Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 12/16/2024

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 10:08 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter

Present

Mark Richter, Samuel Martin, Anthony Van Ruiten, Kim Richter, Marty Creel, Matt Lichenstein, Julian Ochoa, Eric Ledsman, Mona Sakurada and Mike Bush were in attendance.

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved with an amendment to discuss a bid for new nozzles as an action item.  Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of October 18, 2024, meeting was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved. The minutes of November 19, 2024, meeting was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report 

Robbins Fire Chief, Marty Creel, presented the Fire Chief Report.  Chief Creel and other Sutter County Fire Chiefs, participated in a regional AFG grant for SCBAs.  The grant would provide new air packs, masks and bottles to the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District.  If purchased through the grant, the SBFPD would carry 10% of the cost.

Fire Chief Creel spoke to the upcoming auto extrication demonstration that will be in the first part of February.  At the training, new auto extrication tools will be demonstrated for the firefighters. The auto extrication training will coincide with the auto X training.

Technology concerns were discussed by Chief Creel.  First, the State has a new reporting system and SBFPD must update their reporting software and train firefighters to enter and run reports.  Also, with many new employees an online scheduling platform needs to assist in having multiple part-time employees.

Lastly, Fire Chief Creel spoke to a LAFCO interview for the SBFPD he attended.  The interview went well for the department and the SBFPD. 

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Chief Creel.  The volunteer list is static.

Status of the Paid Firefighters were discussed.  Presently, SBFPD has three new employees: Julian Ochoa, Eric Ledesma, and Christopher Karbo.

Tax Assessment with SCI was discussed.  Mark Richter presented that SCI needs a budget and a long-term plan for the SBFPD before moving forward with the assessment.

Lot Line Adjustment needs were discussed. Anthony Van Ruiten shared that the process had just begun.

New Business

Fire Nozzle Purchase was discussed.  The estimate to purchase six new Fire Nozzles for the protection of firefighters and the fighting of structure fires was $10,263.82.  After much discussion, Anthony Van Ruiten motioned to purchase two nozzles for E48.  Samuel Martin second the motion, and the motion was unanimously approved.

There was no Correspondence to report.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $326,449.45 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $57,052.61 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $7,479.20 to restore the First Northern Bank account was approved by Commissioners and signed. In addition, all invoices and timecards were reviewed by Commissioners, and payable checks were signed by the Commissioners.

Agenda for Next Meeting

There were no new agenda items presented.

Closed Session

The Commissioners went into closed session.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 11:04 a.m. by Mark Richter. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Sam Martin, and unanimously approved.

Minutes submitted by:	Kimberly Richter
Approved by:	Mark Richter