HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2025-11-12 Agenda Packet
SAN RAFAEL FIRE COMMISSION AGENDA
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 @ 4:00 P.M.
Station 57
3530 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903
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 – October 8, 2025
Recommended Action: Amend and or approve as submitted.
3. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
4. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
5. Media
i. The Destructive Legacy of California’s Zombie Fires – The New York Times
ii. ‘What Can Burn Will Burn’ – The New York Times
6. Fire Department Upcoming City Council Items – Verbal update from Fire staff
7. 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.
8. 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 MINUTES
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 @ 4:00 P.M.
Public Safety Center
1375 5th Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
Attendees:
David Fonkalsrud – Chair
Ken Johnson - Vice Chair
Stan Burford
John Chung
Donna McCusker
Brian Waterbury
Chief Sinnott
Meeting called to order at 4:00 pm.
1. Open Time for Public Expression
No public comments.
2. Approval of Minutes – October 8, 2025
Chair Fonkalsrud asks if there are any changes to the draft minutes. Hearing none,
Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner
McCusker and approved unanimously.
3. SAFE Team – Presentation
Presentation postponed.
4. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
Fire Foundation held a fundraiser at Andy’s Market. Fire Foundation is working on
getting input from the Fire Department on next big need. Chair Fonkalsrud is still
working on the website.
5. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
Open house is this Saturday, 10-1 at PSC. Will show case auto extrication at noon.
6. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
David Fonkalsrud – Commissioner Johnson and McCusker were reappointed to for
another 4 years. The badge pinning ceremony was great and good representation by
City Council. The next meeting will be held at Station 57.
Ken Johnson – No report
Stan Burford – Saw an ad for the Fire department looking for EMTs. The Department is
launching a BLS team in early 2026.
John Chung – Think about finding sponsorships for fire house decorations from local
businesses.
Donna McCusker – Came across a PGE flyer in the Sierras. Commissioner Burford has
seen that as an insert in the IJ.
Brian Waterbury – Did a ride along with Chief Hamilton. Was very impressed with the
level of sophistication and was impressive. Went out the ECC too which was
interesting.
7. Fire Chief Report
Chief Sinnott provides updates on the department and incidents in the past month.
Meeting adjourned at 5:14.