Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 12/6/22

​​Opening​

​​The regular meeting of the​ ​Sutter Basin Fire Protection District​ ​was called to order at​ 8:09 a.m. ​on​ ​Tuesday, December 6, 2022​ at the Robbins Fire Department ​by​ ​Mark Richter​.

​​Present​

Mark Richter, 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 Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved.

Public Comments

Joan Stephens asked about the need for an assessment to generate funds for the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District.

​​Approval of Minutes​

The minutes of the November 1, 2022, meeting was approved. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, 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 station and equipment getting cleaner and more mission ready with a goal of 24/7/365. During the discussion of communication, Fire Chief Creel spoke about the need of three radios. Sam Martin motioned to approve the purchase of three radios by Fire Chief Creel. The motion was second by Mark Richter and unanimously approved.

Upcoming training for the volunteer fire fighters includes an extrication training this winter, with specific dates to come. This spring the fire fighters have the opportunity to join the Sutter County Fire Departments to train for their Driver’s Operator’s 1A/1B license at no cost to the fire fighter or the district.

The ongoing service of equipment was discussed. Engine 648 is in service and needs the purchased siren installed. Engine 348 has headlight concerns and Engine48 had the air gauge replaced, but there is another small water leak. A special ‘thank you’ went out to Mark Richter for his dedication with the maintenance of the apparatuses.

Next projects for the SBFPD are FEMA Grants when they become available, new turnouts for volunteers when they complete a physical, and weekly equipment checks. At the next Robbins Volunteer Fire Fighters’ meeting, Fire Chief Creel will gauge the interest of the volunteers to rotate the weekly equipment check duty. The flyer for the paid part time fire fighter position has been sent to community colleges, and the SBFPD web site has been posted on the flyer. The fire fighter paid position and volunteer position applications are posted on the SBFPD’s web site at https://www.sutterbasinfireprotectiondistrict.com.

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Fire Chief, Marty Creel. The status of volunteers has held at fourteen with six very active fire fighters.

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

SBFPD Strategic Plan was reiterated. 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 from LAFCO was shared. LAFCO is asking for interested individuals to seek a Board Member position. A flyer gave specific information as to how to apply.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $371,199.82 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $20,895.72 in the First Northern Bank account. All bills were approved, a claim for $13,259.73, 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. A disputed invoice was discussed. Western Fire Supply sent an invoice for $3,141.40. However, the Robbins Volunteer Fire Fighters paid the invoice in November. Fire Chief Creel will investigate the invoice dispute.

Presentation

A highly informative presentation was given by TIP, Trauma Intervention Program, by Susan Powell, and Lisa Marie on the recommendation of Mona Sakurada, a local TIP volunteer. TIP volunteers provide the intermediary support to individuals at the scenes of fire, death, car accidents, and any type of trauma where assistance beyond fire personnel and first responders is needed. TIP volunteers provide initial support for victims of trauma, and then ongoing professional support through counseling, the Red Cross, and other support organizations. TIP is no-cost to the fire district, yet the TIP volunteers work with the fire fighters and first responders to provide extended care to individuals who have been affected by trauma. The TIP volunteers shared how to access TIP support through the Sutter County dispatch. Fire Chief Creel stated that the volunteer fire fighters will be trained and encouraged to access TIP when they encounter a victim of trauma on their fire calls. The Commissioners thanked the presenters and our local TIP volunteer, Mona Sakurada, for their dedication and service to the Sutter County community.

​​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 January 3, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. in the Robbins Fire House.​​

Adjournment​

​​Meeting was adjourned at​ 9:35 a.m. ​by​ ​Mark Richter​. ​​Minutes submitted by:​ Kimberly Richter

​​Approved by:​

Mark Richter