Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 1/3/2023

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:12 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at the Robbins Fire Department by Anthony Van Ruiten.

Present

Mark Richter, Samuel Martin, Anthony Van Ruiten, Kim Richter, Mike Bush, Joan Stevens, Mona Sakurada and Marty Creel were in attendance.

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Public Comments

Public comments were directed towards the slow pace of the implementation of the Assessment Plan. In addition, concerns were expressed on the revoked 5013C, the non-profit exemption status.  After much discussion, the Commissioners assured those present that the reinstatement of the 5013C will be a priority, and the implementation of the Assessment Plan will be ongoing.     

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the December 6, 2022, meeting was approved. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Anthony Van Ruiten, and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report

Robbins Fire Chief, Marty Creel, reported on emergency preparedness, communications, training updates, equipment needs, and next projects for the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District.  The Fire Chief, Marty Creel, spoke to the ongoing goal for the station and equipment to be mission ready 24/7/365.  In addition, Louis Virgin has the Fire Department emergency call software program loaded onto the Fire Department computer, and he is entering all calls and logistical information into the program.

Fire Chief Creel spoke to the purchase of three radios to be purchased by the SBFPD, and three radios to be purchased by the Robbins Volunteer Fire Department.  All quotes for the radios have come in higher than expected, so Chief Creel is waiting on a few more quotes to determine the best direction of purchase.

Training on the basics is ongoing.  With mask and turn-out gear refitting scheduled for January 7, 2023.  A vehicle extrication training is scheduled for January 8, 2023, and the vehicle for the training has been delivered. In addition, there will be a live fire training at the end of January, with three volunteers attending, and a Driver Operator Training being scheduled for late February or early March.

Equipment Needs were spoken to with Engine 648 needing the siren installed, Engine 348 needing a temperature gauge fix, and Engine 48 still having a water leak, but it is getting much better after several adjustments.  All equipment needs are minor fixes and regular maintenance at this point.

Lastly, next steps were discussed.  Two volunteers, Jacob Rodriquez and Scott Bravo, have stepped forward to provide minimum weekly equipment checks. However more volunteers will be encouraged to join the rotation at the next scheduled Robbins Volunteer Fire Meeting.  FEMA Grants are approaching, and the Grant Writer is in place to begin that process. The process to provide new turnouts for volunteers who complete a physical (NFPA1582) has begun.  Discussion then followed on the need for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA).  There are now four per engine, and two more are needed.  Samuel Martin made the motion to purchase two SCBAs at approximately $7,000 per mask.  Samuel Martin made the motion, and Anthony Van Ruiten second the motion.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Fire Chief, Marty Creel.  The status of volunteers remains at twelve active firefighters and two inactive firefighters.

Hiring of a Paid Firefighter is ongoing. The flyer and website have been created and are able to take inquiries for the paid position and volunteer positions.

SBFPD Strategic Plan was discussed.  The Commissioners assured those in attendance that the implementation of the Assessment Plan will be ongoing.  

New Business

Correspondence had none to report.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed.  At present there is a balance of $365,216.61 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $10,895.72 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $5,983.21 to restore the First Northern Bank account, was approved and signed.  In addition, all invoices and timecards were reviewed, and payable checks were signed by the Commissioners.

Agenda for Next Meeting

Agenda items for the next meeting is to discuss the paid firefighter position, SBFPD Strategic Plan, and Grant Writer. Next meeting is February 7, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. in the Robbins Fire House.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 9:12 a.m. by Anthony Van Ruiten.

Minutes submitted by:	Kimberly Richter
Approved by:	Mark Richter