HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2018-03-14 MinutesCITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
March 14, 2018
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 345
San Rafael
Present:
Fire Chief Christopher Gray
Battalion Chief Matt Windrem
Chair Steve Mizroch
Vice Chair Larry Luckham
Leonard Thompson
Thomas Weathers
Nadine Atieh
David Fonkalsrud, Alternate
Stan Burford, Alternate
Guests:
Marinwood citizen Linda Barnello
Chairman Mizroch called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. and introduced a new alternate
member to the Commission, Stan Burford. All attendees did self-introductions for Alternate
Commissioner Burford.
I. Approval of Minutes:
Chairman Mizroch asked for any additions or corrections to the minutes of the January 17,
2018 meeting. None were offered. Minutes were approved (Thompson moved/Luckham
seconded/unanimous vote).
II. Open Time for Public Expression:
Linda Barnello commented on and thanked the SRFD for their collaboration with the
Marinwood Fire Department. She said that since the firefighters in Marinwood do not have
a contract for paramedic services, the SRFD has allowed them to be on SRFD vehicles to
keep up to speed on paramedic training. She was appreciative of this effort which goes
beyond the shared services agreement.
III. San Rafael Fire Foundation:
Commissioner Thompson noted that the Foundation bank account currently has
approximately $60,000.
He also noted the upcoming Foundation fundraiser at BJs Restaurant on March 20th where
20% of proceeds will go to the Foundation.
Commissioner Thompson also gave a description of the Foundation and its activities for
Alternate Commissioner Burford.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
March 14, 2018
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 345
San Rafael
Chairman Mizroch read a resolution from the Foundation honoring volunteers, including
members of the SR Fire Commission, that assisted with last December’s Crab Feed
fundraiser. It was the most financially successful Crab Feed fundraiser to date.
Vice Chairman Luckham noted that purchases of any items via Amazon.com can provide a
small contribution to the Foundation if the purchaser selects the Foundation as a part of the
Amazon Smile program.
IV. Historic Subcommittee:
Chairman Mizroch shared the blueprints for the new essential services building under
construction and the opportunity for a historic display (for SRFD and SRPD) in the lobby of
the building. He noted that there is space on the wall for a historic storyboard and that the
SRFD and SRPD Chiefs will make the final decisions for how this space will be used, based
on recommendations from the Historic Subcommittee.
Chief Gray noted that since the building will not open until the spr ing of 2020, there is ample
time to plan. He also noted that there is budget to fund this initiative and that there could be
supplemental fundraising. He said there could also be an opportunity for a statue or other
monument in front of the building (this is currently not funded).
Chairman Mizroch noted that the Subcommittee is seeking badges, patches, photographs
and other artifacts for the exhibit, and Chief Gray suggested the possibility of rotating the
displays over time. It was suggested that a call go out to the general public for additional
artifacts and that a database be created to manage the artifacts.
Chairman Mizroch referred to the exhibit as a living museum with rotating exhibits that
provide an opportunity to celebrate the history of the dept.
V. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
A) Chairman Mizroch shared a thank you note from the firefighters of Station 52 to the
Fire Commission, as well as an article about the closing of Station 51 in SPAMFA.
B) Vice Chair Luckham shared photos and thoughts on the recent Marina Court Dr.
residential fire. He also discussed a two-day career and recruiting academy he
recently participated in with the Berkeley Fire Department. The academy was in
partnership with UC Berkeley and recruited 30 female undergraduate athletes.
Participants were outfitted with turnouts and full bunker gear and completed a series
of drills (fire axes, chainsaws, throwing ladders and hoses, training tower exercises,
air ladders, etc.). The initiative represented an investment in the future potential of
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
March 14, 2018
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 345
San Rafael
these individuals, as they would likely not be qualified candidates for another five
years.
C) Commissioner Thompson had no report beyond the above Foundation report.
D) Commissioner Weathers noted that he is currently working with the Fire Foundation
on bylaw changes. A discussion ensued on the national opioid epidemic and the
local impact on the community and the SRFD. Chairman Mizroch provided a
description of the cycle of addiction and the importance of securing housing for those
fighting addiction. Battalion Chief Windrem provided a description of the typical
addiction calls the department makes and how the calls relate to the homeless issue
in the city. The Commission also discussed the emotional impact of these calls on
the firefighters on the front line and the Chief indicated he will look into ways the
commission can help.
