Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 12/5/2023

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:03 a.m. on Wednesday, December 5, 2023 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter.

Present

Mark Richter, Samuel Martin, Anthony Van Ruiten, Kim Richter, Joan Stephens, and Mike Bush 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 shared that after months of diligent efforts, the 5013C Tax Exempt Non-Profit status for the Robbins Volunteer Fire Department has been reinstated.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the November 7, 2023, meeting was approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Presentation

John Bliss and Graciela Herrara from SCI Assessment provided a data analysis regarding the possibility of a tax assessment for fire protection of the Sutter Basin. The presentation provided needed information on the parameters set forth by Proposition 218, how the tax assessment would be structured, and the specific concerns regarding the Sutter Basin.  Proposition 218 outlines how the tax must determine whether property owners would receive a special benefit from the service to be financed by the assessment, specifically fire protection service.  In addition, the Assessment Tax would be structured around parcels confirmed within the boundary analysis of the Sutter Basin.  These parcels would be determined to be single family homes taxed at $34.32 yearly, agriculture parcels taxed at $1.15 an acre yearly, and industrial parcels taxed at $276 per acre yearly.  After discussion on agricultural lands to be taxed, specifically the bypass land, and what constitutes industrial parcels in the Sutter Basin, many concerns were generated.  Concerns that were mentioned were whether industrial parcel costs could be lowered, if rice mills could have separate industrial status, whether farm structures were counted, and how the agriculture land within the Sutter Bypass should be levied.  One concern, square footage of homes that would differentiate between large and small homes was asked.  It was explained that due to the specific terms of Proposition 128, all homes must be taxed equally under the restrictions of the proposition. 

To go forward, the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District would approve an engineer report of the Sutter Basin.  Then meetings to inform the public and evaluate the support of the tax assessment would be scheduled.  Lastly, a ballot would be created and sent to all parcel owners within the SFPD boundaries.  The returned ballots are weighed by the amount of tax paid by the voter, and the ballots are counted by the SBFPD officer with the supervision and support of SCI.

John Bliss and Graciela Herrara were thanked for their attendance at the SBFPD meeting. The Commissioners stated that they needed the presentation in paper for review, and would be in touch soon with possible next steps.

Fire Chief Report

Robbins Fire Chief, Marty Creel reported on upcoming events, firefighter status and grants. Next year there will be a fire training opportunity for our volunteer firefighters in Woodland on January 24 – 28, 2024.  At this training two classes will be offered for Robbins Volunteer Firefighters to become officers.

Fire Chief Creel has placed an ad for a Sutter Basin Fire Protection Department part-time paid firefighter. Creel will market the position to retired firefighters and specifically Latino personnel.

FEMA Grants applications will be available in February and March of 2024. To facilitate the grants the SBFPD will need a DUNS and SAM number.  Kim Richter will investigate how to receive the DUNS and SAM numbers.

In addition, Chief Creel is working on a five-year plan that will include apparatus repair, development of company officers, and facility’s needs. 

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Commissioner, Mark Richter.  Mark Richter shared that Mike Bush has been added to the Robbins Volunteer Fire Department roster with much appreciation to his volunteerism.

Hiring of a Paid Firefighter was shared that there has been no response yet.

Parking Lot Repairs for the Robbins Community Hall’s parking lot has begun, and will be completed December 10, 2023.  An invoice to the SBFPD has been received and payment will follow when the funds are distributed through Sutter County.

New Business

Insurance Quotes for 2023 – 2024 Fiscal Year have been tabled until additional information and quotes are available.

There was Correspondence for Chief Creel about a Fire Department Survey, and a Pipeline update.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $467,479.46 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $14,537.30 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $2,515.06 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

Ongoing discussion of the SCI Assessment

Closed Session

There was no closed session.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 a.m. by Mark Richter. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Minutes submitted by:	Kimberly Richter
Approved by:	Mark Richter