HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2017-11-08 Minutes CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
November 8, 2017
1600 Los Gamos, Suite 345
San Rafael, CA
Commissioners Present:
Dr. Stephen Mizroch – Chair
Larry Luckham – Vice Chair
Leonard Thompson
Thomas Weathers
Nadine Atieh
David Fonkalsrud, Alternate
Commissioners Absent:
None
Guests:
Christopher Gray – Fire Chief
Bob Sinnott – Administrative Fire Chief
Matt Windrem – Battalion Chief
Linda Barnello – Marinwood citizen
Chair Mizroch called the meeting to order at 4:04 P.M.
Time for public expression:
None
Approval of minutes:
Minutes of the September 13, 2017 Fire Commission Meeting were reviewed and approved.
Fire Foundation:
Commissioner Thompson has tickets for the crab feed available for purchase. The Commissioners have
offered to help and will arrive at 1:00 pm while the event starts at 5:00 pm. The Foundation is looking
for donations that can be used at the silent auction so Chief Gray offered to help by reaching out to
individuals in the community. Additionally, Marinwood citizen Barnello is getting two certificates for Pet
Food Express (denominations of $250 and $500) and if they are not purchased, she will contribute the
total of $750. Firefighters are being encouraged to engage in this event and Chief Gray plans on
reaching out to them.
Member reports:
Chair Mizroch reminded the Commission of the Board and Commission celebration happening on
December 5th for all commissioners and encouraged the members to attend. Additionally, he
mentioned he will be sitting in on interviews for the Emergency Management Coordinator position.
Vice Chair Luckham was on the receiving end of medical/ambulance service and the service was nothing
less than excellent. The medic had the drip line going quickly and Vice Chair Luckham was visited by
several fire personnel as word was passed.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
November 8, 2017
1600 Los Gamos, Suite 345
San Rafael, CA
Commissioner Thompson briefed the Commission on the northern California wildfires – a fire one would
normally see in Southern California as it was wind driven with a huge force behind it. The strain on
resources caused poor communication for the first three days. For the first 36 hours, firefighters had no
relief, food, water or even a change of clothes. Firefighters were challenged mentally as they made
quick and difficult decisions. As a result, some are going to EAP. Commissioner Thompson also
informed the Commission that Cal Fire led a meeting on November 8th with the fire department chiefs to
go over lessons learned.
Commissioner Weathers would like to do something as a Commission in light of recent northern
California wildfires. He mentioned marketing or public awareness campaigns in San Rafael to educate
people here. Marinwood citizen Barnello mentioned they have a vegetation management program in
Marinwood and Chief Gray informed the Commission he has been speaking at homeowner association
meetings. Additionally, he asked us to continue to advocate for fire safety.
Commissioner Atieh emphasized the idea of public awareness for San Rafael residents in case of fire
emergency.
Alternate Commissioner Fonkalsrud recommended there be a tweet promoting the upcoming crab feed.
Fire Chief Report:
Battalion Chief Windrem reported – an extractor was purchased which allows the department to
wash their turnouts inhouse instead of shipping them to a third party service. The extractor,
along with a dryer, are kept at Station 55. As firefighter cancer is continuing to grow, the
purchase of the extractor is a step in the right direction since it makes it easier for firefighters to
wash their turnouts, resulting in the decrease of hazardous debris on the clothing.
Battalion Chief Windrem commented on the amazing community support offered to San Rafael
firefighters during the northern California wildfires.
Administrative Fire Chief Sinnott briefed the Commission on the huge improvements made by
the Vegetation Management Inspector, Patrick, who has been with the department since June.
o About 21 tons of flammable vegetation were removed
o Also removed bamboo and juniper which act as “fire sponges”
o Have hired another part time Vegetation Management Inspector to assist Patrick
Administrative Fire Chief Sinnott expressed the need to re-examine WUI (wild urban interface)
areas. Personnel are currently gathering input and spreading information.
Chief Gray reflected on the northern California Wildfires
o This was a life changing event – alignment of forces was overwhelming and Sonoma
County will be dealing with the effects for years to come
o Compared it to a bomb going off with literally no warning which resulted in a dramatic
amount of damage happening in a matter of hours
o The catastrophe will have implications as far as prevention and preparedness aspect
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
November 8, 2017
1600 Los Gamos, Suite 345
San Rafael, CA
o Was proud of all personnel who without complaint, volunteered to go assist or be here
at home
o The City of San Rafael had 5 out of their 6 engines out for this cause
o Santa Rosa produced an ordinance that will help with the rebuilding
Chief Gray informed the Commission of new additions to the department:
o 2 nurses – one working 3 days a week (Kaiser employee), other working 2 days a week
(part time fire employee)
o Part time Vegetation Management Inspector
o Emergency Management Coordinator
Chief Gray reported on the status of stations and the Public Safety Center:
o Public Safety Center Bids due November 30 – 4 general contractors have bid;
construction should commence January 15, 2018 and completion estimated at February
2020
o Station 51 - Link of camera on D and 5th street showing activity every 10 minutes
o Station 52 and Station 57 are progressing – expect to have both stations complete
around Sep/Nov 2018
o Station 54 and Station 55 – costs for renovations have increased and still no funding
Station 54 reached a point of diminishing return
Need to push forward on needed renovations
Health and efficiencies needed for facility
o Temporary facilities are working out quite well
Chief Gray reported on other initiatives:
o SMART – so far, had a few incidents but overall, going well. A lot of work going on
within the community as we move south to enable the Larkspur station
o Alert notifications – FCC is already taking action - codes will change as a result of the
northern California wildfires. Some alert systems provide the ability to customize which
allows a narrower focus
o Pink patch project went well – raised some money and spurred other fire agencies to
take part
There being no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:24 P.M.