 52, Training Room
52 Union Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
Meeting called to order at 4:04
Present:
Chair David Fonkalsrud
Commissioner Ken Johnson
Commissioner Stan Burford
Commissioner John Chung
Commissioner Donna McCusker
Chief Sinnott
Chief Roman
Thomas Wong
1. Open Time for Public Expression
No public comment.
2. Approval of Minutes – January 8, 2025
Chair Fonkalsrud asks if there are any corrections or objections, hearing none, Commissioner
Burford seconds and the minutes are adopted unanimously.
3. 2025 Fire Commission Goals
Chair Fonkalsrud discusses the bylaws. They are currently outdated. Thomas will review them
with the City Clerk to determine the current bylaws.
Suggested goals:
• Council Relationships
• Support for SR Fire Foundation
o Volunteer activities in support of the annual Crab Feed and any other
community events
• Public Awareness
o Advice and support for SRFD staff in communicating about fire safety to the
community through online channels (social media)
• Community Engagement
o Support SRFD and city events, such as: Labor Day parade; 911 memorial
service; the end of year party; Fire Prevention Week; fire station open house
events; movie night booths; Ember Stomp; Marin County Fair; any other events
commemorating the 150th anniversary
• Citizen Assistance Program
o Support SRFD in utilizing existing or creating new programs for civilians to assist
with non-critical tasks during fire emergencies in order to enable FFPMs to
respond to the critical elements of the incident
Commissioner McCusker discusses her experience with Folsom who have a Citizen Assisting
Public Safety (CAPS) program.
Commissioner Burford and Johnson will create a subcommittee to work with OES to discuss
CERT.
Chief Sinnott recommends asking MMWD to present on the current state of the water system in
light of the fires in LA.
4. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
Thanks to FF/PM McCarthy, the Foundation has added three new members.
5. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
Commissioner Chung provides an update on the 150th Anniversary Parade. Thomas adds that
the City wants to join the FD on a parade
6. Current Media Coverage
Private hydrants in big demand after LA fires – Los Angeles Times
7. Commissioner Reports
Johnson – Insurance companies made record income recently.
Burford: HOA provided a $1000 donation to the Fire Foundation
Chung: Met with Councilmember Hill and had a good conversation about Fire service.
McCusker: Cal FAIR Plan is bankrupt and needs $1B cash
8. Chief’s Report
Chief Roman says that Marinwood is down to 5 full-time firefighters. San Rafael has formally
been asked to look into doing a fee for service where San Rafael staffs Marinwood’s Fire
Department.
Adjourned at 5:20
