HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2024-02-14 Agenda Packet
AGENDA
SAN RAFAEL FIRE COMMISSION
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 @ 4:00 P.M.
Public Safety Center, Lobby Conference Room
1375 5th Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
Watch on Zoom: https://cityofsanrafael-org.zoom.us/j/83441506482
Webinar ID: 834 4150 6482
Listen by phone: +1 669 900 9128
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 that 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 – January 10, 2024
Recommended Action: Amend and or approve as submitted.
3. Annual Wildfire Safety Mailer – Presentation
Recommended Action: Provide input and accept presentation.
4. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
Recommended Action: Accept Verbal Report and take appropriate action.
5. Current Media Coverage
Sonoma County Fire District to launch 911 ambulance service – Sonoma County Gazette
6. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
Stan Burford– Chair
David Fonkalsrud- Vice Chair
Ken Johnson
Thomas Weathers
Donna McCusker
John Chung
Brian Waterbury
Informational only. No action to be taken on these items.
7. 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 COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
January 10, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
In person meeting at 1375 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
The meeting was called to order at 4:02 p.m. by Chair Burford
Present:
Chair Stan Burford
Commissioner Donna McCusker
Commissioner Ken Johnson
Commissioner Dave Fonkalsrud
Commissioner Waterbury
Commissioner Chung
Chief Sinnott
Thomas Wong
1. Open Time for Public Expression
No public comments
2. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Fonkalsrud makes a motion to approve the draft minutes. Seconded by Commissioner
Johnson.
The minutes are adopted unanimously.
3. Appoint Chair and Vice-Chair for 2024
Commissioner Johnson motions to reelect Chair Burford and Vice-Chair Fonkalsrud in their current role.
Commissioner Chung seconds. Commission unanimously approved to reelect Chair Burford and Vice-
Chair Fonkalsrud for 2024.
4. Fire Foundation
Commissioner McCusker announces her donation from the Fire Foundation to start the San Rafael Fire
Department’s first drone program. The program will be in honor of her late brother, San Rafael
Firefighter Michael McCusker and the drone will be named “Big Mac”. Battalion Chief Kyle Hamilton
assisted in getting the approvals to make the program come true.
5. Current Media Coverage
Marin mental crisis team fortifies public safety system – Marin Independent Journal
Commissioner Fonkalsrud shares an article about a nine person response team that is assisting those
that the fire department respond to often, for non-emergency calls.
7. Commissioners’ Report
Commissioner Fonkalsrud reports that he helped provide gifts to station 55 which they appreciated. He
asks whether SRFD has any volunteer firefighter program. Chief Roman says we do not have a program,
but SRFD is looking at doing something like that as it is a good feeder program. Marinwood has one and
Chief Roman is interested in working with them as it could work as a good feeder for SRFD. The
department does have Explorers and a new cadet program.
Commissioner Johnson commends the drone program. He talks about the drone program at FAIRA and
will put the department in touch with his contact there.
Commissioner Chung visited Station 51 and took out Fire Admin to lunch for the holidays.
Commissioner Waterbury went through his old items and provided Fire Management Plans from the
early 2000’s.
Chair Burford did a station visit at 57 and enjoyed it. The crew was friendly, and they chatted for a long
time.
8. Fire Chief’s Report
Chief Sinnott provides department wide updates including there were no holiday tragedies this year,
Station 54 opened on January 3rd, and offer letters for new FF/PM candidates are going out.
Meeting adjourned at 5:22 PM
San Rafael Fire Commission Meeting
February 14, 2024
Agenda Item 3 – Annual Wildfire Safety Mailer
For the past three years, the San Rafael Wildfire Prevention Team has sent direct mail to all San Rafael
residents and property owners to help prepare for fire season. The design, print, and mailing cost of the
mailers are part of our Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) budget. These mailers have served
multiple goals including but not limited to:
• Informing property owners of their legal responsibilities as it related to defensible space and San
Rafael Municipal Code 4.12 requirements
• Providing information on support resources such as grants and direct assistance
• Providing educational and actionable information
• Encouraging emergency alert registration
• Serve as a year round reference/educational resource
The 2021 mailer was a fold up that provided the most extensive information. It was the first sent after
SRMC 4.12 was updated. Opened to 11x16 and mailed as a 5.5x8
The 2022 mailer was a larger post card (6.5x11) format that focused on providing information on
resources and providing a blueprint for actionable information
The 2023 mailer was a larger post card that highlighted successes to apply peer pressure towards action.
It also included information on resources and actionable steps to take.
As we plan our design for 2024 we are seeking your input on how we can further inspire change and
share the successes of the MWPA. Some specific considerations include:
- What format and size should we use- postcard, brochure, fold up letter, etc.
- What should the overall intent and feeling be? Fear based, helpful, peer pressure, fine
threatening, educational, or other? Some ‘themes’ could be:
o Enforcement is underway, avoid fines
o We are here to help
o Take action or face risk
o Did you know?
- How to support language access and overcome the digital divide?
- Should the mailer be limited to the City of San Rafael or include Marinwood and/or the CSAs?
Your feedback will help provide direction for the tone and visuals of the 2024 mailer.
2023
2022
2021
When mailed- this folded in half, so if the seal was never opened this was all that was seen.
Open 8x11. When mailed 8x5.5
This was the full opened information. 11x16
Back of single fold open, reserve of the first image. 8x11