Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 3/8/2022

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire District was called to order at 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter.

Present

Mark Richter, Samuel Martin, and Marty Creel were in attendance.

Approval of Agenda

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

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the February 4, 2022 meeting were approved Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report

The Fire Chief, Marty Creel, reported on volunteer status, apparatus status, and training status. There have been two fire fighter trainings that were well attended.  The apparatus update informed the Commissioners that SBFPD has taken possession of the Plainfield Fire Department used fire engine.  The Water Tender will need to be retired, and M. Creel will look at Cal Fire for used Water Tenders with the SBFPD’s budget determining how much can be spent on the Water Tender.  The starter had been fixed on Grass Engine #648, and the chain saw and cabinet door have been taken to the shop for repairs. In addition, the purchase of a Fire Station Software program for $969 was discussed.  The software will help with accountability.

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by the Fire Chief, Marty Creel.  Two new fire fighters have volunteered, AJ Anderson and Mark Richter. This brings the total number of volunteer fire fighters to ten active volunteers.

Hiring of a Paid Firefighter was discussed. Scott Bravo also volunteered to be the assistant fire chief and support Marty Creel with firefighter trainings. Since the hiring of a Fire Fighter I is too cost prohibitive, discussion was held on the hiring of an Intern Fire Fighter.  The job description and requirements for the Intern Fire Fighter were discussed.  It was determined that a temporary position would be offered, at a to be determined hourly wage.  The hourly wage would also be paid to the Intern Fire Fighter on all volunteer calls that are attended.  The requirements for the Intern Fire Fighter Position were determined to be an EMT1, a volunteer of the SBFPD, eighteen years of age or older, and a current driver’s license.   The term of internship will be one year, with an end of the year review by the Commissioners at the end of year one.

Used Fire Engine from the Plainfield Fire Department has been taken possession of by the Fire Chief, Marty Creel.

Sutter County Restructuring has begun with the first day of dispatching from Sutter County on March 7, 2022.  All dispatching has gone well.

New Business 

Fire Chief Position’s payroll and compensation were discussed.  The Sutter County Auditor’s Office are supporting the SBFPD in payroll. At this time the county is waiting for the Employer Identification Numbers.

Strategic Plan discussion spoke to the many needs of the fire department, with an emphasis on hiring and purchases essential to enable the fire department to serve the community effectively.  The Commissioners took action on the hiring of Scott Bravo as assistant fire chief. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved. The purchase of turnouts and radios for volunteer fire fighters was motioned by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved. The purchase of the Fire Station Software for accountability of incident reporting, state reporting, training, and hydrant apparatus checks was motioned by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved.

Correspondences, at this time there were no correspondences.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed.  At present there is a balance of  $379,542.14.  All bills were approved, and all claims were signed by the Commissioners.

Agenda for Next Meeting

Agenda items for the next meeting are updates on purchases, grants and financial restructuring.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m. by Mark Richter.

Minutes submitted by:	Kimberly Richter
Approved by:	Mark Richter