HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2015-07-08 MinutesCITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
July 8, 2015
Fire Station 55 – 955 Pt. San Pedro Road
PRESENT
Commissioners
Chair Stephen Mizroch
Larry Luckham
Carolyn Lenert
Leonard Thompson
Aaron Golbus
Carolyn Lenert
Tom Weathers, Commissioner Alternate
ABSENT
Chief Christopher Gray
PERSONNEL
Deputy Fire Chief Robert Sinnott
Battalion Chief Kyle Hamilton
Captain Evan Minard
Firefighter/Paramedic Michael McMcCarthy
Firefighter/Paramedic Angel Landaverde
The July 8, 2015 meeting of the San Rafael Fire Commission was called to order by
Chair Mizroch at 4:03 p.m.
Chair Mizroch reported on his recent visit to the fire brigade of Big Rock Ranch. He
inquired about the possibility of a future meeting of the Fire Commission at that location
and the Commissioners agreed.
Commissioner Luckham reported on his recent activities with Photo 50, especially with
respect to the Upper Road event. He noted that the training schedule for prescribed
fires have been set for the end of October/early November. He briefly announced
status of the MERA (Marin Emergency Radio Agency) citizen oversight subcommittee
which is just activating with county consultants being hired. The San Rafael Essential
Services Facilities project has begun with the preparation of the historic site.
Commissioner Lenert commented on the wonderful badge pinning ceremony for the
new Deputy Fire Chief Robert Sinnott, formerly of Larkspur Fire, which was well-
attended and enjoyed by all.
Commissioner Thompson was asked about his work as Fire Chief for the City of
Petaluma and he reported on his success in obtaining improved communication devices
and personal protection equipment, especially related to preparations and training for
the “active shooter program.” At this time, there is no such equipment in San Rafael,
but Captain Hamilton mentioned joint training and planning with the San Rafael Police
Department. He then reminded the Commissioners about the San Rafael Fire
Foundation fundraising events on September 12th: the 2015 downtown wine stroll; and
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
July 8, 2015
Fire Station 55 – 955 Pt. San Pedro Road
on December 19th: a crab feed at the B Street Community Center. Volunteers will be
appreciated.
Commissioner Golbus announced the decision by the San Rafael City Council
regarding fire personnel operating the City/Police Department watercraft based at Loch
Lomond for rescue calls. The next step is the training of personnel. He continues his
work in San Francisco on the Harbor Safety Committee where they recently received a
tsunami planning tool and maps from the California Geological Society. He agreed to
share it with the San Rafael Emergency Operations Coordinator, John Bruckbauer. A
general discussion among the Commissioners and Department personnel present
regarding SRFD’s ongoing interest in a boat with fire pump.
Commissioner Alternate Weathers indicated that he has been very busy with
personal/professional changes and then he inquired about the proposed Commission
group project: a fire academy for members of the public similar to the police academy
that he has attended.
Chief’s Report: Deputy Chief Robert Sinnott said that on his first day at SRFD, he felt
very honored by the “small, quiet” ceremony arranged by Chief Gray. After a few
remarks on the Essential Facilities project, the Upper Road fire and the recent
Department Directors’ meeting, he and the Directors remarked on the excellent
outcome and consummate professionalism of our first responders on the hilly, curving
one lane County road in a neighborhood that lacked any vegetation management
compliance. He also commented on the SRFD’s use of watercraft in the future and
Chief Gray’s excellent leadership towards expanded shared services.
At the request of Chair Mizroch, each of the firefighters and officers present introduced
themselves.
At 5:23pm, the Fire Commission was adjourned by Chair Mizroch.