HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2025-11-12 Minutes
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.