Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 11/1/22

​​Opening​

​​The regular meeting of the​ ​Sutter Basin Fire Protection District​ ​was called to order at​ 8:06 a.m. ​on​ ​Tuesday, November 1, 2022​ at the Robbins Fire Department ​by​ ​Mark Richter​.

​​Present​

Mark Richter, Anthony Van Ruiten, Samuel Martin, 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

Joan Stephens and Mona Sakurada asked for clarification on the roles and numbers of Commissioners’ positions within the SBFPD.

​​Approval of Minutes​

The minutes of the October 4, 2022, meeting was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report

Robbins Fire Chief, Marty Creel, reported on communication, training, equipment needs, and next projects for the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District. The Fire Chief, Marty Creel, initially reported on the success of the Halloween event with ten Volunteer Fire Fighters participating. Communications needs and concerns were then discussed with the community concern of the dispatches effectively reaching the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District. Marty Creel spoke about the improvements in communication between the two agencies, yet a still relevant need being a once-a-month report from the county that would aid in record keeping for the fire district. Upcoming trainings are extrication training that will be scheduled once a towing service is located, and basic Fire Fighter training which is ongoing. Equipment needs and service were discussed. Engine 648 needs a siren and the scene light fixed. Engine 348 is working well, and Engine 48 received a donated valve from CSFA that saved the district $1,600.00. Marty Creel thanked the hard work and dedication of Mark Richter for his continued assistance and maintenance of the apparatus.

Next projects for the SBFPD are SCBAs, FEMA Grants, new turnouts for volunteers, weekly equipment checks, and a flyer for a part time fire fighter position. After much discussion on the need for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for trained firefighters, a motion was given. Sam Martin motioned to purchase SCBA masks for firefighters when they are trained to utilize the masks correctly. The motion was second by Anthony Van Ruiten, and unanimously approved. Discussion on a grant writer followed with Fire Chief Marty Creel outlining the need for a professional grant writer, and the cost of approximately $3,000 if the grant is received. It was discussed that a grant is specifically needed to replace the existing water tender. A motion to approve the grant writer, Diane Matsumoto, was given. Anthony Van Ruiten motioned to approve the grant writer Dine Matsumoto to write and submit AFG and SAFER Grants for $3,000 per grant with a $1,500 reimbursement if the grant is approved. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Fire Chief, Marty Creel. The status of volunteers is holding at fourteen.

Hiring of a Paid Firefighter has begun. Marty Creel has created a flyer for the position. It was determined that a Sutter Basin Fire Protection District website would be helpful to promote and secure potential fire fighters for the position. Kim Richter will create a website before the December 6th meeting.

SBFPD Strategic Plan was discussed. At this time the SBFPD will look to other Fire Districts throughout California for their assessments to use as a template. The initial step is to go to outside sources to determine a reasonable cost for the assessment and an analysis for guidance on district assessments.

​​New Business​

Correspondence, there was no new correspondence.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $442,855.68 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $9,915.67 in the First Northern Bank account. All bills were approved, a claim for $9,745.21, 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. In addition, an amendment to the SBFPD Budget was motioned by Anthony Van Ruiten. Anthony Van Ruiten motioned to increase Budget Code #52220 from $3,000.00 to $13,000.00 and to decrease Budget Code #52203 from $15,000.00 to $5,000.00 to not change the overall budget of $115,900. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

​​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 December 6, 2022, at 8:00 a.m.

​​Adjournment​

​​Meeting was adjourned at​ 9:23 a.m. ​by​ ​Mark Richter​. ​​Minutes submitted by:​ Kimberly Richter

​​Approved by:​

Mark Richter