HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2021-11-10 MinutesCITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
November 10, 2021
4:00 p.m. Meeting via Zoom
The meeting was called to order at 4:03 p.pm by Chair Mizroch.
Roll call indicated those present: Chair Stephen Mizroch, Vice Chair Larry Luckham,
Commissioners Nadine Hade, Ken Johnson, Tom Weathers, David Fonkalsrud and
Stan Burford.
Staff: Fire Chief Darin White, Deputy Fire Chief Robert Sinnott
Open time for Public Expression
Tony Morgan, an insurance underwriter, is scheduled to join the meeting at 4:30 with
comments regarding fire insurance.
Approval of Minutes
FC Burford moved to accept the minutes as presented. Commissioner Fonkalsrud
offered the 2nd. Commission approved the minutes.
“Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast” William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
Fire Foundation Update
Chairman Mizroch, speaking for the Fire Foundation, reiterated that with an uncertain
crab season and the variables of Covid restrictions, the annual crab feed for the
Foundation would not be held in 2021. A direct mail campaign is being developed to
address this year’s fund raising activity.
Historic Subcommittee Update
No new activity to report
Commissioner’s Reports
Vice Commissioner Chair Luckham summarized the recent rain storms and reviewed
the County’s increased reservoir storage statistics. Usage restrictions remain in place.
FC Luckham also added a historical reminder that 11/10 was the anniversary of the
sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, she was lost with her entire crew of 29 men on Lake
Superior November 10, 1975.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
November 10, 2021
4:00 p.m. Meeting via Zoom
FC Weathers reminded the Commission that November is Native American Indian
Heritage Month. Commissioner Weathers asked about some recent parking restrictions
appearing in Lincoln Hill area of San Rafael. This prompted a brief discussion, lead by
Deputy Fire Chief Sinnott, about a city-wide program designed to establish safe and
predictable parking in some of our more densely populated areas. Full details available
at:
https://library.municode.com/ca/san_rafael/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=10
81508
Commissioner Hade — Nothing new to report.
Commissioner Johnson offered some new information on fire insurance for San Rafael
homeowners. Commissioner Johnson has created a computerized presentation, a tool
box, “Community Wild Fire, Chief’s Took Kit for Homeowners Insurance Insight” (it is a
work in progress - not completed nor ready for public distribution). A rough of the first
draft is included in the video minutes of the 11/10/2021 Fire Commission meeting.
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/meetings/fire-commission-november-10-2021/#/tab-
video
“All’s well that ends well” William Shakespeare
Commissioner Fonkalsrud reminded the Commission that the Wildfire Watch video
series [produced through Fire Safe Marin] is an excellent public presentation regarding
risk and preparation.
Commissioner Burford mentioned the nationwide slowdown of Comcast services on
11/09/21 and asked if it affected any of the Web services of the City. Apparently not.
Second issue raised was the movement across the country, state[s], counties and cities
to eliminate small gasoline powered tools - lawn blowers, chainsaws, generators and
the like. Will that include the first responder community? Apparently yes, according to
Chief White. Last item was a note about YOU.COM. A new web search service just
launched similar to Google.
Tony Morgan, a business colleague of Commissioner Johnson, was invited to share
some of his insights regarding homeowners fire insurance. With the increased incidents
of wildfire in California, fire insurance is becoming a supply and demand kind of
transaction - completely different from the traditional business model. Because
insurance companies are beginning to withdraw or limit their exposure to properties in
high risk areas, many homeowners are finding their policy cost skyrocketing or simply
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
November 10, 2021
4:00 p.m. Meeting via Zoom
being canceled at time of renewal. Best advice - shop around. There can be substantial
cost savings between independent insurance agents and “company” agents who only
represent one company. Because no two properties are ever exactly the same , what’s
available from different agents and companies will differ - take the time to shop.
The Fire Chief report was presented by Deputy Chief Sinnott Chief Sinnott expanding
on the “Parking Box” program recently initiated in San Rafael. The first full
neighborhood to be assessed was Lincoln Hill. Crews were assigned to remove much of
the overgrowth that with time infringed into “safe” parking areas. Areas that previously
accommodated parking were returned to full service. Streets were measured and
parking spaces were painted [outlined] to identify safe parking. Additional red curb
painting was also added in “pinch” area where adequate space is required for fire truck
passage. This kind of specified parking was first established in Larkspur in 1991
following the Oakland fire. Much of the San Rafael open space vegetation removal is
once again being handled by an Ameri-Corp team being supervised by Quinn Gardner
our Emergency Management Project Manager. Fire stations 54 and 55 have been
approved for major renovation. Unlike the total rebuild of 51, 52 and 57, the renovation
will bring the existing facilities up to current code and ADA compliance as well as
increase their total flexibility.
Commissioner Chair Mizroch closed the meeting with a smile-friendly story of the 4th
grade class at Glenwood Elementary School who held a bake sale to raise money as a
thank you for the SRFD crew at station 55 who had assisted the school. The bake sale
raised $400, the San Rafael Fire Foundation added $200 and the monies we re used to
buy three $200 gift cards for Andy’s Market. [$200 per shift].
“Some are born great, others achieve greatness” William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
Shakespeare added at the request of Chair Mizroch —
Submitted by Commissioner Stan Burford