HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2020-02-12 Minutes
1
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
February 12, 2020
Fire Station 54, 46 Castro Ave, San Rafael CA
The meeting was called to order at 4 p.m. by Chair Mizroch.
Present: Chair Stephen Mizroch, Vice Chair Larry Luckham, Nadine Hade, Elias Hill, Thomas
Weathers, and Alternates Stan Burford and Fonkalsrud.
Staff: Acting Fire Chief Bob Sinnott, Acting Captain Esteban Cespedes, FF/PM Steven Coleman, &
FF/PM Pepi Morel.
1. Open Time for Public Expression. None
2. Approval of Minutes: M/S Luckham/Hill to approve the minutes from the January 8, 2020
Fire Commission meeting. All Ayes.
3. Fire Foundation Report. No report this month.
4. Historic Subcommittee. No report this month.
5. Commissioner Reports. First, Chair Mizroch asked each commissioner to introduce
themselves and state why they joined the Fire Commission. This was for the benefit of the
firefighters in attendance. The firefighters also were invited to introduce themselves to the
commissioners. The commissioners then provided their reports:
• Chair Mizroch: Provided an overview of his impression and role in the Fire Chief’s
interview process that occurred on February 10, 2020. Chair Mizroch participated
as a panel member in the day-long interview process.
• Vice Chair Luckham: Shared articles on new firefighting technology and a rescue that
occurred in Atlanta involving a trapped 95-year old resident.
• Commissioner Weathers: No report this month.
• Commissioner Hade: Shared her perspective on the Fire Chief interview process in
which she was a panel member for the February 10 interview process.
• Commissioner Hill: Deferred his comments for later agenda items.
• Commissioner Fonkalsrud: (1) Provided his view of the recent Wildfire Protection
Community meetings; (2) mentioned he’s seeing an increasing number of VOTE YES
ON MEASURE C signs; (3) shared an article on the Future of Firefighting; (4) will
contact Quinn Gardner and David Catalinotto regarding assistance and input with
2
Commissioner page of website & suggested that possibly Fire Foundation could
assist with financial support if needed for website upgrades; (5) Stated that he had
attended a recent Wildfire Protection Community meeting and praised staff for
their efforts.
• Commissioner Burford: (1) Signed up for the upcoming San Rafael CERT course; (2)
Mentioned that he had attended a recent Wildfire meeting as praised staff for the
great effort; (3) Presented a check for $1,000 to Chair Mizroch for the Fire
Foundation on behalf of the Fair Hills HOA; (4) Summarized recent IJ article on
Drone Program being implemented by the Southern Marin Fire District.
6. Fire Commission Goals for 2020. The Commissioners discussed goals for the calendar year,
including: (1) Website development; (2) Efforts to assist Measure C; (3) Fire Foundation
support; (4) Assisting with artwork and historical artifacts for the lobby at the new Public
Safety Center.
7. Marin Wildfire JPA. Staff updated the commissioners on the JPA and that the development
of the organizational structure will proceed forward after the passage of Measure C.
Currently, the Marin fire chiefs and city managers are meeting to outline the framework.
8. Continue Social Media and Webpage Discussion. Commissioner Fonkalsrud will meet with
Quinn Gardner and David Catalinotto about improving the current webpage. Subsequently,
he will also reach out to Sean Mooney to solicit assistance.
9. Status of Fire Chief Recruitment: Interviews are being held this week with candidates.
10. Fire Department Jackets: Staff confirmed that commissioners have contacted FF Berkey to
provide sizing information.
11. Fire Chief’s Report. Acting Chief Sinnott summarized Department activities since the
previous meeting.
12. Adjournment: The Fire Commission meeting was adjourned at 5 p.m. The next meeting is
tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 1600 Los Gamos Drive Suite 345.
Submitted,
Robert B. Sinnott, Deputy Chief