HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2025-06-11 Agenda PacketSAN RAFAEL FIRE COMMISSION
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 @ 4:00 P.M.
Fire Station 55
955 Point San Pedro Dr, San Rafael 94901
Watch on Zoom: https://cityofsanrafael-org.zoom.us/j/87645072553
Webinar ID: 876 4507 2553
Listen by phone: +1 669 900 9128
Members of the Public May Speak on Agenda Items
1. Open Time for Public Expression
The public is welcome to address the Fire Commission at this time on matters not on the agenda that are
within its jurisdiction. Please be advised that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the Fire
Commission is not permitted to discuss or take action on any matter not on the agenda unless it determines
that an emergency exists, or that there is a need to take immediate action which arose following posting of
the agenda. Comments may be no longer than two minutes and should be respectful to the community.
2. Approval of Minutes – May 14, 2025
Recommended Action: Amend and or approve as submitted.
3. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
• “Big Mac” takes flight
• Santa Rosa Fire Foundation
Recommended Action: Accept Verbal Report and take appropriate action.
4. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
Recommended Action: Accept Verbal Report and take appropriate action.
5. Media – Articles and events pertaining to the Fire Service
Fire Department Eyes Shakeup Amid Rising Demand – Palo Alto Online
ISO Rating Announcement
Marin Voice: San Rafael fire chief urges all to make plan for emergencies – Marin IJ
San Rafael Wildfire Prevention and Protection Action Plan
6. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
David Fonkalsrud – Chair
Ken Johnson - Vice Chair
Stan Burford
John Chung
Donna McCusker
Brian Waterbury
Informational only. No action to be taken on these items.
7. Fire Chief Report
Informational only. No action to be taken.
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the board or commission less than 72 hours before the
meeting, shall be available for inspection at San Rafael Fire Department’s Administrative Office, 1375 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA.
Sign Language interpreters and assistive listening devices may be requested by calling (415) 485-3066 (voice), emailing
Lindsay.lara@cityofsanrafael.org or using the California Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours in
advance of the meeting. Copies of documents are available in accessible formats upon request. Public transportation is available
through Golden Gate Transit, Line 22 or 23. Paratransit is available by calling Whistlestop. Wheels at (415) 454-0964. To allow
individuals with environmental illness or multiple chemical sensitivity to attend the meeting/hearing, individuals are requested to
refrain from wearing scented products.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 @ 4:00 P.M.
Public Safety Center
1375 5th Ave, San Rafael, CA
Meeting called to order at 4:01 PM.
Present:
Chair David Fonkalsrud
Commissioner Ken Johnson
Commissioner Stan Burford
Commissioner John Chung
Commissioner Donna McCusker
Commissioner Brian Waterbury
Chief Sinnott
Thomas Wong
1. Open Time for Public Expression
No public comment.
2. Approval of Minutes – April 9, 2025
Chair Fonkalsrud asks if there are any corrections or objections, hearing none ,
Commissioner Burford moves to approve, Commissioner Johnson seconds and the minutes
are adopted unanimously.
3. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
Commissioner McCusker met with the San Rafael Fire Association about fundraising.
4. Media – Articles and events pertaining to the Fire Service
Assemblymember Connolly Appointed Chair of Assembly Select Committee on Wildfire
Prevention
California housing development niche – Marin Independent Journal
• Commissioner Burford notes that it’s interesting that houses have been built with
stucco and other fire resistant materials for many years but now home builders are
marketing it.
Close to Home - Press Democrat
Speaker Event: San Rafael Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 – Laura Ackley
• Commissioner Chung states that there is a speaker event on the hand pulled car that
is stored in Gerstle Parkt
Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report – Gallagher Report
5. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
Commissioner Chung went to May Madness at 4th St this year. Says would be good to have a
presence there next year.
SRFD is trying to beef up their Water Rescue Program and get new jet skis. Need about
$20,000 and will be looking at ways to fundraise. Need more money for the Fire Boat.
Discussing three popup events to show off our EMS capabilities.
6. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
Commissioner Burford: Has been communicating with City Manager, Director of Recreation,
and inside person at recreation in charge of the annual publications. Have a meeting with
Quinn next week to discuss content and to set up procedures to get this done to meet
Recreation’s deadline.
Commissioner Chung: 9/11 there will be the name reading event again like last year at 54.
This year’s event will be open to the public and invites will go out.
Commissioner McCusker: Fire Foundation is waiting for the department wish list before the
next fundraising goal.
Commissioner Waterbury: Has been asked to participate in the Marin Fire History
Committee. They go into the history of fire departments in Marin County. They are going to
be doing the history of the 1976 Fairhills Fire. Also doing a research project on the
Marinwood Fire Department.
Chair Fonkalsrud: Met with Councilmember Hill and gave general updates about the Fire
Commission, growth, and insurance. He expressed interest in the Drone program. Chair
Fonkalsrud asked about the Standards of Coverage report and Chief Sinnott indicates it will
go to Council with the Paramedic Tax update.
Chair Fonkalsrud asks the group what month should be canceled. The July meeting will be
canceled. The June meeting will be held at Station 55.
7. Chief’s Report
Chief Sinnott provided the report. The department held an egg drop competition. There
were a few boat related incidents. There was also a fire that started in a garbage can that
went to the roof.