E) Commissioner Atieh had no report.
F) Alternate Commissioner Fonkalsrud applauded the SRFD for the new initiative
where it will communicate to the community via Nextdoor. Chairman Mizroch asked
if there were any learnings from the recent Napa fires related to emergency warning
communications to citizens, and Chief Gray suggested that all residents use the
Alert Marin service and keep their phones on at night. Alternate Commissioner
Fonkalsrud also reported on the Latino Civic Leadership Initiative Event in which he
participated in January. The event was focused on encouraging more members of
the Latino community in San Rafael to serve on boards and commissions.
VI. Fire Chief Report:
Chief Gray commented on the current weather and the anticipated weather next week and
the importance of safety.
He said the temporary facilities are holding up well and that the SRFD has now been at
1600 Los Gamos for a year. He also noted that flooding at Boyd House caused some
employees to be relocated to the Los Gamos building. The construction at Station 52 is
close to being on schedule and is targeting a September completion. The masonry phase
has been completed and the steel phase is next. There have been minimal cost overruns
and some contaminated soil has also been identified. In terms of the construction of Station
57, considerable soil issues have been uncovered. Station 57 is targeting a January 2019
opening, approximately four months behind schedule. Work also continues on the
construction of the Public Safety Center. Contaminated soil (from diesel fuel) has been
detected on this site at the seven foot level. The construction team will follow all applicable
procedures for the soil removal and mitigation. The recent rain has created some site
access issues. There are weekly meetings with Alton on progress, and the center is
expected to open in the spring of 2020.
In terms of personnel, Chief Gray noted that veteran firefighter and engineer Jim Keefer
from Station 56 will be retiring on March 17. He also noted the recent hiring of Juan
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
March 14, 2018
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 345
San Rafael
Alejandre who is currently going through a modified academy. There are also three
candidates in the background phase, pending final evaluations before offers are extended.
There are 10 candidates for oral board on March 19. Chief Gray noted that most fire
departments across the state are continuously hiring now and that this is especially
important for the SRFD given how selective the team is in making personnel decisions. He
also noted that SRFD had only 24 applicants, significantly lighter than historical levels, and
that this lower number of applicants could represent the new normal.
Battalion Chief Windrem discussed his involvement in converting old SRFD policies and
making updates. This will ensure SRFD has policies that are legally appropriate and
modernized with best practices. The new policies will also be available digitally.
Chief Gray will arrange for Andrew Henning and Lynn Murphy to come to a future
Commission meeting.
Chief Gray noted that SRFD is partnering with the county to provide additional training for
paramedics to meet with residents who have multiple ER calls with SRFD (to help them
resolve issues and lower the number of future calls). This initiative includes about 130
hours of training.
Chief Gray also noted the meetings SRFD has had with local homeowners groups about
vegetation management. There is a May 3 wildfire symposium with Sen. McGuire and
others (how residents can protect themselves). The Chief also noted that SRFD personnel
are always available to consult with citizens who have questions about safety. He said that
he is also consulting with the city to re-zone the current fire zones. He noted that
unattended cooking is highest cause of residential fires, and also noted the process for
auditing multifamily residential structures for safety.
Chief Gray mentioned that three new ambulances will arrive in April and that three new
pickups have been acquired for battalion chiefs.
Battalion Chief Windrem provided a report on the Marina Court Dr. incident. The residence
is a single level house, most of which was consumed by the fire. The physical disability of
homeowner prevented immediate attention to the fire. The investigation has yet to
determine the root cause, but personal electronic chargers are likely involved.
Chief Gray noted that the fireboat Confidence received its annual servicing.
Chief Gray mentioned that he is in the midst of budget preparation. The city is negotiating
with all bargaining groups with a goal of completion by July 1. The budget is $26 million. He
also mentioned that Marinwood has asked for a service proposal, given the retirement of
their chief. A merger is not off the table.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
March 14, 2018
1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 345
San Rafael
Linda Barnello noted the good relationship between Marinwood and the SRFD, and she
shared a letter from all Marinwood firefighters with their support for merging with SRFD.
VII. Adjournment:
Chairman Mizroch asked if there was anything further from anyone, and there being nothing
further, adjourned the meeting at 5:46 p.m.