HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2023-11-08 Minutes
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San Rafael Fire Department
1375 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
November 8, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
In Person Meeting at 1375 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
The meeting was called to order at 4:01 p.m. by Chair Burford
Present:
Chair Stan Burford
Commissioner Donna McCusker
Commissioner Ken Johnson
Commissioner Dave Fonkalsrud
Commissioner Weathers
Commissioner Waterbury
Commissioner Chung
Chief White
Thomas Wong
1. Open Time for Public Expression
Resident on 5th Ave notices the dead wood and eucalyptus trees on San Rafael hill. He went up to the
fire roads recently and is pleased with how clear it is but remains concerned that it is a continuing
emergency.
2. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Fonkalsrud makes a motion to approve the draft minutes. Commissioner Johnson
seconds the vote.
The minutes were adopted unanimously.
3. Appointment Certificate Presentation for Fire Commissioners and Alternates
Chief White presents Certificate of Appointment to Commissioners Chung, Fonkalsrud, McCusker, and
Waterbury.
4. Fire Foundation
Commissioner McCusker discusses the crab feed and fundraising. The Foundation is struggling to sell
tickets and tables to the event. The same with donations, the Foundation needs more donations.
Chief White says the Crab Feed has not been advertised as much as in the past, including a banner
across 4th street. The banner was misplaced during the pandemic. Currently sold 140 tickets which is
below the 200 tickets breakeven point.
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San Rafael Fire Department
1375 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
Discussion about getting word out through the IJ, Chronicle, and Patch.
5. Current Media Coverage
“Girls Fired Up” – Marin Independent Journal
Chief White says quite a few people that were involved in putting the camp together were not
recognized. Marin had previously had a gap in having a girls camp as compared to other regions in the
Bay Area. 50 girls registered for the camp, but only 23 came the first day. The Golden State Women in
Fire Service supported the event and provided instructors.
“Some 911 Call Centers Still Haven’t Adapted to the Cellphone” – The Wall Street Journal
Commissioner Fonkalsrud says that some call centers do not have the ability to get location and other
benefits of cell phones. Chief White says this problem does not exist in Marin.
“MAGNUM’S BIG DAY; WISH BECOMES REALITY FOR EL DORADO HILLS 5-YEAR-OLD” – Folsom Times
Commissioner McCusker said the El Dorado Fire Department did a Make-a-Wish event for a 5-year-old
and it might want to be something that San Rafael Fire does.
6. Commissioners’ Report
Commissioner Fonkalsrud scheduled his ride along with Captain Berkey
Commissioner Johnson says the price of insurance is so high for reinsurance that it’s at a point that
some of the insurers are starting to undercut each other a little. If you look at Fire Wise map it is
amazing what this community has done.
Commissioner Waterbury states that he was formerly a Division Chief with San Rafael Fire for 33 years.
Passion has always been community service. Wanted to get involved with the Fire Department after
seeing the good work that had been going on.
Commissioner Chung shares he recently retired from the San Francisco Fire Department and wants to
stay connected to the service. Finished career as an instructor and continues to do so.
Each Commissioner shares what motivated them to join the Commission.
7. Fire Chief’s Report
Chief White speaks about topics in his Chief’s report including wildfire prevention and insurance,
vegetation removal project in Gerstle Park, Employee and Team of the Quarter won by Fire Department
staff and Vegetation Management group, Fallen Firefighters memorial, and Station 54 updates.
Meeting adjourned at 5:23 PM