HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2020-03-11 Minutes
SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
1600 LOS GAMOS DRIVE, SUITE 345
March 11, 2020
4:00 P.M.
The meeting was called to order at 4:00pm.
Present: BC Windrem, Quinn Gardner, Dave Catalinotto, Commissioners Mizroch,
Luckham, Hill, Burford, & Fonkalsrud, Citizen: Linda Barnello
Minutes of Feb. 12, 2020 were approved without changes. Open Time for Public
Expression: Linda Barnello expressed appreciation for the “draft minutes”
arriving with the agenda. She also saw some negative feedback on the Measure
“C” issue that surfaced on “Next Door”. (See Fonkalsrud and social media later.)
Fire Foundation Report:
1. Treasury presently at $23,242.
2. Thank you to Stan Burford for $1000 from the Fairhills HOA.
3. The logistics of managing the annual Crab Feed is going to be more
problematic without the help of Bob de Lambert (retiring & moving) & his
army of volunteers. Implications were discussed.
Commission reports:
1. Chair Mizroch –
a. Presented the Fire Commissioner’s Letter to the Editor at the Marin IJ in
support of Measure “C”. Despite entering the “letter queque ” by Feb.
20th, it was not published. Still, we are thankful that the voting is
showing a path to success.
b. Shared an article from the NEJM concerning “placebos and nocebos”
that described both positive and negative effects of expectations
concerning health outcomes.
2. Vice Chair Luckham presented two articles –
a. The first concerned CAL Fire’s newly purchased fleet of helicopters.
These helicopters can drop fire retardant at night and also sport two
engines rather than one, which enhances safety.
b. Second, an article from 3/8/20 describing a successful mine rescue in
San Bernardino County featuring the Fire Dept. and USAR teams.
3. FC Burford updated the FC on new jackets.
Report from Quinn Gardner:
1. Measure “C” looks poised to meet its 2/3 vote requirement. Planning is
underway as to specific implementation plans for the Joint Powers of the
Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority. Marin Co. may provide seed money.
RFP’s for vegetation management are being considered & detailed
evacuation maps are being prepared. An Open Space Ranger is a priority.
Signs that promote Measure “C” work were encouraged.
2. Funding for another Americorp team to perform vegetation management
has been granted jointly to San Rafael/Marinwood & Tiburon. The six week
program is scheduled to occur between May & July. There may be two six
week segments.
Special Presentation by FC Dave Fonkalsrud concerning our Fire Commission
social media and web page opportunity. FC Fonkalsrud met with Quinn Gardner
and Dave Catalinotto. Fonkalsrud divided the plan into six parts.
1. Enhanced website presence. The Fire Dept. website is supported by the
City and the Commission has a page on the Department’s site. Updating
the page and adding robust content (photos & videos also) would be a good
first step in supporting our online impact.
2. Develop a training program for Department spokespersons. This could be a
Fire Commission project aiming to enhance the messaging real time
concerning department activities in a complex environment. Training &
skill building are anticipated.
3. Create a rotating yearly calendar of important safety tips and advice. For
example, in July – fireworks safety/risk; during Christmas season –
Christmas tree & lights safety tips. As seasons change, information could
be added or subtracted as is helpful to the community.
4. More robust social media presence for fire incidents, disaster preparedness
and timely messaging.
5. Coordination with “Next Door” – how to generate constructive feedback
loops with San Rafael neighborhoods.
6. A place on the site for the History of the Department, Milestones, and
Important Benchmarks.
Chief’s Report:
1. BC Windrem announced that new Fire Chief Darin White will officially
assume leadership on April 15, 2020. The Fire Commission is excited to
meet with Chief White soon.
2. Quinn Gardner was named “San Rafael Employee of the Year” – a great
honor! Quinn did a superb job of interacting with the community in
problem solving the wildfire risks we all face. CONGRATULATIONS!
3. An update on the Fire Dept. & Countywide preparations for Coronavirus
challenges was described. The County has activated an Emergency OPS plan
& off-site testing center. More “PPE” has been requested.
4. The San Rafael Fire Academy graduation ceremony for three new FF/PMs
took place 2/29/20. More candidates are being recruited for the next class.
5. The Fire Dept’s pilot program to address the needs of frequent 911 callers
is underway. It is called the “Direct Connect Pilot”. Utilizing a NP and other
social service & mental health care providers, this program will assist folks
who frequently call 911 and who may benefit from integrated care
management and personalized problem solving.
6. The Department is updating information and documentation required to
maintain San Rafael’s ISO Class 1 rating.
7. “Pulse Point” was referenced. This app is in addition to “Alert Marin” and is
meant to keep people abreast of changing emergency dynamics.
Finally Dr. Mizroch shared an article from the NEJM on the Novel Coronavirus and
how to assess its potential impact in relation to prior Coronavirus infections. An
open ended discussion of Coronavirus risks and opportunities took place. An
effort to stay safe and stay balanced was emphasized.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:40pm.