Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 4/9/2024

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:05 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter.

Present

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

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved without amendments. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Mark Richter, and unanimously approved.

Public Comments

There were no Public Comments.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the March 12, 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 ongoing maintenance. On May 28^th, 2024 there will be a Career Day that will be attended by Fire Chief Creel.  Also a Fire Safety Day will be held on October 29, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.

The firefighter status is static with thirteen firefighters.  In addition there are now two part-time firefighters with one firefighter covering a few days a week at the Robbins Fire Station.

Fire Chief Creel spoke to the ongoing maintenance of the Robbins Fire Station.  Engine 48 is still in the shop with an unknown ETA currently.  Engine 348 needs to be fully equipped.  When the engine is fully equipped, it will become Engine 349 and moved to station 49.  Discussion followed concerning the need to establish annual, scheduled testing and to include testing costs in the SBFPD budget. Specific testing to be scheduled and budgeted are for pump testing, ladder testing, and SCBA testing.  As Fire Chief Creel develops the five year plan testing, apparatus repair, development of company officers and facilities will be addressed.

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Fire Chief Creel.  Chief Creel reported that there are a total of thirteen active firefighters with the Robbins Volunteer Fire Department.  Praise was given to AJ Anderson for all his efforts and planning for the successful brush bun in Robbins.

Hiring of a Paid Firefighter has two paid firefighters, Matthew Lichenstein and Fabian Castillo. Both firefighters are working towards the 8:00 to 5:00 shifts, Monday through Friday.  The primary responsibilities are equipment maintenance and responding to calls. 

Tax Assessment Discussion has been placed on hold until further information is gathered.

Insurance Quotes for 2023 – 2024 Fiscal Year were discussed.  VFIS insurance, brokered through Driver’s Insurance, has been declined by VFIS for the 2024 – 2025 fiscal year.  Mark Richter and Kim Richter are actively speaking to INS Insurance in Woodland to ensure insurance for the 2024 – 2025 fiscal year.

New Business

SBFPD Pickup Truck was discussed.  After much discussion, the matter was placed on hold until more information can be determined. 

Correspondence was from VFIS Insurance declaring their intention to not renew SBFPD’s insurance for the 2024 – 2025 fiscal year.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $379,935.21 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $51,693.70 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $13,231.90 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

To be determined.

Closed Session

There was no Closed Session.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 9:05 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