HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2025-12-10 Agenda Packet
SAN RAFAEL FIRE COMMISSION AGENDA
Wednesday, December 10, 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 – November 12, 2025
Recommended Action: Amend and or approve as submitted.
3. Commission Business and Discussions
i. Station holiday recognition
ii. City Council Commissioner assignments
iii. 2026 Goals
iv. Nominate and elect new Chair and Vice Chair
v. January Meeting
4. San Rafael Explorer Program – Presentation by Captain William Berkey
5. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
6. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
7. Fire Department Upcoming City Council Items – Verbal update from Fire staff
8. 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.
9. 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, November 12, 2025 @ 4:00 P.M.
Station 57
3530 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903
Attendees:
Ken Johnson - Vice Chair
Stan Burford
John Chung
Donna McCusker
Brian Waterbury
Chief Sinnott
Danielle Jones
Meeting called to order at 4:02 pm.
1. Open Time for Public Expression
No public comments.
2. Approval of Minutes – November 12, 2025
Vice Chair Johnson asks if there are any changes to the draft minutes. Hearing none,
Commissioner Burford made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner
Waterbury and approved unanimously.
3. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
Meeting this Friday to discuss Fundraising and needs of the department. Fire
Foundation website is going well and photos provided by the department look good.
4. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
Commissioner Chung states that Chief Roman approved holiday lights at the fire house
and a policy will be created. Commissioner McCusker suggest that instead of gift cards
for the stations this year they should do dinner at the station house. The Commissioner
Chung motioned to continue this discussion to the next Fire Commission meeting. Vice
Chair Johnson seconded and the vote was unanimous.
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
Chief Sinnott states this is the first time that this has been added to the agenda. Moving
forward, City Council items for the Fire Department, will be brought to the Commission
first to get input and support. There are no items this month.
7. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
David Fonkalsrud – Would like to do a proclamation for the Fire Foundation. Add to
agenda for the next meeting.
Ken Johnson – Helping a resident in San Rafael who had a fire with an insurance claim.
Stan Burford – The Commission received a letter about the Commission and though
that Fire Safe Marin and Firewise, two programs that are all part of the family of services
available to the public. Should we invite them to a future meeting?
John Chung – Helped conduct an EMS/Truck demonstration at the Open House.
Donna McCusker – Went to the Fire Station open house and learned a lot about the
department Explorers program and asked Captain Berkey to present an overview at a
meeting next year. Also, the Commission should meet with Councilmembers next year
and rotate. Makes a motion to invite Quinn Gardner to the Commission in 2026 to
discuss Firewise and Fire Safe Marin. Seconded by Commissioner Burford and passed
unanimously.
Brian Waterbury – Received an invite to the City Commission party.
8. Fire Chief Report
Chief Sinnott provides updates on the department and incidents in the past month
including the joint PD and Fire open house.
Meeting adjourned at 4:55.