Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 2/13/2024

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:03 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter.

Present

Mark Richter, Samuel Martin, Marty Creel, Kim Richter, Joan Stephens, and Mike Bush were in attendance.

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved.

Public Comments

Public Comments focused on the statements of Steve Smith, Sutter County Administrator, who spoke to creating a Sutter County Fire District of all fire departments under Sutter County jurisdiction.  In addition, comments were given on the possibility of a Sutter County sales tax that would fund all the fire districts in Sutter County.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the January 9, 2024, meeting was approved Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report 

Robbins Fire Chief, Marty Creel reported on upcoming events, firefighter status and grants. There will be a fire training opportunity for our volunteer firefighters in Woodland on March 16-17, 2024.  At this training there will be many classes to benefit our firefighters.

Robbins Volunteer Firefighters are presently taking their physicals for the NFPA 1582 compliant grant through Dignity Health. These physicals will meet the criteria of the NFPA 1582 grant to reimburse the SBFPD for the cost of the new firefighters’ turnouts.

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, along with the 5031C3.        

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 Fire Chief Creel.  Chief Creel shared that there are three new volunteer firefighters.  They are Ricardo Rico, Juan Navarro, and Matthew Linkenstein.  Both Ricardo Rico and Matthew Linkenstein are also operating as paid firefighters.

Hiring of a Paid Firefighter has two applicants, Ricardo Rico and Fabian Castillo.  In addition, Matthew Linkenstein, a Fire Chief in Marysville Fire Department, is receiving payment for sharing his expertise with our novice firefighters.

Tax Assessment Discussion spoke to the possibility of a county wide sales tax initiative.  The county sales tax could possibly provide revenues of $200,000 to $300,000 to each of the outlying fire districts of Meridian, Robbins, Pleasant Grove, and Nicholas. With the possibility of these additional tax funds for the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District, the commissioners discussed next steps with the SCI tax assessment.  Mark Richter spoke with John of SCI, and John stated that the SBFPD can put the tax assessment on hold to determine how the county sales tax initiative is received by the public.  Discussion followed on the benefits and concerns of the county wide sales tax. The county sales tax initiative will be determined in the November of 2024 election.

Samuel Martin motioned to put the SCI assessment on hold until more information on the county sales tax initiative can be determined. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved. 

Insurance Quotes for 2023 – 2024 Fiscal Year have been placed on hold.  The SBFPD will revisit insurance quotes in May since the SBFPD’s insurance is in place until June of 2004.

New Business

Water Tender Replacement discussion focused on a 1992 Water Tender that is available through the Yolo Fire Department.  Samuel Martin spoke to the need of a “Pump and Go” water tender, instead of the “Stationary Pump” that is currently being used by the Robbins Volunteer Fire Department.  After much discussion, Mark Richter, Mike Bush (who will be the primary driver of the water tender) and Chief Creel will inspect the available water tender to determine if it is a “Pump and Go” water tender. 

Correspondence was the Loss/Run report from Drivers Insurance.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $406,374.44 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $48,319.26 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $16,182.81 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.

After discussion on the need to provide more monies for Professional and Personal Services, a Budget Amendment motion was made by Samuel Martin to increase the Professional and Personal Services from $10,000 to $20,000 to meet the cost of the SCI assessment and the increase in firefighters’ association fees. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved.

Agenda for Next Meeting

Meeting dates for 2024 SBFPD Commissioners’ meetings.

Closed Session

Commissioner Mark Richter asked for Closed Session.  Closed Session began at  9:48 to adjournment at 10:10 a.m.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 9:47 a.m. by Mark Richter. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved. 

Minutes submitted by:	Kimberly Richter
Approved by:	Mark Richter