Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 5/13/2025

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire Protection District was called to order at 8:04 a.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2025 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter.

Present

Mark Richter, Samuel Martin, Anthony Van Ruiten, and Kim Richter, were in attendance.  

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved. Motion to approve the agenda by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin and unanimously approved.

Public Comments

There were no comments from the public.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of April 9, 2025, meeting were approved. Motion to approve by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report 

Robbins Interim Fire Chief, Matt Lichenstein, was unable to attend the Commissioners’ meeting due to his commitment to Marysville Fire Department.  Mark Richter shared with the Commissioners that the Robbins Fire House structural issues are being addressed, but more dry rot was detected.  To renovate the dry rot issue, the cost will be another $300.00 to $400.00.  The new gutters were installed and functional.

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Commissioner Mark Richter.  The Robbins Volunteer Firefighters remains static.

Status of the Paid Firefighters were discussed.  There are presently four active paid firefighters. However, due to the beginning of fire season, the paid firefighters will be joining with CalFire during fire season, and will not be as present at the Robbins Fire Station.

Tax Assessment with SCI was discussed.  Mark Richter is waiting for SCI to get back to him for further discussion.

Lot Line Adjustment costs were discussed.  Anthony Van Ruiten made a motion to lease the property needed from the Robbins Community Hall at a price of $100 a month, or $1,200 a year. Second by Samuel Martin and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Position will be discussed during the Closed Session.

Five Year Plan was placed on hold until the new Fire Chief can provide input.

The Fee Schedule for Compensation was placed on hold until Interim Fire Chief Lichenstein is in attendance.

Audit – Smith and Newell is on hold while Kim Richter is waiting for Smith and Newell to contact her.

New Business

Correspondence there was no correspondence to discuss.

Approval of monthly bills was discussed. At present there is a balance of $380,191.37 in the Sutter County Treasury, and $25,376.60 in the First Northern Bank account.  All bills were approved, a claim for $11,739.12 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. After reviewing the SBFPD 2024/2025 Budget, it was determined that $15,000.00 needed to be moved from Budget Code 51850: Maintenance of Structures to Budget Code 51760: Maintenance of Equipment. Anthony Van Ruiten made a motion to withdraw $15,000.00 from the Budget Code 51850 to the Budget Code 51760.  Second by Samuel Martin and unanimously approved.

Agenda for Next Meeting

There were no agenda items mentioned for the June meeting.

Closed Session

The Commissioners adjourned into closed session.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 8:52 a.m. by Mark Richter. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Anthony Van Ruiten and unanimously approved.

Minutes submitted by:	Kimberly Richter
Approved by:	Mark Richter