Sutter Basin Fire District Minutes 5/9/2022

Opening

The regular meeting of the Sutter Basin Fire District was called to order at 4:08 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2022 at the Robbins Fire Department by Mark Richter.

Present

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

Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved. Approved. Motion by Anthony Van Ruiten. Second by Samuel Martin, and unanimously approved.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the April 2, 2022, meeting was approved. Motion by Samuel Martin. Second by Anthony Van Ruiten, and unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report

The Fire Chief, Marty Creel, reported on communication advances, eDispatches, training updates and equipment needs. Pagers were distributed, but the district was short by four.  eDispatches will be throughout Sutter County in a few weeks, and there will be a free trial to see if the access is comparable to the pagers.  Training sessions are ongoing with an EMR class in progress two nights a week that should conclude in late June or early July.  Equipment needs were discussed.  The engine 648 will be going into the shop for a door and maintenance.  Engine 348 is in service but needs a new hose and coupling.  And the new E48 engine needs a SBFPD decal and radio installed.  In addition, there was discussion on the need for a lighted America flag to fly over the SBFPD station.

Discussion was held on the need for a new computer and printer for the fire station. Anthony Van Ruiten made a motion to purchase a computer for $750 and a printer for $500, along with a solar flagpole for $1,650.  Samuel Martin second the motion.  No further discussion was held, and the motion was unanimously approved.

Old Business

Status of Volunteers was provided by Fire Chief, Marty Creel.  One new fire fighter has volunteered, Louis Virgin. This brings the total number of volunteer fire fighters to twelve active volunteers.

Hiring of a Paid Firefighter was discussed. The hiring of a paid Firefighter is on hold until EMT1 is completed.

SBFPD County Restructuring was discussed.  It was determined that LAFCO will be checked in with in six months.

New Business 

Payment to Firefighters for training was discussed by the three Commissioners and the Fire Chief, Marty Creel.  It was decided that Firefighters will be paid from the Robbins Volunteer Fireman’s bank account through Tri–Valley Bank. 

SBFPD Strategic Plan was discussed by the Commissioners.  With the continued support and expertise of the Fire Chief, Marty Creel, the SBFPD will continue to train volunteers both at Robbins Fire Station, and with the Barry Road Firefighters.  In addition, Fire Chief Creel will continue to search for grant monies to add costs of training and firefighters’ equipment.

Correspondences were discussed. Discussion was held on the benefits of Air Med versus MASA medical transports.  More research will continue to determine cost and medical effectiveness. 

Approval of monthly bills was discussed.  At present there is a balance of $373,843.19.  All bills were approved, and all claims were signed by the Commissioners.

Agenda for Next Meeting

Agenda items for the next meeting are 2022 – 2023 budget, updates on purchases, grants, and financial restructuring.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m. by Mark Richter.

Minutes submitted by:	Kimberly Richter
Approved by:	Mark Richter