HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2018-11-14 MinutesCITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
November 14, 2018
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 345, San Rafael CA
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The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. by Commissioner Mizroch
Present: Chair Stephen Mizroch, Vice Chair Larry Luckham, Commissioners: Thomas
Weathers and David Fonkalsrud
Staff: Fire Chief Christopher Gray and Deputy Fire Chief Bob Sinnott
Guest: Linda Barnello – Marinwood resident.
1. Open Time for Public Expression:
➢ Ms. Barnello praised the San Rafael Fire Department for the deployment and
assistance being provided to both the Camp and Woolsey fire incidents.
2. Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the October 10, 2018 meeting were approved
with TWO corrections. M/S Luckham/Fonkalsrud. All Ayes.
3. Fire Foundation Report by Chair Mizroch:
➢ Chief Mizroch reported on the December 8, 2018 Crab Feed. Asks that
Commissioners report for duty at 2 pm to assist with set up. He reports he is
currently soliciting donations for auction items. Asks anyone who can to assist
with this effort. Commissioner Weathers asked if there were a list of businesses
already contacted so that we do not duplicate efforts. Chair Mizroch states that
Foundation Board Member Jack Devlin has compiled a list. It was noted that
Captain Bob DeLambert is getting wine donations.
➢ Chair Mizroch reported on the recent classic car show and fundraising event held
at Jackson’s Hardware. A $1,000 donation from the proceeds of the event was
awarded to the Fire Foundation from Jackson’s Hardware and Woodland Auto
Center.
4. Historic Subcommittee: No report this month.
5. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
❖ Chair Mizroch:
o Discussed and circulated an article titled Case Studies in Social Medicine
– Attending to Structural Forces in Clinical Practice from the New England
Journal of Medicine.
❖ Vice Chair Luckham:
o Reported that he recently reviewed the final investigation report on the
2016 warehouse fire, titled the Ghost Ship Fire that claimed 36 lives and
shared his views on some key findings.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
November 14, 2018
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 345, San Rafael CA
2
❖ Commissioner Weathers:
o Discussed the Paradise Fire pertaining to close family ties to the area and
impacts it is having to those who had to evacuate. It was noted that one
San Rafael firefighter lost his family home in the Camp Incident.
❖ Commissioner Fonkalsrud:
o Discussed last minute Crab Feed planning efforts currently underway.
Notes approximately 100 tickets have been sold to date. Thanked Chief
Gray for social media outreach.
6. Fire Chief Report: Chief Gray’s Comments included the following points:
➢ The status of our deployment to the Camp and Woolsey fire incidents.
➢ Discussed the new 2018 practice of pre-positioning of fire resources under Red
Flag conditions.
➢ Reviewed our progress with the Marinwood Chief Officer’s agreement that went
into place on November 1, 2018. The Chief attended both the November Marin
Commission meeting as well as a community Disaster Preparedness/Fire
Prevention meeting.
➢ Summarized the BE BOLD fire initiative the proposes several new wildfire
prevention and disaster preparedness strategies that will be considered by
Council.
➢ Noted that there is a flurry of fire prevention activity complaints as a result of the
Camp and Woolsey fires.
➢ Summarized a recent meeting hosted by PG&E that focused on upcoming efforts
to clear vegetation in a 12’ radius around certain high voltage equipment.
➢ Summarized the Helen Vine Shooting that occurred on November 6, 2019 and
our agency’s role in treating and transporting the injured.
➢ Indicated that we will be soon seeking Council approval for a new Type-1 and two
Type-6 engines. The Chief described the key features of a Type-6 engine as built
on a heavy duty pickup truck cab and chassis for high maneuverability and ability
to quickly access very hard to reach areas.
➢ Noted that a firefighter recruitment process is pending.
Roundtable:
➢ Chair Mizroch discussed emergency access challenges on many hillside
roadways. FC Gray noted that this is incorporated into BE BOLD fire initiatives.
Future parking restrictions could be imposed by Red Flag conditions. Chief notes
that more vehicles per household has increased the numbers of vehicles parked
on streets compounding access problems. Additionally, residents are using
garages less for the parking of vehicles. Chief asked Commissioners to pass
along any suggestions for future fire prevention initiatives.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
November 14, 2018
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 345, San Rafael CA
3
➢ Commissioner Fonkalsrud asked about any expansion/innovation in the areas of
citizen alerting-notification. FC Gray responded that we are tied to the County
OES notification platform but is concerned that we should be able to activate
notification if necessary as well. Noted the vulnerability of cell towers; wants to
see other systems in place. Chair Mizroch asked about audible notification such
as sirens or horns. Chief responded that some smaller communities in Marin
have audible systems but that there is no plan at this time to implement such a
system in San Rafael. But it’s still a consideration that is on the list.
➢ Ms. Barnello asked about vegetation reduction programs for those who might be
financially challenged and cannot afford to have work done. FC Gray responded
that we can and should have more free-of-charge chipper days. Additionally, he
is not concerned with those who take advantage of such programs as it still
meets the common goal of vegetation reduction.
Adjournment: The Fire Commission meeting was adjourned at 5 p.m. The next meeting
is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 12, 2018.
Submitted,
Robert B. Sinnott, Deputy Chief