HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2025-10-08 Agenda Packet
SAN RAFAEL FIRE COMMISSION
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 @ 4:00 P.M.
Public Safety Center
1375 5th Ave, San Rafael, CA 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 – September 10, 2025
Recommended Action: Amend and or approve as submitted.
3. SAFE Team – Presentation
Informational only. No action to be taken.
4. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
5. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
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 t he
meeting, shall be available for inspection at San Rafael Fire Department’s Administrative Office, 1375 Fifth Avenue, San Rafa el, 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 availa ble
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.
SAN RAFAEL FIRE COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 @ 4:00 P.M.
Fire Station 56
650 Del Ganado Rd, CA 94903
Attendees:
David Fonkalsrud – Chair
Ken Johnson - Vice Chair
Stan Burford
John Chung
Brian Waterbury
Chief Bernard
Chief Sinnott
Thomas Wong
Meeting called to order at 4:02 pm.
1. Open Time for Public Expression
No public comments.
2. Approval of Minutes – August 13, 2025
Chair Fonkalsrud asks if there are any changes to the draft minutes. Hearing none,
Commissioner Chung made a motion to approve, seconded by Chair Fonkalsrud and
approved unanimously.
3. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
No report
4. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
Commissioner Chung discussed the 9/11 Memorial, tomorrow at 0658. There is also
the PSC Open House on October 11. Police will join Fire and the time is TBD.
5. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
David Fonkalsrud – Would like the Fire Commission to be notified of large events.
Watched the press conference and thanked those that responded. Chair Fonkalsrud is
working on updating the Fire Foundation website and promoting donations to the
Foundation. There is a Foundation event at Andy’s market on October 12.
Ken Johnson – Went to both Canal fire and the most recent 5th Ave fire. A lot of
admiration for the work done by the fire fighters from all agencies that responded. Also
went to Ember stomp and purchased lunch for the crew there.
Stan Burford – No report
John Chung – Did two ride alongs this past month.
Brian Waterbury – Doing a ride along next Monday with Chief Bernard.
6. Fire Chief Report
Chief Sinnott and Chief Bernard discussed recent fires in San Rafael including 1517 5th
Ave and 516 Canal St. The drone was used in both fires and continues to be integrated
into operations. Commissioner Waterbury asked if we use thermal imaging cameras
and Chief Bernard confirmed everyone has small units on them. Fire was onsite at 516
Canal for 8 consecutive days. Every agency in Marin played some role in responding to
this fire.
Chief Bernard gives an overview of the department’s fleet. New engine 51 is due to
arrive next month. Engines now cost a million dollars. Our ambulance fleet is in good
order with Medics 55 and 56 getting ready to switch with 52 and 57 to even out the
wear.
Meeting adjourned at 5:26.