HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2021-02-10 MinutesCITY 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 at 5:19 p.m.
Submitted,
Stan Burford, Fire Commission