HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2021-03-10 Agenda Packet
AGENDA
SAN RAFAEL FIRE COMMISSION
VIRTUAL MEETING
Wednesday, March 10 @ 4:00 P.M.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://tinyurl.com/Fire-2021-03-10
(669) 900-9128
848-3223-7245#
Zoom link to follow for Commissioners and Staff only
Members of the Public May Speak on Agenda Items
1. Open Time for Public Expression
The public is welcome to address the Fire Commission at this time on matters not on the agenda that are within its
jurisdiction. Please be advised that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the Fire Commission is not
permitted to discuss or take action on any matter not on the agenda unless it determines th at an emergency exists, or
that there is a need to take immediate action which arose following posting of the agenda. Comments may be no
longer than two minutes and should be respectful to the community.
2. Approval of Minutes – February 10, 2021
Recommended Action: Amend and or approve as submitted.
3. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Appropriate Commissioner(s)
Recommended Action: Accept Verbal Report and take appropriate act ion.
4. Historic Subcommittee – Verbal Update from Appropriate Commissioner(s)
Recommended Action: Accept Verbal Report and take appropriate action.
5. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
Dr. Stephen Mizroch – Chair
Larry Luckham – Vice Chair
Thomas Weathers
Nadine Hade
David Fonkalsrud, Alternate
Stan Burford, Alternate
Informational only. No action to be taken on these items.
6. Fire Chief Report
Informational only. No action to be taken.
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the board or commission less than 72 hours before the
meeting, shall be available for inspection at San Rafael Fire Department’s Administrative Office, 1375 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA.
Sign Language interpreters and assistive listening devices may be requested by calling (415) 485-3066 (voice), emailing
Lindsay.lara@cityofsanrafael.org or using the California Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours in
advance of the meeting. Copies of documents are available in accessible formats upon request. Public transportation is available
through Golden Gate Transit, Line 22 or 23. Paratransit is available by calling Whistlestop. Wheels at (415) 454-0964. To allow
individuals with environmental illness or multiple chemical sensitivity to attend the meeting/hearing, individuals are requested to
refrain from wearing scented products.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
February 10, 2021
Meeting Via Zoom
The meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m. by Chair Mizroch.
Present: Chair Stephen Mizroch, Vice Chair Larry Luckham, Nadine Hade, Thomas Weathers,
David Fonkalsrud, and Stan Burford.
Staff: Fire Chief Darin White
Before addressing the issues on the official agenda, Chair Mizroch took several moments to
congratulate Eli Hill on his selection to the City Council. Mr. Hill was present at the meeting via
telephone and expressed his appreciate to the Commission for their good wishes and also
acknowledged each of the Commissioners individually.
1. Open Time for Public Expression
Additionally, before initiating the published agenda for 2/10/21, Chair Mizroch opened a
discussion regarding two letters, both from Ms. Victoria DeWitt, a resident of Fremont Road,
San Rafael. First letter of 1/31/21 to Mayor Kate Colin and the City Council members, with
copies to Fire Chief Darin White and OES Manager Quinn Gardner. The second letter
(essentially duplicate content) was sent to the Fire Commission Chair and Commission
members. The substance of these letters reviewed a fire along Upper Fremont on 1/4/2016 and
the difficulties of fighting that fire. Bringing those issues into current light, Ms. DeWitt provided
information relating to a Planning Commission action on 9/15/20 regarding the approval of a
building permit at 38 Upper Fremont.
Ms. DeWitt’s main concern centered on the lack of adequate access along Upper Fremont for
firefighting trucks and equipment.
Dr. Mizroch set the parameters for the discussion. Ms. DeWitt was present at the Commission
meeting via phone and explained in detail her and her neighbors’ concerns. Chief White
responded. The Chief assured Ms. DeWitt that the new efforts by the MWPA and the emphasis
on evacuation routes will include a fresh look at Upper Fremont. FC Luckham was able to add
some history to the original 2016 events having been the incident photographer (Camera 50) at
the time. Ms. DeWitt offered her thanks for the opportunity to speak to the Commission and
terminated her participation.
With no further public comments, the meeting returned to the posted agenda.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
February 10, 2021
Meeting Via Zoom
2. Approval of the Minutes: M/S Luckham/Burford moved to approve the minutes of the
January 13, 2021 Fire Commission meeting.
3. FC Chair Mizroch provided a brief report regarding the Fire Foundation. Their new saving
reported at $66,974. A brief discussion of fund-raising ideas followed. Chief White presented
an idea used by his son’s school for a “drive by” crab feed (adapted because of Covid). The
ongoing efforts of the Foundation to assist San Rafael firefighters with assistance paying for
Class A uniforms has been expanded to include Marinwood firefighters as well.
4. Historic Subcommittee: No Report.
5. Commissioners’ Report:
Chair Mizroch – Nothing to add to the above
Vice Chair Luckham – None
Commissioner Weathers – None
Commissioner Hade – None
Commissioner Fonkalsrud – Efforts continue in coordination with David Catalinotto, and
others, in the development of a Social Media awareness campaign planning calendar.
Topics could include – smoke detectors, residential escape planning tips, pet fire safety,
oily rag safety, electrical safety tips, go-bag preparation checklist, sign up for Alert Marin
and multiple other topics.
Commissioner Burford – None
6. Fire Chief’s Report; Chief White provided a report covering
• Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority – Vegetation Management
• Covid 19/Guidelines
• Recent Emergency Incidents
• Recent Department promotions
With the official agenda items completed, there was informal discussion on Commissioner
selection in the wake of Eli Hill’s departure. Several issues were noted and taken under
advisement by senior staff.
Meeting adjourned.
Submitted,
Stan Burford, Fire Commission